Eastern Caribbean Cruise - from Manaus - 120610

The capital of the Brazilian state Amazonas is in the north of the country by the banks of the Rio Negro and is surrounded by beautiful rainforest. Manaus was founded in the 17th century by the Portuguese military. Due to the industrial boom in the city at the end of the 19th century, ports, market places, monuments and impressive buildings were built on the island. The city is famous for its rubber and latex production and its nickname is the "Paris of the tropical rainforests". Sights include the "Teatro Amazonas" with its distinctive dome, which even today is the greatest symbol of this rich city.

This Brazilian town with a population of 50,000 is not far from the capital of the state of Amazonas, Manau. This small town is located on the island of the same name in the Amazon river. Important attractions include the many churches and cathedrals.

The tiny fishing village Alter do Chao is just a 30-minute car journey from the city of Santarém, which has a population of 270,000. The breathtakingly beautiful area in which the city lies is renowned for its unique beaches, an expansive dune landscape and the abundance of fish. The 'Centre for the Conservation of Native Art and Culture' is particuarly worth a visit .

Macapa is the capital of Amapa and lies on the northern shore of the Amazon estuary on the equator. The port is a popular place for people to have their photograph taken in front of the zero-line, "Marco Zero". Macapa is home to around three quarters of the 289,000-strong population of Amapas. Sights include: "Fortaleza de São José", a fort dating from the 18th century and built by the Portuguese.

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.

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.

Sint Maarten with its capital Philipsburg is the smaller, Dutch part of the magical Caribbean island peacefully shared by the Netherlands and France since 1648. The Dutch part of the island is one of the most popular shopping and holiday destinations in the Caribbean. In Philipsburg alone there are more than 500 shops in the pastel-coloured Dutch style where tourists can buy luxury goods at up to 50% less than the standard retail price. The best place to experience real Caribbean atmosphere is at the Saturday market in the capital. Sights include: the zoo, the Philipsburg Museum, the fort at Great Bay Harbour, the casino and the beaches.

San Juan, the capital of the Greater Antilles island of Puerto Rico, is known as the 'oldest American city'. It was from here that the expeditions set out to explore the New World. The historic old town with the university, the fort 'La Fortaleza', the gothic cathedral and the historic buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era are all well worth a visit. Since 1983, San Juan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'New' San Juan boasts luxurious resorts, hotels, casinos and exclusive discos, while nature lovers can explore the nearby rainforest with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.