Unforgettable Explorations of Volcanic Landscapes, Virgin Forests and Magical Cities

With calls in Santa Cruz de La Palma, San Sebastian, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and an overnight stay in Funchal, MSC Armonia's itineraries from Las Palmas include blissful encounters with the breath-taking landscapes of the Canary and Madeira Islands as well as visits to two favorite destinations in magical Morocco, with a full day in Casablanca plus calls in Agadir, Arrecife de Lanzarote and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

For a longer winter break, these itineraries can even be combined to create a fascinating 14-night journey of discovery, with truly unique shore excursions on offer in each port of call.

Las Palmas is famous for its endless Las Canteras beach, subtropical climate and neo-Gothic Cathedral. But the island also boasts a dramatic variety of different landscapes, from the verdant north to the mountainous inland and desert south. The MSC excursions A Panoramic Tour Of Gran Canaria and Las Palmas & Bandama take in the very best of this incredible scenery, with visits to “Crater de Bandama,” an extinct volcano rising nearly 580 meters above sea level, and “Altavista”, the perfect spot for magnificent panoramic views of the island.

For travelers who want to make the most of their day in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Lush, Wild And Untamed: A Journey To La Palma provides the complete package, including stops at the “Mirador de San Bartolo” viewpoint, the “Los Tilos,” UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the San Antonio volcano. Other excursions combine the stunning natural wonders of the island with relaxing breaks that offer ample opportunities to savor the delicious local tipples.

From San Sebastian, An Introduction To La Gomera is a wonderful way to explore this unspoiled island. Other highlights include Discover Gran Rey Valley and the Garajonay National Park tour, an exploration of the island’s UNESCO world heritage park. For something different, Landscapes, Traditions and Ancient Languages includes a fascinating performance of the island’s ancient whistled language, while Retracing Columbus’ History is a fun walking tour of San Sebastian.

Popular excursions from Santa Cruz de Tenerife include Las Cañades Del Teide, a visit to the Las Cañadas mountain range and majestic Mount Teide volcano and national park, as well as Impressions Of Tenerife, which takes in the lovely village of El Sauzal and the verdant environs of García Sanabria park. Other highlights are specially designed to allow our MSC travelers to enjoy a taste of some of the island’s best-hidden beauties and history, but also to indulge in some fabulous shopping when they want to reconnect with the modern world.

In Funchal, spectacular and awe-inspiring highlights include Exploring Funchal By 4x4, a journey through the secluded forests of Madeira’s scenic interior and Wildlife Exploration By Boat, for spectacular sightings of whales and dolphins.

Casablanca is Morocco's modern metropolis, where North African traditions blend with a French colonial past. Highlights of the excursion program include City Tour and the Hassan II Mosque, a panoramic tour of the main squares of Casablanca, and The Lights Of Casablanca At Night, a wonderful way to take in the beauties of the city. Incredible tours to other Moroccan cities are also available, including Casablanca & Rabat, Rabat and Marrakech, and Overland Tour To Marrakech, a trip encompassing the treasures and traditions of Morocco’s famed tourist capital.

Only a short distance from the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert and the imposing Anti-Atlas mountains lies Agadir, a city of many contrasts. Melting Pot Of Old And New: Agadir City explores these contrasts in all their glory, while A Taste Of Traditional Morocco: Taroudant & the Tiout Oasis reveals the true colors and traditions of Morocco.

Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, boasts lava landscapes, rich fertile soil and some rather unusual attractions. Northern Tour Of The Island, One Day In Arrecife and Timanfaya National Park, as well as explorations of Lanzarote’s unique ‘Martian’ landscapes, forged from years of volcanic eruptions, displaying a compelling mix of petrified lava fields, geysers and lush vegetation. Lanzarote & Manrique Heritage, a cultural excursion themed around Cesar Manrique, one of the pioneers of Spanish modern art, is a day full of art and architecture including visits to some of the artist’s last finished works.

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or call 877-665-4655.