Transatlantic Cruise - from Buenos Aires - 118745

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.

São Tiago with its capital, Praia, is the most African of the Cape Verde islands. A trip to Assomada where there is a twice weekly African-style market in an "Aluguer" (a communal taxi) is particularly exciting. The town centre is 'Plaça 12 de Septembro'. It is surrounded by buildings dating from the 19th century: to the South-East the church Nossa Senhora da Graça and the majestic palace of justice just next to it, to the South-West the Home Office and the Banco Comércio do Atlántico on Avenida Amilcar Cabral, which leads across the entire plateau. The new Museu Ethnográfico, which is to the North of the market, is also well worth a visit.

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.