Islands of Bermuda, Bahamas & Puerto Rico

Visiting Lisbon in February allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During February, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girão, standing 580m above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

First spotted – and named – by Christopher Columbus, St. Kitts and Nevis were the first Caribbean islands to have a British colony, although they gained independence some 350 years later in 1983. Basseterre was actually established by the French in the 17th century and the town has much of its Georgian architecture still in situ. The Scenic Railway journey here is said to be one of the most attractive in the world, originally built to transport sugar cane round the island.

Considered to be the sailing capital of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands have small distances between the islands. Road Town is capital of Tortola, situated in a horse-shoe shaped harbour; this lush, hilly island is also famous for its Pussers rum, and its association with the sea and sailors. Close by is Virgin Gorda – a maze of granite boulders protruding from the shore and sea, and Norman Island, where it is said that the caves here were once filled with pirate treasure.

Steeped in history and Caribbean charm, San Juan effortlessly blends colourful colonial architecture with a modern culture. The heart of the city lies within Old San Juan, where cobbled streets wind past pastel-hued buildings, centuries-old forts and hidden plazas filled with cafés, galleries and local life. Dominating the coastline are the imposing fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, reminders of Puerto Rico's strategic importance during the Spanish colonial era. Beyond its historic centre, San Juan offers a lively waterfront, golden beaches and a rich culinary scene influenced by Spanish, African and Taíno heritage. You will have opportunities to sample local specialities such as mofongo, browse artisan shops and soak up the rhythm of salsa music, with the warmth of the Caribbean sun adding to the city's welcoming atmosphere.

Fringed by palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters, Charlotte Amalie is the bustling capital of St. Thomas and has one of the Caribbean's most picturesque harbours. Founded by Danish settlers in the 17th century, the town is home to colourful colonial architecture, historic landmarks and charming streets lined with boutiques and local cafés. Away from the town, you'll find white-sand beaches, panoramic viewpoints and opportunities to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that makes the U.S. Virgin Islands so appealing. Whether exploring its history or relaxing by the sea, Charlotte Amalie offers a wonderful taste of Caribbean life.

Emerald Bay, on the island of Great Exuma, offers a picture-perfect introduction to the Bahamas. Powder-soft white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating the idyllic scenery for which the archipelago is famous. Beyond the beach, the island's laid-back atmosphere invites a slower pace of life, where colourful settlements, friendly locals and natural beauty take centre stage. Whether exploring the coastline, discovering marine life in the warm Caribbean waters or simply admiring the ever-changing shades of blue, Emerald Bay captures the relaxed charm and tranquillity that make the Bahamas so appealing.

Nassau’s history was very dramatic and pirate-driven, as the harbour was the perfect spot for pirates to accommodate their many ships, prior to plundering Spanish ships as they travelled between Florida and Cuba. The city has a museum dedicate to the history of these pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. Close by, on Paradise Island is the renowned Atlantis Hotel, and is also where the more recent Casino Royale Bond movie was filmed.

Often referred to as Ernest Hermingway’s retreat, after he first visited in 1935, and seen by some as the location of the lost city of Atlantis, due to mysterious underwater rock formations, Bimini is located on the westernmost part of islands that make up the Bahamas. Comprised of two main islands –North Bimini and South Bimini, they are well known for having the finest fishing in the Bahamas, which inspired Hemingway’s book, Islands in the Stream.

St. George’s Island offers a captivating glimpse into Bermuda’s past, where colourful colonial buildings, cobbled lanes and centuries-old landmarks reflect its rich maritime heritage. Home to the UNESCO-listed Town of St. George, the island blends history with laid-back island charm, from exploring King’s Square and St. Peter’s Church to browsing waterfront boutiques and cafés. Surrounded by turquoise waters and picturesque bays, including the popular Tobacco Bay, St. George’s Island is a wonderful place to soak up Bermuda’s culture, scenery and welcoming atmosphere.

The welcoming island of Bermuda and the capital city of Hamilton offer many sights to savour during your visit, including the 19th-century Royal Naval Dockyard, home to an extensive collection of British Navy and maritime artefacts, a picturesque harbour, and pink sand beaches. You will be perfectly placed to discover the main sights of Hamilton by tram and learn about the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle at the Ocean Discovery Centre or admire the natural grotto of stalactites and stalagmites at Crystal Caves, so named due to their crystal-clear waters that have formed a lake inside the cave.

Horta, on the island of Faial, was discovered in the 19th century by Portuguese explorers, and has a vast maritime heritage. It is regarded as one of the most colourful marinas in the world, due to the thousands of paintings that adorn the marina walls, each marking the safe passage of a boat, and for calm seas as they continued their journey. The seas surrounding the island of Faial are considered to be one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching.

During your visit to the island of São Miguel, home to beautiful mountains, sandy beaches, and the famous twin crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades Volcano, there will also be the opportunity to explore Lagoa do Fogo, one of the highest crater lakes on the island, offering glorious autumnal scenery. You may choose to relax in the natural hot springs of Furnas Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, or try the local delicacy of ‘Cozido das Furnas’, a hearty stew cooked underground by the heat of volcanic activity. You’ll also be ideally placed to taste the island’s tea at Europe’s only tea plantation, Gorreana, sample a sweet local pineapple, as it’s quite possible to experience four seasons in one day, so crops are plentiful, or join an exhilarating whale-watching tour.