South America Cruise - from Buenos Aires - 117388

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.

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.

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.

Recife, with a population of well over a million, got its name from the coral reefs that lie before the port and the beaches, creating unusually still waters by Brazilian standards. On account of its canals, spanned by narrow bridges and its old colonial houses, Recife is often referred to as the "Venice of Brazil". "Boa Viagem" beach with its many bars, restaurants and discos is reminiscent of Rimini - but with a special South American charm. Sights include: the historic quarters Santo Antônio and São José, the old monastery Capela Dourada, the Museu do Estado de Pernambuco with furnishings from the imperial and colonial age and handicrafts, the anthropological Museum do Homem do Nordeste, Boa Viagem beach.

With 360 days of sunshine, the capital of the state of Ceará boasts the best and most settled weather in Brazil. Due to its proximity to the equator, sunshine is guaranteed even during the "Brazilian Winter" (in July and August). The sandy beach at Praia do Futuro, around 8 km South-East of Fortaleza, is perfect for sunbathing. The city's atmosphere is busy and vibrant with an excellent nightlife with jumping bars, pubs, restaurants and discos and even on the beach the party never stops all year round. Sights: Passeio Público park, the traditional market "Mercado Central", the fish market, the legendary "Praca José de Alencar" square, the art nouveau theatre "José de Alencar", the nature and ecological park Do Coco, the fort at Nosha Senhora da Assuncoa and the cathedral.

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.

The Caribbean island of Barbados lies between the Atlantic to the East and the Caribbean to the West. The island was given its name by Portuguese sailors, who named it "Los Barbados", "the bearded ones" due to the many fig trees on the island with their aerial roots. The 431 km² large coral island is home to a population of 260,000. Sights include: two botanic gardens, limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites and the North and East coast of the island with its breathtaking cliffs, picturesque coves and beaches that stretch for miles and miles.

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.

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.

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.

Fort Lauderdale was originally created as a military base and has more than 270 waterways that meet at the city's yacht marina, the second-largest in the USA. This is why this port is also known as the "American Venice". Las Olas Boulevard is the centre of the city and has many shops, up-market boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. The biggest attraction in Fort Lauderdale is the white sandy beach, which stretches for many kilometres. Other sights include Stranahan House - the oldest historic building in the city, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Riverfront Complex and the house by the river that Al Capone once called home.