Africa Cruise - from Cape Town - 127283

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.

Lomé is the capital of Togo and was founded in the 19th century. There are still many buildings dating from the colonial period at "Grand Marché", which lend the area a special atmosphere. Lomé is also known for the long, palm-lined promenades along the coast. The main shopping street is the Rue du Commerce, which is also where you will find the neo-gothic style cathedral, "Sacre-Coeur". The residents of Lomé are friendly and hospitable. Nightowls will love the many bars and nightclubs that are open till the early hours of the morning.

'The capital of the Republic of Senegal has the largest port in West Africa. Its oil refineries and the international airport mean it is one of the most important trading centres in West Africa. Dakar has a population of 1.7 million and is known as the finishing point of the world famous intercontinental car rally from Paris to Dakar. Cultural and scientific highlights of the city are the university, which was founded in 1957, the research institute "Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire" (IFAN) and the museums.

Mindelo is the second-largest city on Cabo Verde and lies nestled in a beautiful bay. It is dominated by the largest and most important port in the country, "Porto Grande". Mindelo has the flair of an international port town and continues to be the cultural and intellectual centre of the archipelago. Sights include: the old town, the fish market, the reproduction of the Lisbon "Torre de Belém", which is the city's landmark.

'The island capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a lively, friendly city with picturesque streets, parks and squares as well as a world-renowned botanic garden. The centre of Santa Cruz is a mixture of old areas and modern architecture. The famous beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas are very close nearby the city. Monte de la Esperanza, which towers over the city is also worth a visit, since the view from the summit is truly breathtaking. 'Sights include: the Plaza de Espana with its war memorial, the Museums of Archaeology and Anthropology, Carta Palace, the baroque church of Iglesia de la Concepción, the Museum of painting and sculpture, Castillo de Paso Alto.

The white city by the sea, built on seven hills and framed by the natural harbour of "Rio Tejo" was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 9th-7th century B.C.. Today it is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is rich in architectural monuments. The Portuguese capital also has a varied and interesting cultural scene with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. "Bairro Alto" (the upper city) is well known for its nightlife. Sights include: Jerónimo's Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Comércio Square, São Jorge castle, and "Baixa Pombalina".