Portugal Madeira and the Azores

1 Southampton, England
Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port.
It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the city centre has been extensively rebuilt.

2 Leixoes (for Oporto), Portugal

Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using Oporto (known locally as Porto) as a trading post, the city has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Oporto benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of port wine. Its historic centre is UNESCO-protected and the city was even awarded the status of European City of Culture in 2001.

3 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the inspiring capital of Portugal since the 13th century when the Moors were finally vanquished.
It is a city strewn with majestic architecture, old wooden trams, historic Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history.
Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio.

4 Gibraltar

Gibraltar
Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa.
Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops.
Please note: All coaches in Gibraltar are smaller 22-seat vehicles and are accompanied by a driver/guide. Due to new health and safety regulations scooters/wheelchairs and walking frames are not allowed on any of the vehicles under any circumstances.

5 Funchal, Madeira

C_Funchal
Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it (‘Madeira’ means ‘wood’ in Portuguese).
Sugar plantations first brought wealth here and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal.
Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wildflowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, ‘The Island of Eternal Springtime’ and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

6 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

Sao Miguel
São Miguel, also known as the green island, due to the abundance of pasture and forest covered peaks, is the largest and most enchanting island in the Azores. There are many deep crater-lakes and geysers and picture-perfect villages that nestle in the hilly countryside.
The former fishing village of Ponta Delgada is now the capital of São Miguel and is blessed with lush scenery and forest-covered peaks.

7 Horta, Azores

Horta, the Azores
Hills, inlets, fascinating islets, unusual formations resulting from volcanic activity, picturesque windmills and numerous green pastures contribute to the variety of the landscapes of Faial, part of the central group of The Azores archipelago.
The lively tender port of Horta is a popular yachting harbour, which has a selection of churches and museums to discover. Perhaps join an excursion to the Capelinhos volcano, and experience the stunning scenery of the surrounding area.

8 Praia da Vitória, Azores

Approximately 76 miles north-west of Sao Miguel, the rural island of Terceira is known as the ‘Lilac Isle’, where stunning sunsets, sleepy villages and a profusion of colourful flora create a relaxed ambience.
The island’s capital, Angra do Heroismo, was founded in the 15th century, and its 17th and 18th-century architecture has helped this picturesque city to become listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the past, Angra do Heroismo was a major commercial outpost for both the Spanish and the Portuguese, and today the narrow streets, attractive buildings and magnificent churches are testament to the noble patrons of the island. Praia da Vitoria is home to the Lajes Air Base, a strategic airport and fuelling station for the US military on Terceira.

9 Southampton, England

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port.
It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the city centre has been extensively rebuilt.

Titan Travel have a reputation for innovative and enthralling escorted holiday itineraries, and through the guidance of their founding principles, “quality, service and value” which have remained unchanged since the 1970′s, their expertise and experience are second to none.

Titan Travel strive to ensure that aspect of their holidays whispers quality, before you fly, you get to appreciate a comfortable, chauffeur-driven transfer from your front door to the airport with our peerless VIP Home Departure Service, check-in assistance and complimentary porterage. All international flights are with world-renowned scheduled airlines and cruises with acclaimed operators. Touring holidays are expertly designed by the product team to present a comprehensive, imaginative introduction to the destination of choice yet still offer plenty of time for relaxation. The services of a tour manager or cruise manager are included throughout. When you return to the UK, you are met in the arrivals hall of the airport and shown to your VIP Home Departure Service vehicle, waiting to return you to your front door.

Our Opinion
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