Transatlantic Cruise - from Genoa - 125120

This northern Italian port lies at the Gulf of Genoa and is the capital of Liguria and the province of Genoa. It has a population of 660'000. Academic highlights in the city, which was built in the 10th century, are the university founded in 1783, the academy of arts and the college of music. Other sights include the magnificent churches built on the hillside in the shape of terraces, "San Lorenzo" and "Santi Abrògio e Andrea" and the palaces "Palazzo Durazzo", "Palazzo Ducale" and "Palazzo Bianco".

The Italian capital of Rome is also often called "the eternal city", as this buzzing metropolis still has many precious treasures from ancient times, which are known around the world. The most impressive sights include the "Thermae of Caracalla", the emperor's forum, the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona, the Fountain of Neptune and of course St. Peter's Basilica, with the dome designed by Michelangelo.

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".

Malaga was founded in around 8 B.C. by the seafaring Phoenicians. Today, Malaga is a modern city with an important trading port, an airport and a university. It also has an excellent climate all year round, making it one of the most important holiday destinations on the Iberian peninsula. Sights include: The King's Palace, "Alcazaba", built in the 11th century and featuring an archaeological museum; the city cathedral, built around 1528 with the pretty chapels "Capilla Mayor" and "Capilla del Sagrado Corazón"; various churches; the house in which Pablo Picasso was born; buildings dating from the 18th century - "Casa del Cosulado", "Palacio de la Aduana", "Casa Palacio del Marques de Valdeflores"; the parks "Puerta Oscura", "de Ricasso", "de Pedro Luis Alonso".

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.

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.

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.

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.