Madeira to the Balearic Isles

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

Welcome to Funchal, a charming and laid-back city set against the stunning blue backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its renowned wines, idyllic climate, and breathtaking scenery, Madeira has earned the title "Island of Eternal Spring."

When you arrive, be warmly welcomed on board Scenic Eclipse II by the Captain and crew.

Head to the Sky Bar on Deck 10 and toast the beginning of an unforgettable voyage as you look over this enchanting Atlantic gem. Be sure to savour a glass of the famous Madeira wine.

Please book your flight to arrive into Funchal prior to 02:00 PM.

Boasting one of Europe’s finest golden-sand beaches, Porto Santo is a serene escape of golden shores and blue waters, perfect for relaxation. The island’s renowned 9 kilometres beach is believed to have therapeutic qualities, with its sand and waters rich in iodine, calcium, and magnesium, making it ideal for soothing rheumatism and bone ailments. Enjoy a leisurely day here before continuing your journey to Portimão, with a relaxing sea day in between.

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.

On the western Algarve, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Enjoy the day exploring this once well-known fishing port, now transformed into a breath-taking promenade with shops selling traditional lace, ceramics, and leather goods, and fantastic restaurants. Portimão is much loved for the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha. Architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century blend with colourful contemporary structures.

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.

On the shores of the Guadalquivir River lies Seville, the elegant capital of Andalusia. Arrive in the afternoon to explore this historic city, an architect's dream with striking architectural styles, from the Gothic design of the Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede to the Baroque beauty of the Iglesia Colegial del Salvador.

Docking right in the heart of the city, simply step off your Discovery Yacht to begin your own discovery. The ship will be spending the night in Seville, giving you ample opportunity to sample the city’s famed culinary scene, small bars and flamenco dancing.

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.

On your second day in Seville, take advantage of the scenic Freechoice options to explore the city's captivating views, charming streets, and hidden gems at your own pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and beauty.

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.

At the northwestern tip of the African continent lies Tangier, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the White City for its whitewashed houses lining winding streets, Tangier has been shaped by numerous cultures and civilisations over the centuries. The strong Spanish influence makes it a prime example of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Today, Tangier is a bustling modern port and the busiest in the Mediterranean. After departing from Tangier, enjoy the stunning passage through the Strait of Gibraltar and a view of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.

Renowned for its luxury cars, high-end boutiques, and impressive yachts, Puerto Banús embodies exclusivity—making it the perfect match for your journey aboard Scenic Eclipse II. Designed in the 1970s, this charming coastal enclave seamlessly blends Andalusian heritage with the elegance of a sophisticated port town, capturing the essence of both traditional fishing villages and modern luxury.

Set against a backdrop of immense mountains, wind your way through the town’s narrow streets lined with flower boxes. Experience one of the many glitzy bars this evening before another late departure.

Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila —the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbor is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets that offer some of the city's best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey has a useful map of walks through the old city.

Whilst Ibiza is known for its dazzling sunsets and thriving party scene, there is more to this island than meets the eye. Home to beautiful nature and superb beaches, you will also discover archaeological sites and small villages almost untouched by modern life. With a full day in port and a late departure, you’ll have time to sample everything this glamorous island has to offer then watch the sun dip below the horizon over a glass of sangria.

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

Your voyage ends in Palma de Mallorca, where Gothic cathedrals, medieval palaces, and golden beaches create a stunning finale. Enjoy one last delicious breakfast on board before disembarking, taking with you memories of a truly unforgettable Mediterranean voyage.

Please book your flight to depart out of Palma Mallorca after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in Morocco. Submersible not opertional in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.