Canaries & Portugal 11 Nights • Southampton, England • CELEBRITY APEX

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto’s name itself hints at perhaps Portugal’s most famous export—port. This is where the fortified wine was first produced. The city has a rich history and is reminiscent of times gone by. You wouldn’t be wrong to compare it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. In Porto, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches, and majestic beaux art buildings, which all create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

Lisbon, Portugal-  See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theaters. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country. 

The extreme and varied micro-climates and vegetation you experience are what have earned this lovely island the nickname, “The Small Continent.” From the rugged coastline to the stretches of lovely sand beach, a variety of natural wonders impossibly fit onto this single island. Eco-enthusiasts are drawn to Gran Canaria for its hiking, horseback riding, and watersports. Spend a day in the Agaete valley where you can visit a local farm for a taste of the island wines, cheese, and cakes. On your cruise to Gran Canaria you’ll also find the capital city of Las Palmas to be a cosmopolitan and cultural center of the Canaries. Stroll down the bustling shopping streets, tour a museum or two; sip a cocktail at a trendy nightclub while exploring this sultry city. The local cuisine is an eclectic combination of Spanish, African, and South American influences and fresh seafood is always on the menu.Soak up the sun and the views of the tropical landscape. The rich, rich green forests of the Canary Islands sweep across from north to south and the rolling dunes of the island desert stretch to the horizon.

Beyond its steep and rugged coastline, Tenerife is a cultural and natural wonder waiting to be explored. Discover mysterious step pyramids at Güímar, meet the world’s largest collection of parrots at Loro Park, or take in a show at the ultra-modern Tenerife Auditorium. Foodies will have fun sampling the fresh fish, famous cheeses and sumptuous wines of the island.Of the 7 islands that comprise the Canary Island archipelago, Tenerife stands out as the largest. Depending on your mood and what you are looking to get out of your Tenerife cruise, there are things to consider. For one, the island offers a vastly different terrain depending on where you go. The northern part of the island is quite verdant, so expect the climate to include more rain. In the south, you’ll find it much more arid and dry emulating more of a desert climate. If you like the idea of mingling within crowds and are drawn to where the action is, make plans to visit Los Cristianos, Playa de la Americas, and Costa Adeje in the southwest and Puerto de la Cruz in the north. While in Los Cristianos and you’re looking for some thrills, visit Siam Park, a giant theme park with plenty of rides to choose from. Also in Los Cristianos is Jungle Park, the island’s zoo with over 500 animals in a wonderfully rendered wild setting with lagoons, walkways and sub-tropical foliage.

Funchal, the largest city on Madeira island, is known as the "Floating Garden" because of its remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit, and flowers. With cruise Madeira everywhere you look you'll find sprawling scenic splendor, from the deeply gouged cliffs to the lush, verdant valleys reminiscent of parts of Hawaii.

Vigo, Spain- El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a figure that is half man, half sea creature, towers over the city's lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings. The legendary black salts offshore on the Islas Cies are said to bring good health. Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James.

As one of Europe’s largest fishing ports and maritime centers, this coastal town located in northern Spain is famous for its amazingly fresh seafood. Dine like a local on your Vigo cruise, sampling tapas, the finest oysters, and Galician wines for a hearty lunch at a tapas bar or pescadería. Then stroll through the narrow winding streets of Casco Vello, the historic district, to Rua do Príncipe where you’ll find an assortment of boutiques for keepsakes and souvenirs. For a great view of the Galician coast, there are several beaches worth visiting such as Playa de Samîl with its 1,800 meters of sandy, white coastline.