Seychelles to Portugal Grand Voyage

Today, make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Mahe, Seychelles.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Mahe, Seychelles join an arranged transfer to the hotel for a three night stay. Once checked in the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Few places on Earth can claim to have been as blessed by nature as Mahe. Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago over 1,500 kilometres east of Mombasa, Mahe is the biggest of the 115 islands and is home to so many stunning attractions, you won't know where to begin. The Seychelles are the destination of a lifetime, with cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush, tropical jungle, and surreal, natural beauty as far as the eye can see.

Mahe boast 68 pristine beaches, it is dominated by the towering peaks of the Morne Seychellois National Park that takes up over 20% of the island and is home to a vast amount of endemic flora and fauna, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl. Unsurprisingly, the crystal-clear waters are a diver's heaven, promising a colourful cornucopia of underwater life.

Frenchman Lazare Picault explored the as-yet-unnamed islands in 1742, however, it took a further 14 years for the French to lay claim to the islands,Corneille Morphey, captain of the the French naval ship Le Cerf, christened the archipelago after Vicomte Moreau de Séchelles. He did this by setting down a Stone of Possession, which is on display in the National Museum. A handful of first settlers arrived in 1770 however this has swelled to todays 80,000 Seychellois.

Overnight: Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa or similar, Mahe Island, Seychelles

Meals included: None

Spend the day at leisure in this tropical paradise offering a perfect blend of stunning beaches, lush hiking trails, and vibrant Creole culture. Unwind on beautiful beaches like Beau Vallon or Anse Intendance, explore scenic hikes such as Morne Blanc or Anse Major, and enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in the charming capital, Victoria. Don’t miss snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or a visit to the Takamaka rum distillery for a taste of island life. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Mahe has something special for every traveller.

Overnight: Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa or similar, Mahe Island, Seychelles

Meals included: Breakfast

Spend another day at leisure on Mahe, Seychelles. This tropical paradise offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, lush hiking trails, and vibrant Creole culture. Unwind on beautiful beaches like Beau Vallon or Anse Intendance, explore scenic hikes such as Morne Blanc or Anse Major, and enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in the charming capital, Victoria. Don’t miss snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or a visit to the Takamaka rum distillery for a taste of island life. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Mahe has something special for every traveller.

Overnight: Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa or similar, Mahe Island, Seychelles

Meals included: Breakfast

Departs: 23:00

After breakfast this morning join an arranged transfer to Port Victoria cruise terminal for your embarkation on Silversea's stunning Silver Dawn. Once on board the remainder of the day is at leisure exploring this amazing ship.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 17:00

Loved by those who like their paradise just as nature intended, Praslin is one of the Seychelles’ most beautiful islands. And why? Anse Lazio - the island's beach is a repeated winner of world's best, making the island a pull for travellers who want to go the extra mile to find an unblemished island nirvana. The tiny island of Praslin is the second largest of the Seychelles islands, at just 11 kilometres long and 4 kilometres wide, packed with island flora and fauna and surrounded by sea.

The island's original name is Isle de Palmes and it's not hard to see why. The lush jungle that makes up the island's interior has it all from bubbling brooks, winding paths to towering trees that provide welcome respite from the sun. The jungle heart is home to the endemic Black Parrot (fewer than 1,000 of these birds are in existence) and the famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut (25 kilograms), grows abundantly here in the wild.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind onboard. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Overnight

Mauritius boasts a unique marine environment, surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs on the planet, conservationists are now campaigning to protect its white coral sand beaches and fragile ecosystem. Located just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is fast making a name for itself as the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean. This volcanic island approximately 10 million years old, and Mauritius is thought to be the peak of an enormous sunken volcanic chain stretching from the Seychelles to Réunion. Volcanic lakes and inactive craters can be found scattered throughout the island.

Mauritius remained uninhabited until the end of the 16th century when Dutch colonists settled on the island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch colonial period saw the development of thriving sugar cane plantations, continued by the French who expanded into indigo, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices. The island was ceded to the British at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, until gaining independence in 1968. Mauritius is now a vibrant cultural mix with impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations, and some of the World's most exquisite beaches and aquamarine lagoons.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Departs: 19:00

Mauritius boasts a unique marine environment, surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs on the planet, conservationists are now campaigning to protect its white coral sand beaches and fragile ecosystem. Located just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is fast making a name for itself as the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean. This volcanic island approximately 10 million years old, and Mauritius is thought to be the peak of an enormous sunken volcanic chain stretching from the Seychelles to Réunion. Volcanic lakes and inactive craters can be found scattered throughout the island.

Mauritius remained uninhabited until the end of the 16th century when Dutch colonists settled on the island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch colonial period saw the development of thriving sugar cane plantations, continued by the French who expanded into indigo, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices. The island was ceded to the British at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, until gaining independence in 1968. Mauritius is now a vibrant cultural mix with impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations, and some of the World's most exquisite beaches and aquamarine lagoons.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 18:00

Feel the excitement as you enter the port of Pointe des Galets in the northwest of Reunion Island, this gorgeous tropical island is yours to discover. Immerse yourself in local life by visiting one of the weekly markets, the perfume of vanilla beans, coffee, and more straight from the plantations will awaken your senses. Try the fresh tropical fruit piled up on the stalls and delicious local snacks on offer relishing the quintessential, irresistible flavours of Reunion.

If it’s relaxing beach time you’re after, head for the Boucan Canot beach, one of the island's most beautiful and safest beaches to swim. The expanse of fine white sand is an invitation to unwind, palm groves offer green relief, bars, and cafes a place to sip on ice-cold drinks whilst contemplating the vast Indian ocean before you. To explore under the waves, team up with one of the many dive centres that can show you shipwrecks and volcanic caves. Snorkelers can see sea turtles, colourful corals, and tropical fish of every shade of the rainbow.

Saint-Denis the capital of Reunion Island a mere 20 minutes away, is a must-visit. A rich cultural heritage and wonderful location makes a walk through the historic centre a joy. Admire the beautiful 19th century Creole architecture, and stroll the length of the elegant Rue de Paris. There are plenty of historic monuments to visit and peaceful shady gardens to unwind in, and of course, a glass of fine rum is an essential part of a stay on the island. So raise your glass to this paradise – Santé!

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 19:00

Welcome to South Africa’s third most popular city with its vibrant waterfront, complete with street performers and sand artists. This melting pot of ethnicity, with all cultures from Zulu to Indian find a home in the laid-back lifestyle that has locals calling it simply “Durbs”. Surrounded by sweeping landscapes and blessed with a clement climate, visitors to Durban will quickly see the reason people love it so much is a combination of all of the above.

Durban has always been a beach city, but a recent revamp of the promenade has brought with it some fantastic eateries which serve up all kinds of “chow” from traditional bunny chow to bobotie, (a sweet spiced mince dish with egg topping). Expect Asian influences wherever you go, too. Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India.

Historically, the city of eThekwini – Durban in Zulu – was inhabited by hunter-gatherers as early as 100,00 BC. It was first sighted by Vasco de Gamma in 1497, but it was not until 1824 that the British settlers raised the Union Jack. This was after King Shaka gifted a “a 40-kilometre strip of coast 160 kilometres in depth” to Henry Francis Fynn after Fynn helped him recover from a stab wound. It remained part of the British Commonwealth until 1960, when it became part of the Republic of South Africa. The city’s Euro-African heritage remains to this day.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00 - Departs: 19:00

The British built East London port on the Buffalo River in 1847 to service their military forts and troops during land disputes with the Xhosa people. This ancient landscape is home to some of the world's oldest known fossilised human footprints, dated at approximately 124,000 years. Most of the eight million Xhosa people live in Eastern Cape Province, with a rich and ongoing culture that celebrates vibrant clothing, music and dance. Beaded jewellery is important for many reasons - as decoration for dancers, special ceremonies and indicating the social status of women.

The city has several natural attractions including sandy beaches and water activities on the sheltered and picturesque Buffalo River. Like many areas of South Africa, game parks are popular for local wildlife lovers. Speaking of nature, near to East London is where the first living (well freshly dead in an angler’s catch) coelacanth known to science was found in 1938. This lobe-finned fish had been only known from 66-million-year-old fossils. It is more closely related to four-legged land animals than typical ray-finned fish. East London is a place that certainly has history.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00 - Overnight

Port Elizabeth is an uncut gem of a destination, it is a city of many faces. From a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes, and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet, to a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. Port Elizabeth is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom.

Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region who want to put it back on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go, a pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, and restored Victorian terraces.

Port Elizabeth's proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela makes it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from Port Elizabeth (70 and 90 kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no-holds-barred natural beauty and a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Departs: 19:00

Port Elizabeth is an uncut gem of a destination, it is a city of many faces. From a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes, and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet, to a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. Port Elizabeth is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom.

Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region who want to put it back on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go, a pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, and restored Victorian terraces.

Port Elizabeth's proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela makes it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from Port Elizabeth (70 and 90 kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no-holds-barred natural beauty and a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00 : Overnight

Sprawling across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world's most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism, and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid-back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture.

Why not take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where from the summit, 1,067 metres above sea level, the panoramic vistas of the city roll down towards the ocean. Another heavenly perspective can be found at the top of Lion's Head's tapering peak, where a sharp hike and an early start rewards you with views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold - some of Cape Town's finest.

The city's beauty is counterpointed by the ominous Robben Island, which sits seven kilometres offshore. Discover the recent history of this offshore prison and share Mandela's long walk to freedom.

Cape Town's glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a little deceiving though - these vast oceans rollin straight from Antarctica's icy chill. The cool water has upsides though, bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Or you could take a journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast this morning, disembark. At the appropriate time re-embark aboard the stunning Silver Dawn for your onward cruise from Cape Town, South Africa to Lisbon, Portugal.

If there is a change of suite required your butler will transfer your luggage across to your newly assigned suite for your second voyage.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 18:00

The scorched desert that surrounds Luderitz means the city's charming, yet quirky, collection of German art nouveau architecture couldn't look more unusually placed along the Namibian coastline.

See gangs of playful penguins skipping across the waves, pink flamingos wading by the coast, and dolphins leaping into the air near Penguin Island and Seal Island. Inland from Luderitz is Kolmanskop, the site of a famous diamond mine and ghost town.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 12:00 - Overnight

Home to a beautiful lagoon, washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos, Walvis Bay is a colourful African port of call where you can meet some of the continent's most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa, the city takes its name from Whale Bay - which gives a clue as to the wonderful wildlife-watching opportunities available here. The deep-water blossoms with rich levels of plankton, drawing curious marine mammals in large numbers to feast. As Namibia's only deep-water harbour, Walvis Bay is an important fishing centre for the country, and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers.

Walvis Bay is a bird lover's paradise, and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here, to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Watch for preening crowds, admire the flamingos, herons and carefully treading wading bird species. Meet the pelicans at nearby Pelican Point - a sandy spit, which calms the waves heading for the waterfront. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore too, there's a wide variety of wildlife to see here.

On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond, Dune 7 rises up to form the highest sand dune in the country, with sands piling up 380 metres. Why not try sand skiing, sand-boarding or climb to the top for views from the dune's heights, or perhaps even take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals that roam the landscapes.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Departs: 19:00

Home to a beautiful lagoon, washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos, Walvis Bay is a colourful African port of call where you can meet some of the continent's most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa, the city takes its name from Whale Bay - which gives a clue as to the wonderful wildlife-watching opportunities available here. The deep-water blossoms with rich levels of plankton, drawing curious marine mammals in large numbers to feast. As Namibia's only deep-water harbour, Walvis Bay is an important fishing centre for the country, and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers.

Walvis Bay is a bird lover's paradise, and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here, to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Watch for preening crowds, admire the flamingos, herons and carefully treading wading bird species. Meet the pelicans at nearby Pelican Point - a sandy spit, which calms the waves heading for the waterfront. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore too, there's a wide variety of wildlife to see here.

On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond, Dune 7 rises up to form the highest sand dune in the country, with sands piling up 380 metres. Why not try sand skiing, sand-boarding or climb to the top for views from the dune's heights, or perhaps even take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals that roam the landscapes.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00 - Departs: 23:59

Luanda is the boisterous coastal capital city of Angola, and one of the world's most expensive cities. This oil-driven community has recovered slowly from years of unrest, and today offers visitors a range of experiences, from 16th century forts, a restaurant-lined oceanfront promenade to hunting for handmade souvenirs in bustling local markets.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 18:00

Emerging from The Gambia's wild mangrove swamps, Banjul sits at the spot where the River Gambia's yawning mouth opens up to meet the salty tang of the Atlantic. Punctuated by a soaring 35-metre arched gateway, The Gambia's capital is a place of scorched sunlight and faded colonial history, which provides flavours of laidback beachside relaxation mixed with exotic old-world African seaport charm.

Despite its capital status, Banjul, with its soft lyrical name, often has more of a village feel to it. Explore the tight-knit labyrinth of Albert Market where the sounds of bartering rise to a pitched crescendo in the early morning - the perfect time to plunge in for a dizzying hit of sensory overload. A beloved gathering spot since the 19th century, the market is a riot of colour, with stalls buckling below the weight of print fabrics, salt-crusted fish, and colourful textiles. While the market can be a disorientating whir of activity, the city as a whole tends to move at a more lackadaisical, laidback pace.

Visit Oyster Creek, to let an afternoon float by fishing rod in hand, as the sunlight slants across the water. Cormorants and pelicans step gingerly across the sinking mudflats that line the riverbank. Those craving cultural immersion could visit a local home for a cooking experience, helping to descale fresh red snapper, sipping baobab juice, and mixing spices into an authentic benachin pot.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 23:00

Watch the stars glittering at night, climb jungled volcano calderas, and explore the historical allure of the sun-gorged island of Gran Canaria. The sprawling capital of the Canaries is Spain's ninth-biggest city, stretched out along the sparkling coastline.

Unwind on the city's urban beaches, before discovering the bustling, authentic tapas bars. An offshore barrier of lava strips waves of their power, making Las Canteras's urban beach one of the best and calmest in the Canaries. Strap on your snorkel to explore the seabed, which blooms with colourful fish and tropical reefs. Or, settle back to soak in the warm glow of one of the best climates in the world, while reclining on the soft sand, which arcs along the capital's fringe.

At the other end of town, La Vegueta old town is a charming stroll along cobbled streets, wandering past decorative doorways and balconies that beg to be photographed. The narrow 15th century streets take on an extra romantic air in the evenings, as lanterns cast a soft glow over them. Calle Colon offers a hint of the street's history, and it's here where the handsome colonial house and now museum of Christopher Columbus stands. Columbus stayed here to recuperate, between his boundary-redefining voyages.

Out of Las Palmas, diverse and exciting volcanic landscapes await, including the spectacular Caldera de Bandama, which plunges 200 metres into the earth. From the summit, views stretch out to the looming island of Fuerteventura unravel. You could also discover pretty white-wash fishing villages, dazzling gardens, and the sun-bathed vineyards that produce Gran Canaria's crispest wines.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 19:00

Although this busy port city is smaller and quieter than Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz has its own share of elegant monuments. Until 1837, the island's capital was La Laguna, not Santa Cruz, with only a few of the buildings in the city centre older than that. At the busy Plaza de España, several pedestrian streets lead north and to the west of the port, where you'll find the city's stunning auditorium and maritime park. A real highlight of the city is its ramblas, long tree-lined boulevards that fall steeply from the north end of the city to the sea.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 14:30 - Overnight

Bedecked with dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains, and sun-gorged beaches, Madeira is a lush, colourful island of plants, paradise, and Portuguese-flavoured pleasures. Bathed in year-round sunshine, Funchal - the lowkey capital of Madeira - is perfect for slowing the pace, and toasting the thrilling scenery with a bottle of the island's famous wine.

Narrow, cobblestone streets line the old town, where whitewashed buildings, iron-wrought balconies, and tiled patterns carry echoes of Lisbon. Rua de Santa Maria is the city's oldest street, and the doors have been vividly painted by local artists. Sit for a drink, to sample your choice of Madeira's renowned wines - Boal is the ideal option for those with a sweeter tooth.

You'll also find Corpo Santo Chapel here, one of the few remaining buildings to have survived from the 15th century. Blossoming parks and gardens splash colour around, and the sweet smell of pollen lingers in Parque de Santa Catarina. Look out over Funchal Harbor between the fountains and blooming flower beds, as ducks and swans enjoy leisurely days on the lake. Madeira Botanical Garden awaits in the hills over the city, along with Palhero Garden - a sophisticated and elegantly landscaped English garden, 500 metres above sea level.

For an even more dramatic view of this gorgeous setting, head up to Cap Girao - a rusty-red cliff, with a cable car strung up to its sheer drop. The cliff falls away vertically to the vivid blue waters below. Or head down to the sea, to enjoy Funchal's gorgeous pebble beaches rustling, framed by colossal, craggy cliffs.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Departs: 18:00

Bedecked with dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains, and sun-gorged beaches, Madeira is a lush, colourful island of plants, paradise, and Portuguese-flavoured pleasures. Bathed in year-round sunshine, Funchal - the lowkey capital of Madeira - is perfect for slowing the pace, and toasting the thrilling scenery with a bottle of the island's famous wine.

Narrow, cobblestone streets line the old town, where whitewashed buildings, iron-wrought balconies, and tiled patterns carry echoes of Lisbon. Rua de Santa Maria is the city's oldest street, and the doors have been vividly painted by local artists. Sit for a drink, to sample your choice of Madeira's renowned wines - Boal is the ideal option for those with a sweeter tooth.

You'll also find Corpo Santo Chapel here, one of the few remaining buildings to have survived from the 15th century. Blossoming parks and gardens splash colour around, and the sweet smell of pollen lingers in Parque de Santa Catarina. Look out over Funchal Harbor between the fountains and blooming flower beds, as ducks and swans enjoy leisurely days on the lake. Madeira Botanical Garden awaits in the hills over the city, along with Palhero Garden - a sophisticated and elegantly landscaped English garden, 500 metres above sea level.

For an even more dramatic view of this gorgeous setting, head up to Cap Girao - a rusty-red cliff, with a cable car strung up to its sheer drop. The cliff falls away vertically to the vivid blue waters below. Or head down to the sea, to enjoy Funchal's gorgeous pebble beaches rustling, framed by colossal, craggy cliffs.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 08:00 - Departs: 18:00

Sprawl out and relax across thick wedges of glorious, golden sands, in Portugal’s sun-worshipping paradise. Portimão is a beachy heaven and a perfect encapsulation of the Algarve’s Atlantic appeals, offering easy access to the wonderful Praia da Rocha. Head straight for the long and wide expanse of this famous beach, where you can kick back and enjoy soft, honey-coloured sands and gentle waves rolling ashore. A spectacular and spacious sandy expanse – located at the point where the Arade River unloads into the Atlantic – relax, or wander the wooden boardwalk to a string of neighbouring beaches, as you explore among dramatic, tank-like rock formations. Taste juicy hauls of sardines, cooked over open fires, with glasses of wine pressed from the vineyards nearby - as you lavish under the sunshine of the Algarve’s prime holiday region.

Surrounded by offbeat fishing villages, stunning coastlines, and quaintly tiled old towns, there is a rich medley of life, culture, and flavours to indulge in. Attractive mosaics pattern the scenic Ribeirinha promenade, breathing new life into Portimão’s rugged old docks, and creating a charming riverside stroll that leads to the showpiece beach. Elsewhere, the arches and sea-eroded limestone stacks of the monumental Ponta da Piedade coastline are close by, or you can make for Silves, a historical former capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve, crowned with a soaring sandy castle. The Moorish trading outpost of Lagos is also within reach, where you can visit a coastline dotted with gaping sea caves, set below crumbling coastal fortresses.

Overnight: Silversea's Silver Dawn

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00 - Disembark

After breakfast this morning, disembark Silver Dawn and join an arranged transfer to your hotel for a two night city stay. Once checked in the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: PortoBay Liberdade or similar, Lisbon, Portugal

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the day at leisure in Portugal's capital, a glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom, and authenticity Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks - and this creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty.

Stroll along Alfama's steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods - where each house and door could be its own photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more.

Afterwards, wind up to Sao Jorge Castle, where views out across Lisbon's red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graca for perhaps Lisbon's finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings. The elegant Tower of Belem rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores.

The grand, carved cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery spread out close by, and there's another UNESCO-recognised location close by at Sintra, where a colourful town is set amid thick gardens and towering mountains - capped by the royal Pena Palace. Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata's crumbling pastry and caramelised custard topping is the essential accompaniment to any coffee stop.

Overnight: PortoBay Liberdade or similar, Lisbon, Portugal

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, at the appropriate time, join an arranged transfer to Lisbon airport for your homeward international flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Welcome home!

Meals included: In-Flight