Transatlantic Cruise - from St. Maarten - 109757

The little island of Sint Maarten is split in two. The quiet North belongs to France and the lively South to the Netherlands. The capital of the Dutch part is Philipsburg, where the cruise ship port is situated. Many casinos, shops, discos and restaurants mean a varied evening's entertainment is guaranteed. It is quieter and closer to nature inland, where ramblers will enjoy the walk to Paradise Peak.

Tortola, the "pigeon island", is the largest and most densely populated of the British Virgin Islands. At 543 m, Mount Sage is the highest point on the island and offers the best view of the coral reefs and many bays. Large areas of the forest are nature reserves. Not far from Road Town, the capital of the island, are the remains of the British fort, Fort George, which dates from the 18th century, and Harrigan's Hill still has the remnants of Fort Charlotte. Fort Recovery is assumed to have been established by the first Dutch settlers. The ruins of "The Dungeon", which can be seen by Pockwood Pond are also well worth a visit. Even today, you can see pictures scratched into the walls of the vaults.

This Caribbean island lies South of St. Vincent and North of Trinidad and Tobago. Cloves, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon are all produced on Grenada, which explains its nick-name "spice island". The 94,000 inhabitants of the island are surrounded by tropical rainforests, gorges and dormant volcanoes. The capital of Grenada is St. George's and is just 5 km from the island's long, white beach, "Grand Anse". But the real attraction on Grenada is the island itself. It is the perfect place for walks and treks through the tropical countryside. The turquoise water of the Caribbean is also perfect for sailing trips and diving excursions.

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.

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.

The Moroccan port and provincial capital of Tangiers at the western opening of the strait of Gibraltar is the gateway to Africa. The most famous attractions are to be found near the Kasbah in the middle of the bustling old town. Steep streets and alleyways wind around the white walls of the houses, and a labyrinth of large and small shops selling everything you could think of awaits visitors. The Great Socco (Great Souk) is a typical Moroccan square with lots and lots of tea houses and the most important market place at the outskirts of the Medina. To the North-West of the Grand Socco is the huge main gate of the city wall, Bab Fahs. Nearby, are the gardens of the old residence of Mendoubia, once the seat of the Sultan of the international commission, today the seat of the magistrates. The gardens have 800-year-old dragon tree plants as well as 40 old international canons.

The small, modern town of Portimao on the Algarve has lots to offer visitors that like to go out: Praia da Rocha, the "cliff beach", and the disco 'Katedral'. Recreational activities, sunshine, shopping and sardines are what make Portimao special. One of the best shopping streets is the 'Rua do Comércio', the "street of trade", a pedestrian area that begins at the old market square close by the local church in the highest area of the town.

The white city by the sea, built on seven hills and framed by the natural harbour of "Rio Tejo" was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 9th-7th century B.C.. Today it is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is rich in architectural monuments. The Portuguese capital also has a varied and interesting cultural scene with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. "Bairro Alto" (the upper city) is well known for its nightlife. Sights include: Jerónimo's Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Comércio Square, São Jorge castle, and "Baixa Pombalina".