Atlantic Cruise - from Las Palmas - 118702

The largest city on the Canary Isles is on Gran Canaria and has a population of 355,000 and a totally original and unique architecture. The cathedral, on which construction work began following the discovery of America, has a Gothic and Neo-classical style. It stands on the lovely square "Santa Ana", which is where the archiepiscopal palace and several other buildings in the distinctive 'Canary' style are also situated. The "Barrio de la Vegueta" area stands out due to its many manor houses, which show the influence of the Latin American colonial style. Sights include: the "Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno" which has an important collection of contemporary art.

Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote and has a population of around 40,000. As recently as two hundred years ago, there was only a small harbour here which belonged to the former capital, Teguise. Only during the last century did the town slowly begin to develop. Arrecife is made almost entirely of narrow, winding streets. Sights include: the "Castillo de San Gabriel" with an archaeological museum and the "Castillo de San José". The main business streets, "Calle Real" and "León y Castillo" are packed with shops and entertainment venues.

Puerto del Rosario is the main town on Fuerteventura in the Canary Isles. A stroll along the Avenida de los Reyes de España, the main seaside promenade, is particularly worthwhile. Lots of restored white houses mark the end of the promenade and look somewhat like a white city wall. The central meeting places are the church square and the cafeteria Tinguaro nearby the tiny covered market. The best way to spend 'siesta' time is to enjoy a long lunch in one of the many small restaurants. Sehenswürdigkeiten: the parish church Nuestra Señora del Rosario with its stained glass windows, Casa Museo Unamuno, the colonial style town hall and Playa Blanca.

'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 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.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

Casablanca is a modern city with a few old buildings and some elements of Moroccan culture. It was greatly influenced by French colonialism. The cityscape, consisting initially mainly of wide boulevards and French-inspired townhouses dating from the 30s and 40s, has been supplemented with new high-rise buildings and Neo-Oriental style architecture. Casablanca's attractions include the Hassan II Mosque , the arts and crafts market, "Youtiya" in the new Medina, and the Habbous district. The most important buildings in the Medina are the Jamaa el Kebir and Jamaa ech Chleuh mosques and the Sidi el Kairouani Koubba, the city's first saint.