Explore Las Palmas

Your journey begins in the 'continent in miniature'

Explore the capital Las Palmas before you board. Enjoy spectacular views over the city from the Cathedral of Santa Ana. Nearby is the volcanic basin Caldera de Tejeda, home to the sacred Roque Bentayga rock formation.

To see more of the island, join our optional Pre-Programme, which includes a trip to the impressive Bandama Crater. Then it's time to board MS Spitsbergen, settle in and relax – your expedition is underway.

Lanzarote's natural charm

Charming old town and famous lagoons

The first stop on your expedition cruise is Lanzarote. Just 78 miles off the African coast, Lanzarote’s spartan, desert-like landscape and eroded volcanic formations are a geologist’s dream. We'll start the day in Arrecife, the administrative centre.

Once a popular fishing port, Arrecife is now a charming, sun-kissed town. Explore the Old Town's whitewashed fisherman houses, 17th century church San Ginés and 18th century Casa de los Arroyo.

Lanzarote's stunning beaches are a must. For a dip head to El Reducto, protected by natural reefs. Or join an optional excursion to discover stunning Timanfaya National Park or famous Jameos del Agua lagoons and its long lava tubes.

La Carnaval in Santa Cruz

Welcome to the world's second biggest carnival

Exploding in a riotous display of bright colours, hip-swaying beats and delicious smells, Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an unforgettable experience.

Second only to Rio's world-famous celebration, this friendly, safe and accessible UNESCO-listed carnival is a dazzling showcase of dancing, elaborate floats and decorated cars. You'll see the Carnival Queens in Gran Coso Apoteosis, or Grand Carnival Parade, before a spectacular firework display.

Away from the lively, vibrant buzz of the carnival, you can join an optional excursion to the dramatic Teide National Park and El Teide, the world's third largest volcano.

Madeira bound

Unwind and learn during a relaxing day at sea

It's time to get to know your ship, the Expedition Team and your fellow travellers as we spend a leisurely day sailing towards the Madeira archipelago.

Don't miss our Expedition Team's fascinating lectures on Madeira's history and wildlife, including birds and whales. Or learn about important conservation projects, like how locals work to remove invasive plant species from Madeira´s National Park.

Soak in a hot tub, work up a sweat in the gym, enjoy a sauna – or take in ocean views from our Explorer Lounge.

Verdant Madeira

Experience Funchal's Old World charm

Enveloped by swathes of moist laurel forest, Madeira rises majestically out of the Atlantic in riotous shades of green. Our day in Madeira begins with an included tour, where we'll explore the quaint capital Funchal, before sampling the island's famed fortified wines.

Visit the historic Old Town and see the beautiful Funchal Cathedral. Dating back to 1485, its wooden ceiling is a classic example of Manueline architecture. Try the sweet ananas-banana fruit that looks like a giant gherkin.

For glorious views, take the cable car to the picturesque village of Monte. If you dare, slide the mile back down to Funchal in a carro de cesto, a wicker sledge on wooden skis. A truly fun and memorable experience!

The sands of Porto Santo

History and nature on a small, golden island

As we approach Porto Santo, keep your binoculars handy for dolphins and seabirds – including Cory’s Shearwaters, Northern Gannets and Bulwer’s Petrels.

In Vila Baleira, walk to the palm-lined square, Largo do Pelourinho and enjoy a glass of vinho do Porto Santo in one of the bars before you visit the Christopher Columbus' house museum. You'll get the chance to help conserve Porto Santo's golden sands on an included beach clean-up.

If you prefer a nature walk, join an optional excursion to spectacular Ponta da Calheta or Pico do Castelo and Pico Branco. When there, be sure to drink from the Fonte da Areia, said to guarantee eternal youth.

Return to Canary Islands

Learn more about the fascinating Canary Islands

Our Expedition Team's ready with exciting lectures about the Canary Islands before we arrive back there. Learn about local wildlife, history, landscape and viniculture, the art of growing grapes and making wine.

Head over to the Science Center and take part in Citizen Science projects that support marine conservation. We believe everyone can make a difference in protecting the world's most special habitats. It's what our cruises are all about. 

Enjoy life onboard, edit your photos and relax on deck while looking for whales, dolphins and seabirds. Dine on delicious local produce in our onboard restaurants and watch the sunset from the Explorer Lounge.

La Palma, the pretty isle

Discover vibrant Santa Cruz

Known as La Isla Bonita, La Palma is home to abundant natural beauty. The island has a national park with unspoiled pine and laurel forests, banana trees and palm groves. Santa Cruz, its capital, is considered one of the most attractive towns in the archipelago.

In Santa Cruz, head to Calle Real, the vibrant main street. Monumental Plaza de España is lined with magnificent Renaissance-era buildings, like the iconic city hall. In Avenida Maritima, look out for traditional wooden balconies lavishly adorned with plants and flowers. 

In the districts of La Canela and Sant Telmo, you'll see signs of faded colonial grandeur. Hiking in La Palma is superb. Join us on an optional excursion to the spectacular Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

The beauty of El Hierro

See the unique geology of this UNESCO biosphere

With lava-sculpted rocks, flower-filled fields and shimmering natural pools, remote El Hierro is a truly remarkable island. This young oceanic shield volcano is classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  Valverde is the only landlocked capital in the Canaries, just over four miles away from La Estaca, our port for the day. Stroll the streets of this easy-going capital and soak up the traditional atmosphere.

Walking is the best way to explore this green island. On an optional excursion, we'll visit the island's photogenic forests, meadows and volcanic formations, connected through criss-crossing trails.

Untamed La Gomera

La Gomera's national parks and laurel forests

La Gomera is the second smallest Canary Island, where the nature is largely untamed. You’ll find Canarian island life here at its most authentic. In the Old Town of San Sebastián, visit the Baroque church, Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción, where Columbus and his crew are said to have prayed before setting sail. Then visit Museo Arqueologico and learn about the first settlers here.

Hike through the beautiful laurel forests and idyllic palm-covered valleys of the mountainous Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an optional excursion.

End in lovely Las Palmas

Cobblestone streets and hiking paradise in Las Palmas

Your expedition cruise ends in beautiful Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. In terms of diversity, Gran Canaria has it all – dunes, subtropical valleys, deep ravines, palm-dotted oases, pine forests, spectacular cliffs and jagged mountain ridges. 

With 60 miles of beach and almost 620 miles of marked trails, Gran Canaria is made for walkers so why not enjoy more of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve before your flight to Amsterdam.

Or if you prefer, join our optional Post-Programme taking in the capital’s landmarks and the lush Bandama Crater.