Transatlantic Cruise - from Buenos Aires - 123379

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.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay and the municipality of the same name is seen to be the economic, administrative and cultural centre of the country. The nearby resorts with their beaches make the harbour particularly attractive. In addition to the varied cultural offerings, the city also has many tertiary education institutes, such as the University of the Republic, founded in 1849. Sights include: Montevideo hill; the mausoleum dedicated to the national hero, José Gervasio Artigas; the former seat of the national parliament, "Cabildo"; the cathedral, the National Museum of History and the Fine Arts.

Punta del Este is the most famous beach resort in Uruguay. It is particularly busy during the hot Summer months from December to February. The main street Gorlero has lots of boutiques and watchmakers as well as exclusive restaurants, cafés and shops selling souvenirs and postcards. At night, the shopping street is transformed into a huge party area and the bars, pubs, discos and the three large casinos never shut before sunrise.

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 capital of Rio Grande do Norte is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and today has a population of more than 600,000. The city's name can be attributed to its "birthday" - it was founded on Christmas Day 1599. Natal is a popular holiday destination on account of its endless white beaches, and the year-round Summer climate, but the main attraction are the dunes that lie both to the North and the South of the city. The dunes are very high, overlooking picturesque bays; visitors can enjoy an exhilirating ride through the sand in a beachy-buggy. The pentagonal-shaped Forte dos Reis Magos, built in the 16th century, and the Museum da Càmara Cascudo are the city's most important sights. The arts and crafts centre in the former prison is also very interesting. Each of the former cells houses a small shop selling pottery and embroideries, among other things.

Densely forested hills surround the bustling historic port of Freetown. It was in "King’s Yard" that land was allocated to freed slaves; the city's museum provides an insight into this era of local history. On a stroll through town, be sure you don't miss the 500-year-old cotton tree and the De-Ruyter stone. Fourah Bay College, considered to be the oldest university in West Africa, Marcon's church, built in 1820, and King Jimmy Market.

'The capital of the Republic of Senegal has the largest port in West Africa. Its oil refineries and the international airport mean it is one of the most important trading centres in West Africa. Dakar has a population of 1.7 million and is known as the finishing point of the world famous intercontinental car rally from Paris to Dakar. Cultural and scientific highlights of the city are the university, which was founded in 1957, the research institute "Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire" (IFAN) and the museums.