14 Night Cruise sailing from Liverpool roundtrip aboard Borealis.

Prepare for the busy festive period on a pre-Christmas getaway packed with the sun, sand and sights of a string of gorgeous islands. There are chances to explore volcanic landscapes and idyllic gardens, unwind on gorgeous beaches and even witness the spectacular Geminid meteors, leaving you feel a world away from the December gloom being endured back home.

Time at sea to relax and settle into life on board Borealis, will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to experience the Canaries over seven memorable days. Visiting Gran Canaria makes for a perfect start; perhaps indulge in the island’s renowned warmth at the rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas, or seek-out the picturesque scenery of the Agaete Valley or Los Tilos forest. The lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote are then yours to explore; Arrecife is your gateway to Timanfaya National Park and mighty Fire Mountains, as well as the Jameos del Agua caves’ remarkable exhibit of geology and architectural design. Meanwhile, Fuerteventura will offer a taste of authentic Canarian life; pretty Puerto del Rosario boasts tapas bars and cafés, beautiful surrounding landscapes and inviting golden beaches.
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The time in Tenerife that follows is sure to be a highlight; your extended visit is timed to coincide with the magical Geminid Meteor Shower, affording you the best chance to watch the darting lights of spellbinding ‘shooting stars’ as they streak across the sky. You can take the day to see majestic Mount Teide, or uncover the mysterious of the Güímar pyramids and poison gardens too. At gorgeous La Gomera, you’ve an opportunity to go in search of volcanic wonders and verdant forests once again, or even visit Fred. Olsen’s Hotel Jardin Tecina. Finally, for a memorable conclusion to the Canarian adventures, the ‘Pretty Island’ of La Palma provide the perfect parting shot. Santa Cruz serving as your starting point for exploring an astonishing UNESCO-listed wonderland of varied landscapes, from San Antonio Volcanic Park – where natural gems such as the Teneguia Volcano await – to enchanted laurel forests waiting to share their secrets.

Highlights of this cruise:

Liverpool, United Kingdom
Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.

Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.

A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Arrecife, Spain
The bustling port of Arrecife on Lanzarote’s east coast is home to the biggest fishing fleet in the Canaries. Back in the 16th and 17th centuries the city was regularly attacked by pirates. To defend against these raiders, the court of Spain ordered two castles to be built. The first built in 1590, Castillo San Gabriel, now houses the island’s Ethnographic Museum, which tells the fascinating story of the islands' original inhabitants: the Guanche.

Castillo San Jose followed later, providing employment and alleviating poverty on the island following volcanic eruptions in the 1730s - it became known as the Fortress of Hunger. Today, it is home to the Museum of International and Contemporary Art, with a small but impressive collection of modern paintings and sculpture. The excellent restaurant in its basement offers diners panoramic views over the harbour. Today, Arrecife is a quirky hotchpotch of sun-bleached buildings and has a pleasant Mediterranean-style promenade.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks.

Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too.

Away from the capital, many of Tenerife's highlights await on tours, including the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical lava stone Pyramids of Guimar. Exploring the volcanic El Teide National Park to marvel at majestic Mount Teide, or even climb Spain's highest peak, is an unmissable experience.

San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian is the beautiful capital of La Gomera, one of the smaller, lesser-known islands in the Canaries. A lively, vibrant city, San Sebastian offers much to enjoy including pristine beaches, perfectly-preserved historic buildings and natural parks of jaw-dropping beauty.

Also known as 'Isla Colombina' because of its historic links to Christopher Columbus – the great explorer called at La Gomera on his way to America. Many of San Sebastian’s buildings and monuments are linked to him, including the Casa de la Agunada and the Casa de Colon where, according to legend, Columbus stayed during his time on the island.

The 15th century Torre del Conde military tower and Ermita de San Sebastian Church, which dates back to the 16th century, are easily accessible highlights. The Church of the Assumption has a mural depicting an 18th-century battle, while La Gomera Archaeological Museum traces the local culture through artefacts and scale models.

The city’s beaches are typically Canarian and benefit from a fantastic warm climate almost all-year round, soft sands and crystal clear waters. Playa de La Cueva – often referred to as La Gomera’s best beach, is a great place to relax.

Northwest of the city lies the Parque Natural de Majona, a beautiful natural park smothered with rolling valleys, stunning flora and dry Fayal-Heath, creates an incredible landscape that's a joy to explore.