Las Palmas to Lisbon: The Sands of Time

Perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is an almost circular isle with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves, its highest point, at the centre. With a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, the island offers the best of both worlds. You will no doubt wish to see the sights of the capital’s old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century and encompassses the Vegueta and Triana districts, and wherever you go you can enjoy the glorious subtropical climate, perfect for growing exotic palms and fruits.

Known as the ‘miniature continent’, Gran Canaria is celebrated for its striking contrasts. The island offers a variety of landscapes, from beaches framed by dunes to peaks covered in Canary Island pine forests, whose greenery stands out against the dark volcanic earth. Las Palmas, the capital, combines historical architecture with modern attractions, featuring bustling markets and urban beaches. There’s time to explore Las Palmas this morning before we set off on a scenic drive that reveals more of Gran Canaria’s vibrant eastern side. As we travel through traditional towns and coastal stretches, we’ll see a blend of heritage, natural beauty, and everyday island life, while passing banana plantations and aloe vera farms gives us a glimpse into the island’s pastural economy. Inland, archaeological sites and rugged volcanic landscapes hint at Gran Canaria’s ancient past, while bustling town centres reflect its modern rhythm. Each small town offers something unique, whether it’s a quiet chapel, a leafy plaza, a shaded reading park, or palm-lined streets made for wandering. We spend time in Agüimes, where colourful houses and striking bronze sculptures bring local stories and folklore vividly to life. It’s a town full of character, perfect for exploring on foot, with inviting cafés, small galleries, and corners that feel like open-air storytelling. Our route blends the character of the modern Canary Islands with the enduring charm of its past, before circling back to Las Palmas, where we board Sylvia Earle. This evening, you’ll join your fellow travellers for an onboard Welcome Dinner, where your host will introduce you to the voyage ahead and raise a toast to the adventures to come.

A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, its pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast. The island is home to a great selection of restaurants and local specialities including garbanzos compuestos – a chickpea stew; papas arrugadas – potatoes with carrots, peas, ham and green pepper; and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. Please note that those planning to participate in one of the shore excursions from this port may need to take an early lunch on board ship to suit the excursion schedules.

While the Canary Islands are famed for their resorts and sun-soaked beaches, they offer much more than typical package holidays. The eight volcanic islands that make up the archipelago, are under Spanish jurisdiction but historically linked to Africa, and have a complex history that includes the early slave trade. Today, the islands stand as a testament to resilience and cultural diversity, blending influences from Spanish settlers and indigenous Guanches. We explore Lanzarote, the northernmost Canary Island, known as ‘Volcano Island,’ for its dramatic volcanic terrain. Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape includes expansive lava fields and uniquely shaped rocks set against a backdrop of black and red soil that vividly contrasts with traditional whitewashed houses. Our ‘Your Choice’ morning experiences offer a chance to discover this diverse landscape, from dramatic mountains and golden beaches to lush palm groves and dunes, highlighting the island’s exceptional natural beauty, followed by a chance to explore Arrecife independently. This afternoon, enjoy a complimentary shuttle service between the port and town, with the Sylvia Earle sailing late afternoon towards Africa.

Shaped by the Atlas Mountains on one side, Agadir is framed on the other by a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. While little is known of the city’s origins, the Portuguese created a fortress here at the end of the 15th century, naming it Santa Cruz de Ghir. Freed from Portugal’s occupation by the Saadians in 1540, Agadir grew into a colourful and prosperous port and became newsworthy in 1911 when a German gunboat, the Panther, sailed into the bay as a protest against the division of North Africa between the Spanish and French. Morocco gained independence from the French in 1956, an event which was closely followed in Agadir by the tragic earthquake of 1960. The city, which has been rebuilt to represent the ‘new nation’, is blessed by fine sandy beaches overlooked by luxurious hotels and a great selection of cafés and restaurants. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

This morning marks a change of pace as we bid farewell to the Sylvia Earle and journey inland on a three-hour drive to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an eclectic mix of centuries-old architectural styles. The fabled ochre city was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Almoravid dynasty and still beats an age-old rhythm. Famed for its outstanding artisanship, the city has boomed as one of Africa’s key hubs for contemporary art, architecture and design. We arrive in time to enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant, before visiting one of its architectural wonders. Built in the late 19th century for Grand Vizier Si Moussa, the Bahia Palace was designed to showcase the finest craftsmanship of the time. Its name, meaning “brilliance,” is reflected in the intricate zellij mosaics, carved cedar ceilings, and graceful arches that line its courtyards. Light filters through stained glass windows, casting patterns across tiled floors, while orange trees and fountains lend a sense of calm to the open spaces, making it an ideal introduction to Marrakech. Check-in to our hotel and enjoy some free time in the afternoon, before we gather for some Moroccan fare and entertainment this evening.

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

After breakfast, join your local guides for your chosen ‘Your Choice’ experience exploring the city’s main attractions, followed by a lunch inspired by the vibrant flavours of Marrakech. Afterwards, we transfer by road to Casablanca, where to reboard Sylvia Earle and set sail north to Tangier.

Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.

After a morning sailing the Moroccan coast, we arrive around midday at a city located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe — Tangier. Unique among Moroccan cities, Tangier has a chequered past, offering one of Europe’s most tantalising stories. Designated an ‘International Zone’ in the early 20th century, Tangier harboured no taxes, no banking restrictions, no drug, censorship or morality laws. Attracting a mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco’s civil army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city, which remains as colourful as its history suggests. Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences highlight Morocco’s vibrant artisan revival, with guided visits to the medina in Tangier, or a chance to enjoy the culinary heritage of Tangier. For a more relaxed alternative, a complimentary shuttle will take you from the ship to the centre of Tangier, where you can discover a gentler side of the city. Enjoy time at your leisure to sip mint tea in a local café, browse traditional craft shops, or take in the atmosphere at your own pace, before we sail north to Spain.

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Although very much a modern-day city, the apartment blocks and ‘expat’ clubs of Málaga and the Costa del Sol hide an undercurrent of ancient traditions. Long before beach bars and resorts, this coastline was part of Al-Andalus, ruled by the Moors for nearly eight centuries. Their legacy runs deep, visible in the arches of the Alcazaba, the layout of the old town, and the way the city seemingly harbours something older beneath its surface, steady and enduring. Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today range from an introduction to Málaga’s magical sites, or a visit to the Moorish enclave of Ronda. A complimentary shuttle service will operate between the ship and the city centre throughout the day allowing you to explore Malaga at leisure or return to the town after lunch on board.

Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops. Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide. Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles. If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space. If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.

In the wake of centuries of maritime vessels, we sail into the Port of Gibraltar early morning. More than just an array of Royal Mail red pillar post boxes, fish and chip shops and corner pubs, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and naval stronghold, strategically located at the base of the Iberian Peninsula. Caught up in the legacy of the War of the Spanish Succession, it became embroiled in European politics when the King of Spain died without an heir. Thirteen years later, Sir George Rooke, an English naval commander, captured it for England’s King George I, and Gibraltar has remained a British territory ever since. Three hundred years of swashbuckling pirates, fierce naval battles, yellow fever outbreaks and world wars tell a tale of this tiny slice of Britain, simply known by those who live here as ‘The Rock’. Our quintessential British ‘Your Choice’ experiences showcase the Rock’s rich history, iconic mascots and breathtaking views across the Straits of Gibraltar. At the end of your tour, return to the ship for lunch, with views of ‘The Rock’ from the deck. Join our complimentary afternoon shuttle to explore Gibraltar further. Shop at Marks & Spencer, relax with a pint at a corner pub or send a postcard home from one of Gibraltar’s iconic red pillar boxes, with each activity offering a delightful touch of British charm.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

This morning, we cruise the Guadalquivir River, expertly guided by our Spanish pilot, arriving in Seville, Spain’s most iconic southern city. We enjoy lunch on board with the skyline of Seville as our backdrop, before joining a ‘Your Choice’ experience. The Guadalquivir has been a central part of Seville’s history and a launchpad for significant voyages. From its banks, explorers like Ferdinand Magellan embarked on their landmark journeys, including Magellan’s famous 1519 expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The river was also crucial for trade, linking Seville with distant lands and shaping global commerce. In the 8th century, the Moors, a diverse brotherhood of Arabs, Berbers, and North Africans, arrived on the Iberian Peninsula and, like a child leaving home, remained away from their homelands for nearly 700 years. They brought with them a spirit of tolerance, coexisting peacefully with Christian and Jewish communities while ruling over the land through small kingdoms characterised by castle-topped villages and fortified cities. Their remarkable contributions in mathematics, astronomy, and Moorish architecture left a lasting mark on Europe. Choose between two locally guided tours of Seville for an unforgettable experience, before we sail the river mid-evening, following its path to the coast, where it meets the sea at Cadiz. (Note: as Seville is a piloted port our arrival time will not be confirmed until closer to our date of arrival, therefore the times of the excursions may need to be adjusted)

Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.

The proud city of Cádiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, Cádiz is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine, Vinum Ceretensis. Moorish rule over the port, which was renamed Jazīrat Qādis, lasted for 500 years, with the capture of Cádiz by Alfonso X of Castile. Its renewed prosperity dated from the discovery of America in 1492, when it became the headquarters of the Spanish treasure fleets, and the port to nearby Jerez, which produced liquid gold. Choose your preferred ‘Your Choice’ morning experience to discover the unique character of Andalusian life. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Cádiz at your own pace, with Sylvia Earle moored directly in town. Browse its boutique shops, sample tapas in the many lively bars, or visit local craft stores showcasing traditional Andalusian wares.

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived, and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbour to a coast of classic, caved beaches, Portimão fishes for a different catch these days, with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars. Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today offer three distinct ways to explore the region. Choose a visit to the nearby hilltop town of Silves, accompanied by a Portuguese pottery demonstration or winery visit and tasting. Alternatively, take in sweeping coastal views on a panoramic drive, accompanied by a stroll along a section of the Caminho dos Promontórios, for a magical morning on the Algarve. We return to the ship for lunch, after which you may wish to explore the shops, bars, and cafés of Portimão at your own pace, before we sail for Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, late-afternoon.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Lisbon, set along the broad waters of the River Tagus, became the launch point for Portugal’s Golden Age of Exploration. From this historic harbour, famed navigators like Vasco da Gama and Magellan sailed to chart new worlds, opening vital trade routes and bringing immense wealth to their homeland. That prosperity left its mark on the city through grand baroque buildings, ornate churches, and tiled pavements. But Lisbon’s story is also one of resilience. In 1755 a powerful earthquake, followed by tsunamis and fire, destroyed most of the city. What rose from the ruins is the Lisbon we see today, with graceful boulevards, elegant facades, and a vibrant waterfront that still echoes its maritime past. We bid the Sylvia Earle farewell. Our locally guided tour visits Belém, where the city's seafaring legacy is on full display. We’ll view the Monastery of Jerónimos, the striking Monument to the Discoveries, which honours Prince Henry the Navigator and his explorers, and the iconic Torre de Belém, a fortress that once guarded the entrance to the city for returning ships. Enjoy some free time in Lisbon’s charming city centre, perfect for wandering cobbled streets, travelling on one of its quirky trams, sampling local flavours, or simply soaking in the riverside views, before we transfer to our hotel for a final night in Portugal.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.