Antarctic Cruise - from Valparaíso / Santiago de Chile - 122848

Valparaíso is one of the first cities founded by the Spanish in Chile. What is today Chile's largest sea port lies in a picturesque bay around which the city centre is built. This is where you can see historic buildings in the Victorian and neoclassical styles, huge squares and a modern port facility. The residential areas are for the most part situated on the hills surrounding the city to which the many stairways and a unique cable-car system with 16 carriages lead. It is well worth the journey uphill - the view of the harbour and the city centre is simply breathtaking. Probably the most unusual city in Chile, it is known for its interlinked houses with their traditional inner courtyards.

Puerto Montt, the capital of the Chilean region of Los Lagos, is situated around 1,000 km South of Santiago at a wide Pacific bay. Despite having a population of 130,000, the port, which is the last stop on the North-South railway, has retained a small town atmosphere and charm. With its splendid rooftops and balconies, Puerto Montt is reminiscent of a small Bavarian village and was indeed inhabited for a time by Bavarian settlers. The city is famous for its eucalyptus and pine forests as well as the many lakes and snow-covered volcanoes.

Castro is the capital of Chiloe, a small island off the Chilean coast in the Pacific Ocean. The people here are known for their cordiality and hospitality. All of Chiloe's towns are by the sea. The colourful houses built on stilts and small log cabins on the Fjord coast are typical of Castro. The houses, built on stilts, which are called "Palafitos", are situated in the tidal area at the coast; their wooden stilts are flooded daily by the rising sea water. The city is also known for its folk music and its woollen handicrafts.

Puerto Chacabuco and the Chilean archipelago impress visitors with their stunning beauty - jagged fjords, imposing glaciers and snow-covered Andes mountains. The beauty of the bay of Puerto Chacabuco becomes apparent as soon as one enters the harbour. Waterfalls rush down the steep sides of the canyon, while hundreds of species of birds gather to search for food on the small islands shrouded in mist just off the coast.

Punta Arenas is said to be the most southerly city on the planet. Prior to the opening of the Panama canal, the city on the Strait of Magellan was an important port shaped by a colourful mix of European immigrants. Luxurious villas owned by the sheep farming barons around the plaza line the city. The view over the colourful rooftops stretches across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. In the Summer people meet at the plaza, where large trees provide some much-welcomed shade.

Punta Arenas is said to be the most southerly city on the planet. Prior to the opening of the Panama canal, the city on the Strait of Magellan was an important port shaped by a colourful mix of European immigrants. Luxurious villas owned by the sheep farming barons around the plaza line the city. The view over the colourful rooftops stretches across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. In the Summer people meet at the plaza, where large trees provide some much-welcomed shade.

Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentinean part of Tierra del Fuego, was built by prisoners. The old prison has become an attraction and is a must-see. The town, which is considered to be the most southerly town in the world, lies directly by the snow-covered mountains of the Andes and by the Beagle Canal.

Port Stanley, the small capital of the Falkland islands with a population of approximately 2,000, lies nestled in rough moorland. It is the single-storey Victorian wooden houses and sights like the Anglican cathedral with its unique archway made of whale bones and the Falkland Island Museum that lend the town its charm.

Punta del Este is the most famous beach resort in Uruguay. It is particularly busy during the hot Summer months from December to February. The main street Gorlero has lots of boutiques and watchmakers as well as exclusive restaurants, cafés and shops selling souvenirs and postcards. At night, the shopping street is transformed into a huge party area and the bars, pubs, discos and the three large casinos never shut before sunrise.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay and the municipality of the same name is seen to be the economic, administrative and cultural centre of the country. The nearby resorts with their beaches make the harbour particularly attractive. In addition to the varied cultural offerings, the city also has many tertiary education institutes, such as the University of the Republic, founded in 1849. Sights include: Montevideo hill; the mausoleum dedicated to the national hero, José Gervasio Artigas; the former seat of the national parliament, "Cabildo"; the cathedral, the National Museum of History and the Fine Arts.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay and the municipality of the same name is seen to be the economic, administrative and cultural centre of the country. The nearby resorts with their beaches make the harbour particularly attractive. In addition to the varied cultural offerings, the city also has many tertiary education institutes, such as the University of the Republic, founded in 1849. Sights include: Montevideo hill; the mausoleum dedicated to the national hero, José Gervasio Artigas; the former seat of the national parliament, "Cabildo"; the cathedral, the National Museum of History and the Fine Arts.

Buenos Aires is the capital of the Republic of Argentina and was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza. The Latin American city, also known as the "Queen of La Plata" has a very European feel, both in terms of architecture and local customs, spiced with a dash of Latin American warmth and informality. A megalopolis with eleven million inhabitants (making it one of the largest cities in the world) Buenos Aires has always had great allure. Incomers see it as the gateway to the New World, the city of tango, football, a vibrant cultural life and elegance in South America.

Buenos Aires is the capital of the Republic of Argentina and was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza. The Latin American city, also known as the "Queen of La Plata" has a very European feel, both in terms of architecture and local customs, spiced with a dash of Latin American warmth and informality. A megalopolis with eleven million inhabitants (making it one of the largest cities in the world) Buenos Aires has always had great allure. Incomers see it as the gateway to the New World, the city of tango, football, a vibrant cultural life and elegance in South America.

Buenos Aires is the capital of the Republic of Argentina and was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza. The Latin American city, also known as the "Queen of La Plata" has a very European feel, both in terms of architecture and local customs, spiced with a dash of Latin American warmth and informality. A megalopolis with eleven million inhabitants (making it one of the largest cities in the world) Buenos Aires has always had great allure. Incomers see it as the gateway to the New World, the city of tango, football, a vibrant cultural life and elegance in South America.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay and the municipality of the same name is seen to be the economic, administrative and cultural centre of the country. The nearby resorts with their beaches make the harbour particularly attractive. In addition to the varied cultural offerings, the city also has many tertiary education institutes, such as the University of the Republic, founded in 1849. Sights include: Montevideo hill; the mausoleum dedicated to the national hero, José Gervasio Artigas; the former seat of the national parliament, "Cabildo"; the cathedral, the National Museum of History and the Fine Arts.

The coast of Rio Grande do Sul, the most affluent of the Brazilian states, is bordered by beach resorts with white sandy beaches, restaurants, bars, shops and a vibrant nightlife. Gaucho culture is the trademark of Rio Grande do Sul, where dark-skinned cowboys with their typical flat hats with chin straps, wearing baggy trousers, red kerchiefs and leather boots roam the pampas. Excursions to the surrounding area lead to caves, lighthouses and picturesque cliffs that serve as excellent viewing platforms. Visitors can take a boat trip along the small river of Mampituba, which is just a few kilometres away, and discover the countryside.

Santos is the largest and busiest port in Latin America. Opulent facades are a reminder of the era of the coffee traders in the 19th century. The city's aquarium on the wide Avenida Bartolomeu de Gusmao has tropical fish, turtles, eels and sea lions. Even today, Santos is the largest coffee export port in Brazil.

The metropolis of Rio de Janeiro lies nestled in beautiful countryside with a view of islands and paradise beaches. The city's landmarks are Copacabana beach and the Sugar Loaf Mountain, which gives the city its unmistakable silhouette. Opposite, on Corcovado hill, stands the world-famous statue of Christ. Historic churches and monuments compete with modern architecture; typical traditional street markets stand directly beside ultra-modern shopping centres. A trip in a cable car to the peak of the Sugar Loaf, which is over 700 m high, promises a truly breathtaking view of the city. Sights include: Metropolitana Cathedral, the municipal theatre, the city palace Paco Imperial, the National Historical Museum, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ.

The metropolis of Rio de Janeiro lies nestled in beautiful countryside with a view of islands and paradise beaches. The city's landmarks are Copacabana beach and the Sugar Loaf Mountain, which gives the city its unmistakable silhouette. Opposite, on Corcovado hill, stands the world-famous statue of Christ. Historic churches and monuments compete with modern architecture; typical traditional street markets stand directly beside ultra-modern shopping centres. A trip in a cable car to the peak of the Sugar Loaf, which is over 700 m high, promises a truly breathtaking view of the city. Sights include: Metropolitana Cathedral, the municipal theatre, the city palace Paco Imperial, the National Historical Museum, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ.

The metropolis of Rio de Janeiro lies nestled in beautiful countryside with a view of islands and paradise beaches. The city's landmarks are Copacabana beach and the Sugar Loaf Mountain, which gives the city its unmistakable silhouette. Opposite, on Corcovado hill, stands the world-famous statue of Christ. Historic churches and monuments compete with modern architecture; typical traditional street markets stand directly beside ultra-modern shopping centres. A trip in a cable car to the peak of the Sugar Loaf, which is over 700 m high, promises a truly breathtaking view of the city. Sights include: Metropolitana Cathedral, the municipal theatre, the city palace Paco Imperial, the National Historical Museum, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ.

Salvador da Bahia, the 'black heart of Brazil', lies on the North-East coast. In the 16th century it was the largest city in the entire southern hemisphere. Today, Salvador is a melting pot of cultures and the centre of African culture. The city at "All Saints Bay" is probably the most exotic and eccentric city in Brazil. Two thirds of the population are the descendants of African slaves. African rituals, cults and religion can thus be found at every turn. In the historic old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, baroque buildings are a reminder of colonial rule. Lots of churches and a market for arts and crafts are also to be found in the town centre. A pure, exotic atmosphere, happy people, palm-lined beaches stretching several kilometres, music and the Afro-Brazilian culture are ever-present.

Salvador da Bahia, the 'black heart of Brazil', lies on the North-East coast. In the 16th century it was the largest city in the entire southern hemisphere. Today, Salvador is a melting pot of cultures and the centre of African culture. The city at "All Saints Bay" is probably the most exotic and eccentric city in Brazil. Two thirds of the population are the descendants of African slaves. African rituals, cults and religion can thus be found at every turn. In the historic old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, baroque buildings are a reminder of colonial rule. Lots of churches and a market for arts and crafts are also to be found in the town centre. A pure, exotic atmosphere, happy people, palm-lined beaches stretching several kilometres, music and the Afro-Brazilian culture are ever-present.

'The capital of Rio Grande do Norte is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and today has a population of more than 600,000. The city's name can be attributed to its "birthday" - it was founded on Christmas Day 1599. Natal is a popular holiday destination on account of its endless white beaches, and the year-round Summer climate, but the main attraction are the dunes that lie both to the North and the South of the city. The dunes are very high, overlooking picturesque bays; visitors can enjoy an exhilirating ride through the sand in a beachy-buggy. The pentagonal-shaped Forte dos Reis Magos, built in the 16th century, and the Museum da Càmara Cascudo are the city's most important sights. The arts and crafts centre in the former prison is also very interesting. Each of the former cells houses a small shop selling pottery and embroideries, among other things.

With a population of around 1.4 million, Belém is the economic centre of the North and the capital of the Brazilian state of Pará. The port of Belém is the largest in the entire Amazon region, and is located around 125 km from the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful town, which is almost 400 years old, has magnificent churches, a zoo, botanic gardens, the fascinating "Ver-O-Peso" market, the "Nossa Senhora de Nazaré" basilica and many lovely parks. Belém is also home to the famous Goeldi Museum with the world's largest collection of exotic plants. The museum is totally committed to the conservation of the natural environment.

One of the three islands of French Guayana is Ile Royale. Its main resources are the timber industry and crab fishing, as well as rice and manioc growing. The most important branch of the economy is now the European spaceport in Kourou. The national currency is the French Franc.

Scarborough is the capital of the island of Tobago. On a raised plateau overlooking the town is the King George fort with a museum and a lovely view. There is a market in the town centre until mid-day. Buccoo reef is a paradise for snorkellers and divers. A fun attraction for tourists is to take part in the bird feeding at Arno Valew Hotel, where you can watch tropical birds up close while enjoying a cup of tea or a cool glass of juice.

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.