Legacy of the Plant Hunters – The Canary Islands & Madeira Small Ship Cruise

Arrive in Tenerife today before 5.00 pm and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get to know your fellow travellers.

Tenerife has its own microclimate, which sustains a diversity of plants. Wander through groves where junipers, olives, palms and old dragon trees grow side by side. This morning, enjoy a visit to Palmetum, a 12-hectare botanical garden harbouring Europe’s largest collection of palms. The former rubbish dump has been beautified as a result of this transformation; the spectacular garden also boasting stunning ocean views. On the island’s opposing coast, we then discover a wonderful orchid collection at Sitio Litre Garden.  Further inland, the wildflowers of Mount Teide are on display. Later this afternoon, embark the small ship, MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy a recital of Spanish songs and opera pieces by soprano Judith Dodsworth and pianist Philip Walsh aboard the ship this evening. The program will include Rodrigo’s ‘Four Amatory Madrigals’, de Falla’s ‘Seven Popular Spanish Songs’, and excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen.

Today, we explore La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands, and the closest to Tenerife. You may choose to join a guided tour to Garajonay National Park, whose dense green laurel forests are some of the best-preserved in the world. See the magnificent rock formation, Agando, and its curious companions. Or, for the more active, set off on a trek through Garajonay’s lush forests, and travel to Vallehermoso Botanical Garden to admire its intriguing and rare endemic plants.

Further west, we arrive at El Hierro, the smallest of the seven main islands within the archipelago. Plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke referred to this small island as 'the botanical Galápagos of Europe' owing to its many rare, endemic plant species. Explore the island’s lava-sculpted landscapes. Your guide will also bring you to the Guinea Ecomuseum, where you will discover traditional houses composed of lava rock, as well as a sanctuary protecting the island’s giant lizard population. The more active among us may instead choose to hike to La Llania, where spectacular views of the crater, La Hoya de Fireba, are on offer. Back aboard the ship this evening, settle in to enjoy more music from Judith and Philip, this time with more of a Latin flavour.

Due north of El Hierro, we discover the natural beauty of La Palma, which was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002. The island’s coastline, mountainous regions and volcanoes make for a diversity of terrain to explore. In the town of El Paso, pay a visit to the local silk museum, or perhaps opt for a more active option exploring the towering pines of the nearby El Pilar region. Otherwise, enjoy a guided walk through the forest of Los Tilos, to admire its wildflowers.

After navigating the Atlantic’s waters a little farther north, our ship arrives at Madeira's capital, Funchal. Set off on a garden discovery during a visit to Quinta da Boa Vista, which features an impressive collection of rare and prized orchids. We then travel to Quinta do Palheiro, also known as Palheiro Gardens. Renowned for its diversity of plants, the gardens occupy a delightful hillside setting to Funchal’s east. Enjoy another performance by Judith and Philip this evening.

Board a cable car to Monte this morning. Here you’ll encounter the district’s elegant palace, set within a garden paradise. Known as the Monte Palace Madeira, it houses a vast collection of plants from around the world. Close by, we visit the exquisite Madeira Botanical Garden. Boasting spectacular views over Funchal, the vibrant, colourful garden is home to more than 2,000 distinct plant species. Should you prefer, head to the coast and arrive at the world-famous Belmond Reid’s Palace. Take in stunning North Atlantic views while enjoying afternoon tea along the hotel’s perfectly positioned clifftop terrace. Back aboard the Hebridean Sky, cruise to Porto Santo this afternoon.

Disembark at Porto Santo, the smallest inhabited island of Madeira’s archipelago. A relaxed day of exploring here includes a tasting of the island’s wines. At the viewpoint of Pico de Castelo, admire the contours of Porto Santo’s coastline. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure back aboard the ship. Inspired by the flavours of the region, we then indulge in a matched-wine and musical experience, joined by Judith and Philip.

As we cruise toward mainland Portugal, relax and enjoy the amenities of the Hebridean Sky. Perhaps attend a lecture given by your Botanical Guide, who will brief you on some of the sights we will encounter tomorrow. We will also hear from Judith Dodsworth on the music of Portugal. Learn about Fado, the country’s celebrated musical style. Take the opportunity to participate during this exploration of the language, rhythms and melodies of this popular folk music.

Arriving in Lisbon, we disembark the ship after breakfast. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.