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Canary Islands to Lisbon: The Sands of Time

Dining
+
Beverages
+
Wi-Fi
+
Shore excursions
£8,469pp
Voyage Code: AURORACIP001D
moon 13 nights
anchor Douglas Mawson
calendar 24 Apr '26

Cruise overview

This thought-provoking voyage explores the intertwined histories of the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain and Portugal. From the Moorish conquest of Iberia to the Reconquista, and the ‘Age of Exploration’ to the tragic legacy of the slave trade, these regions have forged alliances and rivalries that influenced the world. This journey invites reflection on the human stories behind historical events, as we hear tales of the battles, trade routes and monarchical intrigue, which shaped the region’s collective heritage. From the islands of the Canaries to the medinas of Morocco, the whitewashed villages of Andalusia to the famed rock of Gibraltar and the lively laneways of Seville to the sun-kissed coast of the Algarve, we discover the enduring legacies born from centuries of resilience and the abundant cultural richness of these remarkable nations.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Agadir
Marrakech
Tangier
Gibraltar
Seville
Cádiz
Portimão
Lisbon
Lisbon

Itinerary

Day 1

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Welcome to The Canary Islands. On arrival at Tenerife Airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Tenerife. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. Join us this evening for a Welcome event with a Canary Island twist! Accommodation: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Hotel Meals: Welcome Event canapés


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.

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Day 2

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Day 3

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Day 4

Arrecife, Lanzarote

Day 5

at-sea At sea

Day 6

Agadir

Day 7

Marrakech

Day 8

Tangier

Day 9

Gibraltar

Day 10

Seville

Day 11

Cádiz

Day 12

Portimão

Day 13

Lisbon

Day 14

Lisbon

Aurora Stateroom Superiorfrom£8,949pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Cfrom£9,189pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Bfrom£9,669pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Afrom£10,389pp
Balcony Stateroom Superiorfrom£11,349pp
Junior Suitefrom£14,229pp
Captain's Suitefrom£16,869pp
Balcony Stateroom Category A – SoloCall for price
Aurora Stateroom TwinCall for price

Aurora Stateroom Superior

from£8,949pp
Enquire now

Spacious mid-deck rooms with large picture windows offering natural light and ocean views.

Amenities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Lounge Area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Ship features

Douglas Mawson brings expedition capability and boutique comfort together, offering travellers an authentic yet luxurious way to experience the Earth’s wild frontiers.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • 154-guest expedition vessel
  • Ulstein X-Bow for stability and efficiency
  • 15 Zodiacs with four embarkation points
  • Observation lounge and glass atrium
  • Spacious lecture theatre and science centre
  • Outdoor hot tubs and wellness area
  • Sauna and gym with panoramic views
  • Dedicated mudroom and gear storage
  • Modern restaurant and casual lounge bar
  • Expert-led enrichment and daily briefings
Douglas Mawson Accommodation

Accommodation

Douglas Mawson offers 76 staterooms and suites designed for warmth, comfort, and practicality. Each features an en-suite bathroom, seating area, and flexible twin-or-double configuration. Interconnecting cabins suit families or groups, while Balcony Suites provide private outdoor space and premium amenities ideal for extended voyages.

Douglas Mawson Dining

Dining

The main restaurant offers open-seating dining with menus inspired by fresh regional ingredients. Daily meals include international and locally influenced dishes, complemented by complimentary house wines, beers, and soft drinks at dinner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day.

Douglas Mawson Amenities

Amenities

Public spaces include a light-filled observation lounge, library, and science centre. Outdoor decks provide excellent wildlife viewing, while the atrium delivers sweeping forward-facing views. Guests also enjoy a boutique, medical centre, and mudroom for excursion preparation.

Douglas Mawson Wellness

Wellness

After a day of adventure, unwind in the wellness area featuring a sauna, gym, and outdoor hot tubs. Spa treatments and yoga sessions are offered during sea days, ensuring balance between exploration and relaxation.

Douglas Mawson Entertainment

Entertainment

Rather than traditional shows, Douglas Mawson focuses on enrichment. Daily presentations by expedition leaders and guest experts cover geology, wildlife, and polar history. Evenings are relaxed, with social gatherings in the lounge and informal recaps of the day’s discoveries.

Douglas Mawson Families

Families

Although primarily tailored for adult travellers, families with older children are welcome. Interconnecting cabins and engaging educational activities make the Douglas Mawson ideal for multi-generational adventure.