Sunshine in the Canaries

On the fifth day of your cruise, you'll dock in Funchal, the largest city on the island of Madeira and home to just over 100,000 people.

Steeped in rich history, this picturesque city boasts cultural sites aplenty – and you can take in the stunning views by catching the Funchal Cable Car up the mountain to Monte.

But if you're keen to go at a slower pace, explore the historic city centre which is packed with quaint shops, cafés and restaurants. The cuisine is excellent, with local Madeira wine a must-try. 

La Palma – also known as La Isla Bonita, or the Beautiful Island – is dotted with idyllic villages which are a delight to discover.
Perched on the edge of the La Caldareta volcanic crater, Santa Cruz blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. There really is something for everyone, whether you head to the National History Museum, stroll around the historic town centre, or head just a few miles away to the exquisite Church of Our Lady.
And if you're up for a spot of shopping, you'll find reasonably priced goods including silver jewellery and beautiful embroidery in the city's markets.

Tenerife, like many of Spain's beautiful islands, has become a go-to destination for British tourists – but there is so much more on offer than the all-inclusive resorts that line the seafront.

On the island of La Gomera lies the picturesque town of San Sebastian, which you'll visit on Day 8 of your Saga cruise. Stunning beaches form just a small part of the idyllic landscape here, with the Playa de la Cueva proving popular among locals and tourists alike for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

San Sebastian de la Gomera's natural landscapes have been recognised by UNESCO, too, with the Garajonay National Park home to lush greenery that makes it a true paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Head to the top and you'll discover unrivalled panoramic views of the island – and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of nearby islands on the horizon.

In the town centre itself, there's plenty to fascinate with architecture dating back to the 15th century, including the Torre del Conde and the 16th-century Church of La Asunción, which features beautiful Gothic art. The museum at Casa de Colón is another must-see, with Christopher Columbus believed to have resided there in 1492 on his way to the Americas.

The third-largest of the seven Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has often been billed as a miniature continent in its own right due to the variety of climates and landscapes that it offers.

The north of the island is humid and lush, packed with green valleys, volcanic craters and the capital, Las Palmas. Head across the island and you'll find the arid south, lined by sandy beaches and stunningly clear water.

Lanzarote has experienced a tourism boom in recent years, but beyond the resort towns, there's plenty of nature to enjoy on an island marked by hidden coves, volcanos and sandy beaches. UNESCO declared the island as a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and it's easy to see why. 

On the eastern coast you'll find Arrecife, a small town that serves as the island's capital and boasts a Blue Flag beach that has been recognised by the European Union.

Lisbon has been revitalised in recent years and has once again become the poster city of southern Europe following rejuvenation efforts in the 1990s.

Take a ride on the famed Tram 28, which winds its way through the oldest – and steepest – parts of the city, allowing you to get a feel for the vibrant culture Lisbon has to offer.

Or head to the banks of the River Tagus, walking through the stunning Arco da Rua Augusta which opens up into the incredibly elegant Praça do Comércio.

After two weeks of exploring some of Europe's most idyllic scenery, you'll dock in Portsmouth, bringing your Saga journey to a close.

But you'll still have a little more time to relax, as return chauffeur transport is included as standard with all Saga bookings.