|
1.
|
Barcelona (Spain)
|
|
|
|
|
The town is a harmonious mixture of the traditional and the modern and you will find both historic buildings dating from medieval times and ultra-modern architecture. Barcelona is the most important economic centre in Catalonia. This Mediterranean metropolis also has lots to offer in cultural terms, including, among other things, the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Catalonia.
The cathedreal "La Seu", which dates from the 13th century, is situated in the gothic old town "Barri Gotic". But Barcelona's landmark is the "Sagrada Familia", the church designed by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is busy by day and lively by night. One of the other main attractions is "Las Ramblas", the splendid promenade in the city centre with countless pavement cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Other must-sees include "El Puerto", the harbour with a wonderful view of Barcelona, and the nearby boulevard "Paseo de Colón".
|
|
|
2.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
Cádiz (Spain)
|
|
|
|
|
The southern Spanish coastal town in Andalucia has a trading port and a naval port. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land measuring 9km in length and by a bridge. It has a population of 154,000. Sights in this city founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 B.C. include the medical faculty at the University of Seville, the old cathedral (13th and 16th century) and the new cathedral, built in the 18th/19th century. In historical terms, Cádiz gained huge importance as the starting point for the Spanish expeditions to the West Indies.
|
|
|
4.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain)
|
|
|
|
|
Lanzarote is the most easterly of the 7 large Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and lies 1,000 km from the Spanish mainland. The regular volcanic activity experienced in the 18th and 19th century has made Lanzarote an island of contrasts. The mountains in Timanfaya National Park with its fine white sandy beaches are particularly impressive. In 1993 the island was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Sights include: the art, cultural and tourist centres on the island.
|
|
|
6.
|
Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)
|
|
|
|
|
The largest of the Canary Isles is Tenerife. Due to the mild climate and its geography, the island has a number of micro-climates. A mountain range spans the island at the centre of which is the impressive volcanic crater Cañadas del Teide with a diameter of around 20 km, and 'Teide' itself, which measures 3,718 metres in height. The valleys on either side of the mountains are extremely fertile, with important banana and tomato cultivation. By the sea there are beautiful sections of coastline with craggy cliffs and others with wide, fine sandy beaches. Active holidaymakers should visit Teide National Parks, Loro Parque, Barranco del Infierno, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, the pyramids at Güimar, the Anaga mountains, La Laguna, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and the Aqua Park.
|
|
|
7.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.
|
Miami (Florida, USA)
|
|
|
|
|
Miami is a city at the South-East coast of the US state of Florida. The "Coconut Grove" district was the heart of the settlement in 1884. Today, the city is dominated by elegant boutiques and pavement cafés. Often, free street concerts are held in the side streets - usually reggae or jazz music. The city has numerous high-rise buildings, hotel complexes, areas with palm trees, shopping centres, cultural and recreational facilities.
Sights include: the Southeast Financial Center - the tallest building in Florida at 55 storeys high; Dade Country Courthouse; Metro Dade Cultural, a cultural centre that houses Miami Dade Main Library; the Centre for Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.
|
|
|
15.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.
|
Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands)
|
|
|
|
|
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the American Virgin Islands on Saint Thomas. It has a reputation as being a bustling city with numerous duty-free shops. Fort Christian, one of the oldest buildings on the island, the Frederic Lutheran Church, Government House, Blackbeard's Castle and Market Square are all well worth seeing. In the past, this was where the slave auctions were held; today, fruit and vegetables are sold here.
|
|
|
18.
|
Basseterre (St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis)
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
19.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.
|
Grenada (Grenada)
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
21.
|
Bridgetown (Barbados)
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
22.
|
Castries (St. Lucia)
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
23.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.
|
Philipsburg (St. Maarten)
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
25.
|
Road Town (Tortola, British Virgin Islands)
|
|
|
|
|
Road Town is the main town and the administrative seat of the island of Tortola, one of the British Virgin Isles. The town was rebuilt after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1924. Today it is a colourful little place. There are small Victorian houses along the main street with unique little shops, including "Pusser's Company Store", which still supplies rum to the British navy to the present day. The Folk Museum is also well worth a look. There is an abundance of tropical plants in the botanic garden, as well as waterfalls and outdoor enclosures for birds. Nearby the town, on Fort Hill are the remnants of Fort George and Fort Charlotte. The beautiful forested island of Tortola with its coral reefs is perfect for diving, snorkelling and swimming.
|
|
|
26.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28.
|
Miami (Florida, USA)
|
|
|
|
|
Miami is a city at the South-East coast of the US state of Florida. The "Coconut Grove" district was the heart of the settlement in 1884. Today, the city is dominated by elegant boutiques and pavement cafés. Often, free street concerts are held in the side streets - usually reggae or jazz music. The city has numerous high-rise buildings, hotel complexes, areas with palm trees, shopping centres, cultural and recreational facilities.
Sights include: the Southeast Financial Center - the tallest building in Florida at 55 storeys high; Dade Country Courthouse; Metro Dade Cultural, a cultural centre that houses Miami Dade Main Library; the Centre for Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.
|
|
