Announcing Iona’s winter season…

Today P&O Cruises is delighted to reveal Iona’s first winter season in… Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and… Northern Europe.

Chosen not only for their rightly famed abundant sunshine and sandy shores, these dynamic destinations offer so much more than winter-sun or beach-based breaks.

These destinations not only encourage our Guests to leave the sun loungers behind, they also encourage our people to experience something new every time they step away from life on board with an array of unforgettable experiences.

They treat our Guests and our people’s senses to a world of eye-opening culture, mouth-watering cuisine and hair-raising adventure with these local experiences.

Take yourself there now in this short film featuring our people working on board.

Read full details on the best reasons to explore these incredible countries:

Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands highlights – find out more

Secret seven: explore Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands on Iona

1. Explore another world in Lanzarote

The landscapes of Lanzarote are often compared to those of an alien world. With beaches ranging from vivid red to ash black, the coastline of this Canary Island is indeed unearthly, but only when leaving the ocean behind and crossing the dunes into Timanfaya National Park do travellers truly feel as if they’ve been transported on the first P&O Cruises holiday to Mars.

The spectacular landscape was created nearly 300 years ago – relatively recently in the world of geothermal activity – when more than 100 volcanoes erupted, gushing billions of cubic metres of lava onto the surrounding countryside and villages. The island’s dry climate has more or less preserved the landscape, and today, the park is open to visitors who want to witness its incredible geothermal powers.

On the mountain itself, the El Diablo Restaurant offers food cooked using heat given off by the volcano, while knowledgeable park staff demonstrate the awesome power bubbling away just beneath their feet. On a good day, they can even conjure bursts of flame straight out of the ground.

2. See dancing horses in Cadiz

You’ve seen horses gallop, canter and trot, but have you ever seen them dance? Purebred Spanish Horses are famed for being strong yet elegant. They’ve lived in the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years and throughout history have been used for everything from dressage to show jumping to driving.

Jerez de la Frontera, the largest city in the wider province of Cadiz, is proudly home to the dancing Andalusian horses. At the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, expert riders on graceful purebreds practice the classical traditions of Spanish baroque horsemanship, perfecting balletic and athletic techniques in the grounds of a 19th-century palace.

On various days of each week throughout the year, formal shows are presented at midday, complete with rousing classical music, traditional carriages and 18th-century costumes. And while these are not to be missed if the chance arises, there are plenty of connoisseurs who would argue that the daily training sessions are the real insider’s tip.

3. Zoom downhill in Funchal

The Portuguese island of Madeira is known as the Garden Island, and its capital, Funchal, takes its name from the verdant fennel that still thrives on its steep slopes. But these precipitous hills offer more than just vegetation: adrenaline-seekers can get their thrills with a 10-minute toboggan ride down some of the city’s steepest streets.

Introduced in the 1850s as a quick way to get between the elevated parish of Monte and the lower Livramento neighbourhood, Funchal’s simple wicker toboggans are now a unique visitor attraction. Reaching Monte in the first place is a pleasure in itself, travelling by scenic cable car from Funchal old town. Then, after exploring the neighbourhood’s pretty gardens and criss-crossing ancient waterways, the return trip is simply a case of settling into a toboggan and letting the locals do the rest: each vehicle is skilfully steered and controlled by two straw-hatted pilots running alongside the toboggan as it reaches speeds of up to 48km per hour.

4. Get on your trike in Fuerteventura

The second largest of the Canary Islands boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine every year and some of the best white-sand beaches in the archipelago. But venture inland and there is far more to Fuerteventura than sun and sand.

The best way to see more of this rugged location is on wheels – but ideally without missing out on the island’s famously refreshing trade winds. One truly memorable way to achieve exactly this is to head inland on a gleaming motor trike. More like an open-top car than a motorcycle, these three-wheelers are easy to drive and have room for two passengers in the back.

First stop on a trike trip will likely be the breathtaking Morro Velosa viewpoint, a protected desert vista unspoiled by any sign of tourist development. From there, it’s just a short ride to Fuerteventura’s ancient capital, Betancuria, with its cobbled streets, charming locals and picturesque collection of craft shops and cafés.

5. Taste traditional coffee in Gran Canaria

Wine, cheese, bread… on the long list of Europe’s homegrown culinary treasures, coffee isn’t typically one of the first things that comes to mind. But in a lush valley on the northwestern side of Gran Canaria you’ll find Finca Los Castaños, the only place in Europe where coffee continues to be cultivated traditionally, and has been since the early 19th century.

Gran Canarian coffee benefits from perfect growing conditions: year-round warmth and sunshine, high shade from the neighbouring mountains and rich volcanic soil. A visit to this small slice of paradise offers a completely different perspective on a drink that many of us consider a routine part of our day. Seeing the hard work and passion that goes into taking a brew from bean to cup forces you to stop and consider each element of the coffee-drinking experience: the different beans, their aromas, colours and distinctive flavours. And the farm’s reputation, thanks to the expertise of manager and coffee master Antonio Márquez, has spread far beyond the island. In 2015, their coffee was chosen by national barista champion Luis Blanco and his toaster Marisa Baqué to represent Spain in the World Barista Championship.

6. Listen to local music in Lisbon

When the sun goes down, Lisbon lights up, and for an authentic intimate experience in the Portuguese capital, an evening of traditional fado music is just the ticket.

Going back at least as far as the 1820s, fado gets to the heart of traditional Portuguese culture – especially when it’s performed in a setting such as Café Luso, a wine cellar in the historic Bairro Alto. Here, the live music starts at 8pm most evenings and goes on into the early hours. As diners feast on local specialities, the players and singers showcase a range of fado styles – from the heartfelt tales of love and loss originally enjoyed by working-class sailors’ wives to the more lighthearted songs that became popular as more affluent locals took an interest in the genre.

With several of Iona’s winter itineraries making overnight stops in Lisbon, an evening here provides the perfect opportunity to experience Portuguese folk culture at its most intoxicating.

7. Taste homemade tapas in Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands is also the most visited, thanks to its enviable climate and varied breathtaking scenery. Beyond the beautiful beaches, lush forests rub shoulders with rolling valleys, while impressive Mount Teide overlooks an eerie volcanic ‘moonscape’. Indeed, Tenerife could easily thrive on the strength of its natural splendour alone, yet its inhabitants have not skimped on their contributions to world culture, either.

For foodies who want to sample the delights of the island’s traditional cuisine, there is no better place to go than the medieval town of El Sauzal. Gastronomic tours of this small, quaint town not only take in the region’s wine and produce, but also open doors to private homes, so that visitors can dine like a local with one of the town’s welcoming ‘mamas’. Every one of these traditional Spanish homemakers has her own speciality, but Canarian cheese and chicken in a uniquely Canarian sauce are both likely to be on the menu, along with papas arrugadas ¬– a local delicacy that translates as ‘wrinkled potatoes.’

The Northern Europe city escapes – find out more

Make your great escape in four fabulous cities

Iona’s seven-night Northern European City Escapes take in a range of standout cities in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, with late calls and overnights that give you time to really explore and relax. Each port of call offers an alluring contrast of ancient and modern with striking architecture, fabulous foodie scenes and lively café cultures – all layered over a rich and dramatic history. Whatever you want from your city break, there’s something to capture every imagination, from dawn ‘til dusk and all night long.

Bruges
From Zeebrugge (literally Bruges-on-Sea) it’s a short journey to the enchanting city of Bruges. With its medieval buildings and intricate network of canals, the ‘Venice of the North’ has its own special magic. The cobbled streets are lined with smart shops, restaurants and bars and grand historic buildings, among them The Belfry in the imposing Market Square and the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child marble statue. Small and perfectly formed, the city is best explored on foot, by bike, by canal boat or by Segway.

Of course, Bruges’ cocoa heritage is a star attraction. Head for the Chocolate Museum for fascinating insight into the city’s trading past and taste your way around the myriad shops scattered through the winding streets. More tasting is required to appreciate the region’s infamous array of local beers, accompanied by a steaming bowl of traditional moules-frites. Pottering around the shops is equally attractive – behind their pretty windows find local crafts, tapestries and the country’s beautiful, world-famous lace.

Further afield there’s the chance to contemplate the past and visit the First World War cemeteries and Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres – now places of quiet reflection, beauty and peace. Other great away-days include the quaint Flemish village of Damme (complete with windmills, gothic cathedrals and postcard-pretty squares) and the coastal resort of Knokke (with its sweep of golden sands), the shiny capital Brussels or the medieval splendours of Ghent.

Hamburg
The second-biggest city in Germany, Hamburg lies on the banks of the Elbe River. It’s a lively, multicultural destination with an epic history and excellent shopping and dining, as well as the country’s oldest stock exchange. There are two lakes and hundreds of canals, as well as spacious parks and quiet corners – perhaps surprisingly, it’s one of Germany’s greenest cities.

St Nicolai memorial is a splendid focal point. Currently undergoing restoration, its rejuvenation programme will be complete for 2020 – don’t miss the glass lift up to the platform with incredible city views. Explore the Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus district, one of the world’s largest warehouse complexes linked together by narrow streets, bridges and canals and home to harbourside pubs and charming restaurants. Nearby is the astonishing Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway and a diminutive representation of Germany and other places around the world.

For memorable experiences beyond the city, the thought-provoking Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial is within easy reach. So too are the medieval treasures Lüneberg and UNESCO World Heritage site Lübeck. Both cities are blessed with architectural wonders, charming historic centres and a lively café culture.

When the sun goes down, light up the night in the bright and brash Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s legendary nightlife mile in the vibrant St Pauli district. Here you’ll find a colourful array of dance clubs, live music venues and cosy pubs in a buzzy mash-up with something for everyone and where anything goes. The street is steeped in music history. Follow in the footsteps of the Beatles along Grosse Freiheit: they played their first concerts in the Indra Club in August 1960, and subsequently performed at the Kaiserkeller and Top Ten Club.

Head for the Planten un Blomen Park for a more sedate soirée. The 47-acre green space in the heart of the city hosts a nightly musical performance – a magical experience combining illuminated fountains and classical music. And, of course, there’s the richness of Hamburg’s restaurant culture to enjoy. The city is renowned for its mix of international cuisine and local specialities, as well as an impressive gourmet scene. After dinner, head for the Spielbudenplatz: the historic core of Hamburg’s entertainment district is the perfect place to stroll and soak up the lively city vibe.

Rotterdam
The centre of Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. It has since reinvented itself with gusto to become a dynamic showcase of stunning modern architecture and a forward-thinking hub of creative energy. The Church of Saint Lawrence (the city’s only surviving piece of medieval architecture) and the striking Art Nouveau Witte Huis (which survived the Rotterdam Blitz of May 1940, when the German Luftwaffe bombed the city during the invasion of the Netherlands) both stand out against the modern skyline.

Rotterdam’s unique new constructions include the dizzying Cube Houses with structural cubes that tilt at a 45-degree angle, the monumental Erasmus Bridge, and the Euromast Tower with its panoramic city views. Step back in time with a visit to the picturesque port of Delfshaven on the right bank of the River Nieuwe Maas. The historic old port area boasts windmills, museums and canal houses now hosting cosy shops, art houses, trendy cafés and artisan breweries. Delfshaven locals once earned their living by fishing for herring and distilling gin – this tradition thrives today with a wealth of boutique distilleries offering tastings aplenty.

There’s also lots to see nearby in contrast to the city buzz. Delft Pottery, famous for its blue porcelain, gives fascinating insight into artistic traditions old and new, while the charming city of Gouda (think cheese and pretty landscapes) and the original windmills at Kinderdijk offer more pastoral experiences.

Rotterdam’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from wining and dining to entertainment. Take your pick from the traditional biergartens, where you can sip large mugs of beer and eat sizzling sausages fresh off the grill; cosy pubs; welcoming cafés; glamorous cocktail bars and fine dining. Visit the Fenix Food Factory on the city’s Katendrecht peninsula for local culinary experiences and a relaxed street-food vibe.

Get your skates on to work off some energy at the Schaatsbaan, with its 1,600 square metre ice rink and 400-metre tunnel. Or stroll the streets of the busy Witte de Withstraat area, known for its socialising hotspots and upbeat scene. The city is famed for its impressive array of live music venues, often performed in unusual intimate venues. And the locals do know how to have a good time. Dance the night away with a friendly crowd in any number of nightclubs, festivals and public parties.

Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a uniquely beautiful city with its picturesque canal network, rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city is an art-lover’s wonderland offering the chance to see world treasures galore. Museumplein is home to the incredible Van Gogh Museum, the vast Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, all set around a splendid green space. Anne Frank House is another must-see – a sombre reminder of the city’s darker days under German occupation.

Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods offer distinctive atmospheres. The city’s famous red light district in De Wallen has a unique charm and history of its own – and standing proud in its midst is Oude Kerk (the Old Church), the city’s oldest building dating back to the 1200s. Stroll through the charming Jordaan neighbourhood, teeming with shops, galleries, bars and restaurants, or visit Leidseplein Square with its street performers and ice skating rink surrounded by lovely food stalls. Amsterdam Noord, meanwhile, has blossomed into a cultural hipster hub. The charming ‘village in the city’ is a green and family-friendly place for pottering with fun activities, street markets and fresh foodie venues.

To escape from the bustle of city life, meander by foot or by bike through the green loveliness of Vondelpark or take a leisurely cruise through winding canals for a fresh perspective of the elegant townhouses and attractions, such as the famous Bloemenmarkt floating flower market. For a different view entirely, take to the skies at A’DAM Toren. The tower’s 100m-high rotating sky deck affords the best city views and, if you’re feeling daring, Europe’s highest swing, Over The Edge, will whoosh you back and forth with the cityscape below your dangling legs.

After dark, the streets of Amsterdam exude a pulsing energy and unique sparkle. Exploring by foot is the simplest way to get in on the action. Find a range of live music venues in the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein areas and explore the area’s bustling cafés and bars. Absorb the pulsing energy of the red light district or chill in a quiet corner of a candlelit coffee shop. For late-night action, take in a concert at the majestic Concertgebouw or party the night away to the sounds of Amsterdam’s world-renowned DJs.

For a more leisurely odyssey, nothing beats an evening canal boat ride. The city’s canal network is a magical way to take in the sights after dark, the waters dancing with the light of illuminated bridges and canal-side buildings.

Amsterdam’s incredibly diverse food scene awaits, too. Try Dutch classics such as bitterballen (a meatball snack), rookwurst (sausages) and raw herring. Or dive into any number of international cuisines courtesy of the city’s cosmopolitan population, among them Indonesian, Turkish and Moroccan. And if a blowout is in order, the city boasts 16 exceptional Michelin-starred restaurants.

7 reasons to explore Spain and Portugal – find out more

The magnificent seven: explore Spain and Portugal on Iona
Studding the Spanish and Portuguese coastlines, Iona’s seven destinations are gateways to iconic sights and unforgettable experiences. Each has a unique cityscape, where past and present play out in a lively mix of architecture and anything-but-everyday life. Walk on golden sands, take a cultural journey through the ages, set your pulse racing in rolling countryside and listen to the heartfelt sounds of local musicians. From proud local traditions to gastronomic delights, we pick some of the best reasons to explore these incredible countries.

1. Food & drink
A historic market turned dream food court, Lisbon’s Time Out Market serves up some of the city’s must-try produce, from salt cod and the prego (a beef sandwich with a lick of garlic or tangy mustard) to those little pastry cups of custard perfection, pastéis de nata ¬– the best €1 you’ll ever spend. Toast the bounty with vinho verde (literally green wine, though in this case the name refers to the region), and pick up a beautifully packaged tin or two of sardines. In Vigo, fresh seafood is the star. Follow your nose to Rúa Pescadería for oysters washed down by a glass of albariño, and head to the glorious vineyards of the Galician countryside to sip more of this summery white.

For a hands-on experience, learn to cook the perfect paella in Valencia, where tradition calls for chicken and rabbit. Its success is judged by the socarrat, the crispy crust of rice at the bottom of the pan. Celebrate your new skills with agua de Valencia (a heady mix of cava, orange juice, gin and vodka) and snack on mouthwatering Ibérico ham. You’ll find a fine tipple north of Cadiz, too. In the atmospheric bodegas of the Sherry Triangle, barrels of the world’s finest sherries await, from nutty and dry to lusciously sweet. Or if a sin-free sweet treat is calling, pop into one of Seville’s convents to buy cookies from the resident nuns.

2. Architecture & design
Awe-inspiring architecture peppers each port of call, but special mentions go to Barcelona, Valencia and the dynamic Andalusian duo of Cadiz and Seville. Compact Cadiz is packed with Moorish buildings. Wander its narrow streets, admire the simple elegance of the old cathedral, Santa Cruz Church, then take in the ornate marble exterior of its baroque successor. Head to Seville for architectural thrills that include the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the lavish Alcázar palace complex. And stroll beneath the staggering timber lattice of the Metropol Parasol – hop in the lift for rooftop views from its winding walkways.

In Barcelona, the open-air Spanish Village houses 117 full-scale buildings that capture the essence of the country’s architecture, but it’s the whimsical work of architect Antoni Gaudí that famously adorns the city’s streets. Marvel at the twists and twirls of the iconic (and still unfinished) Sagrada Familia, enjoy the tiled sculptures and buildings of Park Güell and gaze at the fantastical façade of Casa Batlló. For an ultra-modern otherworldly experience, head to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, where glistening white structures in undulating shapes meet the sky. The play of light and crystal-clear reflecting pools create a mesmerising scene, and it’s a magical place to watch the sun set.

3. Art & crafts
Trace arts and crafts through the ages in Alicante, where standout museums come up trumps: MARQ puts a 21st-century spin on displaying exquisite archaeological finds, while 20th-century gems brighten the walls in MACA, including works by Spanish Surrealist supremos Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. Looking for a unique handcrafted memento? Along the coast picture-perfect town Altea is a haven for artists, and their galleries and studios will tempt you with their wares.

In Malaga, the Picasso Museum salutes the prolific artist in his hometown, but it shares the spotlight with a raft of creative hubs, including buzzing art district Soho. It’s where you’ll find contemporary art museum CAC and is a canvas for striking street art. Join a guided walk to hunt out the best. Nearby, the multicoloured glass cube of the Pompidou Centre is a beacon for cutting-edge exhibitions. For street art of a different kind, try Lisbon. Found on the walls of the grandest buildings through to the humblest of homes, glazed ceramic tiles are part of the fabric of the city, depicting colourful patterns and stories of Lisbon past and present. Visit traditional ceramics factory Sant’Anna for an insight into the art of these azulejos – time it right and you could even paint your own mini masterpiece.

4. Action & adventure
A vibrant city in itself, Alicante is also a springboard for an action-packed visit to the Costa Blanca. Journey north and you’ll find a rolling landscape of lush pine forests and fragrant citrus, almond and olive groves stretching out before you. Taking to two wheels is one of the best ways to experience the countryside, so saddle up and set off on a 20-mile bike ride (downhill, of course – you’re on holiday, after all…). Looking for an instant adrenaline rush? Head up to Aqualandia Benidorm where Europe’s highest standing waterslide will drop you 33m in a thrilling – or terrifying – few seconds, then retreat to the lagoon to recover your nerves.

Vigo offers up more action, with Galicia’s longest river, the Miño, providing plenty of white water to satisfy an appetite for adventure. Back in town, hop on a Segway to whizz along the waterfront promenade before getting your heart going exploring the hilly old quarter. Have a head for heights? In Malaga, El Caminito del Rey steps things up a level. Dating to the early 1900s, its recent renovation puts it back on the map for hikers: boardwalks cling to sheer rockfaces, walkways span gorges and canyons, and paths tunnel through chalky mountain. Simply breathtaking.

5. Sporting attractions
The 1992 Olympic Games played a huge role in shaping the Barcelona we know today. Tip your hat to its legacy at the Port Olimpic, where the spectacular Golden Fish sculpture shimmers in the sun, yachts bob in neat rows, and locals and visitors alike make the most of water sports, restaurants and bars. Over at Camp Nou, followers of FC Barcelona can go behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest stadiums and touch the hallowed turf of their heroes.

Mestalla Stadium in Valencia will rouse more cheers from football fans, while other sports get airtime in an incredible 9km ribbon of parkland that snakes its way through the city in the old Túria riverbed. Hire bikes and pedal your way along the peaceful trails, past cricket, baseball, skate ramps and mini golf, keeping an eye out for the Gulliver Park where children and adults can clamber over an enormous replica of the legendary traveller. Down in Andalusia, horses are king, and our stop in Cadiz means the chance to witness a world-famous equestrian display. At the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, watch on as riders expertly dance their steeds through kicks and flicks in perfect time.

6. Beaches

You’ll never be far away from a stunning stretch of sand, and the Costa del Sol triumphs when it comes to resort beaches. Easily reached from Malaga, Benalmádena has almost 10km of beaches to choose from, ranging from quiet coves to lively areas packed with activities. And in Fuengirola, the restored Sohail Castle watches over a 7km band of sand hugging the promenade of this one-time fishing village. Do as the locals do: take a break at a beachside bar and nibble on crispy squid or fried anchovies.

Flying the flag for seaside excellence in Alicante is El Postiguet. Its golden sands and fantastic facilities have earned it a Blue Flag rating, and its proximity to the Old Quarter adds to the charm – be sure to amble among the quaint houses where flowers tumble from balconies, or stretch your legs on the palm-lined promenade, guided by its pretty, wavy patchwork of marble tiles. For an off-the-beaten-track experience, look to Vigo. At one time a paradise for pirates, today the Cíes Islands are a serene national park with idyllic stretches of soft, powdery sand. Pinch yourself as you stand on sweeping Rodas Beach, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Atlantic waters and stroll along gentle trails to the sound of birdsong.

7. Music & dance

The strum of a guitar, the click of fingers, the stomp of feet and rhythmic clapping… Spanish flamenco is one of the most famous musical art forms in the world. Experience its true spirit in Seville, where late-night performances in intimate bars turn its emotive power up to the max. Book a dance class to really get your feet tapping and hands clapping, and look out for electrifying displays by street performers as you explore the city by day. Portugal has its own soulful music, fado, with lyrics that speak of struggle and sorrow. Immerse yourself in its raw melancholy at Lisbon’s Fado Museum, then meander the Alfama district’s maze of cobbled streets, where fado’s roots run deep.

For an upbeat audio(visual) experience, check out the city that never sleeps: Barcelona. Salute the sunset with a glass of Catalan cava, then visit the Magic Fountain to watch an explosion of colour as the waters dance to myriad soundscapes spanning Spanish classics to 80s pop. It sets the tone for an incredible musical mix across the city. From world-class opera in the Gothic Quarter’s grand Liceu to live acts of every genre playing in tiny bars to international DJs in slick beachside clubs where lasers dance overhead… Where will the night take you?

Share your adventures

With our ships’ company becoming more and more travel experts, we’d love to hear about your unforgettable experiences. Share your adventures on Instagram tagging @CarnivalUKComms.