The Canary Islands: 6 days, 6 islands

After landing at Arrecife airport and taking up residence on the La Belle des Océans boat the day before, this first day is dedicated to discovering Lanzarote. The landscape of this unique island was shaped by a series ofvolcanic eruptions in the 18th century. In the morning, head for Timanfaya National Park to learn more about this shocking event and discover the dozens of craters it left behind.

The sight of this painting in orange, black and blue is simply breathtaking. Not far away, you can marvel at the beauty of the green lagoon and the Janubio salt flats. The morning ends with a wine tasting at one of La Geria' s oldest bodegas, where the vines grow in volcanic soil.

In the afternoon, we explore Lanzarote through the eyes of its local artist, César Manrique. César Manrique, who died in the 1990s, left his mark on every corner of his native island. We start with Jameos del Agua, a natural lake formed in an ancient volcanic cavity, landscaped and enhanced by César Manrique.

We then drive to the north of the island to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island of La Graciosa from the Mirador del Río, also designed by the artist. Finally, there's the César Manrique Foundation, the architect's former home, some of whose rooms are housed in volcanic bubbles. We rejoin the boat to enjoy the sunset as wesail leisurely towards Fuerteventura.

⭐ Where to stay in Lanzarote?

As the sun rises over Fuerteventura, we don't waste a second disembarking at Puerto del Rosario to discover this island of white sandy beaches and lush green plains.

We've deliberately skipped breakfast to make the most of the tasting of local goat's cheese that awaits us, some of the best in the world. But before that, we visit the farm, say hello to the goats and learn more about the secrets of making this delicious milk.

We then head to Tiscamanita, a small farming village in the centre of Fuerteventura, to visit an Aloe Vera cosmetics factory. This plant, which thrives in the island's ever-spring-like climate, abounds in the area. To finish the morning, we'll head to Betancuria, one of the oldest towns in the Canaryarchipelago, founded by settlers in the early 15th century.

It boasts traditional architecture with white houses and cobbled streets, as well as a strong historical and cultural heritage. The town is also the gateway to the Betancuria rural park, which can be explored on foot or by car, and is home to a number of lookout points. In the afternoon, try to spot dolphins as the boat heads for Gran Canaria.

⭐ Where to stay in Fuerteventura?

With its varied landscapes combining beaches, forests and mountains, and its vibrant capital, Gran Canaria is often compared to a miniature continent. To get a good idea of what it's like in just one day, don't delay!

When we wake up, we head for the Vegueta district in the island's capital, Las Palmas. This is where Christopher Columbus is said to have stayed before his departure for the New World. You can even visit his house, the Casa de Colon, and learn more about his great voyage. Fifteen kilometres away, the 200-metre-deep Bandama crater brings home the full force of a volcanic eruption.

After lunch, it's off to Teror. Despite its frightening name, this small, colourful village in the heart of the mountains has all the makings of paradise. In fact, it is an important place of pilgrimage for the people of the Canary Islands, as its basilica, the Virgen del Pino, is the patron saint of the diocese of Canarias.

Then there's a visit to the Jardín de la Marquesa d'Arucas, where you can stroll among some 400 species of tropical plants and flowers. The town of Arucas is also well worth a visit, particularly to admire its impressive black neo-Gothic cathedral. We return on board to enjoy an evening of dancing as we sail away from Gran Canaria to La Gomera.

⭐ Where to stay in Gran Canaria?

A slightly quieter day awaits us today. After sleeping in, we make the most of the boat's pool, wellness lounge and gym. But after lunch on board, we're feeling refreshed enough to set off to discover La Gomera.

This island is far less touristy than its neighbours, so visitors will find pristine landscapes. Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a perfect example, with its fossil forest covered in mist. Roque Agando emerges from this amalgam of branches and leaves like a lighthouse in the middle of the forest. The contrast with the other Canary Islands is striking.

On the way, we stop off at Hermigua and Agulo, an ancient arboreal territory once known as Mulagua. Here you can enjoy a snack while watching a silbo demonstration. This whistled language, unique in the world, now only exists on the island of La Gomera, but was once used by all the natives of the Canaries to simplify communication between the vast valleys and deep volcanic gorges.

It is protected by UNESCO and taught as a compulsory subject in all La Gomera schools. We return to the boat with stars in our eyes, ready for new adventures in La Palma.

⭐ Where to stay in La Gomera?

We start this fifth day with a morning at sea, taking advantage of all the boat's facilities and trying to spot cetaceans emerging from the foam. In the afternoon, we hit the road to discover the lush vegetation of La Palma. But before heading inland, a stop must be made at the Real Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a small church on the heights of Santa Cruz de La Pal ma that houses the island's most sacred icon. And now for the serious stuff!

With a diameter of 10 kilometres and a depth of one and a half kilometres, the Caldera de Taburiente is one of the largest craters in the world. You can't help but feel very small in front of such a giant. The vegetation has reclaimed its rights over this imposing volcano, offering unique landscapes for hikers.

We then head off to a traditional farmhouse to enjoy a cool drink while taking in the natural scenery all around us. On the way back, we stop at the Mirador de la Concepcion, which offers a breathtaking view of the north coast of La Palma. We then head home to get ready for the gala evening, which provides a fitting end to this cruise as we embark on our final crossing to Tenerife.

⭐ Where to stay in La Palma?

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. The silhouette of the Teide volcano,Spain 's highest mountain at 3,718 metres, dominates the island and seems to watch over its inhabitants. Extinct for nearly a century, its crater is almost 50 kilometres in diameter. That's where we're heading this morning, to the heart of the Teide National Park.

At an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, this UNESCO-listed site offers a wide variety of landscapes, some lunar, others covered in local vegetation that harbours a rich ecosystem. It's a hiker's paradise! From the Roques de Garcia viewpoint, you can enjoy a unique view of the volcano and the strange rock formations created by molten magma.

We devote this final afternoon to a visit to Puerto de la Cruz. Although Puerto de la Cruz is known as one of Tenerife's main seaside resorts, it is also a picturesque town that has preserved its authentic Canarian character, with houses with large balconies overflowing with flowers. The town boasts a number of interesting monuments, including theNuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia church, San Felipe castle,San Francisco church andSan Telmo hermitage.

Puerto de la Cruz also offers a wide variety of exotic parks and gardens. Take time to discover the Sitio Litre orchid garden and the Parque Taoro, which offers a superb panoramic view of the city. Last stop at the Mirador de Humboldt, which offers a privileged viewpoint over the Orotava valley and its banana plantations.

⭐ Where to stay in Tenerife?

Our last evening aboard La Belle des Océans was spent watching a typical Canary Islands folk show, a fitting way to end our voyage. Music, dance, costumes... everything is there to amaze the spectators. We went to sleep with our heads full of beautiful images. The next day, we bid farewell to this lost archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean as our plane took off from Santa Cruz de Tenerife airport.