Genoa, Marseille (Provence), Barcelona, Cadiz, Lisbon, Funchal (Madeira), St. Cruz de Tenerife, Praia, Recife, Maceio, Salvador de Bahia

Today we are visiting Genoa, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria, a powerful commercial center seaport and city-state. It was the birthplace of the great adventurer Christopher Columbus and its maritime roots have fostered a dialect that has absorbed elements of Neapolitan, Calabrese and Portuguese over the centuries. Genoa's harbor is a bustling swarm of activity, hosting a museum and an aquarium and has a magnificent medieval flair, ideal for a nice stroll. This port is our launching point for the sprawling metropolis of Milan.

Marseille is the largest port on the Mediterranean, France's second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is a unique city with a feel and culture all its own. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d'If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" escaped. If you have time, explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence. 

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.

Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain, the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in southwestern Europe. During the Age of Exploration, the city experienced a renaissance. Christopher Columbus sailed from Cádiz on his second and fourth voyages and the city later became the home port of the Spanish treasure fleet. 

Cadiz is the gateway to Seville, capital of Andalucia, which lies on the mighty Guadalquivir at a distance of 120 kms. Taking a tour to Seville, will give you a change to marvel the Alcazar, a grand 14th Century Moorish palace, the Seville Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, all UNESCO World Heritage sites, built in the Mudejar style, and also, to walk the narrow lanes of the Jewish 
Quarter, the expanse of the Plaza de Espana, or the halls of the Museo de Bellas Artes.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, on the southwest of the country, has been the main gateway for the rest of the planet for more than 19 centuries. Ships captained by Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, skittered across the globe, hauling treasure home and making Lisbon a global capital. Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies, until 1755, when a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city, leaving intact only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas. Eternally linked to the sea, Lisbon's magnificent harbor is spanned by the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Among the city's landmarks are the iconic Castelo de São Jorge, the World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both built in Lisbon's native Manueline architectural style.

Madeira is located in the north Atlantic Ocean, 520 km from the African coast and 1.000 km from the European continent. Today, it is a popular year-round resort, noted for its wine, flowers, landscapes and embroidery artisans. Madeira's capital Funchal, on the island's south coast, rises straight up from the sea and enchants visitors, with its red roofs and hibiscus easing gently down the lower slopes of Pico do Arieiro to the ocean. Time given, take the cable car toMonte Palace, in a 15-minute ride up and over the old town of Funchal and the Ribeira de Joao Gomes valley. When in town, wander along the Old centre, with its port and promenade, quaint and narrow winding streets, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and view "Worker's Market", the 15th-century cathedral, the Theatre, the Town Hall and the waterfront.

Tenerife is the largest the seven Canary Islands. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain, with millions of tourists visiting it each year. Its landscape has been sculpted by a series of volcanic eruptions.

Praia is the capital and largest city of Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean west of Senegal. It lies on the southern coast of Santiago island in the Sotavento Islands group. Praia is the island's ferry port. The Old City’s center, known as Platô, is home to many interesting colonial buildings, like the 19th century Palacio Presidential. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the bay head towards the City’s fortified walls. 

Recife is a metropolitan area in Brazil and a major port on the Atlantic Ocean, located at the confluence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers before they flow into the Atlantic Ocean. There are numerous celebrations and events during the whole year. The carnival of Recife begins in December with innumerable balls and parades.

Maceió is the capital of the coastal state Alagoas, in northeast Brazil. Maceió stands out for its beauty and its remarkable culture and has become a popular tourist destination.

Salvador da Bahia is the largest city on the northeast coast of Brazil. The Historic Centre of the city is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The beaches are ideal for swimming, sailing, diving, surfing and underwater fishing.