Average customer rating: 4.6/5
close

Call us on 01707 817260

  • Monday - Friday9am - 5pm
  • Saturday9am - 1pm
  • SundayClosed
  • Bank HolidaysClosed
close

Call us on 01707 817260

  • Monday - Friday9am - 5pm
  • Saturday9am - 1pm
  • SundayClosed
  • Bank HolidaysClosed

Slow Paced Canaries, Madeira & Portugal | Ramble Worldwide

Slow‑paced cruising to the Canary Islands, Madeira and Portugal, this relaxed winter journey combines scenic sailing with gentle walking and cultural sightseeing. Travelling aboard a Fred. Olsen ship, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully planned Ramble Worldwide excursions that explore historic towns, coastal landscapes and island scenery, all balanced with ample sea days to unwind and enjoy life on board.

  • Canary Islands

  • Full board
  • Cruise

    Flight Free

  • Feb

  • Average group size: 14-16

What does this mean?

Grade Leisurely

Leisurely

What does this mean?

14 Nights

From

£3,359
No-fly Cruise
View Dates & Book Now Group Booking of 8+
Close

View Destinations

Close

Walking grade

Grade 3

Close

Adagio Collection

The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Slow paced walking and cruise holiday with a Adagio tour leader
  • Marvel in Galician Splendour, Pazo de Marinan, Celtic Heritage, and Roman Legacy in La Coruña with a local guide.
  • Explore the high peaks of beautiful Madeira with free time to discover Funchal.
  • Explore Gran Canaria's diverse landscapes on foot, revealing volcanic beauty and lush valleys.
  • Take in the sights of Santa Cruz and La Laguna on Tenerife
  • Discover the old town of Las Palma, Vegueta and Terror
  • Slow paced walking tour of Porto with a port tasting
  • Experience delicious food, superior customer service and fine comfort on board a Fred. Olsen ship.

This women's only slow‑paced winter group offers a relaxed and rewarding way to explore the Canary Islands, Madeira and Portugal, combining the comfort of Fred. Olsen cruising with gentle walking and sightseeing excursions arranged by Ramble Worldwide. With a generous number of sea days, the itinerary is carefully balanced to allow time both ashore and on board, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy unhurried exploration.

After embarking in Southampton, the cruise begins with a visit to La Coruña, where elegant gardens, historic fortifications and easy walks introduce the cultural character of northern Spain. A series of sea days then provides a smooth and restful passage south, allowing time to settle into the rhythm of shipboard life.

In Madeira, a scenic coastal walk near Funchal highlights the island’s dramatic cliffs and Atlantic views, while the Canary Islands offer a varied mix of experiences. Santa Cruz de La Palma provides a charming cultural introduction, Tenerife combines modern island life with the historic streets of La Laguna, and Gran Canaria reveals both its capital city and the peaceful inland town of Teror.

The northbound journey includes a highlight stop in Porto, where a guided walking tour explores the city’s historic centre, riverside setting and famous wine heritage, with time to enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.

Throughout the cruise, Ramble Worldwide excursions focus on gentle walking, cultural insight and scenic enjoyment rather than physical challenge. Combined with the friendly atmosphere and smaller‑ship experience of Fred. Olsen cruising, this itinerary offers a relaxed, sociable and enriching winter escape.

  • Breakfast and dinner throughout your tour, plus lunch on sea days
  • Complimentary tea and coffee at select locations throughout the ship
  • All entertainment, sports & leisure facilities on board
  • A programme of slow paced walks and excursions from our ports of call including any necessary transportation costs
  • All ship and excursion tips
  • Picnic lunch on shore excursion days
  • Premium Afternoon Tea on one of the at sea days
  • Services of a Local Guide in most ports
  • Services of a Adagio Leader
  • Any local excursions not included in the Ramble Worldwide Cruise & Walk Holidays programme including entrances to museums, sites or Fred Olsen on shore activities
  • On board Wi-Fi
  • Personal laundry and dry cleaning, hairdressing, health, beauty treatments and selected fitness classes
  • Holiday Insurance
  • Discretionary gratuities to the crew, drivers, guides etc both on board and ashore

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

82040

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Southampton- Welcome aboard!

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Embark on your Fred Olsen ship and settle into your accommodation as the cruise begins,. Join your group for a welcome drinks reception before dinner. 

Day 2

At sea

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Join your group for a welcome briefing before spending the day at leisure enjoying the onboard facilities. 

Day 3

La Coruna - Spain

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Disembark the ship for our first day of gentle walking and sightseeing. Sights include a visit to the elegant Pazo de Mariñán gardens, a walk and tour of Santa Cruz Castle, and time to explore La Coruña’s historic centre.

Day 4 and 5

At sea

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Enjoy a couple of days at sea as the ship sails south, ideal for rest, socialising or attending onboard talks.

Day 6

Funchal- Madeira

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Arriving in Madeira, you travel along the coast to Baía d’Abra where a scenic coastal walk reveals rugged cliffs, ocean views and the island’s dramatic landscapes. The walk is followed by a leisurely return to the port in the afternoon.

Day 7

Santa Cruz de La Palma- La Palma

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

A cultural excursion explores the attractive island capital with a local guide, introducing you to Santa Cruz de La Palma’s rich colonial heritage and compact historic centre. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, wooden balconies and intimate plazas, you’ll discover the island’s maritime history, elegant churches and seafront setting, gaining a deeper sense of La Palma’s character and unhurried way of life.

Day 8

Santa Cruz- Tenerife

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Today explores Tenerife’s cultural heart in greater depth, revealing the contrasts between the island’s modern capital and its historic former seat of power. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you spend time close to the harbour and central districts, discovering leafy avenues, important civic buildings and the city’s relationship with the sea, gaining insight into Tenerife’s contemporary life and cultural identity. From here, you travel inland to the UNESCO‑listed town of La Laguna, the historic capital of Tenerife and a model for colonial town planning across the Atlantic world. Walking through its grid‑pattern streets, elegant courtyards and colourful façades, you encounter fine examples of Canarian architecture, historic churches and university buildings, enjoying a relaxed and engaging exploration of one of the most characterful towns in the Canary Islands.

Day 9

Las Palmas- Gran Canaria

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Today offers a deeper exploration of Gran Canaria, highlighting the contrast between its lively coastal capital and a traditional inland town. In Las Palmas, the focus is on the historic Vegueta district, where the city was founded. Walking through cobbled streets and elegant squares, you discover fine examples of colonial architecture and key landmarks that reflect the island’s role in Atlantic trade and the early voyages between Europe and the Americas.

From the coast, the journey continues inland to Teror, a town with a strong sense of local identity. Here, traditional Canarian houses with carved wooden balconies line peaceful streets, and the surrounding green hills create a markedly calmer atmosphere. Teror provides a rewarding counterpoint to the energy of Las Palmas and a valuable insight into Gran Canaria’s cultural traditions and everyday life.

Day 10 and 11

At sea

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Another few days to enjoy the ship, reflect on the island experiences and make the most of on‑board hospitality.

Day 12

Matosinhos (Porto)- Portugal

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

From Matosinhos, you travel inland to Porto, Portugal’s second city and a UNESCO‑listed historic centre renowned for its dramatic riverside setting and layered past. A guided walking tour introduces the heart of the old town, where narrow streets, tiled façades and grand civic buildings reveal Porto’s evolution through trade, maritime exploration and wine commerce. Time is spent around the Douro riverfront, where the city’s character is most vividly felt, before enjoying a Port wine tasting that reflects Porto’s long‑standing connection with the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Free time allows for independent exploration or lunch, soaking up the city’s atmosphere before returning to the ship.

Day 13 -15

At sea and Return

Meals

Full board

Accommodation

Enjoy your final few days at sea before disembarking.

From (GBP)£3,359 No-fly Cruise

Departure dates for your selected tour

2nd Feb 2027 - 16th Feb 2027 (14 Nights)

Travel Details

Getting to your departure port

For all information on how to get to your cruise departure by car or public transport please consult www.fredolsencruises.com/cruising-information/departure-port

Embarkation

On arrival at the port you will need to produce both your ticket and a valid passport, so please ensure you have both ready to hand. When checking in you will be issued with your ship’s pass and boarding card. Your ship’s pass acts as your security pass and onboard account card for the full duration of the cruise. Each time you embark or disembark the ship your card will be swiped to record whether you are on board or ashore. In addition, your hand luggage may be subject to either x-ray scanning or a manual search each time you re-join the ship.

Disembarkation

At least 24 hours before the end of your cruise the full disembarkation instructions will be placed inside your cabin. Please ensure you have settled all onboard accounts before leaving the ship.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Balmoral (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)

Our cruise ship is the Balmoral, which can accommodate a maximum of 1325 passengers with 520 crew. The ship offers an intimate, homely atmosphere and the combination of Balmoral's comfortable cabins, excellent cuisine, friendly attentive crew and the onboard facilities are second to none.  

Facilities include two swimming pools, a fitness centre including a sauna, steam room and beauty salon, two sun decks, Jacuzzis, several lounges and bars, a card room, library, internet room and several restaurants. The ship has a medical centre for any on board emergencies and boutique shops where you can buy essentials such as sun cream or toiletries. There is also a self service laundrette and ironing room. 

The main restaurant is The Ballindalloch (named after the Speyside village and castle), while the two other formal restaurants - Avon and Spey - are also in keeping with the Scottish theme and are named after two of Scotland's most beautiful salmon rivers. There's a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, the evening shows take place in the Neptune Lounge and you can enjoy a drink with spectacular seascapes in the Observatory Lounge. 

Our accommodation is twin and single cabins with shower and toilet. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, television, hairdryers, tea and coffee making facilities and a safety deposit box. Balmoral has a non-smoking policy on board and smoking is not permitted in any cabin. Allocated cabins will be an inside cabin (normally on the Main or Atlantic Deck) unless you have paid a supplement to upgrade. Those booking single cabins may not necessarily be allocated a twin cabin for sole use. Your cabin steward will keep your cabin in immaculate condition throughout your stay, replacing any linen or towels when required. Separate towels are provided for poolside use. Balmoral operates a satellite telephone system, with telephones in each cabin, and personal mobile phones enabled for international roaming should work on board, depending on your location.

The voltage on board the Balmoral is supplied at 220 volts (requiring a continental style 2-pin plug). If you are in any doubt as to the appropriate voltage to use your electrical appliances on board, please check with the ship’s Reception Desk. Adapters can be bought at the ship’s shop.

Deck plans for the Balmoral can be viewed here. 


Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

We class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than level 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks,   

Usual daily walks - Distance: 4 miles; Ascent/Descent 300m; Terrain: generally good paths and tracks; Walking Time: Half Day or Full Day walks. 

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or  daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .

Local Costs

Country Currency

The currency in Spain is the euro. ATMs are widely available in the larger towns and villages and most establishments accept credit/debit cards. You may wish to take some euro in cash with you for the first day or so until you locate a bank.

Country Currency

The currency in Portugal is the euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.

Your Group

Your Leader

Your Adagio Leader accompanies the group throughout the holiday, helping everything run smoothly from start to finish. Experienced travellers and enthusiastic group leaders, they create the friendly, relaxed atmosphere that is such an important part of the Adagio experience. They take care of the practical arrangements, provide support when needed and help ensure everyone gets the most from their holiday.

Travel Plans

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Luggage Allowance & Tickets

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

Please ensure your personal details, including your passport information and date of birth, are accurate and up to date, and that we have all the information needed to arrange your holiday. If you have any dietary allergies or intolerances, please let us know.

You can view and update your details using Manage My Booking on our website or by contacting our Sales & Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. Please check your booking confirmation carefully and notify us of any changes as soon as possible.

Passport Information

General Passport Advice

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. 

General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.

Passport Advice

If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, please ensure your passport meets the relevant entry requirements.

For the latest passport requirements and entry guidance for your destination, please check the GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice website before you travel.

If you are travelling on a non-British passport, please check passport and visa requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate.

Portugal Passport Advice

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.

Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.

Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.

The new EU Entry/Exit system has been rolled out across all applicable countries. For Portugal 72 hours prior to travelling should you wish to, you can complete some of this information before you travel.  Whilst you will still need to go through border checks and passport control, pre completion of the questionnaire may help ease waiting times at the overseas airport. You can find more information, including where to download the app, here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/Travel-to-Europe-mobile-app

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the days activity)
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Reusable Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)

This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.

Electricity in Spain

Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Electricity in Portugal

Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Staying Healthy on Holiday

Country Health

For the latest health advice and entry requirements for Spain, please visit the GOV.UK travel advice for Spain and NaTHNaC.

Health Advice for Portugal

For the latest health advice and entry requirements for Portugal, please visit the GOV.UK travel advice for Portugal and NaTHNaC.

Travel Insurance

GHIC / EHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Reviews

What customers are saying

Useful Information

Find out more

Spain

  • Capital

    Madrid

  • Currency

    Euro

  • Language

    Spanish

  • Time Difference

    UTC +02:00, UTC +01:00

  • Flight duration

    2.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    9°C

    Avg. Rain: 59mm

  • February

    10°C

    Avg. Rain: 51mm

  • March

    12°C

    Avg. Rain: 47mm

  • April

    14°C

    Avg. Rain: 49mm

  • May

    16°C

    Avg. Rain: 42mm

  • June

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 27mm

  • July

    23°C

    Avg. Rain: 14mm

  • August

    23°C

    Avg. Rain: 18mm

  • September

    21°C

    Avg. Rain: 37mm

  • October

    17°C

    Avg. Rain: 61mm

  • November

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 69mm

  • December

    10°C

    Avg. Rain: 69mm

Portugal

  • Capital

    Lisbon

  • Currency

    Euro

  • Language

    Portuguese

  • Time Difference

    UTC, UTC +01:00

  • Flight duration

    3hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 109mm

  • February

    12°C

    Avg. Rain: 93mm

  • March

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 75mm

  • April

    14°C

    Avg. Rain: 66mm

  • May

    16°C

    Avg. Rain: 52mm

  • June

    19°C

    Avg. Rain: 26mm

  • July

    21°C

    Avg. Rain: 12mm

  • August

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 16mm

  • September

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 44mm

  • October

    17°C

    Avg. Rain: 91mm

  • November

    14°C

    Avg. Rain: 111mm

  • December

    12°C

    Avg. Rain: 120mm

View Dates & Book

Can't find what you're looking for?

Call for help or regional flights on 01707 817260

View Dates And Book
Average customer rating: 4.6/5
Close