Explore the west coast of Tenerife, a gorgeous landscape of remote villages and banana plantations. Have privilege views over the fertile Orotava valley from the Humbold viewpoint. Over time, sugarcane, grapes and bananas became the dominant crops, and they are still harvested using traditional techniques. Understand how the crops are cultivated visiting an old hacienda where you can learn firsthand how bananas are grown, a tour in an authentic banana plantation where you can see different varieties of bananas and learn the process before sampling the locally grown bananas and banana liqueur. On the way back to pier, visit an ancient garden hosting the largest orchid collection on the Island and stop at La Garañona Viewpoint, local´s favorite spot to take in the beauty of the sea and surrounding.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of how crops are harvested using traditional methods.
• Learn firsthand how bananas are grown and see different varieties in an authentic plantation.
• Visit an ancient garden hosting the largest orchid collection on the Island .
• Sample several varieties of bananas and banana liqueur, which attest to the fruit’s diversity.

Discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Gran Canaria and its colorful towns. Discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Gran Canaria and its colorful towns. Drive to one of the most important agricultural centers, Arucas, known as the banana capital of the island. Here you’ll visit a Banana Plantation and learn everything about this important and typical crop of Canary Island. You will also have the chance to taste one together with some local specialities! Next you will visit Jardin de la Marquesa. It originated as a small garden surrounding the summer residence of the marquis of Arucas and expanded to the lush gardens you’ll find today. This botanical garden has hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical flora. Flower lined lanes and ponds enhance the beauty of this place, where you may also encounter wandering peacocks. Taste a banana liquor at the Gardens, before rejoining the bus and head to the picturesque village of Teror, where colonial buildings grace the town's boulevard. Enjoy a walking tour and some free time before the drive back to pier.

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Enjoy a brief look at the fabled city of Granada and visit two notable landmarks, Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada.

It's a 45-minute drive inland to the Moorish city of Granada, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As you travel down a modern highway that was once ancient Arab pathways, you will enjoy wonderful views of both the Alpujarras Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, as well as groves of olive and fruit trees. Upon arrival, your first stop will be in the Albaicin quarter. This is the old Arab quarter and was the residential region of the Moors, even after the city was reclaimed by Spain. This narrow labyrinth of crooked streets escaped the fate of much of Granada, which was torn down in the name of progress. Fortunately it has been preserved, as have its cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate. From a viewpoint here, you'll be able to capture photos of the renowned Alhambra Palace.

Continuing on, you will drive to Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada which is located next door. The close relationship between both gives rise to a curious formal detail seen in the ambulatory that surrounds the circular gallery. The Capilla Real's gothic gateway becomes just another part of the Cathedral's walls, as if it were in reality one of the other many chapels when, in fact it represents the entrance to another building. In the Royal Chapel here, the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand are kept. It was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada, not Castile or Aragón. The coffins are remarkably tiny-a reminder of how short they must have been. In the sacristy you can view Isabella's personal art collection, including works by Rogier Van der Weyden and various Spanish and Italian masters, such as Botticelli.

Next, you will make the short walk to the richly ornate Renaissance Cathedral. With its spectacular altar, it is considered one of Spain's architectural highlights and is renowned for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1521 in a gothic style, and came to completion in 1714 as an example of Baroque architecture. Another outstanding feature is the facade by Alonso Cano, a truly marvelous example of Baroque interiors, culminating in the bell tower which holds more than a secret within. The ground plan incorporated a five-nave basilica and another in the center to be surrounded by an enormous aisle, in which a high altar would be inserted. This design led Rosenthal to believe that the model was based on the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Following your Cathedral visit, you'll walk back to your awaiting coach and make the drive back to the pier in Motril where your tour concludes.

Stroll through a bustling market taking note of the ingredients and then join a chef who will show you how to prepare paella from scratch, an iconic dish that will be your lunch. The items at the Central Market are locally sourced, so they truly represent the ingredients found in the regional cuisine. After meandering through the stalls, interacting with the vendors and sampling some of the delicacies, you will walk to a nearby restaurant for a paella workshop. The chef will show you step by step how to prepare authentic paella Alicante-style. You will have seen many of the ingredients in the market, which will make the preparation all the more relevant. Although the city of Valencia just to the north is known as the birthplace of paella, the version made in Alicante is much the same. Feel free to ask questions as the chef prepares the meal, which you will dine on afterwards.

See Granada’s most important Moorish-influenced attractions, including Carlos V Palace and the Albaicin neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering drive inland to Granada, the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492. The capital of the Andalusia region, Granada boasts a wealth of extraordinary architecture, including the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex, your first stop. Construction on the palace began in the early 16th century, following a Renaissance ground plan with a circular courtyard within a square building—the only one of its kind in Spain. Amazingly, a monarch has never lived in the palace, nor did it even have a roof until 1957. Next, walk down the Albaicin quarter, an ancient Moorish neighborhood of winding streets and whitewashed houses. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex, some original Moorish homes and plenty of unique stores selling handmade merchandise. Continue to browse a former Moorish-influenced gran Market, the only fully preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. Called “The Corral del Carbón” and built in the fourteenth century, served as a warehouse for merchandise to be sold there, as well as housing the merchants who passed through the city. Later, it was used as a hostel and as coal warehouse in their basement; that's where his current name comes from. After that, in the sixteenth century, Christians adapted it for theatrical performances. Lastly, you will also visit the Capilla Real or Royal Chapel, where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. Finally, enjoy free time to shop or have lunch on your own in one of the many atmospheric bars and restaurant in the surroundings

Discover the archaeological heritage and history of the first inhabitants of the island and learn about this beautiful land. You’ll visit a lush botanical garden, the Painted Cave Museum and Archaeological Park plus enjoy a typical drink. Discover the archaeological heritage and history of the first inhabitants of the island and learn about this beautiful land. Drive to Arucas for a short photo stop to view its majestic lava-stone church. You’ll visit the Jardin de la Marquesa, which started as a small garden surrounding the summer residence of the marquis of Arucas. Today, this lush botanical garden has hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical flora. Flower lined lanes and ponds enhance the beauty of this place, where you may encounter free wandering peacocks. Relax and taste a banana liquor. Continue to Galdar to visit the Painted Cave Museum and Archaeological Park; taking its name from the remarkable rock paintings found in the cave. The museum was built around the remains of the aborigine settlement and preserves the great cultural heritage of the island, offering a journey into pre-Hispanic Gran Canaria.

Applaud the splendid natural beauty of Southern Africa's western coast during this dolphin and seal cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Short transfer to the Walvis Bay Marina and board an open-air boat for a three-hour cruise in the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon, declared a Wetland of International Importance as it is one of the most significant ecological sites along Southern Africa’s western coast. You’ll learn that the lagoon is well-known for its native bird species and vast array of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants, and find the water is usually very calm yet teeming with avian and marine life. Continue on to Pelican Point, a sand spit separating Walvis Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll likely encounter a large Cape fur seal colony, and watch for schools of heavyside and bottlenose dolphins that often swim alongside the boat. Keep a sharp lookout for white-chinned petrels, Wilson’s storm petrels, cape gannets, pelicans and cormorants. During your cruise, you’ll savor a delicious repast of fresh oysters, sparkling wine, soft drinks and a selection of open-faced sandwiches, a perfect accompaniment to your outdoor adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark an open-air boat for an in-depth exploration of the famed Walvis Bay Lagoon.
• Survey the lagoon’s protected wetland, known for its plethora of avian species and marine life.
• Spy a large colony of Cape fur seals at sandy Pelican Point.
• Thrill to schools of heavyside and bottlenose dolphins trailing beside your boat.
• Search for white-chinned petrels, Wilson’s storm petrels or cape gannets amid a flurry of countless pelicans and cormorants.
• Relish a tasty meal of fresh oysters, open-faced sandwiches, soft drinks and sparkling wine as you cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Watch a moving flamenco performance next to Granada's bull fight ring and then enjoy free time in Granada exploring everything from little-known attractions to those as famous as the Alhambra. Depart from the pier and drive inland, past the majestic Sierra Nevada National Park and on to Granada, an Andalusian city that reveres flamenco. Upon your arrival in Granada , marvel in front at the Bullfight Ring (Plaza de Toro), one of the 10th largest in Spain and active agenda.

Next, you'll be treated to a highly charged, passionate flamenco performance. Through dance, song and guitar music, the seductive gypsy art of flamenco tells an emotional story with themes ranging from love to oppression. Its roots can be traced back more than 200 years, and nowhere is flamenco admired more than in Granada.

After this pure Andalusian experience, you'll transfer to the city center, where you're free to spend the afternoon doing whatever you wish. Wander the labyrinthine streets and plazas in the historic Albaicin neighborhood, a World Heritage Site where the Moors once resided. Behold the ornate cathedral and the Royal Chapel next door where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. Or simply spend your time browsing the shops for hand-painted ceramics, designer fashions and leather goods, all of which are extraordinary in Granada.

After approximately 3 ½ hours on your own, you'll rejoin your coach and escort at the appointed time and place and make the return journey back to Motril. Those who are not on time for the return transfer will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.

A drive to the southern part of the Lanzarote will take you past the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross black lava streams before arriving at the southwest coast of the island, passing by El Golfo, a breathtaking green lake. After a brief photo stop and a short drive, you’ll reach the Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ashes are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat within the earth below.

Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the National Park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape-growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. After this photo stop you’ll return to your ship.

Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands and the capital of Gran Canaria. Enjoy the ride to the enchanting Doramas Park, landscaped with native flora and dragon trees. Visit the model of a traditional village, located in the park. Continue to the historical section of the city called Vegueta, a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and tiny squares. Stop for photos at Plaza Santa Ana with its bronze statues in honor of the dogs which probably gave the Canary Islands their name - canum in Latin. Facing the plaza is the Cathedral of Santa Ana with its impressive 19th century neoclassical Roman columns. Enjoy a visit to the lush botanical gardens with an impressive collection of native plants. Stop at the Altavista lookout point for stunning views of Las Palmas, Las Canteras Beach and the harbor with your ship in the background. Stop for pictures at beautiful Las Canteras beach, for outstanding views over the ocean and the modern auditorium as a background before returning to your ship

Discover the quaint village of Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves, with their pretty houses, lovely narrow streets and the seashore. Sample some local wines in the beautiful surroundings of a plantation.

Drive to the north coast of Gran Canaria en route to Agaete, a quaint village with narrow streets and whitewashed houses surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village at leisure.

Discover the Barranco de Agaete – a lush haven where bananas, mangos, papayas, oranges, and lemons grow surrounded by the arid landscape of the island. You’ll see one of the greenest valleys on the island, Valle de Agaete and visit a plantation here. You’ll taste a selection of local award winning wines here accompanied by some tasty treats. On the way of back to pier, stop at viewpoint Auditorium for breathtaking views of the city.

Visit several attractions associated with Lanzarote’s most celebrated artist, who believed that architecture and art must be created in harmony with the natural environment. Although Arrecife-born artist César Manrique died in 1992, his influence is still prevalent as you will discover at the Cactus Garden. He transformed this former landfill into a landscape of fantastical art and thousands of exotic cacti. As a special treat, you will watch how cochineal insects are cultivated there to make a red dye for textiles, cosmetics and food. Manrique was also the visionary behind Jameos de Agua, a cultural center that he created in the lava tubes left after the eruption of La Corona volcano. Within this natural space, Manrique designed an auditorium, an aquatic habitat and a restaurant with a hardened black lava floor. You will see some of his artwork in the Castle of San Jose, an 18th-century fortress that has been converted into a museum of contemporary art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through a cactus garden that legendary local artist César Manrique created.
• Tour a cultural center that Manrique designed within a series of volcanic lava tubes.
• Behold Manrique’s art in an 18th-century castle that is now a contemporary art museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.