A Grand Voyage to South America

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Portsmouth, UK

  Embark on your 14-night cruise on board Spirit of Discovery

• Day 2-5: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 6: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

  Arrive in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. Explore the impressive Santa Ana Cathedral, Plaza de Santa Ana, Palacio Regental, and the Bishop's Palace in Vegueta - the oldest part of the city. Spend the day sunbathing on Playa de Las Canteras, regarded as one of the world's best beaches, or relish live Canarian folk music and dancing at Pueblo Canario. Relax in the idyllic surroundings of Parque Doramas or enjoy a leisurely coffee on Plaza Cairasco. Discover national treasures dating back to Roman times at El Museo Canario. Admire the indigenous flora and fauna at the Jardin Botanico Viera y Clavijo, travel to the famous Maspalomas dunes, or join a trek to the Bandama Caldera.

• Day 7-8: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 9: Porto da Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde

  Praia sits on the south coast of Santiago Island and is the capital city of Cape Verde. Spend time exploring Praca Alexandra de Albuquerque and the colonial buildings in the old town centre - known locally as the 'Plateau' thanks to its elevated position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Archada de Santo Antonia quarter to admire Nossa Senhora de Graca, Museo Ethnographico, and the presidential palace; and also indulge in retail therapy and taste the local cuisine. Stop by Mercado de Sucupira in the Varzea area to shop for traditional handicrafts, clothing, and African fabrics. Relax, swim, and sunbathe to your heart's content on either Quebra Canela or Praia Prainha beaches in the Prainha district alongside the bay.

• Day 10-14: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 15: Salvador, Brazil

  Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia in Brazil and comprises the upper and lower towns connected by a number of lifts and steep streets. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pelourinho old town which is awash with 17th and 18th-century colonial buildings. Discover the abundant churches including the amazing Sao Francisco Church and Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Shop for local handicrafts at Mercado Modelo and colourful local produce and flavourings at Feira de Sao Joaquim. Salvador's week-long carnival - one of the biggest in the world - boasts parades, live entertainment, music, and dancing. Spend a few hours on one of the many beaches to enjoy the calm waters and miles of sun-drenched golden sands.

• Day 16-17: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 18: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  Step ashore in the vibrant and exciting seaside city of Rio de Janeiro. Mention Rio and the first things that come to mind are the 38-metre high Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the famous carnival. Spend time on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches or visit Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron's fascinating Escadaria Selaron stairway. Pay a call to the sculptures and art-adorned pavilions at Passeio Publico then continue on to Parque do Flamengo and the nearby Museum of Modern Art. The ancient Nossa Senhora de Campo church and Sao Bento church and monastery contrast with the modern-day Catedral de Sao Sebastiao. Explore the atmospheric Santa Teresa district or discover the exhibits at the National Museum at Quinta da Boa Vista. Take a boat trip over to Ilha de Paqueta to witness the sights from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage.

• Day 19-21: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 22-23: Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Buenos Aires is Argentina's big, cosmopolitan capital city lined with a plethora of 19th-century buildings. The neighbourhood of La Boca is a popular place to explore; while Caminito offers steakhouses, brightly-painted zinc shacks, and the modern art museum Fundacion Proas. The iconic pink-coloured palace Casa Rosada is the office of the President of Argentina and is a great chance for photos. La Recoleta Cemetery is a statue-rich cemetery featuring eye-catching mausoleums and 18th-century characteristics. The city square of Argentina, Plaza de Mayo, was named after the 1810 revolution which led to Argentina's independence; here you can discover intriguing museums such as Museo Casa Rosada, Museo de la Cuidad, and the Maritime Museum.

• Day 24: Montevideo, Uruguay

  Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital city, sits alongside Montevideo Bay. Plaza de la Independencia is the main hub of the city and leads to the Ciudad Vieja old town with its colonial houses, art deco buildings, and fascinating landmarks such as Palacio Salvo and the Solis Theatre. Admire the international artworks and surrounding Japanese gardens at the Museum of Fine Arts - Juan Manuel Blanes. Climb up to Fortaleza del Cerro to enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond. No visit to Montevideo would be complete without enjoying parilla-grilled fare at one of the steakhouses at Mercado Del Puerto or tasting the traditional yerba mate tea. Spend a few hours soaking up the sunshine on the golden sands of Pocitos Beach or take a leisurely stroll along La Rambla promenade.

• Day 25-26: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 27: Puerto Madryn, Argentina

  The Argentine city of Puerto Madryn sits on the coast of northern Patagonia. It is famously the gateway to both the penguins and elephant seals at the UNESCO-listed Peninsula Valdes and whale-watching from June to mid-December in Golfo Nuevo Bay. You can also enjoy typical beach life here at the beach and adjoining restaurant and bar-lined promenade. Discover the fascinating exhibits on display at the Oceanographic and Natural Sciences Museum or Ecocentro Madryn. Get up close to Magellanic penguins at Punta Norte and whales at El Doradillo beach or go scuba diving or snorkelling with sea lions off Punta Loma. Take a drive out to the town of Gaiman for a typical Welsh afternoon tea or see fossils on display at the Museum of Palaeontology Egidio Feruglio in nearby Trelew.

• Day 28: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 29-30: Stanley, Falklands

  Step ashore in Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands; found on the north-facing slope of East Falkland Island. Learn more about the 1982 Falklands War, maritime and natural history, and Antarctic heritage on a visit to the Historic Dockyard Museum. Stroll along the waterfront and admire the unique whalebone arch at the entrance to the 18th-century Christ Church Cathedral. No visit here would be complete without getting up close to the resident penguins; head to Gypsy Cove to see the colonies of Magellanic penguins, watch Gentoo penguins swimming at Bluff Cove, or visit the grey and white King penguins at Volunteer Point. Keep your camera handy as you may also catch sight of sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, steamer ducks, black-browed albatrosses, and rock cormorants.

• Day 31-33: At sea

  Scenic Cruising

• Day 34: Punta Arenas, Chile

  The city of Punta Arenas sits near the tip of the southernmost Patagonia region in Chile. Located on the Strait of Magellan that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; Punta Arenas is the gateway to Antarctica. Step ashore and visit Plaza Gamero to admire the memorial to the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, before viewing a replica of one of his galleons at Museo Nao Victoria. The nearby 19th-century Casa Braun-Menendez and the ornate 18th-century Palacio Sara Stroll are well worth visiting too. Step back to pioneer days at Instituto de la Patagonia. Museo Regional de Magallanes is housed in an opulent mansion and explores the life of 19th-century pioneer sheep farmers. View a collection of antique farming and industrial machinery and a typical pioneer shearing shed and house at Museo del Recuerdo.

• Day 35-38: At sea

  Scenic Cruising

• Day 39: Puerto Montt, Chile

  The port city of Puerto Montt is the capital of Chile's Lake District and is famous for being the gateway to the Patagonian fjords and the Andes mountains. There's plenty to do when you go ashore; from dining on the freshest local seafood or spending the day on a Pacific Ocean beach to setting off on an adventure to explore the Calbuco active volcano or the symmetrical Osorno Volcano. Visit the city’s Plaza de Armas square to admire the 19th-century neo-classical cathedral constructed from wood. Stop by the nearby Case del Arte Diego Rivera to view contemporary artworks by local and national artists. Venture outside the city and explore the delights of Caleta de Angelmo Market.

• Day 40-41: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 42: Valparaiso, Chile

  Discover the port city of Valparaíso along Chile's coast; best known for its steep funiculars and colourful cliff-top homes. Take a stroll along the popular Renaca Beach to appreciate the white sands, surfing opportunities, and nearby vibrant nightlife. Visit La Sebastiana Museo de Pablo Neruda, a hilltop house museum to commemorate Pablo Neruda featuring memorabilia and fascinating city views. Baburizza Palace is a must-see with its eclectic art-nouveau architecture or walk around Vina del Mar Botanical Garden to uncover many beautiful Chilean plant species. Stop by Ascensor Reina Victoria for the chance of breathtaking panoramic vistas or sightsee further with El Peral Lift; set towards the bay and the mountains.

• Day 43-45: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 46-47: Callao, Peru

  Callao offers a vibrant gateway to the culture and history of coastal Peru. Explore its bustling port atmosphere, wander through the colorful colonial streets of nearby Lima, and admire landmarks like the elegant Plaza de Armas and the historic Monastery of San Francisco. With rich heritage, oceanfront charm, and easy access to world‑class museums and cuisine, Callao sets the stage for an unforgettable Peruvian experience.

• Day 48: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 49: Salaverry (for Trujillo), Peru

  The small town of Salaverry in Peru introduces you to culture of the local Moche and Chimi people. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chan Chan, the biggest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest mud city in the world. Salaverry is also the gateway to Trujillo, Peru's second-largest city. Trujillo has colonial charm; visit the baroque cathedral to admire its architectural beauty and also spend time at the iconic Plaza de Armas.

• Day 50-52: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 53: Fuerte Amador, Panama

  The mile-long man-made peninsula of Fuerte Amador sits at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Fuerte Amador is home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research and gateway to vibrant Panama City. Pay a visit to Miraflores Visitor Center; which offers an immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, and an observation deck. Meander through Panama City's Casco Viejo; from Plaza de la Independencia and Catedral Metropolitana to Iglesia y Convento de la Compania de Jesus, Paseo de las Bovedas, and Plaza de Francia. Culture fans can make a beeline for BioMuseo, Museo de Arte Comtemporaneo, and Museo del Canal Interoceanico. Maybe stretch your legs and admire the views along the scenic Cinta Costera on the waterfront. An hour's drive from Panama City takes you to the Rainforest Discovery Center; where you can get up-close to nature and wildlife - from monkeys and sloths to toucans and hummingbirds.

• Day 54: Transit the Panama Canal

  The Panama Canal bisects the country just to the west of Panama City and was opened in August 1914 with a third, wider lane of locks added in June 2016. This artificial 82km-long waterway in Panama connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The banks of the canal are covered in rain forest and national parks. Central Panama stretches out from the canal across three provinces and into two oceans to comprise everything from the mountains of the Cordillera Central to the west, to the Caribbean coral reefs and colonial fortresses in the north, to the beaches of the Pearl Islands in the Bahía de Panamá (Bay of Panama) in the south. The coast on either side of the canal's Caribbean entrance offers the remains of colonial fortresses surrounded by jungle, half a dozen beaches, and mile upon mile of coral reef. The mountains to the east of the canal hold flora and fauna and indigenous Emberá villages.

• Day 55: Colón, Panama

  The Panamanian city of Colón sits near the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. See the ruins of five Spanish forts by the bay and make the most of the white-sand beaches which have no tides. Visit the naturally-beautiful landscapes of Portobelo National Park and Chagres National Park, take a jungle tour to see indigenous wildlife or sail along the river in a traditional boat. The modern Colon 2000 cruise port features a large shopping complex where you can pick up duty-free bargains.

• Day 56: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 57: Cartagena, Colombia

  Disembark in Colombia's Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Discover cobbled streets, pretty plazas, old churches, and 13km of stone colonial walls. Visit the famous Palace of the Inquisition — which is a grisly museum featuring former instruments of torture from colonial times! Next, see Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress, which dominates the skyline and includes a network of tunnels that you can enter. Enjoy beautiful buildings such as a convent founded in the 17th century and the stunning cathedral. Witness the palaces, mansions, and monasteries of the old town district — sampling local snacks and drinks on the way. Take a tour of the nearby mangroves and see colourful, local wildlife or hop on a boat to view Isla de Baru's white sand beaches and palm trees and Islas del Rosario's coral reefs.

• Day 58: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 59: Oranjestad, Aruba

  Today, you can admire the picture-perfect beaches and exotic flowers of Oranjestad — Aruba's main port and capital city. Stroll around the Dutch colonial buildings and shop for chocolates, Dutch-made porcelain, and jewellery — particularly gold which was mined here during the 19th century. If you love the sand and sea; you have Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, and Arashi Beach all within easy reach. Step on the ferry to Palm Island and relax on the white sand or splash around at the water park. Take an off-road vehicle tour of the wild northeast coast or visit a former gold mine. You can also explore the Quadiriki and Fontein Caves at Arikok National Park; get up close to animals at Donkey Sanctuary Aruba and Aruba Ostrich Farm; and dine at one of the city's seafood restaurants on the waterfront.

• Day 60: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 61: St George's, Grenada

  Stop at St George's on the 'Spice Island' of Grenada. Nestling alongside horseshoe-shaped Carenage harbour; the cobbled streets of St George's are lined with pretty pastel-coloured heritage buildings. Step back in time at Grenada National Museum or explore Fort George and Fort Frederick. Head to the golden sands of Grand Anse Beach for a morning of sunbathing. The submerged gallery at Underwater Sculpture Park is a unique sight. Venture further afield to view local wildlife at Grand Etang National Park and the cascading waters at Annandale Falls.

• Day 62: Scarborough, Tobago

  Bustling Scarborough is the largest town on Tobago and combines a rich history with a modern lifestyle. Explore the ruins of Fort King George; perched on top of a hill, this historic site boasts breath-taking views, cannons, and the Tobago Museum. Soak up the sun or windsurf at Pigeon Point beach or discover the colourful waters and marine life of the Buccoo Reef. Alternatively, take a short stroll to the Nylon Pool and submerge yourself in the natural shallow waters. Pay a visit to the vibrant Scarborough Market or admire the indigenous flora and fauna at Scarborough Botanical Gardens.

• Day 63: Bridgetown, Barbados

  The port city of Bridgetown nestles on Barbados' southwest coast. It's easy to see why Bridgetown is known as 'Little England' with its colonial architecture, Lord Nelson Statue, and Parliament Square. Explore National Heroes Square, Trafalgar Square, St Michael's Cathedral, the 1000-year-old Baobab tree in Queen's Park, and the Garrison Historic area. Delve into Barbados's Jewish history on a visit to the UNESCO-listed Nidhe Israel Synagogue's museum and indulge in retail therapy on Broad Street. Make a beeline for Carlisle Bay with its six shipwreck dive sites, Browne's Beach, and yacht club. Admire stunning views and rugged island landscapes on a jeep island safari or witness the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison's Cave. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience - sail on a catamaran to swim with hawksbill and green sea turtles.

• Day 64-69: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 70: Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores

  Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel Island on the Azores archipelago. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants. Witness the Gothic-style Church of St Sebastian near the harbour. Seek out the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope; which is home to a revered image of Christ. Delve into Azorean culture on a visit to the Carlos Machado Museum. Explore the renaissance bastions and battlements at São Brás Fortress and enjoy a unique photo opportunity in front of the city's Portas de Cidade gateway. Venture out of the city to admire the clear-blue waters at Lagoa de Fogo crater lake and bathe in natural springs at Ponta de Ferraria.

• Day 71-73: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 74: Portsmouth, UK

  It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.