Canary Islands Idyll - 12 nights, November 2013

Your tour starts off with a short drive to Santuario Virgen de Las Nieves. Inside the small whitewashed church you will find the island's most sacred icon, the Virgin Mary of the Snows, the patron saint of the island.

Travelling through the mountain roads, which offer spectacular views, you will arrive at La Caldera de Taburiente. Designated a National Park, this particular volcanic crater is five miles wide and its rims reach right up to the mountain ridge that runs from the north to the south of the island. The crater was not actually formed as a result of volcanic activity, but from subsequent erosion, and it is forested with the exceptional fire-resistant Canary Pine.

Afterwards, take some time to relax and enjoy some local refreshments. On the way back, a brief photograph stop will be made at the viewpoint Mirador de la Concepcion, where you may admire the stunning views along the coast and to the north of the island.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is an estimated 45 minutes of walking on this tour over rough and uneven ground. You are advised to wear appropriate footwear and carry a sweater or warm clothing as the wind can be cooler and stronger the higher you travel (depending on time of year). This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from vertigo. It is forbidden to remove any stones or plants from the National Park. Smoking is not permitted at the National Park, and there no toilets within the Park. In case of extremely high temperatures and/or strong winds, the National Park may deny access for safety reasons. If this occurs, the tour will be diverted to the village of Tazacorte, which offers views of the National Park.

Embark on a drive through the breathtaking scenery of the New Forest to Beaulieu, one of England’s top visitor attractions. On the journey, you will pass by a quaint village and glimpse some of the wild ponies and livestock which the New Forest is famous for.

Beaulieu has many highlights including the National Motor Museum, an Ancient Abbey, Palace Manor House and a variety of gardens including a Victorian, kitchen and wilderness garden.

Within the fascinating National Motor Museum you can see some of the earliest examples of motoring from the 1890s through to legendary world-record breakers, such as Campbell’s jet powered Bluebird which broke the world land speed record in 1964. The museum has a 1930s street scene which shows the shops, vehicles and tradesmen of the period which will bring back memories of a bygone era.

During 2013 you'll be able to witness the fascinating BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which houses the world’s largest collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating 50 years of Bond, with 50 vehicles from the films, this exhibition includes iconic on-screen favourites such as Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Zao’s Jaguar XKR loaded with weapons from Die Another Day and Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace.

Admire the remains of the lovely 13th century Abbey with its timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere. One of the buildings now houses a monastic exhibition which illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks.

The grand Palace Manor House has been the stately home of the Montagu family since 1538. With its combination of 14th century Gothic and 19th century Scottish Baronial architecture, the House offers an insight into the past with many fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The grounds are spread out over a vast area, however there is a monorail which connects the main attractions. There will be approximately three hours of free time to explore the Beaulieu Estate at your own leisure.

A short transfer from the ship will bring you to your jeeps, ready and waiting to take you on an island discovery.

Embark on your adventure towards the Cañadas del Teide, passing by the attractive Esperanza Forest for photograph stop. Further photography stops will be made before stopping for a snack to enjoy a coffee and pastry.

The National Park of Las Cañadas is an enormous crater covering an area of 13,571 hectares, from which emerges the majestic cone of Mount Teide. The mountain is Spain's highest and can be seen from almost everywhere on the island. The Park also extends as far as the Ucanca Valley, the largest plain in the Park, along with its lava fields. View the rock formation known as 'God's Finger' at the Mirador del Dedo de Dios, where a stop will be made for photographs, before your return drive to the ship.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and jeep. Pregnant women and children under the age of six may not participate. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride and it is not recommended for those who suffer with vertigo. Due to restrictions in the National Park, the jeeps are not permitted to go off road. There is a high step onto the jeeps. Jeeps are open top and open sided and seat eight guests each on inward facing, bench style seats.

Heading along the motorway to the town of Puerto de la Cruz, the first highlight on your tour will be at the wonderfully laid out Botanical Garden. Founded by the royal decree of Charles III of Spain in 1788, the purpose was to form an area where plants, shrubs and flowers, brought by the Conquistadors from the New World, could acclimate to Spanish soil. Many of the plants in the garden are the original specimens and the centre-piece is a huge South American fig tree whose enormous branches and roots have created an outlandish tree house.

The Risco Bello Gardens are a unique style of garden in complete contrast to the Botanical Garden. Garden enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the attractive waterfalls and colourful terraces of local flowers. Last, but not least, is the visit to the Orchid Gardens of Sitio Litre. This garden is part of the history of Puerto de la Cruz in that many distinguished visitors such as Agatha Christie, Alexander von Humbold and Marianne North have visited this site. The main attraction is the largest collection of orchids in the Canary Islands, the oldest Dragon Tree in Puerto de la Cruz and the new Bonsai exhibition. A glass of local wine will be served as a refreshment at the Orchid Garden and you will have a short time for souvenir shopping.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour involves approximately 45 minutes of walking over mainly flat and paved surfaces. There are, however, some inclines at the Orchid Gardens and Risco Bello.

El Sauzal and Tacoronte have gained a reputation of being the best wine growing regions in Tenerife. Only a short drive from the ship, you will visit the Wine Centre Museum at the old farmhouse mansion of La Baranda Here, you will be offered three different kinds of wine: red, white and rosé.

Moving on to Bodegas Alvaro, which holds possibly the biggest collection of wines in the Canaries, you will have the opportunity to try Cava, a sparkling wine, and Moscatel, a sweet wine. A further three wines will be tasted, together with a selection of Spanish tapas.

The return drive will take you through the vineyards and the great scenery of Arafo.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves some walking over cobblestone terrain and steps. There is a downhill walk and return uphill walk of approximately 45 metres from the coach drop off point to the winery. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Participants in the wine tasting must be over 18 years of age.

Puerto Calero is an attractive marina and is home to some impressive sailing and motor yachts. It has also become a popular destination for round-the-world regattas.

Enjoy a short drive to the south west coast of the island where, upon arrival at Puerto Calero, the time will be yours to spend as you please.

The small marina is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire the fabulous boats and yachts. You may wish to purchase a drink from one of the bars or cafés that overlook the marina, and simply watch the world go by.

For those who like to shop, you will find a selection of boutiques offering designer labels including Lacoste, Boss, Ralph Laurent and Armani.

Following your visit, you will meet with your escort at the designated time and place for the return drive to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The level of walking on this tour is at guests’ discretion. There are steps to negotiate onto and off the coach. This tour is unguided and exclusive of any meals, refreshments or entrance fees. Euros are accepted for purchases. An English speaking escort will accompany the transfer. Please take note of the return meeting point and time as coaches cannot be held for latecomers.

Driving east towards Camacha, admire the beautiful views over the bay of Funchal as you stop at Pináculo. Camacha is one of the largest inland villages of Madeira, and the centre of the wicker industry. At the warehouse and working showrooms, view the range of wicker work that is created, from baskets and chairs to elephants and giraffes.

From Camacha, head north to Pico de Arieiro, where, on a clear day, you can appreciate magnificent views over the north, south and centre of the island. A warm welcome awaits you at the Casa do Abrigo Restaurant at Poiso, where a traditional Madeiran luncheon will be served.

At the village of Monte, notable for its many fine properties and gardens, admire the view over Funchal. Its twin towered 18th century church is a landmark throughout the city, and is home to the statue of Our Lady of Monte, credited with being the source of many miracles.

For a true taste of Madeira, experience the exciting toboggan ride back into Funchal, ending in Livramento. The downhill ride in wicker sledges was formerly the established form of transport in Madeira, and your short ride will be something to remember. Back in Funchal, proceed to a wine lodge and complete your Madeira experience by tasting some fine Madeira wine, world famous for over 400 years.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Infants aged 3 years and younger are not permitted to participate in this tour due to restrictions on the Toboggan. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, and follow the instructions of the toboggan drivers once seated. The toboggan is a popular tourist attraction and there may be queues before boarding. There are 74 steps at the Church of Our Lady of Monte, (optional visit, time permitting). There is slight uphill walk and some steps to reach the wine lodge.

Your tour begins with a drive towards the old colonial capital of La Laguna, situated in the Aguirre Valley amidst beautiful surroundings. From La Laguna, your route turns along the base of the mountain range, through the Esperanza pine forests and foothills to the Teide National Park. A short stop will be made at El Portillo Restaurant for refreshments before heading into the heart of the Park.

Declared a national park in 1954, the Cañadas del Teide National Park includes an enormous volcanic crater, which has been dormant since 1909 and is over 29 miles in circumference. From the crater, rising 12,300 feet, is Mount Teide - the highest mountain in all of Spanish territory. Take in the views of this impressive peak and the surrounding arid landscape in the crater, which is often said to resemble the set of a western movie.
Enjoy some free time at the Parador hotel centre before reboarding the coach for your return journey. En route to the ship several stops will be made for photographs, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking scenery.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey to and through the Mount Teide National Park is approximately 1½ hours. This excursion will travel up some mountain roads to approximately seven thousand feet above sea level. Warm clothing is recommended. It is forbidden to remove any stones or plants from the National Park. The cable car at Mount Teide is NOT included. Walking is mainly flat over gravel and paved areas. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

Your scenic drive through the extraordinary landscape of Lanzarote takes you north to visit the Monumento al Campesino, created by Cesar Marinque, and the small Casa Museum, an old restored farmhouse that holds a collection of implements used in past times.

A stop will be made at Haria, the capital of the municipality, characterised by beautiful landscapes, crystal clear waters and stunning view of the Valley of a Thousand Palms. Mirador del Rio will offer you a spectacular viewpoint and, on a clear day, you will be able to see the island of La Graciosa.

The artist, Cesar Manrique, turned what was once a water hole in the earth's surface into an inspiring volcanic cavern and exotic subterranean water garden, Jameos del Agua. Follow the spiral stairs into a roofless cavern overlooking an underground lake. See if you can spot the tiny, blind white crabs that live in the perfectly transparent waters. A meandering path leads back to the surface where you will be greeted by a glistening crystal-blue pool.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves many steep steps and some uneven, gravel ground. Comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended and a wrap or jacket for the caves.

Your scenic extravaganza starts off along the rugged west coast road and through the picturesque fishing village of Camara de Lobos, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill. The beauty of Funchal is best admired from the Pico da Torre viewpoint.

Driving through eucalyptus forests, you will reach Cabo Girao. From a superb viewpoint, see the second highest sea cliff in the world. From here, you can also see mountain slopes that have been carved into terraces.

At Pico dos Barcelos the true beauty of the island is revealed. See Funchal in the distance and the surrounding villages scattered on green slopes.

An essential part of any visit to Madeira is experiencing its well-known wine. Enjoy sampling several different types of Madeira wine and take the opportunity to purchase a bottle to take home with you.


This excursion will operate by coach. As coaches are not permitted to park outside the wine lodge, you are advised that a walk up a slope and some steps will be necessary. There are some cobblestones and steps at the viewpoints. This excursion involves traveling around hairpin bends with steep slopes, which may affect those who suffer from vertigo.

A rack and pinion railway once took passengers up the hillside from Funchal and the return to the coast was by toboggan. The railway closed in 1939, but an Austrian company has constructed a cable car for the trip up to Monte, noted for its many fine properties and gardens. The Funchal station is situated in the old part of town, and the journey from Funchal to Monte takes 15 minutes. (The cable car access is similar to a ski lift. The car does not stop for boarding; it just slows in motion).

Experience the ancient wicker-sled transport on a thrilling 10 minute toboggan ride. The drivers run alongside the toboggans, pushing and steering and using their rubber-soled boots as brakes.

Your tour continues by coach to Pico Dos Barcelos, a flower-decked belvedere where you will have wonderful views towards the east of the island.

Making your way back to Funchal, you will make a stop at the wine lodge where you can sample the different types of Madeira wine, ranging from the dry Sercial to sweet Malmsey.


This excursion will operate by coach, cable car, toboggan. Infants aged 3 years and younger are not permitted to participate in this tour due to restrictions on the Toboggan. The toboggan is a popular tourist attraction and there may be queues before boarding. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear, and follow the instructions of the toboggan drivers once seated. Toboggans hold up to three participants (two adults and one child).

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency.

Leaving the port, your journey will take you on a scenic panoramic drive to the west of the island and through the upper region of the Aridane Valley. The area is the highest point of the island and is also home to the charming town of El Paso. Upon arrival, a short stop will be made for you to enjoy the town’s surroundings.

You will leave El Paso and take a short drive to the delightful La Glorieta Square. The square is the work of local artist, Luis Morera, who was once a pupil of César Manrique. Here, you can enjoy a photograph stop and view the unique and colourful mosaic floor, reminiscent of Manrique’s designs found in Lanzarote.

Afterwards, you will head to the southern tip of La Palma and on to Fuencaliente. There will be some time to relax with a tea, coffee or soft drink refreshment at a local restaurant, before the return drive to the port.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach. The drive involves some hairpin bends and is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

A ride on Lisbon’s most famous and typical form of transport – the tram – is an absolute must. With the added dimension of local waiters serving port wine and traditional pastries on board, this unique tram tour is an ever-popular option. To further enhance this Lisbon experience, you will step from ancient tram to modern coach as your tour is rounded off with a panoramic drive of the city’s most famous monuments.

At the famous Black Horse Square, step aboard the tram for a leisurely circuit through this seven-hilled metropolis. See many fascinating glimpses of the ‘old city’ and the Tagus, passing landmarks such as the Parliament, Cathedral and Santa Luzia Belvedere. At Estrela Square, say goodbye to your traditionally-dressed waiters as you step onto a coach for the second part of your tour.

As you stand before the impressive Gothic-Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery, your guide will provide you with details of this imposing building. Nearby, you will be equally impressed by the lavishly-decorated Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, which commemorate Henry the Navigator and Portugal’s incredible voyages of exploration.


This excursion will operate by coach and tram. Guests are advised there are some fairly high steps to be negotiated when boarding the tram.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).