Coastal Cruise
10 day Canary Islands & Madeira
Legacy of the Plant Hunters – The Canary Islands & Madeira Small Ship Cruise
Join our cruise of the Canary Islands, Madeira and Porto Santo aboard MS Hebridean Sky. During the cruise, we will be serenaded by soprano Judith Dodsworth and pianist Philip Walsh. Renowned for their natural beauty, the Canary Islands boast beautiful beaches and a diversity of plant life. Their landscapes have been uniquely shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years. We explore four of the main islands within this stunning archipelago. On the island of Madeira, we discover the exquisite Madeira Botanical Garden.
This journey departs:
13 May 2026
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Cruise Aboard MS Hebridean Sky
Enjoy an eight night small ship cruise from Tenerife to Porto, with multiple shore excursions across the Canary Islands.
Visit Tenerife’s oldest garden
Sitio Litre garden has a fine collection of orchids and hosted Agatha Christie and the botanical artist, Marianne North.
Expert Botanical Guides
Be escorted by three expert Botanical Guides who will bring the gardens to life - Simon Rickard, Talei Kenyon and Tracy Foster.
A classical cruise
Our special guest, classical soprano Judith Dodsworth, will serenade us with the music of the Mediterranean.
Small Ship Cruising
If you’ve been thinking of embarking on a small ship coastal cruise and would like to learn more, we hope you find the following Frequently Asked Questions helpful.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by three expert Botanical Guides - Simon Rickard, Talei Kenyon and Tracy Foster. As well as a Cruise Director, cultural historian Kenneth Park and classical soprano Judith Dodsworth.
Eight-night cruise aboard MS Hebridean Sky taking up to 100 guests, and one night in a centrally located five-star hotel
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 25 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Cruise to the Canary Islands, Madeira and Porto Santo during spring, and discover their diverse landscapes
Learn why Madeira is often referred to as the garden island during visits to Madeira Botanical Garden, Palheiro Gardens and Monte Palace Garden
Follow in the footsteps of plant hunters on the Canary Islands and discover the rare and endemic species still found here today on the islands of La Gomera and El Hierro
See the rare laurel forests of Garajonay National Park, a World Heritage site
Itinerary
A Conversation with Carly Gotz & Tracy Foster
Carly Gotz and Tracy Foster discuss the history of the Plant Hunters and their discoveries in the Canary Islands, Portugal and Madeira. Gain insight into these destinations and the plants that shaped their legacy, then experience them first-hand on this journey.
Gallery
Palheiro Garden, Maderia
Monte Palace, Madeira
Garajonay National Park
Monte Palace, Madeira
La Gomera National Park, Canary Islands
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Madeira Coastline
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
Private charter for up to 100 guests aboard the small ship MS Hebridean Sky
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary