Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.

Overlooking Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the port of Casablanca is the docking point of your Atlantic Ocean cruise to a modern, cosmopolitan and fairly liberal city. From the harbour, in addition to the promenade where you can enjoy a stroll, you can quickly reach the medina on the northern side of the old city. Surrounded by walls dating back to the 16th century, the Casablanca medina is not very large, but the Souk el-Kebir has all the charm of a Moroccan market. Definitely very different but worthy of a look while on your cruise to Casablanca is the Habous district where the new medina was developed in the 1930s to solve the city’s housing shortage. The most important mosque is the modern Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993. It stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic and the very high minaret serves as a beacon for the harbour. While in Casablanca, a shore excursion to the cathedral of the Sacred Heart is well worth the time. Once a Catholic church, it is now transformed into a cultural centre connected from the Park of the Arab League to the lively Maârif district, modern, full of bars and dominated by the towers of the Twin Center.

Las Palmas is a capital of Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. A major cruise-ship port, the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches. At Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers. The annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing

Strolling about Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente, you can admire monuments from the colonial era and the pretty boulevard near the sea. There are many festivals, culminating in the Carnival, which make the town’s social life very vibrant.

The “Venice of Brazil” stretches over bridges and canals and is protected by a coral barrier reef. Not far from Recife is Olinda, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both Recife’s and Olinda’s famous carnivals are wonderful.

The capital of a region of Brazil that still has to be discovered by tourism, Maceio has breathtaking beaches that are equipped with high-quality tourist infrastructure. A holiday here will guarantee you fun 24 hours a day.

The luxury hotels contrast with the poverty of the favelas (shanty towns), but in Rio it doesn’t take much to feel happy: a beer on the beach, music, a jog along the promenade at Copacabana, the Carnival or a local football team victory.

The luxury hotels contrast with the poverty of the favelas (shanty towns), but in Rio it doesn’t take much to feel happy: a beer on the beach, music, a jog along the promenade at Copacabana, the Carnival or a local football team victory.

Love your guest” is the motto of Montevideo. Lively and fun-loving, the city welcomes visitors with many cultural events, busy bars and clubs, 24-hour markets and street artists

Surrounded by impressive natural landscapes, Buenos Aires is a fascinating jigsaw of different cultures, with modern buildings standing side-by-side with the traditional working class and immigrant quarters, and the city offers an abundance of things to see and do.

Puerto Chacabuco is a town in Patagonia, southern Chile, known as a jumping-off point for the Aysén fjords. To the northeast is Lake Los Palos, with views of snowy mountains. The forested Simpson River National Reserve, home to cougars, is southeast. The nearby town of Coyhaique has a craft market selling handmade items. Glacier-fed San Rafael Lagoon and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field are to the southwest.

Puerto Williams is a town on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel in Chile’s far south. Part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, it’s known as a starting point for trips around Cape Horn. It’s also a gateway to trails around the jagged peaks of the nearby Dientes de Navarino. In town, the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum traces the history of the region’s former inhabitants, the indigenous Yaghan people.

Ushuaia is a resort town in Argentina. It’s located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost tip of South America, nicknamed the “End of the World.” The windswept town, perched on a steep hill, is surrounded by the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. It’s the gateway to Antarctica cruises and tours to nearby Isla Yécapasela, known as “Penguin Island” for its penguin colonies.

Ushuaia is a resort town in Argentina. It’s located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost tip of South America, nicknamed the “End of the World.” The windswept town, perched on a steep hill, is surrounded by the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. It’s the gateway to Antarctica cruises and tours to nearby Isla Yécapasela, known as “Penguin Island” for its penguin colonies.

Punta Arenas is a city near the tip of Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. Located on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it’s often used as base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. The Plaza Muñoz Gamero has a memorial to explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and the Museo Nao Victoria features a replica of one of his galleons.

Puerto Chacabuco is a town in Patagonia, southern Chile, known as a jumping-off point for the Aysén fjords. To the northeast is Lake Los Palos, with views of snowy mountains. The forested Simpson River National Reserve, home to cougars, is southeast. The nearby town of Coyhaique has a craft market selling handmade items. Glacier-fed San Rafael Lagoon and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field are to the southwest.

Puerto Montt is a port city in southern Chile’s Lake District, known as a gateway to the Andes mountains and the Patagonian fjords. The city’s neoclassical cathedral, built from wood in the 19th century, overlooks Plaza de Armas square. Nearby, Casa del Arte Diego Rivera displays contemporary works by local and national artists. Just outside the city lie Caleta de Angelmó Market and Calbuco, an active volcano.

Easter Island is famous for the presence of the mysterious Moai, monolithic heads with an austere air scattered along the coasts of the island Take advantage of the stop to Easter Island to discover the mysterious archaeological heritage of this island of Chile, which never ceases to fascinate all who come. You can see the island’s main attraction, the giant monolithic Moai statues, which date back over a thousand years. You can also visit Orongo, a charming ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is practised.

Easter Island is famous for the presence of the mysterious Moai, monolithic heads with an austere air scattered along the coasts of the island Take advantage of the stop to Easter Island to discover the mysterious archaeological heritage of this island of Chile, which never ceases to fascinate all who come. You can see the island’s main attraction, the giant monolithic Moai statues, which date back over a thousand years. You can also visit Orongo, a charming ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is practised.

The Pitcairn Islands, officially the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, is a group of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that form the sole British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Beside the port, busy Place Vai’ete fills with roulottes, or food carts, in the evenings. Nearby, the large Marché de Papeete market sells local produce, fish and handicrafts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on the local pearl industry and sells jewelry. A red spire tops the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Beside the port, busy Place Vai’ete fills with roulottes, or food carts, in the evenings. Nearby, the large Marché de Papeete market sells local produce, fish and handicrafts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on the local pearl industry and sells jewelry. A red spire tops the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Mo’orea is a South Pacific island, part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands archipelago. It’s known for its jagged volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. In the north, Mount Rotui overlooks picturesque Ōpūnohu Bay and the settlements around Cook’s Bay. Inland, hiking trails wind through rainforest on the slopes of Mount Tohivea. The Belvedere Lookout has panoramic views of the island’s peaks and Tahiti beyond

Immersed in an atmosphere of pure enchantment, the largest of the Cook Islands fascinates with its blue lagoons and white sandy beaches. The cruise will take you to discover wonderful beaches, warm waters, crystal clear and rich in fish and coral: all characteristic features of this site. Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, the South Pacific archipelago, and the capital, Avarua, is located here. The island, of volcanic origin, is also rich in jagged peaks and hidden waterfalls, the most famous of these is Wigmore’s Waterfall, which is home to a great diversity of wildlife and lush vegetation, all waiting to be discovered. Another perfect place for admiring the beauty of nature, is Maire Nui botanical garden. Not to be missed, is the lively food market “Punanga Nui” in Avarua: an excellent opportunity to sample local dishes and experience the culture of the place. The Cook Islands, a former British protectorate, is now a parliamentary democracy with self-government in free association with New Zealand. English is one of the official languages, but the Māori language of the Cook Islands has also spread, and a variant called “Rarotongan”, from the name of the island.

Nukuʻalofa is the capital of Tonga. It is located on the north coast of the island of Tongatapu, in the country’s southernmost island group.

Suva is the capital of the South Pacific island nation of Fiji. It’s a city of broad avenues, lush parks and grand British colonial buildings, such as the Suva City Library. Suva’s colorful, lively Municipal Market offers a range of local fruit and vegetables. Fiji Museum, set within the Victorian-era Thurston Gardens, contains examples of traditional canoes, war clubs and tattooing tools.

Nouméa is the capital of the South Pacific archipelago and overseas French territory New Caledonia. Situated on the main island, Grand Terre, it’s known for beaches and its blend of French and native Kanak influences. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre showcases Kanak heritage, and the Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie has exhibits from across the Pacific region. The Aquarium des Lagons introduces local marine life.

Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens.

Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens.

Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand’s North Island. It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home. A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, a beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Offshore is the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter or boat.

Wellington, also called the “Windy City”, is the capital of New Zealand and a perfect place to observe the Kiwis, cute little birds that take their name from the fruit which they resemble. Take advantage of this stop at the port of Wellington to discover the infinite charm of the capital city of New Zealand that surprises with its spectacular views and cultural heritage. After exploring the harbour area, you can visit the many museums in the city, see the beautiful botanical garden, to enjoy the fascinating exoticism of the region, and sample the delicious local cuisine.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

The port of Melbourne, with Port Phillip Bay, is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Great Ocean Road lies ahead with its 12 Apostles, an unrivalled spectacle.During a visit to the port of Melbourne, you can discover the many attractions of this modern metropolis, capital of the Australian State of Victoria. After enjoying the breathtaking view atop the Eureka Skydeck, the most spectacular viewing platform in the southern hemisphere, you can fly in a helicopter over the magnificent rock stacks of the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road and, around sunset, watch thousands of blue penguins return home to Phillip Island.

A rapidly developing town, bustling with life, crazy and alluring. The ideal place to take the temperature of this city is Port Louis Market, down by the water-front.

Durban, a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species

Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it’s also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood’s Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game.

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.

Lüderitz is a coastal town in southwestern Namibia. It’s known for its German colonial buildings, including the art nouveau Goerke Haus, built into the rock face on Diamond Hill. Nearby, Felsenkirche is a hilltop church with panoramic bay views stretching around to Robert Harbor. The Lüderitz Museum has displays about the town’s diamond-mining past as well as local and natural history

Lüderitz is a coastal town in southwestern Namibia. It’s known for its German colonial buildings, including the art nouveau Goerke Haus, built into the rock face on Diamond Hill. Nearby, Felsenkirche is a hilltop church with panoramic bay views stretching around to Robert Harbor. The Lüderitz Museum has displays about the town’s diamond-mining past as well as local and natural history

Walvis Bay is a port town on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the Pelican Point sand spit, its tidal lagoon is home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns. The harbor is busy with fishing boats and ships. Dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse. East of the bay, coastal sand dunes like Dune 7 mark the start of the Namib Desert.

The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the city’s access to the sea and characterized by a mix of cultures that have managed to coexist in harmony with each other. Santa Cruz is a cosmopolitan city of different influences and varied trends, as you can see from the mix of historic buildings and modern architecture. After leaving the port, start your tour with a visit of the Auditorio de Tenerife and the “Circulo de Amistad.” Then take a visit to the Nuestra Señora de África market, where you will find crafts and artisanal products made from natural ingredients, as well as the famous wine of the region. Finally, check out the local cuisine made with potatoes, chilies and exotic spices.

Funchal is the capital of the Madeira archipelago in Portugal. On a cruise with Costa you will dock at its unique port, formed from a natural bay that protects ships. It owes its name to the fennel plants found in the surrounding areas. The port of Funchal is the International Maritime Station of Madeira. The city is nestled in the mountains and has an atmosphere of tranquillity. Take advantage of the park for a brief visit to the Monte Palace tropical garden, a real paradise on Earth where vegetation and stone decorations create a wonderful harmony. If you want to get to know the locals and buy souvenirs, take a hike to the city market, the Mercado dos Lavradores, and finally, take the cable car to enjoy the amazing view of the city.

Travel through the streets of the port, where Christopher Columbus left for America, and visit this beautiful town and its surroundings. Make a stop in Cadiz, an Andalusian town that gives its name to the region it is capital of and the gulf on whose heights it stands proud. Its buildings are characterised by influences, in chronological order, of the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and the Christians. The port of Cadiz was the departure point of the expedition that led to the discovery of America. Here you can admire the charming seafront promenade and the 3 km bridge that crosses the bay. Don’t miss the chance to taste “tapas de chorizo” or see a flamenco show.

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.