A Canary Island Odyssey Cruise

Mount Teide, Tenerife

Enjoy some late winter sun as you take a 14 day cruise on Fred Olsen's Balmoral. The cruise takes in four of the Canary Islands as well as Lisbon and the beautiful island of Maderia.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Southampton, UK.

Make your own way to Southampton to join your cruise ship, Balmoral. Your ship will depart late afternoon. Your ship will depart late afternoon, latest embarkation time is 3pm. (D)

DAY 2 to 4: At Sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 5: Funchal, Madeira.

Steeped in history and decked in riotously coloured flowers that give it its nickname of the 'Garden Isle', the Portuguese volcanic island of Madeira basks in year-round sunshine and offers natural spectacles at almost every turn. Highlights include its fairytale capital, Funchal, where quaint cobbled lanes and flower markets tumble down to a glorious natural harbour. Beyond lies a lush interior of towering peaks and fertile valleys cloaked in thick forests and waterfalls and famed for the production of sweet Madeira wine. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Santa Cruz, La Palma.

The most northwesterly of the Canaries, beautiful La Palma is known for its tropical rainforests, deep pine woods and jagged shoreline. Today's optional excursion showcases its highlights with visits to the Church of The Virgin of the Snows, San Antonio volcanic crater and a bodega to taste some local wines. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

Tenerife is an island of two halves, with a dry southern region of golden beaches and a cooler north of dramatic cliffs, black-sand coves and lush plantations. Today, why not join the optional excursion to Puerto de la Cruz, a charming resort with a colonial district of cobbled plazas and wooden-balconied Canarian houses, all crowned by a medieval castle. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure to explore this bustling town, perhaps taking in a museum or relax on one of its many beaches. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: San Sebastian, La Gomera.

Nestled next to Tenerife, little-visited La Gomera is the hidden jewel of the Canaries with wooded valleys, remote villages and rocky ravines. Grab the opportunity to explore on an optional excursion, taking in the idyllic Valley of Hermigua, lovely colonial, red cliff-backed town of Agula and misty evergreen forests in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Garajonay National Park. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria is known as a 'continent in miniature' thanks to its ever-changing landscapes of craggy cliffs, fertile valleys and shimmering dunes - all formed by volcanic activity. This morning, perhaps see more of the island on the optional excursion to the Valley of Angostura and Bandama Crater. Everything starts at the house of Christopher Columbus in Las Palmas, the capital, where the explorer lived in 1492. After visiting the Artiles Caves, continue to Bandama - a 1,000-metre wide, bowl-shaped crater. This afternoon, why not discover more on the optional excursion to the Basilica of Teror and Arucas? After admiring the botanical gardens and lava-built cathedral of Arucas, visit a colonial whitewashed church in the pretty village of Teror. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 11: Lisbon.

Today, discover Portugal's capital, one of Europe's smallest but most vibrant cities. Why not take the optional city tour, which encompasses the April 25th Suspension Bridge, the Jeronimos Gothic Monastery and ornate Belem Tower? (B, L, D)

DAY 12 to 13: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 14: Southampton, UK.

Arrive in Southampton this morning and disembark after breakfast. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.

Balmoral

Whilst Balmoral is the most substantial Fred. Olsen ship, it is compact enough to reach smaller ports of call inaccessible to large ocean cruise ships. It offers spacious, comfortable public areas with soft, subtle décor that retains the trademark, homely atmosphere while the regal name 'Balmoral' reflects the stately, modern and impressive design. Intimate yet elegant, Balmoral accommodates 1,350 passengers in 710 relaxing, well-equipped cabins and provides an excellent range of dining options and amenities.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools; 4 Jacuzzis; Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants; Palms Café buffet restaurant; Lido Lounge; Lido bar; Morning Light Pub; Neptune Lounge; Observatory Lounge; fitness centre; beauty salon; library; golf nets; card room; shops; internet room; arts & crafts room; gaming tables; launderette.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Balmoral offers passengers an impressive range of dining choices, from the inviting elegance of the Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants to the convenience and informality of the Palms Café. Vegetarian, fat-free, gluten free meals and many special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please ask at the time of booking.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or double beds; television; telephone; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category I cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

I Twin inside lower deck cabin

E Twin outside lower deck cabin with picture window

D Twin outside lower or middle deck cabin with picture window or portholes

C Superior twin outside middle deck with picture window

B Superior twin outside middle or upper deck cabin with picture window

Tipping

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines operate an automated tipping system whereby an amount of £4 per adult per day will be added to your on board account at the end of the cruise. Gratuities will be shared equally between the cabin stewardesses and dining room waiters. Anyone wishing to vary the amount will be able to do so via the Reception desk.

Balmoral

Balmoral - side view

  Category I Marina Deck 3 or Coral Deck 4 twin inside cabin with shower

  Category E Coral Deck 4 twin outside cabin with picture window

  Category D Atlantic Deck 5 or Coral Deck 4 twin outside cabin with picture window

  Category C Atlantic Deck 5 superior twin outside cabin with shower, and picture window

  Category B Lido Deck 8 or Main Deck 6 superior twin outside cabin with shower and/or bath, and picture window

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices

A Canary Island Odyssey Cruise

What's Included

  • Accommodation as shown in cruise ship details
  • Meals Full board on cruise ship
  • Porterage on cruise (for one suitcase per person)
  • All local port taxes

Cruise Highlights

  • Funchal
  • La Palma
  • Tenerife
  • La Gomera
  • Gran Canaria
  • Lisbon

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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