South America Cruise - from Bridgetown - 131070

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.

Kingstown is the capital and port of the Caribbean state of St. Vincent. The busy port is the trading centre of the islands. The weekly market on Saturday mornings is where everyone meets. St. Mary's Cathedral in the town centre boasts a combination of various European architectural styles. The ruins of Fort Charlotte on a 180 m high slope in the North of the city from where you can enjoy a marvellous view are well worth a visit. The oldest Botanic Gardens in the western hemisphere are situated just to the North of Kingstown. Various rare tropical trees and plants flourish on the 8-hectare garden area. The collection of ancient stone monuments is also very interesting. Slightly North of Kingstown, at St. Vincent Parrot Reserve, visitors can marvel at the St. Vincent parrots, which are under threat of extinction.

St. George's is the capital of Grenada, which is one of the prettiest ports in the Caribbean with its narrow, steep streets running between the houses and churches. The horseshoe-shaped harbour basin of the Carenage in the town centre is encircled by Wharf Road. Along the quay promenade there are old warehouses from the French and British colonial era, some of which have been restored and converted into restaurants, shops or offices. On the elevated area around St. George are the remains of old fortifications, such as Fort George, behind which rises the silhouette of the forested mountainsides.

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.

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.

Maceió is in the North-East of Brazil and is the capital of the state of Alagoas. The city is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Brazil. The harbour has optimal infrastructure for tourists with a large number of hotels and local attractions and the hospitality of the locals only increases this city's popularity.

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 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.