Costa del Sol to the Canary Islands

Welcome to Spain’s famous Costa del Sol and the 3,000-year-old city of Malaga. A favourite among Europeans, this destination is renowned for its sunshine, rich history and vibrant artistic spirit. Savour local delights like tinto de verano, a refreshing chilled summer wine, and stroll through streets adorned with stunning architectural treasures.

This afternoon, you’ll board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht for your Signature Yacht Cruise. After exploring your spacious suite, enjoy a drink on your private verandah and toast the start of this enriching journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Malaga prior to 02:00 PM.

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

This morning, you’ll arrive in Gibraltar. Dominating the mouth of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is a natural fortress. The skyline is dominated by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, a 426-metre-high limestone promontory. On the streets below, explore dozens of British stores and traditional pubs, and marvel that you’re a stone’s throw from Spain.

During the late evening cruise through the Gibraltar Strait, witness the stunning view of Europe and Africa's lights twinkle on the horizon. This unique sight highlights the beauty of the historic passage and is a must-see experience.

Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops. Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide. Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles. If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space. If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.

At the northwestern tip of the African continent lies Tangier, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the White City for its whitewashed houses lining winding streets, Tangier has been shaped by numerous cultures and civilisations over the centuries. The strong Spanish influence makes it a prime example of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Today, Tangier is a bustling modern port and the busiest in the Mediterranean.

A pivotal port city linking Africa and Europe, Tangier lies just nineteen miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the Iberian Peninsula. Long coveted for its strategic location where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, numerous empires called it their own throughout history. The city’s vibrancy and multicultural air attracted all manner of artists in the late 20th century, including Henri Matisse and Paul Bowles. Tangier’s ancient, walled medina brims with the pleasures of Morocco, from intricate carpets and finely made slippers to fresh dates.

At sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life onboard. Guests can visit the gym for a workout, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply find a comfortable spot on deck to watch for whales and admire the endless ocean views. They can also enjoy onboard entertainment, read a favorite book, or savor delicious meals at their own pace. With no rush to disembark, these tranquil blue sea days provide a refreshing break from the excitement of sightseeing. The balance between leisurely days at sea and adventurous days ashore creates a truly rewarding and memorable cruise experience.

Boasting one of Europe’s finest golden-sand beaches, Porto Santo is a serene escape of golden shores and blue waters, perfect for relaxation. The island’s renowned 9-kilometre beach is believed to have therapeutic qualities, with its sand and waters rich in iodine, calcium, and magnesium, making it ideal for soothing rheumatism and bone ailments.

By evening, Scenic Eclipse II glides into the enchanting harbour of Funchal, where the twinkling lights of Madeira’s capital city create a breathtaking welcome. With an overnight stay in port, you will have the opportunity to experience the island’s charm after dark.

The small island of Porto Santo lies 21 miles northeast from Madeira, a two and a half hour trip by local ferry. As a result of this close proximity, Porto Santo’s history has been associated with that of its larger sister island since the 14th century, when both appear on a Genoese map. It was in the early 15th century that the Portuguese explorer, Joao Goncalves Zarco, landed on uninhabited Porto Santo after being blown off course while exploring the coast of Africa. He returned the following year on a voyage sponsored by Henry the Navigator; this time he spotted Madeira on the horizon. Compared to Madeira, Porto Santo still remains largely unspoiled, with beautiful sand beaches. Its climate is fairly predictable - dry and warm with few differences in temperature between the seasons, which allows swimming almost year-round. In addition to fine beaches, the island’s major claim to fame is based on the fact that Christopher Columbus lived here for some time and was married to the daughter of the local governor. In the small capital, Vila Baleira, the house of Columbus has been converted into a museum. Another attraction on Porto Santo is the Pico do Castelo. The fort, standing on the highest point of the island, was erected in the 16th century to ward off attacks by French and Algerian pirates. In recent years, thousands of trees have been planted in various parts of the island in an effort to stem the erosion of precious soil. Results so far offer pleasingly green patches in an otherwise dry and arid landscape. Remote Porto Santo still offers visitors an air of tranquility and a look at an unhurried way of life, where stress has not yet had its effect on the 5,000 or so islanders. On the other hand, one must also keep in mind that tourist facilities on Porto Santo are not of the same high standard as on the sister island, Madeira. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the port of Santo. The pier is about two miles from Vila Baleira, the island’s small capital. Taxis may be found in limited supply for the short ride to town or for a trip around the island. Rates should be agreed on before leaving the pier. Facilities at the port include telephone and fax services, a pharmacy and a rental car office. Shopping Local souvenirs include objects made from straw such as miniature windmills and dolls. They can be found in shops around Vila Baleira. Opening hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., opening again at 3:00 p.m. Most shops accept U.S. dollars. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine If you feel like having lunch ashore, seafood is your best choice, which you can find at either Mar e Sol or Por do Sol in Vila Baleira. Other Sites Of interest in town are several churches, the town hall square, a monument dedicated to Portuguese discoveries and the Museum “Casa Colombo.” Around the island you find ruins of 16th-century fortifications and a geological monument at Pico Ana Ferreira. Most of these sights are covered on the tour.

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

Today, your journey concludes in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a vibrant island paradise. As you disembark from your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and bid farewell to the crew and newfound friends, feel a deep sense of renewal and tranquillity.

Please book your flight to depart out of Tenerife after 01:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.  Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in Morocco. Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.