Passage through the Canary Islands (Serenissima)

Description

Here is a perfect voyage for those looking for some winter warmth and who enjoy small ship cruising and discovering somewhere new each day. Join us aboard the MS Serenissima and explore some of the lesser known Canary Islands, an Atlantic archipelago which consists of seven main islands that are formed from the tips of a vast volcanic mountain range that lies beneath the Atlantic Ocean and we will visit La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma where we can enjoy nature at its very best. These volcanic islands impress with their unique flora and fauna and boast rugged, rocky landscapes, evergreen cloud forests, metre-high ferns and bizarre-looking dragon trees.

Our itinerary has been carefully designed so that we can fully explore the dramatic beauty and cultural vibrancy of these captivating and varied islands, each one having a distinct culture and landscape and on most days there will be a choice of excursion depending on your interest or how active you wish to be. Our small ship is the ideal way to make the most of the region and with the MS Serenissima as our base, we can reach the smaller islands which are inaccessible to the larger ships, the ideal way to make the most of the region. The weather should be delightful allowing us the chance to fully appreciate the diverse and intriguing topography, lunar like landscapes, verdant pine forests and stunning national parks.

After our exploration of the islands, there is a relaxing day at sea as we make our way to the archipelago of Madeira where we discover the beautiful island of Porto Santo and finally spend two days on the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic’, the island of Madeira.

To extend your winter break we are offering the opportunity to spend some additional time on Tenerife and Madeira before and after our voyage.

Trip Name

Passage through the Canary Islands (Serenissima)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2019 MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach. TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 London to Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome dinner and drinks as we moor overnight.

Day 2 - Day 2 Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

This morning will be dedicated to gardens. We will start with a visit to the Jardin Botanico that was founded in 1788 by Charles III of Spain. The purpose of the gardens was to create an area where the plants, shrubs and flowers brought back from the New World could acclimatise to Spanish soil. Many of the plants are the original specimens brought back for the opening of the gardens including the centre piece, an enormous South American fig tree. In contrast to the Botanical Gardens we will then explore the Sitio Litre Garden which boasts a luscious orchid collection. After lunch on board we will drive inland, along the base of the mountain range through beautiful pine forests to the Parque Nacional del Teide. The area was declared a National Park in 1954 and includes 14 species of plant found nowhere else in the world. Geologically the park is fascinating; of the many different types of volcanic formations examples of more than 80% can be found here. Alternatively there will be a full day tour to Mount Teide on offer for those who wish to enjoy a challenging hike, accompanied by a local guide, through this spectacular landscape.

Day 3 - Day 3 Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera.

La Gomera is a paradise of natural beauty with lush valley and awe-inspiring cliffs dotted with charming white washed villages and gives the impression of being lost in a time warp. On a full day tour we will explore the island including Garajonay National Park, home to the world’s only surviving laurel forest and visit the villages of Hermiqua, Agulo and Las Rosas before making our way to a local restaurant for lunch. Before returning to the ship we will experience a demonstration of Silbo Gomero, the island’s unique whistling language, and visit the magnificent rock formations of Agando. Alternatively, you may wish to join a guided morning trek through the Garajonay National Park commencing in the village of El Cedro which offers some interesting examples of Canarias architecture. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure for individual exploration.

Day 4 - Day 4 Puerto de la Estaca, El Hierro.

Probably the least known of the Canary Islands, and once considered to be the end of the world, El Hierro is unique and utterly captivating. On our morning island tour it will be impossible not to be entranced by the island’s slow pace and simple style; by its craggy coast, where waves hurl themselves against lava sculpted rock faces; by the pretty farmland and flower meadows of the interior; by the eerily beautiful juniper groves and by the desolate volcanic badlands that stretch out like moonscapes in the south. We will also have the opportunity to sample some of El Hierro’s excellent wine and visit the lizard house where the island’s unique giant lizards are bred; near extinction they are protected by international law. Alternatively, opt for the La Llania hiking excursion which will take us through primeval forests, along ancient cisterns and mythical witches dance floors to El Hierro’s top viewing point affording spectacular views of the western parts of the island. This afternoon will be at leisure allowing for time to wander around the local harbour.

Day 5 - Day 5 Santa Cruz, La Palma.

Arrive over lunch in La Palma which is known by locals as the ‘Beautiful Island’, and it is easy to see why. It is a simply stunning, peaceful and most importantly un-spoilt destination that has deservedly been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This afternoon drive inland to the beautiful village of El Paso and visit the Silk Museum. This is the only place in Europe where the 500-year-old tradition and processes have been preserved. From here we will continue onto the Caldera de Taburiente, a massive depression eight kilometres wide which scientists agree was a majestically tall volcanic mountain that collapsed on itself. Explore on foot and whilst all may seem stoic and still, the forces of erosion are hard at work and some geologists estimate that it will finally disappear in just 5000 years. Alternatively, for those who would prefer a more energetic excursion there will be a guided trek on offer through the El Pilar area; see remains of volcanic eruptions, the magnificent views of the Valley of Aridane and the crater wall that surrounds the Taburiente National Park.

Day 6 - Day 6 Arrecife, Lanzarote.

Arrive in the early afternoon in Arrecife, a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past, but today the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio, the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast combine to make it a hugely successful tourist destination. Following lunch on board we will experience the world of Cesar Manrique, celebrated painter, landscape conservationist and one of Lanzarote’s best-known citizens, who left an indelible imprint on the island. Cross the northeastern part of the island to Jardin del Cactus, an unusual botanical garden where many species of cacti have been carefully arranged in a natural setting by Manrique himself. Then visit Manrique’s former home, designed by Manrique and which combines his interest in traditional local architecture with his concerns about environmental protection.

Day 7 - Day 7 At Sea.

Spend the day at sea as we sail to Madeira.

Day 8 - Day 8 Porto Santo, Madeira.

Today we arrive in Porto Santo. Although one of the islands constituting the archipelago of Madeira, Porto Santo and Madeira could not be more different. Whilst lush green predominates Madeira, Porto Santo is arid and the southern coast is bordered by a nine kilometres long beach of golden sand. Our morning tour will introduce us to the island and will include some beautiful vistas, a tasting of Porto Santo wine and a visit to t he Christopher Columbus museum, where he once lived. After lunch on board perhaps enjoy some time on the beach, explore the local town or the more active may join a hike to the summit of Pico do Castelo offering spectacular views of the island.

Day 9 - Days 9 & 10 Funchal, Madeira.

We have two days on Madeira and will offer a choice of excursions including a visit to Monte, a charming village high in the hills overlooking Funchal. We will reach Monte by cable car experiencing wonderful views along the way and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. This garden collection has been enriched with plants from all over the world and about 100,000 plant species have been planted. The garden also features a collection of cycads (encephalartos) which, because of their age, are considered living fossils. We will also plan a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Situated in the grounds of a former private house, the gardens are host to a profusion of plants and flowers, from all parts of the world, which thrive in the island’s temperate climate. The active may wish to join a Levada walk. Levada are irrigation channels that were created by the Portuguese settlers in the 19th century, who painstakingly carved them out of the rock by hand. Designed to carry fresh water from the north to the drier southern regions of the island, they helped to create many of the lush landscapes that can be seen today. The walk will follow the course of ‘levadas’ for over three miles, seeing the verdant plants, mountain views and green farmland that cover Madeira. We will also dine ashore at a traditional restaurant and enjoy a performance by a local folklore group.

Day 10 - Day 11 Madeira to London.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Day 11 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Discover Santa Cruz, Tenerife.
Explore Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera.
Visit Puerto de la Estaca, El Hierro.
Travel to Funchal, Madeira.