Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santos, Mindelo-, Las Palmas, Tangier, Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina, La Valletta, Split, Venice

Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil's primary tourist resort. The landmarks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ statue, the spectacular beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, the sensual rhythm of samba dance, the Carnival and the passionate and friendly people are only some of the reasons that Rio is such a favorite destination.

São Paulo is the most populous city in Brazil, located in the southeast part of the country. South of the city, lies the Parque Estadual Serra do Mar, a mountain range covered by exhuberant rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the major attractions of São Paulo is the excellent quality of its restaurants and the diverse regional and international cuisine.

Mindelo is located on the volcanic island of São Vicente, in Cape Verde. Mindelo is the cultural capital of the Cape Verde Islands which lie off North Africa's tropical coast. It is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant night life and Afro-Portuguese influences. On the waterfront, near the fish market, there is a replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. The Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora started her career singing in Mindelo.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island, is set amidst magnificent scenery composed of two bays and their beautiful beaches, in the north-eastern part of the island. Founded in 1478, the town is characterized by an important historical and cultural heritage, which is depicted in the district of Vegueta, the oldest quarter of the town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, where you can see the Cathedral of Santa Ana, Casa Museo de Colón, Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno & Museo Canario.

Tangier is part of the Kingdom of Morocco, Africa's whitewashed gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean, a rich blend of cultures, exotic souks, colourful riads, the Kasbah, lively markets.. Wide palm-lined boulevards and humming souks are Tangier's distinctively Moroccan characteristics, but Spanish, French and Berber influences are found everywhere: watch the arched wooden doors, the hefty silver ornamentations, the tighly-woven carpets that tell tribal legends.You can take a tour at the caves of Hercules and the colourful souks of the Old Medina, the Kasbah and the majestic mountains of the Rif.

Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures, a global capital of commerce, fashion, culture and sunshine. Cruise visitors should start with a walk down Las Ramblas, the glorious tree-shaded thoroughfare at the heart of the city, enjoy a dive in the wonderful beaches nearby, but, most of all, see what visionary architect Antoni Gaudi wrought. Seven of his creations have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell and Casa Mila. Time provided, you can also visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic, home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.

Our gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century, boasting a long and venerable history. Its location near the modern city, made it a perfect vacation resort for emperor Trajan, who built a pleasure villa. while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City, the ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2.000 years, is our main reason to be here. YYou can visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi to make sure you return to Rome one day, take a photo in front of the Vatican, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter and enjoy a delicious gelato, in the glamorous area.

Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina is the 3rd largest city on the island of Sicily and the 13th largest city in Italy. The town is amphitheatrically built on top of a hill overlooking the sea and offers great views. While you wander around its alleys, you will see the Cathedral (12th century) and notice especially the Chapel of the Sacrament (late 16th century), with scenic decorations and 14th century mosaics and a bell tower which holds one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. Among other main attractions are the Palazzo Calapaj, an example of 18th century Messinese architecture, San Ranieri lighthouse (1555), Galleria d'Arte Contemporanea di Messina, hosting notable paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, the Fountain of Orion, located next to the Cathedral and the Fountain of Neptune, looking towards the harbour, both built by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli in 1547 and 1557 respectivelly. Messina is the gateway to Taormina and its views of snowcapped Mt. Etna.

Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen" is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces, among which St. John's Co-Cathedral, with its elaborate inlaid marble tombstones and Caravaggios and the Grand Master's Palace. Enjoy visiting the famous Three Cities across the Grand Harbour and if you have time, Sliema/ St. Julian's/ Paceville area, renowned for its cosmopolitan feel and lively nightlife.

Split, built under the orders of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who lived out his last days after abdicating in AD 305, is located between Venice and the Ionian Islands, on the Dalmatian coast and is one of the most important ports of Croatia. Today, the remarkable residence of the Roman Emperor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your discovery. The white limestone palace, part luxurious villa, part military camp, is enclosed by imposing walls and connected by roads linking the eastern Silver Gate with the Iron Gate to the west. Within its premices, you can see an octagonal domed mausoleum, temples and a monumental court accessing the imperial apartments.

When it comes to Venice, pictures speak louder than words. Approaching the floating city, which is concocted from spires and cupolas, you discover a majestic place, undoubtedly the most romantic city in the world. Stroll along the cobblestone alleys that reveal the wonderful architectural gems, enjoy a hot mix of espresso, step out into the palatial arcades and St. Mark's Square or choose a romantic gondola ride. The lagoon, consisting more or less of 118 islands connected with bridges and canals, will steal your heart away. Time provided, you can visit nearby islands Burano, the coloured island of lace and Murano, famous for its fancy glasswares.