Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal Cruise (from Dover) - 8 May 2012 departure

Oporto and the Douro River

Discover the Canaries and Portugal on this fascinating cruise from Dover, stopping in flower-filled Madeira, magical Lisbon and colourful Oporto along the way.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Dover, UK.

Make your own way to Dover to join your cruise ship, Braemar. Your ship departs late afternoon. (D)

DAY 2 to 4: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 5: Funchal.

Steeped in history and decked in riotously coloured flowers that give it the nicknames 'Garden Isle' and 'floating garden', the Portuguese volcanic island of Madeira basks in year round sunshine and offers spectacular natural treasures at almost every turn. Enjoy free time in Funchal, the island's charming capital, where quaint cobbled lanes, lined with white-painted houses and bountiful flower markets, descend to a glorious natural harbour and ruggedly beautiful coastline. Or perhaps venture inland to marvel at the lush interior of towering peaks and fertile valleys cloaked in thick forests and waterfalls, where grapes are grown for the production of the island's irresistibly sweet Madeira wine. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Santa Cruz La Palma.

The hidden gem of La Palma never fails to delight with its spectacular countryside and picture-postcard villages. Why not see some of its highlights on an optional panoramic tour? (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife combines vibrant resorts, vast beaches, quaint harbour-fronts and tranquil mountain-top villages with spectacular scenic contrasts such as pinewoods and leafy banana plantations to the north and spectacular valleys and desert-like landscapes to the south. Overlooking all is the soaring volcanic peak of Mount Teide, set amidst incredible lava scenery and mountains. Reaching Santa Cruz, the island's capital, enjoy free time to explore the city's leafy streets, cafés and boutiques, visit Garcia Sanabria Park, or head to nearby Loro Parque: a tropical garden and wildlife sanctuary. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Las Palmas.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Gran Canaria boasts a bustling and historic capital - Las Palmas. Beguiling and beautiful, this lovely city brims with Spanish influences and centres around an old quarter threaded with atmospheric cobbled streets, wooden balconied houses and tree-filled squares. Take an optional excursion to the island's interior with a visit to the spectacular crater of Bandama, an extinct volcano perched 2,000 feet above sea level. Alternatively, choose an optional trip to the fabulous Maspalomas Dunes, an area of outstanding natural beauty where billowing dunes spread along a golden beach. Only accessible by foot or camel, these wonderful miniature desert mountains play host to a variety of rare plants and mammals. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Arrecife.

Lanzarote's year-round sunshine, great scenery and friendly resorts have attracted thousands of visitors over the years, but the island has far more to offer than just sun, sea and sand. Astonishing lunar-like landscapes, lava-baked fields and desert terrain grace the interior while its heart is crowned by the mighty Fire Mountain and eerily beautiful Timanfaya National Park. The island's dramatic landscapes are edged by immense stretches of powdery red, black and white sand beaches. Enjoy the delightful harbour town of Arrecife, Lanzarote's capital, or relax at the nearby beach resort of Puerto del Carmen. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 11: Lisbon.

Built over seven hills, the vibrant Portuguese capital bursts with character and history and is a chequerboard of different districts, each with its own distinct personality and charm. Discover the colourful 18th century squares of the Arabic Alfama quarter with its ancient castle and gaze at the beautiful Jeronimus Monastery and Belem Tower standing sentinel over the harbour. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Leixões (for Oporto).

An artificial port on the Portuguese coast, Leixões was created to serve Portugal's second largest city, nearby Oporto, world-renowned for its production of port wines. A delightful medieval town, Oporto is traversed by steep, winding alleyways dotted with grand archways, magnificent churches and the ruins of ancient Roman walls and fortresses. Why not stroll around the steep yet vibrant streets of the Old Town to admire the gold-laden Church of San Francisco, ride one of the city's famously rickety trams, or perhaps enjoy a tranquil rabello cruise on the Douro River, which courses through the heart of the city? (B, L, D)

DAY 13 to 14: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 15: Dover, UK.

Arrive in Dover 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.

Your Holiday Map

Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal Cruise (from Dover) - 8 May 2012 departure

Itinerary Map

Braemar

An elegant but informal ship, Braemar has been designed with large open decks and terraces; expansive windows and a spectacular five deck atrium, that all create a sense of space. Enhancing the stylish mood are polished woods and gleaming brass, set off by gentle lighting and rich fabrics in soft, tasteful hues. With over 400 well-appointed cabins, Braemar continues the Fred. Olsen tradition of small-ship intimacy.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools; restaurants; bars and lounges; fitness centre; boutique and shops; internet centre; gaming tables; medical centre; library; glamorous cabarets and shows.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Braemar offers passengers a choice between the stylish Thistle restaurant, the Grampian restaurant, and the informal Palms Café where a tropical mood is captured by a profusion of palms and specially commissioned murals. In each you will find an attentive crew on hand to ensure high standards of service and award-winning chefs creating cuisine to suit all palates.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or double beds; wardrobe and drawer storage; safety deposit box; TV; 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 2 portholes

D Twin inside lower deck cabin with 2 portholes

C Superior twin outside aft or forward cabin with picture window

B Superior twin outside aft or mid 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.

Braemar

Braemar - side view

  Category I Atlantic Deck 3 twin inside cabin

  Category E Atlantic Deck 3 twin outside cabin with two portholes

  Category D Atlantic Deck 3 twin outside cabin with two portholes

  Category C Lido Deck 6 or Main Deck 4 superior twin outside cabin with picture window

  Category B Lido Deck 6 or Main Deck 4 superior twin outside cabin with 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

Canary Islands, Madeira & Portugal Cruise (from Dover) - 8 May 2012 departure

What's Included

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

Cruise Highlights

  • Funchal
  • Santa Cruz La Palma
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • Las Palmas
  • Arrecife
  • Lisbon
  • Leixões (for Oporto)

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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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