Colours of the Canaries - Canary Islands "Ports" Review by khkate

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Home > Member Reviews > khkate's Port Reviews of Madeira (Funchal), La Palma, Tenerife, Las Palmas, Lanzarote

khkate's Port Reviews of Madeira (Funchal), La Palma, Tenerife, Las Palmas, Lanzarote
Saga Sapphire cruise in January 2013

Member Name:	khkate
Cruise Date:	January 2013
Embarkation:	London (Southampton)
Destination:	Canary Islands
Member Review:	khkate's Saga Sapphire Review

	Madeira (Funchal) Jeep Tour Rating: This was a very enjoyable tour and a splendid way to see the island as although it was a group of jeep (6 in all), each jeep was effectively separate. The climbs up the tarmacked roads were thrilling - just wide enough for the jeep and it was usually a 2-way road. The off road bits were equally spectacular and the refreshment stop was also excellent. The only drawback was the seating layout in the jeeps. It was fine if you were in the normal forward facing seats (3 people) but there was sideways facing bench seats at rear for 4. This was cramped and not easy to get in / out of vehicle and restricted views too. Seat belts were provided for all and due to terrain were essential.
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	La Palma Port Rating: Tabruiente Tour was excellent with a very good guide. As usual there was 1 person who hadn't read tour description of there being winding roads and great heights and they cried off as feeling unwell, so arrangements had to be made for them to be left somewhere. Seeing the vast expanses of the calderas (volcanic craters) and the difference sin the scenery due to trade winds and the amount of rain was magnificent. Again, the refreshment stop, a bodega used by locals for wine, water, fruit juices and snacks was excellent
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	Tenerife Pyramids of Guimar Rating: This tour was combined with a trip to Esperanza which provided a viewpoint over Mount Teide and the National Park which was spectacular. The trip to the Pyramids was very disappointing. The guide was petite and her voice did not carry, so the commentary was almost impossible to follow. The pyramids were quite interesting but there was no time to actually explore them and the various exhibits seemed to bear no relation to the pyramids - all something to do with Thor Heyerdahl. There was an AV show which was interesting - once one worked out how to get the right language through the headphones.
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	Las Palmas Port Rating: Not Rated Not quite as interesting as previous shore excursions. The volcanic craters weren't as scenic. The visit to the market town of Teror was very good but far too short as it was market day and a Sunday so traffic was horrendous. There was a visit to a hacienda for refreshments which was very good. but again no time to look around, due to the number of coaches.
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	Lanzarote Port Rating: Not Rated This was a tour around the home of Cesar Manrique's home in lava caves and then onto a cactus garden in a quarry all designed by him. Despite very strong winds, it was all fantastic and I am not a fan of modern arty, so didn't think I would enjoy but it was excellent. We finished up in a fort overlooking the waterfront for refreshments. A very enjoyable tour.
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	Lisbon City Tour Rating: A very good guide and we visited the Christ the Redeemer statue first (as 6 other coaches from ship doing tour). Extermely windy but a good place to see the city from. Given a drive around the city which was interesting but as it was drizzly, it restricted views a bit. also stopped at Belem Tower, just for photos and we also had a stop for refreshments at a old bakery/coffee house. The local pastries we hhad were excellent and more-ish.
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