Cruise the Canaries
If you want to take in several of these Spanish islands, try a cruise. Board the ship on the island of Gran Canaria before heading overnight to Tenerife, where you’ll have a whole day to explore the port area of Santa Cruz. If you want to cram as much in as possible, a city walking tour is a great option to see the sights. Set sail overnight to Lanzarote, and the capital Arrecife. The city is great for local crafts and busy markets, and between February and March there’s a fabulous carnival. Other stops on your week-long cruise include Fuerteventura, which has some beautiful beaches for a day on dry land, La Gomera for its lush scenery, atmospheric Garajonay National Park with its often-misty dense forest, and then back to Gran Canaria. While on board, you can enjoy a choice of ten restaurants and bars, a casino, spa, mini golf, and swimming pool.
• Canarian Flavours seven-night Marella Explorer cruise costs from £891 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis, departing from London Stansted, and includes return flights and transfers. Book at Tui.co.uk or call 0871 230 2800.
Enjoy the Greek Cyclades
Embrace the rich history, majestic scenery, and sumptuous cuisine on this Greek island adventure. It all starts in the inspiring ancient city of Athens, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the world-famous Acropolis before heading to the lesser-known Keramikos neighbourhood. This hip and creative area is filled with tavernas and street food. Next, board a ferry to Milos and explore colourful fishing villages and secluded bays on a boat cruise around the island. If you have time, head to Sarakiniko beach – the entire landscape is formed from white volcanic rocks that look amazing against the contrast of the rich blue sea. Next stop is Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, where you’ll prepare your own three-course Greek meal in an authentic cookery class. The final stop is the beautiful island of Santorini. Be mesmerised with stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings as you wind down after a busy few days.
• Athens to Santorini: A Greek Island-Hopping Odyssey in the Cyclades, from £1,559pp for eight days, with departures in May and September 2022. Includes accommodation, breakfast, tours, boat cruise, and cooking class. Book with TRIPS by Culture Trip, Theculturetrip.com or call 01630 350001.
Bask and bathe in the Bahamas
For a luxurious couples-only break in the Caribbean, you can’t go wrong with Nassau and Great Exuma. Start your trip at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island in Nassau, where you’ll enjoy private pools, beautiful villas and butler service, or head to the resort’s private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, where deserted beaches and colourful coral reefs await. If you can drag yourself away from the hotel, Nassau is home to a great art scene, traditional culinary delights, vibrant buildings, and a night life that’s waiting to be enjoyed. Next, hop over to Great Exuma for a five-night stay at the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning blue waters, footprint-free beaches, and natural greenery. The Exumas are made up of little islands; Big Major Cay is the most famous and home to the world-famous swimming pigs that you may have spotted on Instagram. These sociable little fellas swim out to the boats as they arrive and enjoy watching you snorkel and explore underwater caves.
• Five nights for two at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, Nassau, and five nights for two at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort, Great Exuma, costs from £3,915 per person. All-inclusive board, return flights from London, and connecting island flights are included. Book at Sandals.co.uk or call 0800 597 0002.
Tour Cape Verde’s African islands
Discover five of the Cape’s most beautiful islands on this 14-night trip. From the volcanic landscape on Fogo to the rugged mountains and valleys of Santo Antão, the scenery is breathtaking while the culture and vibrancy of these islands is joyful. You’ll start on Sal, before heading to Santiago with its lush green valleys and plantations. In the capital Praia, you can browse the African markets, eat fresh seafood and sample wines and locally produced coffee. Fogo is next up with its active volcano Pico do Fogo, which provides a stunning backdrop. Let your hair down on São Vicente – capital Mindelo has a rich tradition of music, bringing a buzz to the bars in the harbour. It’s also home to the beautiful Laginha Beach. San Antão is pretty much undiscovered, so ideal for hiking and drives along the coast. Finally, head back to Sal for the ultimate in relaxation on its picturesque golden beaches.
• The Peaks of Cape Verde 14-night package costs from £2,319pp and includes international flights from the UK to Sal, internal flights, and ferries between islands, plus hotel accommodation on B&B basis. Book at CapeVerde.co.uk or call 01489 866969.
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