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.

Today visit the Botanical Gardens, where Tenerife’s unique microclimate supports an extraordinary diversity of plant life. Wander through lush surroundings where junipers, olives, palms, and ancient dragon trees grow side by side, creating a rich and varied landscape. Continue to the island’s opposing coast to explore the beautiful orchid collection at Sitio Litre Garden, one of the oldest gardens in Tenerife.

Further inland, discover the wildflowers of Mount Teide, where the dramatic volcanic terrain provides a striking backdrop to the island’s unique flora. Later this afternoon, embark the small ship, MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard. After dinner, Judith Dodsworth and Kym Dillon welcome you onboard with a vibrant selection of music inspired by the rich landscapes of Iberia.

Today, we explore La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands.

You may choose to join a guided tour to Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient laurel forests, which are some of the best-preserved in the world. Marvel at the striking monolith, Roque de Agando, which rises dramatically from the island’s volcanic landscape.

Or, for the more active, begin your day with a trek through the misty laurel forests of Garajonay National Park. Follow winding mountain trails beneath ancient, moss-covered trees, and pause at breathtaking viewpoints where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, visit the Vallehermoso Botanical Garden, where you can explore a remarkable collection of endemic and rare plant species unique to the Canary Islands. The garden offers a fascinating introduction to La Gomera’s extraordinary biodiversity and provides insight into the island’s ecological evolution.

Further west, we arrive at El Hierro, the smallest of the seven main islands within the archipelago. Plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke referred to it as 'the botanical Galápagos of Europe' owing to its many rare, endemic plant species. Our guide brings us to the Guinea Ecomuseum, where traditional houses are composed of lava rock. The more active among us may instead choose to hike to La Llania, which leads to the La Hoya de Fireba crater.

Back aboard the ship, Judith and Kym return to the stage, performing in Search of Duende. Duende describes the life, soul and spirit of the people, history and stories of Spain and Portugal. We hear it in the rich rhythms and harmonies of their music and deeply-felt poetry of love and loss, longing and joy.

Due north of El Hierro, we discover the natural beauty of La Palma, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002. Its coastline, mountains and volcanoes make for a diversity of terrain to explore. Choose from the following two optional tours today.

In the town of El Paso, pay a visit to the local silk museum and explore the geological wonder of Caldera de Taburiente.

Otherwise, enjoy a guided walk through the laurel forest of Los Tilos. Walk trails lined with mossy trees, ferns and streams, and discover an array of endemic wildflowers in bloom within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s fragrant forest.

This afternoon, enjoy free time in Santa Cruz de La Palma, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and colourful streets. The city features cobbled squares, elegant balconies, and historic churches, reflecting its rich cultural and maritime heritage.

Judith and Kym are joined by special guest Simon Rickard and his soprano curtal, a Renaissance wind instrument, to explore a fascinating selection of Portuguese courtly music of the 16th and 17th centuries.

This morning, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy a presentation by Tracy Foster on Madeira as we sail. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and personal experience, Tracy will provide an engaging overview of the island’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Kenneth Park will then deliver a talk on art and architecture, revealing the island’s distinctive styles, historic landmarks, and cultural influences. After sailing north across the Atlantic, we arrive in Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Set off on a garden discovery during a visit to Quinta da Boa Vista, which features an impressive collection of prized, rare orchids. We then travel to Palheiro Gardens, a stunning hillside estate known for its rich botanical variety and landscaped grounds. Spanning 14 hectares, the gardens feature centuries-old trees and vibrant camellias that bloom from late autumn to spring. Wander tranquil paths with fountains and grottos, and enjoy panoramic views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. This evening after dinner Judith and Kym invite you to take a walk on the lighter side, with some Latin-inspired musical fun.

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.

After lunch you may choose to 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. Or take in stunning North Atlantic views while enjoying afternoon tea along the hotel’s perfectly positioned clifftop terrace. Back aboard the Hebridean Sky this afternoon, we cruise to Porto Santo.

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. A Q&A session with our Botanical Guides gives us the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the plants, gardens, and ecosystems we’ve explored. Later in the afternoon, inspired by the region’s distinctive flavors, we indulge in a matched-wine and musical experience with performances by Judith and Kym, combining local culinary delights with lively music for a memorable sensory experience.

As we cruise toward mainland Portugal, Tracy Foster will present an interesting talk on Chelsea Flower Show, from its history to its iconic displays, and the latest trends in horticulture. Tracy is an experienced show garden judge and Chelsea gold-medal-winning garden designer and offers an insider’s perspective on this world-famous event. We will also hear from Judith and Kym on the traditional song style of Portugal, the Fado. Take the opportunity to participate in a fun, group singing activity as we explore the language, rhythms and melodies of this popular folk music style.

Arriving in Lisbon, we begin our day visiting Fronteira Palace, where the gardens are renowned for their formal box parterre, surrounded by walls decorated with beautiful azulejo tiles. We then enjoy lunch at Serra de Sintra and admire the stunning views. After lunch, continue to the National Palace of Pena, where you can admire the elaborate façades and colourful gardens that make this palace one of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks.

Farther north along Portugal’s coast, we arrive in the port city of Figueira da Foz. Considered the gateway to Portugal’s medieval centre, the seaside resort serves as a picturesque stopping point on our way to Coimbra. Begin with free time to explore Figueira da Foz at your own pace. This afternoon we continue to the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas. It was here that Inês de Castro and Pedro I of Portugal lived out their forbidden romance.

After exploring the gardens, we are transferred back to our ship. This evening, learn more about Inês de Castro and Pedro I, whose story of love has been celebrated in literature, art and music. Judith Dodsworth further illustrates their tragic tale in opera and song.

From the port of Leixões, you have the option today to set out for Porto. Along the banks of the Douro River, uncover the city’s fascinating history. Then toast Porto’s wine-making traditions at a local wine cellar. Alternatively, visit Quinta do Alão, a garden dating back to the 17th century, filled with Japanese trees, flowerbeds and sculptures. During our final night aboard the Hebridean Sky, Judith and Kym celebrate our voyage with a night of Latin jazz and fun.

Disembark this morning after breakfast and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.