Spend time exploring along the sun-drenched shores of Portugal and Spain before embarking west across the Atlantic, on a journey that features West African wildlife and South American rhythm.
Lisbon (Lisboa), Portugal
Discover the world’s last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.
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Ilha De Porto Santo - Madiera, Portugal
Earning its nickname with the sprawling golden beaches that ring the island, contrasted by deep blue sea that welcomes snorkelers and divers nearly year-round, Porto Santo has been a haven for those seeking respite since Christopher Columbus. Today, beyond the abundant outdoor pursuits exploring the island’s beauty and warm waters, travelers can also visit Columbus’ home in the capital city of Vila Baleira.
Funchal, Portugal
The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.
Funchal, Portugal
The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain
Flanked by fertile green hills, Santa Cruz de la Palma hugs the east coast of La Palma in the Canary Islands, a Spanish-held archipelago wrought from volcanic activity. The old town showcases a Caribbean feel and color palette, and cobbled streets lead to a marketplace where equally colorful products are sold, including mangoes, papayas, passion fruit and sugar cane.
San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain
The least-known of the Canary Islands, densely wooded La Gomera is home to Garajonay National Park, a World Heritage site that protects the largest laurel rainforest remaining on earth. Columbus stopped for water in the little capital of San Sebastian before crossing the Atlantic. He planned to stay four days, but spent a month when he met the lovely Beatriz de Bobadilla. On the sunny southwestern coast in the breathtaking Valle Gran Rey, Vueltas is a hot spot for dolphins and whale watching.
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(At Sea)
Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
With towering peaks, agricultural terraces and palm trees swaying against a backdrop of verdant fields, the island of Santo Antão at first glance resembles Southeast Asia or perhaps mountainous Peru. Discovered and colonized by the Portuguese, the island—part of the 10-island country of Cape Verde—has European roots, and a claim as the first European outpost in the tropics. Explore the main street to see the harbor, old mansions, a small church and markets selling fresh fish and goat cheese.
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Dakar, Senegal
Take a look into the city known as "West Africa’s Window to the Western World," where architectural vestiges of its French rule are still on display, and peaceful islands beckon offshore of beautiful beaches. Dakar’s once tumultuous past is now revived with a brimming cultural scene, full of diverse markets and art galleries.
Banjul, Gambia
Tucked on beach-fringed St. Mary's Island, where the mouth of the Gambia River meets the Atlantic, is Banjul, Gambia's tiny capital city. Banjul is the country's commercial and transportation hub, though it retains a rustic charm. For a taste of local life, browse the Albert Market, lined with colorful craft stalls, or visit the Gambia National Museum, home to historical and cultural artifacts. Also worth a look is the Makasutu Culture Forest and its wildlife-rich mangrove wetlands.
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(At Sea)
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Feel the warmth of the Brazilian sun as you stand under the world famous outstretched arms of the Christ of the Redeemer. Then relax with some of the most beautiful people in the world on the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.