Canary Islands & Madeira Cruise

• Day One – Depart from London Tilbury

  Depart: 1500hrs

  Board Columbus in Tilbury today, and settle in to your cabin as she prepares to set sail this afternoon.

• Day Two – Rotterdam, Netherlands

  Arrive: 0800hrs

  Depart: 1630hrs

  Columbus reaches her first port of call today: the Dutch maritime city of Rotterdam. Step ashore to see the stunning architecture of the Erasmus Bridge and the remarkable Markthal food market. Browse the World-class museums, explore the lovingly preserved Old Harbour and stroll past nearby Delfshaven's step-gabled houses and ancient wharves.

• Days Three to Five – At sea

  Spend a few days relaxing, and getting to know the ship, her crew and your fellow passengers as Columbus sails south towards the straits of Gibraltar.

• Day Six – Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory

  Arrive: 1200hrs

  Depart: 2100hrs

  Spend today in the very British outpost of Gibraltar, in the shadow of the famous Rock. Search out a bargain on Main Street, or take a cable car to the heights above to see the famous Barbary Apes, and the views across the Straits to North Africa and the Atlas Mountains.

• Day Seven – At sea

  Spend today relaxing on board.

• Day Eight – Lanzarote, Spain

  Arrive: 1200hrs

  Depart: 2000hrs

  The first of your Canaries calls is Arrecife, capital of Lanzarote, where black sand beaches fringe warm waters. You'll have the chance to head to 'fire mountain' and to take a camel ride to the edge of a volcano.

• Day Nine – Gran Canaria, Spain

  Arrive: 0800hrs

  Depart: 2300hrs

  Today Columbus ties up in the Las Palmas, Gran Canaria's principal port. Step ashore to explore the bustling metropolis of modern Puerto de la Luz, or head to the palm-fringed squares of the old town, Vegueta, and perhaps take a shore excursion inland for some superb views.

• Day 10 – Tenerife, Spain

  Arrive: 0700hrs

  Depart: 1400hrs

  Today is spent on the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife. Columbus will dock in the principal port of Santa Cruz. Discover the land that boasts 'the whole world in one day' on optional shore excursions that might take you for a swim in warm waters or to throw snowballs on the slopes of Mt Teide; or from the capital's glitzy shopping malls to stunning gardens, banana plantations and forests of giant pines and eucalyptus trees.

• Day 11 – Madeira, Portugal

  Arrive: 0900hrs

  Depart: 1800hrs

  Some 500 miles off the coast of Africa, Madeira is one of the world's most beautiful islands. This sun-blessed subtropical paradise is home to some of the most vibrant and exotic flora on Earth. Relax in Funchal, the island capital, visit the wonderful Botanical Gardens, and perhaps race downhill from Monte to Livramento in a wickerwork 'toboggan'!

• Day 12 – At sea

  Spend another day at sea as Columbus heads back towards mainland Europe.

• Day 13 – Lisbon, Portugal

  Arrive: 0800hrs

  Depart: 1300hrs

  The Portuguese capital Lisbon is Columbus' final port. Stroll the narrow streets of the Alfama district, and climb aboard one of the city's famous trams. See the extraordinary Manueline architecture of the Belem quarter, and the striking modern buildings of the Baixa.

• Days 14-15 – At sea

  Make the most of your final two days on board as Columbus cruises to London and home.

• Day 16 – Arrive back at London Tilbury

  Arrive: 0900hrs

  Bid farewell to Columbus and all your fellow travellers, today, as you disembark at the end of your cruise.

Days marked above with an anchor include ports where you will be transferred to shore by landing boat. These ports may be inaccessible for customers with mobility difficulties as a result. Any days not listed will be spent at sea.

• Passport requirements
  British Citizens will need a full, 10-year passport to travel on this cruise. Since some countries require visitors to be valid for at least six months after the return date of the cruise we recommend that all customers ensure that this is the case. Holders of non-British passports should check with the relevant embassies to see if any requirements and restrictions exist for any countries visited during the cruise.
• Foreign Office travel advice
  Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice  to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.