New Year In Spain And Canary Islands

A gateway to so many Andalucian attractions and Costa del Sol resorts, Spanish cruise port Malaga stands out in its own right as a vibrant destination with its own unique character. This second city of Andalucia has many Moorish influences, seen at their best in the stunning Alcazaba. Built on the site of a Roman fortress between the 8th and 11th Centuries, the castle’s huge walls and fortified gates ensure a grand entrance. Inside, a restored Roman amphitheatre now acts as an outdoor entertainment centre. Immediately behind the Alcazaba and rising high above the city with spectacular views, are the ruins of the 14th century Moorish castle, Gibralfaro. Malaga-born Picasso is recognised with a history of the artist’s life at the city’s fascinating Picasso Foundation.

Explore Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, and you’ll discover the ornately wrought works of Antonio Gaudi. A local architect, whose works culminate in the surrealistic spires of the yet to be finished Sagrada Familia. Take a stroll down the colourful Ramblas. Explore the Gothic Quarter. Ride a cable car to the summit of Montjuic. Or sample local wines and authentic tapas as you watch the hustle and bustle of daily life pass you by.

Vibrant Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city is a popular and picturesque resort known for its pavement cafes, parties (Las Fallas) and paella. Amongst art and architecture you can see plazas, palaces, churches and cathedrals, before heading to one of the city’s white sandy beaches to cool off.

Britons love cruising to ‘home from home’ Mediterranean cruise port Gibraltar – and not just because it has some excellent pubs and tax free shops (good buys include glassware, china, leather goods, alcohol, perfume, silk and cashmere garments). Gibraltar also offers wonderful views of the Bay of Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountains from the Rock Restaurant, served by cable car from the Grand Parade. Birdwatchers can spot more than 230 species and there are clearly marked nature trails you can follow to discover the country’s flora and fauna. The most famous ‘fauna’ of course, are Gibraltar’s Barbary apes – get off the cable car at the halfway station to see these, then proceed to the top and hire an audio tape charting the Rock’s fascinating history. Alternatively spend a day at the beach – Catalan Bay is the prettiest, with its colourful fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants.

Lanzarote is known for its rugged terrain, volcanic pits and black sand beaches. Indeed, many would say that this easy going island really is out of this world.

The tranquil harbour, verdant palm groves and excellent climate of Gran Canaria’s lively capital Las Palmas delighted Christopher Columbus when he discovered it on his famous voyage of 1492. Those same attractions now draw modern travellers keen to explore the atmospheric cobbled streets and leafy courtyards of its old quarter, Vegueta. Cruises to Gran Canaria also bring you close to Playa del Ingles, the liveliest and best-known beach in the Canaries. You can explore the stunning desert scenery of Maspalomas, or tour further afield to explore peaceful old towns like Arucas – famed for its lush banana plantations – and Teror, with its fine collection of traditional houses with intricately carved wooden balconies. Other highlights of our Gran Canaria cruises include lovely Palmitos Nature Park – set in a canyon inland from Maspalomas and famous for its vivid tropical plants, birds and fish – and Bandama, an extinct volcano set 1,900 feet above sea level, which offers panoramic views over the island.

Looking for a holiday that combines culture and exploration with comfort and relaxation? Tenerife is a true slice of paradise. Explore its foodie treasures, tranquil sunsets burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow and put your underwater camera to good use. There are countless experiences to be had, yet also peaceful and idyllic with sparkling waters and powder-soft sand.

Visiting the largest of the Canary Islands, our Tenerife cruises bring you close to one of the world’s most dramatic and varied landscapes, ranging from verdant valleys and lush plantations to glorious beaches, vast pinewoods and the volcanic `moonscape’ of Mount Teide National Park. Tenerife’s cruise port Santa Cruz has grown from a fishing village to a splendid city with classy bars and restaurants, varied shops, fine architecture and interesting museums. With our cruises to Tenerife the action begins right outside the port gates, where you will find a caf-lined boulevard leading to the Plaza de Espana, at the heart of the port’s main shopping area. Look out for bargain electrical goods and cut-price CDs, Tenerife’s speciality. Prefer museums and galleries? Try the Museo de Bellas Artes, which contains works by Bruegel, or discover the island’s history, topography, flora and fauna at the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre.

Looking for a holiday that combines culture and exploration with comfort and relaxation? Tenerife is a true slice of paradise. Explore its foodie treasures, tranquil sunsets burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow and put your underwater camera to good use. There are countless experiences to be had, yet also peaceful and idyllic with sparkling waters and powder-soft sand.

Visiting the largest of the Canary Islands, our Tenerife cruises bring you close to one of the world’s most dramatic and varied landscapes, ranging from verdant valleys and lush plantations to glorious beaches, vast pinewoods and the volcanic `moonscape’ of Mount Teide National Park. Tenerife’s cruise port Santa Cruz has grown from a fishing village to a splendid city with classy bars and restaurants, varied shops, fine architecture and interesting museums. With our cruises to Tenerife the action begins right outside the port gates, where you will find a caf-lined boulevard leading to the Plaza de Espana, at the heart of the port’s main shopping area. Look out for bargain electrical goods and cut-price CDs, Tenerife’s speciality. Prefer museums and galleries? Try the Museo de Bellas Artes, which contains works by Bruegel, or discover the island’s history, topography, flora and fauna at the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre.