Round-the-world Cruise - from Lisbon - 131583

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".

Ponta Delgada is the port and the main city on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The city, which has a population of around 30,000 is colourful and lively. The relatively small town with the historic centre is known for its pretty parks and small streets and squares. A stroll along the long waterside promenade or around the yacht marina is particularly enjoyable. Sights include: the parish church, the market, the regional museum with an exhibition on local culture, city gates dating from the 18th century.

Horta is the capital of the Portuguese Azores Island of Faial. The city's image is dominated by beautiful old colonial buildings. One of the unique features of this city with a population of 7,000 is its pavements, which are paved with images of typical island scenes, such as windmills, sailing ships or ferry boats. Sights include the "Museum da Horta", the church "Igreja de Sao Francisco" with a museum of church history, the yacht marina with a panorama view of the island of Pico and the volcano of the same name.

'The capital of the Canary Island of La Gomera, with a population of just 4,500, has a rural charm free of stress and hustle and bustle. Close by the harbour promenade is the Plaza de Las Américas. This square with its central location is bordered by numerous kiosks and pavement cafés and is the town's meeting place. To the east is the town hall, directly behind which is the Plaza de la Constitutión. Twice a week you can hear the calls of the Gomerian market-stall holders, as they sell home-made jams, fresh fruit and veg and other delicacies in the shade of the old Indian bay trees. This is also where one of the oldest buildings in the town, the former toll house, stands.

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados. This city, with a population of 6,700 lies at the South coast of the country. Tourists will find a huge range of shopping options and an exciting nightlife at the ultra-modern port facility of this idyllic little town. Bridgetown has a historic synagogue, built by Brazilian Jews in 1627, shortly after the founding of the British colony. A variety of water sports are on offer at the beaches at Dover, Rockley and Needhams Point.

'The capital of the French island of Martinique is known not only as a port, but also as the economic centre of the island. Narrow, bustling strees and colourful markets give the city its character. Sights include: the library, "Savannah Gardens", the war memorial, the Empress Josephine memorial, and Saint-Louis cathedral.

Castries is the capital city and port of the Antilles island of St. Lucia. With a population of around 65,000 it is the island's largest city and lies between the Caribbean Ocean and the green hilly hinterland. It is the starting point for trips on the island of St. Lucia. There are almost no historical sights left in Castries, since the many wooden houses have burned down over the course of the last few decades. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at Columbus Square and the Government House are well worth seeing. The best time to take a stroll around the town is on Saturday mornings, when the market stalls are set up at the deep-sea port of The Carenage. Duty free shopping is available at the Point Seraphine shopping centre. To the North-East of Castries lies the Vigie Peninsula, where tourists can enjoy the modern holiday village at the beach.

Roseau is the capital and the economic and cultural centre of the island of Dominica, in the Lesser Antilles. Directly by the harbour is 'Market House', which dates from 1810, and the lovingly restored 'Old Market', where tourists can buy souvenirs. The Anglican church is particularly worth seeing, as is 'State House', once the seat of the governor, and the new parliament building dating from 1811. The Methodist Church, the Botanic Gardens and the Roman Catholic cathedral are also worth a vist. The elevated plateau at Morne Bruce - once an excellent defence post -provides a fantastic view of the capital and the bay. But what the island of Dominica is most famous for is the extinct volcanoes, the huge tropical forests with hot springs, waterfalls and deep blue lakes.

St. John's is the capital and the only deep-sea port in the mini-state of Antigua and Barbuda in the North-East Caribbean. Clear water and hundreds of beaches with fine sands surround the town. Since visitors can shop duty-free on the island, there are a large number of fashion boutiques, electronics shops and jewellers not far from the harbour at Heritage Quay. Traditional hand-crafted items, straw dolls, masks and exotic colourful fashion is on sale in what was once the slave district. The building that once housed the British colonial court is now home to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda with artefacts from the colonial era and the time of the slave trade. On a hill overlooking the town sits St. John's Cathedral with its two large Georgian bell towers. The plantations in the surrounding area grow mainly sugar-cane.

Basseterre is a port on the Antilles Island of Saint Kitts and is the capital of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The city has a population of 12,600, who live mainly from the textiles industry. The deep-water harbour was only recently completed. The city's architecture is greatly influenced by the British and French colonial periods, particularly around "Independence Square". The most important sights include "The Circus", "Independence Square" and St. George's Church. The crafts and trade house is also interesting. You should definitely take the time to explore the Brimstone Hill fort and the "Black Rock", which are not far from the capital. The Caribelle batik factory is also worth a look. The Great Ape Research Centre, the "Frigate-Bay-Development", the South-East peninsula and the Mount-Liamuiga crater are other interesting places for excursions.

Road Town is the main town and the administrative seat of the island of Tortola, one of the British Virgin Isles. The town was rebuilt after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1924. Today it is a colourful little place. There are small Victorian houses along the main street with unique little shops, including "Pusser's Company Store", which still supplies rum to the British navy to the present day. The Folk Museum is also well worth a look. There is an abundance of tropical plants in the botanic garden, as well as waterfalls and outdoor enclosures for birds. Nearby the town, on Fort Hill are the remnants of Fort George and Fort Charlotte. The beautiful forested island of Tortola with its coral reefs is perfect for diving, snorkelling and swimming.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has a carefully restored old town that retains the charm of the colonial buildings. With its many squares, churches and remnants from the colonial era, visitors should definitely take a full tour of the city. This was where the first university, the first cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor de Santa María) and the first hospital in the region were built. Parque Colon with the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and the lighthouse with Columbus' grave, as well as the Palacio de Borgella are all in the old town. Other attractions here include the Basilica Menor de La Virgen de la Anunciacion, the oldest church in the New World and various museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the 'Museo del Hombre Dominicano' and the National Theatre.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has a carefully restored old town that retains the charm of the colonial buildings. With its many squares, churches and remnants from the colonial era, visitors should definitely take a full tour of the city. This was where the first university, the first cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor de Santa María) and the first hospital in the region were built. Parque Colon with the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and the lighthouse with Columbus' grave, as well as the Palacio de Borgella are all in the old town. Other attractions here include the Basilica Menor de La Virgen de la Anunciacion, the oldest church in the New World and various museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the 'Museo del Hombre Dominicano' and the National Theatre.

Ocho Rios is one of the most important holiday cities and the most important cruise harbour in Jamaica. Every year, around 300 cruise ships dock here with almost 450,000 passengers. A broad range of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and a seemingly unending range of watersports and excursions mean all your recreational needs will be covered. Along the Main Street there are various shopping centres selling tax-free branded goods.

Montego Bay is a harbour town at the North-West coast of Jamaica. Founded in 1492, today it is considered to be one of the most modern towns in the Caribbean. From Gloucester Street and Kent Avenue you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Caribbean and the coral reef. There are three large beaches, Doctor’s Cave Beach, McCatty and a cave. Not far from the coast is "Rose Hall", the manor house built in 1760 on the grounds of a sugar-cane plantation. Sights include: "Downtown" in the South, the multifaceted hotel area on the island.

The central American republic in the South-East of the Yucatan peninsula with its changeable, humid tropical climate is the second-smallest state on the American continent. Until well into the ninth century, the country was inhabited by the Maya, and even today, the indigenous peoples account for 11% of the total population. The majority of the population lives from agriculture; the main export is sugar. Over the past few years, tourismus has gained in importance due to the many water sports facilities and the Mayan ruins. The former British colony gained complete independence in 1981.

Roatan is the largest island North of Honduras and is part of the Bahia archipelago. For many years it went unnoticed before being rediscovered; it is now considered to be the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. The coral reef is the second-largest in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef. It is easy for snorkellers and divers to reach stunningly beautiful coral gardens in the brightest colours, sponges, coral caves and wrecks shrouded in legend. Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches are perfect for splashing about and just relaxing. The largest towns on Roatan are the capital Coxen Hole and the port, French Harbor. Oak Ridge is home to the diving hotel Reef House and the diving station of the same name. The town is split in two by a waterway and the houses are built on stilts.

Like the neighbouring islands of Providencia und Santa Catalina, San Andrés is around 700 km from the Columbian mainland. It is the largest in a chain of atolls and was once rumoured to be the hideawayof the famous buccaneer Henry Morgan. Many Columbians come to the islands on holiday or for shopping, since it has sold duty free goods since 1953. In addition to the duty-free tourism, however, the island is also renowned for its friendly atmosphere, its safety and the countless opportunities for divers to discover new worlds along the reefs of the Caribbean. Sights include: the natural phenomenon of Hoyo Soplador (a sea water geyser), La Loma Hill, the site of the first church on the island, Morgan's Cave, and the natural swimming pool 'La Priscinita'.

Puerto Limon is the port and capital of the province of Limon at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and the most important Atlantic port for the export of bananas and coffee. The busy town centre is dominated by a multicultural atmosphere. The main attractions include Vargas Park, where there are lots of Banyan trees in which you can sometimes see up to thirteen sloths snoozing!

Colón is the capital of Colón province and the second-largest city in Panama. As a free-trade area, Colón is an important economic site. The cathedral and the statue-lined promenade, known as "Paseo Centenario", are well worth seeing.

Puntarenas means 'sandy tip' and the town lies on a tongue of land that sticks out into the Gulf of Nicoya. For a long time it was the most important Pacific port in the country, and even today the harbour is lined with fishing boats, giving the town its incomparably maritime character. This beach resort, which is steeped in tradition, is the perfect place for a stroll along the southern beach promenade, Paseo de los Turistas, which is particularly busy at the weekends. In the evening you can watch the glowing red sun sink down into the Gulf von Nicoya while enjoying a cocktail at the popular beach.

The Pacifc port of Puerto Quetzal is around 2 hours south of the capital, Guatemala City, and is named after the Quetzal bird, the heraldic symbol of this Central American country. Puerto Quetzal is the starting point for trips inland on the trail of the Mayans and into the tropical rainforest.

This romantic city at the Mexican Riviera with its palm-lined beaches and the almost primeval vegetation provides pure relaxation. In the North of the city there are long beaches, while the South has little coves that are just perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling and diving. Liz Taylor is a big fan and settled here because of the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Mazatlán is where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés meet. The island has many beaches, bars and outdoor restaurants. The neighbouring islands are perfect for sports and recreational activities.

Moorea, the pineapple island, was formed from the remains of an extinct volcano. The island has excellent tourist facilities and a large range of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. Moorea can be explored in just a few hours - a bike tour is highly recommended. Several diving schools also offer interesting underwater tours.

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti. The island is a mixture of beautiful coves, white sandy beaches, tropical plants and French vanity.

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti. The island is a mixture of beautiful coves, white sandy beaches, tropical plants and French vanity.

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti. The island is a mixture of beautiful coves, white sandy beaches, tropical plants and French vanity.

Moorea, the pineapple island, was formed from the remains of an extinct volcano. The island has excellent tourist facilities and a large range of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. Moorea can be explored in just a few hours - a bike tour is highly recommended. Several diving schools also offer interesting underwater tours.

The volcanic island of Bora Bora is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, "the pearl of Polynesia". It is surrounded by several small islands. The region's airport is on one of these islands, the other has hotel resorts. There are also orchids growing in the wild, making this a wonderful area to take a long walk. Thanks to the lagoon, there is also a wide range of water sports on offer, such as sailing, glass-bottomed boat-trips, snorkelling, diving ... The main atttraction is the 100 metre-high mountain "Muto Toopua" with "Hiro's bell" - uniquely shaped basalt rocks that sound like a bell when struck.

Noumea is the perfect place for deep-sea fishing, a helicopter trip over the breathtaking landscape or just relaxing on a catamaran. Anyone who would like to find out more about the indigenous people of the island can visit the outstanding cultural centre at Kanak Path.

Brisbane or 'Brissie', as the city is familiarly known to Australians, is on the east coast of southern Queensland. Beautifully sited by the Brisbane river, it has many sights, lively shopping streets, a huge variety of restaurants and a very broad and ambitious cultural programme. Sights include: the Botanic Gardens, the Lone Pine Sanctuary with its Koalas and Kangaroos, Brisbane City Hall, the pedestrian area at Queen Street Mall , Roma Street Parkland, South Bank Parklands, the viewing point at Mt. Coot-tha Lookout, with its fantastic view of Brisbane and the suburbs.

Founded in 1864 by Robert Towns, the city today has a double name ("Townsville"). It is the starting point for excursions to Magnetic Island (lined with palm-trees and paradise beaches) but Townsville itself also has a lot to offer. Townsville's aquarium, the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland, is a first-class aquarium with a live coral reef, which visitors can even walk through thanks to the glass underwater tunnel. The colourful Great Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Townsville. Here, visitors can dive to the huge area of coral or swim in the shallow waters.

Cairns, the capital of the "Far North" region is full of that tropical lust for life. As the secret "backpacker capital" of Australia, it has an almost magical pull on young travellers thanks to the seemingly limitless recreational activities it has to offer. It is far easier to reach the Great Barrier Reef from here than from central Queensland. The crystal-clear waters, palm-lined islands and sandbanks attract divers and snorkellers in particular, making the two offshore islands, Green Island and Fitzroy Island, hugely popular holiday destinations. The outer reef loved by divers is around 50 km away. In the near vicinity are untouched sections of coast and a mysterious wilderness of rainforest backed by a high mountain range.

Cairns, the capital of the "Far North" region is full of that tropical lust for life. As the secret "backpacker capital" of Australia, it has an almost magical pull on young travellers thanks to the seemingly limitless recreational activities it has to offer. It is far easier to reach the Great Barrier Reef from here than from central Queensland. The crystal-clear waters, palm-lined islands and sandbanks attract divers and snorkellers in particular, making the two offshore islands, Green Island and Fitzroy Island, hugely popular holiday destinations. The outer reef loved by divers is around 50 km away. In the near vicinity are untouched sections of coast and a mysterious wilderness of rainforest backed by a high mountain range.

The relaxed atmosphere of the outback dominates in Darwin too. The nearby wilderness of Cockatoo National Park boasts cave paintings and aboriginal art, rock formations that are more than 20,000 years old, and the dense lush Australian rainforest with many many waterfalls.

Komodo is one of the Lesser Sunda lslands, a part of Indonesia as yet almost untouched by tourism. It could have been the set for the film "Jurassic Park", with its prehistoric animals the Komodo dragons and its unique landscape of craggy mountains, grasslands and forests with dried-up riverbeds. There are no roads and only a single village. Not far from Komodo are some of the most beautiful islands with a huge diversity of plant and animal life and fantastic areas for snorkelling in untouched coral colonies.

Benoa is a traditional fishing village in the South of Bali. At the entrance to the port is the Pura Sakenan temple . It is linked with the pilgrimage of the Buddhist saint Dang Hyang Nirartha and is particularly important during the Galungan Festival celebrated every second year.

Semarang is the capital and the most important port in the central province of Java. The town is also a centre of the economy and tourism. A visit to the world-famous Buddhist temples of Borobudur in the Provinz Yogyakarta is well worth it. Excavation of the temple began only in 1814 and in 1983 it was declared a national monument by the president in office at that time.

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and is situated on the island of Java. The city is a fascinating mix of various cultural influences. The old town with buildings from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial periods is well worth seeing. This is also where you will find the National Monument at Merdeka Square. The Central Museum has an excellent anthropology section and exhibits sculptures from the pre-Hindu era, among other things. The Portuguese church with the huge Dutch pump organ (1695) is also well worth a visit. The modern Istiqlal Mosque in the town centre is one of the largest in the world. The antiques market in Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya street) and the many batik factories in the Karet district are also must-sees. In the South-East of the city is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a theme park covering 100 hectares which provides an insight into the (at times very varied) cultures of the 26 Indonesian provinces. Each province is represented in Taman Mini by a scale model house in the respective traditional style. Inside the houses are exhibitions of traditional costumes and handicrafts from the various regions. The majority of the houses also provide cultural tours - an events guide is available at the tourist information office. The Jakarta cultural centre is one of the largest in South East Asia.

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and is situated on the island of Java. The city is a fascinating mix of various cultural influences. The old town with buildings from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial periods is well worth seeing. This is also where you will find the National Monument at Merdeka Square. The Central Museum has an excellent anthropology section and exhibits sculptures from the pre-Hindu era, among other things. The Portuguese church with the huge Dutch pump organ (1695) is also well worth a visit. The modern Istiqlal Mosque in the town centre is one of the largest in the world. The antiques market in Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya street) and the many batik factories in the Karet district are also must-sees. In the South-East of the city is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a theme park covering 100 hectares which provides an insight into the (at times very varied) cultures of the 26 Indonesian provinces. Each province is represented in Taman Mini by a scale model house in the respective traditional style. Inside the houses are exhibitions of traditional costumes and handicrafts from the various regions. The majority of the houses also provide cultural tours - an events guide is available at the tourist information office. The Jakarta cultural centre is one of the largest in South East Asia.

Singapore is a city state at the lower end of the Malay Peninsula, only around 100 km North of the equator. Today the city is one of the most important ports and trading centres in South East Asia. Singapore has a population of over 3 million, including first and foremost Chinese, Malaysians and Indians. Europeans and other ethnic groups round off the city of many nationalities and four official languages. Visitors will notice the spotlessly clean and well-kept roads and squares; Singapore is also one of the safest cities in the world. Some interesting buildings dating from the colonial era have been placed under preservation order, including several former British administrative buildings and Raffles Hotel, whose guests included many authors. From the southern shore of the Singapore River visitors can take a boat trip around the river and Marina Bay. Sights include: the shopping street Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Singapore River, the Botanic Gardens, the zoo and Fort Canning.

Visitors to Thailand's largest island can look forward to paradise beaches, a varied landscape, a bustling provincial capital and a wide variety of recreational activities. It's no wonder that Phuket, with its 215,000 inhabitants, is South-East Asia's most popular holiday island. The island's beauty lies in its magical coastline. There are gently sloping white sandy beaches with still waters and precipitous headlands with thunderous crashing waves. The town centre of Phuket is a popular destination for shopping. Sights include: Thai Village, a Thai-Folklore village with a cultural performance featuring traditional Thai dancing, sword-fighting and Thai boxing, Thalang National Museum, the Wat Phra Thong temple with a partially-buried statue of Buddha.

Male is the capital of the Maldives on the island of Male. The Maledives consist of two circular atolls, a northerly and a southerly one. The island with a population of approximately 65,000 has a central location and is the largest in the country. The parliament has its seat in Male, and the city also has a presidential palace and an airport, various shopping centres and a large mosque. Sights include: the mosque in the Islamic Centre, the 'Friday Mosque', the National Museum, the fish market and the vegetable market.

A jewel on the East-African coast is the harbour town of Mombasa, which was built on an island of coral. The splendour of its colourful, cosmopolitan past is apparent in many of the buildings still standing today. The old town has been preserved largely as it was built in the 19th century. Its narrow streets are lined with Arabic houses, many of which have traditional carved doors with brass inlays. In addition to the mosques, there are also a large number of spice and coffee traders in the town. Sights include: Fort Jesus at the southern end of the old town, the old town itself, the mosques and the harbour.

Moroni is the capital of the island republic of the Comores and is located on Ngazidja. The city has a population of approximately 30,000 and has a great many mosques.

The provincial capital of Antsiranana, formerly Diégo-Suarez, in the North of Madagascar has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' thanks to its colonial architecture and wide streets. The city lies in a large natural bay. "Diego", as the city is often lovingly referred to, also serves as the starting point for trips to the National Park "Montagne d'Ambre", which boasts attractions including two waterfalls and various species of lemur. En route to the seaside resort of Ramena with its fine sandy beaches, visitors can see a small volcanic mountain that rises up out of the sea, the "sugar loaf". Sights include: the Montagnes des Français, Joffreville, Cap Diego, the 'holy' lake inhabited by crocodiles at Anivorano-Nord, Cap d’Ambre, the nature reserve "Forêt d'Ambre", the unspoiled sea of rocks at Ankarana, as well as Baie de Sakalava, Baie des Dunes, Windsor Castle, Mer d’Eméraude, Tsingy Rouges and Baie du Courrier.

The provincial capital of Toamasina with a population of approximately 130,000 is home to the most important port in the country, at which more than two thirds of all sea trade is carried out. Visitors to Madagascar, the third-largest island in the world, can enjoy seeing breathtakingly unusual flora and fauna, with lemurs, orchids, cacti and exotic birds. Madagascar is also where the oldest dinosaur fossils were found. The island of a thousand faces is famous for its long sandy beaches, tropical forests, desert areas, lakes, mountains and waterfalls.

Port Louis, the capital of the African island paradise of Mauritius lies on the West coast of the island, nestled between the Moka mountains and the Indian Ocean. The city is an invigorating mix of city bustle, the grand elegance of a bygone age and multicultural cooperation. Popular destinations in the town centre include the wide luxury street with its King palms and the market with its iron market halls. If you want to buy something here, you have to be prepared to barter. In the town centre close to the port a number of colonial buildings add a touch of palatial pizazz. The best view of the city is to be had from Fort Adelaide, which dates from the British era and sits enthroned in the centre of the city atop a small hill. The island of Mauritius itself is of volcanic origin which is why it is lined by mountain ranges. Huge sugar-cane plantations and paradise beaches are what the island is famous for.

'200 km North of Durban lies the small town of Richards Bay at the Indian Ocean. All the sights in the most varied and most beautiful provinces in South Africa are close at hand. Apart from anything else, Richards Bay is the starting point for many safaris and trips to the nearby nature reserves, such as Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, and the unique coastal scenery of Maputaland.

'200 km North of Durban lies the small town of Richards Bay at the Indian Ocean. All the sights in the most varied and most beautiful provinces in South Africa are close at hand. Apart from anything else, Richards Bay is the starting point for many safaris and trips to the nearby nature reserves, such as Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, and the unique coastal scenery of Maputaland.

The South African city of Durban lies in the Kwazulu Natal area. "Durbs", as its residents refer to it, is a city with an intercontinental character. With its countless street traders, more than 2 million Indian residents (the city is at the Indian Ocean) and beautiful white beaches, it is a perfect example of "new" South Africa. Sights include: Sea World, rickshaw buses, Durban Botanic Gardens, the Sugar Terminals, Durban Natural Science Museum and Natal Maritime Museum.

The South African city of Durban lies in the Kwazulu Natal area. "Durbs", as its residents refer to it, is a city with an intercontinental character. With its countless street traders, more than 2 million Indian residents (the city is at the Indian Ocean) and beautiful white beaches, it is a perfect example of "new" South Africa. Sights include: Sea World, rickshaw buses, Durban Botanic Gardens, the Sugar Terminals, Durban Natural Science Museum and Natal Maritime Museum.

Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha is at Algoa Bay and is the fifth-largest city in South Africa. The pretty old town has retained its rural charm, while modern buildings line the periphery of the city. Climbing the steps up the 52-metre-high bell tower, 'Campanile', is well worth it for the excellent view of the port and the city centre. One of the oldest buildings in the city is on Castle Hill Street, the manse built in 1827 which today houses the Historical Museum. Other sights include: Fort Frederick, Market Square, the Oceanarium with a snake park and tropical hothouse

Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha is at Algoa Bay and is the fifth-largest city in South Africa. The pretty old town has retained its rural charm, while modern buildings line the periphery of the city. Climbing the steps up the 52-metre-high bell tower, 'Campanile', is well worth it for the excellent view of the port and the city centre. One of the oldest buildings in the city is on Castle Hill Street, the manse built in 1827 which today houses the Historical Museum. Other sights include: Fort Frederick, Market Square, the Oceanarium with a snake park and tropical hothouse

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.

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.

'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".