Oceania Around the World in 180 Days

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach’s Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.

Tour this beautiful island and marvel at the rugged coastline and its unspoiled, upscale atmosphere, unique in the Caribbean for its Swedish and French heritage. Enjoy the spectacular beaches and resorts, snorkel or dive in the crystalline waters, or see underwater wonders from a semi-submersible marine vessel.

Experience the natural wonders of this lush, unspoiled island, from the beautiful Emerald Pool and dense rainforest to spectacular vistas and rare plants and birds. Spend some time snorkeling or try ocean kayaking. Take an aerial tram through the tree canopy near Boiling Lake. Or go on a search for whales and dolphins.

Discover the many beautiful aspects of this island, from its rugged Atlantic coastline to its beautiful Great Houses, cane fields, exquisite gardens and glorious beaches. See the island’s spectacular underwater treasures on your own snorkeling expedition.

Go ashore to Ile Royale, the site of the infamous French prison, now a historic site slowly returning to nature. Enjoy the ocean breezes and the natural beauty of wild gardens, and watch for the wild macaws that are among the species that have repopulated the islands. Look for the ocean-fed pools where leatherback turtles reside.

The gateway to the Amazon, Belém features modern buildings and skyscrapers as well as a rich history and colonial architecture. Rodrigues Alves Wood–Botanic Garden offers a little piece of the Amazon preserved in the middle of the city. One of the oldest churches in Belém, the Cathedral of Belém has the largest organ in Latin America. Shopping: Ver-o-Peso market on Belém’s riverside waterfront is an excellent place to buy arts and crafts as well as fresh fruit and other local foods.

Try your hand at sand-skiing or sit along the Ponte dos Ingleses to watch for dolphins. Gaze at the fishermen as they maneuver their jangadas to provide the evening catch. The cathedral and the old fortress, for which the city is named, provide cultural background for history buffs.

Enjoy this marvelous colonial city atop a bluff where Portuguese and African heritage blends seamlessly. Visit the beautiful cathedral and bustling market and savor the breathtaking views over the bay and ocean. See the beaches and stroll through the narrow streets of the Pelourinho with its colonial architecture and African culture.

Considered the St. Tropez of Brazil, Buzios boasts a cosmopolitan style reminiscent of the French Riviera. Sunbathe at one of the twenty beaches, including Azeda Beach with its calm and crystal-clear waters. Horseback riding, fishing, diving and catamaran cruises are also popular. Take a walking tour of the Emerências Reserve, where you’ll find exotic plants, bromeliads and even the last golden lion tamarin monkeys in the region. At the Tauá Reserve, see more than 300 species of butterflies and 60 types of birds.

Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for its renowned view. Ride the cog railway through dense forest to Corcovado. Visit the lush botanical gardens, see famed Ipanema and Copacabana beaches and take in a thrilling samba show.

Enjoy exploring this beautiful island, hiking its trails, kayaking, snorkeling, diving to spectacular sites or simply relaxing on its gorgeous beaches. Savor the dense tropical forest with its diversity of birds, flowers, iguanas, monkeys and myriad wildlife found in this protected reserve.

Journey inland to vibrant São Paulo and see its modern skyscrapers and monuments and visit the beautiful art museum. Or explore charming Santos and its extraordinary botanical garden, including an orchidarium with over 100 flower species and an aviary alive with macaws, toucans and parrots. Take a scenic drive to Guaruja and visit the resort town’s fascinating aquarium.

Perched on a lovely peninsula in southern Brazil, Porto Belo is revered for its beaches, most especially Bombas and Bombinhas, which share a beautiful emerald-green bay. In fact, the area is called the “Emerald Coast.” Diving and snorkeling are spectacular in the nearby Marine Reserve of Arvoredo because warm and cooler waters meet here, attracting an incredible diversity of marine life.

Explore this lovely old Portuguese city, its gracious squares and beautiful churches. Visit the Museum of Sacred Art and the fascinating oceanographic museum. Or see the vast pampas and feel the gaucho life on a local estancia. Shopping:

Spend the day enjoying this beautiful, chic beach resort, its marinas and interesting shops. See amazing works by Dalí, Chagall and Míro at the Ralli Museum. Or venture into the equally stunning countryside and visit a cattle station.

Explore this charming, cosmopolitan city of parks and colonial architecture. Visit a local vineyard and sample its wines. Or travel to the beautiful Portuguese colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, first settled in 1680.

Discover this elegant city and its beautiful surroundings with a tranquil cruise through the Tigre Delta past islands, mansions and English gardens. Visit the pampas and watch gauchos display their extraordinary horsemanship, or enjoy a fabulous tango show in its birthplace.

Explore this charming, cosmopolitan city of parks and colonial architecture. Visit a local vineyard and sample its wines. Or travel to the beautiful Portuguese colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, first settled in 1680.

Discover this quaint town, its cathedral, authentic English pubs, neat gardens, war memorials and fascinating landscape. Set off for an adventure on this South Atlantic island and visit a penguin colony and watch for albatross and skuas or go to a sprawling sheep farm.

Witness the spectacular beauty of Tierra del Fuego’s lakes, lush forests, soaring mountains and flora and fauna by train, via all-terrain vehicle or on horseback. Enjoy the expansive views from Garibaldi Pass and watch for sea lions and albatross along the Beagle Channel.

Explore the town and its history and enjoy stunning views over the Strait of Magellan to fabled Tierra del Fuego. Discover the scenic Patagonian countryside and visit a local sheep farm. The highlight is the Magellanic penguin rookery at Otway Sound.

Enjoy the Bavarian ambiance of the Lake District as you visit the edge of the Patagonian wilderness, seeing pristine wood forests, vast lakes, soaring waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and spectacular vistas.

Enjoy the charming chaos and color of the hillside old quarter, or visit lovely nearby Viña del Mar and its famed floral clock. Or head inland to Chile’s scenic Central Valley, the country’s breadbasket, and on to the Andes with their world-class vineyards and ski resorts. Many will want to spend the day in metropolitan Santiago, considered the safest city in Latin America.

In 1550 the city’s spectacular harbor first attracted the Spanish, who stayed to mine deep reserves of copper and gold. After a tour of the city’s scenic attractions, including the lighthouse, the graceful cathedral built in 1844 and the archaeological museum, visit the Enchanted Valley’s stone engravings and the Tololo Observatory perched 6,000 feet above the Elqui Valley.

Iquique is one of the largest duty-free ports in South America and is known for its excellent weather, making it an ideal destination for shopping and relaxing on the beach. These attractions combined with the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert and the nearby hot springs and thermal baths make Iquique one of the most visited cities in Chile.

Wander through this entrancing fishing village at the edge of the desert; it rains only once every 25 years. Marvel at the Nazca Lines, geoglyphs carved into the desert floor by pre-Incan societies, over 300 figural drawings that remain virtually undamaged through the centuries.

Explore Lima’s wonderful museums and visit the famed Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop’s Palace on the city’s majestic main square. Take a flight to Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas” and South America’s most intriguing archaeological site. Built in the 15th century by the Incas and perched 7,875 feet above sea level, this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site features stone buildings once used as temples, sanctuaries, homes and water fountains. Also enchanting is the colonial city of Cuzco with its majestic Plaza de Armas and the ancient Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Founded by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro, Salaverry has numerous archaeological excavations and is a jumping-off spot for a visit to Machu Picchu. The “Lost City of the Incas” is one of South America’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Machu Picchu is perched 7,875 feet above sea level and has a 1,800-foot vertical drop face. What remains are extraordinary stone buildings built by the Incas for use as temples, sanctuaries and homes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally built in 1460.

As a gateway to Ecuador, the small port city of Manta is a short drive from Montecristi, where the world’s best Panama hats are produced and also where they originated. Catch a flight to the capital city of Quito, a wonderfully preserved colonial-era city perched 9,200 feet above sea level. Beautiful lakes, volcanoes and high mountains around the town of Otavalo are spectacular.

Be awed by the spectacular rainforest canopy, whether you walk through it or ride an aerial tram. Discover breathtaking waterfalls, butterfly gardens and a cloud forest. Watch for curious monkeys and brilliantly colored birds. Ride horseback through a rare virgin tropical dry forest. Or enjoy a scenic drive to San Jose and see this charming city and its sights.

One of Nicaragua’s most popular vacation destinations, San Juan del Sur offers an exciting mix of local culture and tourist activities. Enjoy horseback riding, sailing and fishing along the Pacific coastline. Sail above the forests on a tree canopy tour located in the foothills behind the city or simply spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

Though it boasts the largest industrial seaport in El Salvador, Acajutla is not heavily frequented by cruise ships and thus gives visitors an authentic look at life along the Pacific coast of Central America. Cast your line on a deep-sea fishing expedition, or take a tour to see the country’s active volcanoes, Mayan ruins or coffee plantations. For more adventurous souls, a zip line canopy tour above the Apaneca jungle provides thrills.

Savor the breathtaking views of Acapulco Bay from Fort San Diego or the Chapel of Peace. Swim or stroll along miles of magnificent beach. Don’t miss the cliff divers of La Quebrada or the old colonial quarter of town. Or visit Taxco, renowned for its silver.

Revel in a scenic tour of this exotic desert landscape and enjoy fabulous views of the rugged coastline and an incredible cactus garden. Snorkel in a quiet cove or go in search of migrating gray whales. Or visit the neighboring port of San Jose del Cabo for a taste of old Mexico.

Located on the west coast of Baja California, Ensenada is a sportsman’s paradise with popular pursuits including surfing, sport fishing, sea kayaking, horseback riding and mountain biking. If you prefer more leisurely activities, take a scenic coastal drive to the Punta Banda Peninsula to see La Bufadora. This marine geyser that shoots from the sea toward the clifftops is one of the largest blowholes in North America. Back in town, pop into famous Hussong’s Cantina and sip a margarita in the bar where the cocktail was reputedly invented.

San Diego is living proof that a big city can still feel like a small town. Its Spanish heritage is evident at popular sights like the Junípero Serra Museum, where the first mission was founded, and at Point Loma, which is dominated by a statue of explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. The breathtaking point is also a great spot to watch for migrating Pacific gray whales. Other noteworthy attractions include the thought-provoking San Diego Museum of Man, the peaceful Botanical Building and Lily Pond, and the signature San Diego Zoo, where rare species such as giant pandas and lowland gorillas are exhibited. Ship buffs will enjoy the maritime museum, where you can board and tour the vessels.

Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches surrounding this active city, climb Diamond Head or visit the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial or take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.

With 11 separate climate zones, the perfect activity is a luxury realized. Visit any of the 500 coffee plantations in the region, snorkel at Kahaluu Beach Park, or be a cowboy for the day at Parker Ranch, the largest continually operating ranch in the U.S.

Visit the entrancing Vaipo Waterfalls and Cascade Tevaipo, which is one of the world’s tallest falls at over 1,100 feet. Wander the black sand beaches, marvel at the giant tiki at Piki Vehini, or get adventurous on an all-terrain vehicle excursion around the craggy island.

Stunning, beautiful, this South Pacific atoll is a “natural aquarium,” its lagoon filled with colorful undersea life. Visit the pearl farms, dive with manta rays, explore the atoll’s unique winery or just choose a calming respite on a pink sand beach.

Breathtakingly beautiful, stunning landscapes await, from the verdant mountains to the azure seas and white sand beaches. Take a canoe ride through the lagoon; snorkel, scuba or helmet-dive the reefs, or hike up to the Afareaitu Waterfalls.

The island of Tahiti’s urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.

The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Snorkel, swim with the manta rays or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its lovely coral islands.

Heavenly paradise awaits you on this idyllic island, with its craggy volcanic peak rising above all else. Enjoy a beach day at Black Rock, sample the snorkeling in the southern lagoon or rent a bicycle for the day to go exploring.

Remote, verdant and stunningly beautiful, this island is pure and pristine. Visit one of the many tuna canneries or snorkel in the crystalline waters of one of the protected lagoons. Find a fale, a gazebo where locals perform for visitors.

Crossing the International Date Line

Apia is located on the northern shore of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island and home to spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches and brilliant sunrises and sunsets. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here and is buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking the village of Vailima and the home he built there, which is now a museum in his honor.

Meander through this Victorian-inspired city, the last monarchy in the Pacific, easily accomplished in a day. The surrounding coral reefs provide spectacular snorkeling opportunities; sea-shell collecting here is considered some of the best in the world.

Enjoy the tropical rainforest climate of Fiji’s capital city, the largest in the South Pacific. Wander the Victoria Parade, the main thoroughfare with shops and restaurants.

A tiny, uninhabited island off the coast of Vanuatu’s Aneityum Island, Mystery Island is a remote paradise of white sand beaches, swaying palms and aquamarine waters. Since the surrounding sea is a protected marine sanctuary, snorkelers will be enchanted by views of colorful marine life and pristine coral reefs. Aneityum residents will likely set up market stalls on Mystery Island when you visit, so you’ll be able to browse local goods like coconut oil, coffee and handmade jewelry. Whether you stroll the gorgeous shoreline, opt for under-the-sea adventures or explore nearby Aneityum, you’ll treasure your time in this secret oasis.

Known as “The Paris of the Pacific,” the capital city of New Caledonia still maintains a village atmosphere. Visit the new Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, try wind-surfing, or share a bottle of vin rouge while relaxing at La Place des Cocotiers.

Visit the famous Opera House, stroll along the harbor or cruise around it. Climb the Harbor Bridge, take a walk through the Rocks where Sydney began, or enjoy celebrated Bondi Beach. Head into the beautiful Blue Mountains for a taste of the country; visit a wildlife park and enjoy Australia’s fabulously unique creatures.

Blessed by one of the Australia’s top-rated beaches, the golden sands of laid-back Mooloolaba are lined with a tempting assortment of fashionable shops, juice bars and alfresco dining spots. Known for some of the Sunshine Coast’s best dining, Mooloolaba takes particular pride in its namesake prawns, a sought-after specialty. At the Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium, admire the staggering variety of marine creatures that call this region home, and if you’re feeling more adventurous, head out to sea for an up-close encounter with harmless sharks. Whether you’re craving tranquility or a thrill, Mooloolaba’s dazzling seaside never fails to entice with a wide range of activities from snorkeling to sunbathing.

Enjoy spectacular beaches, snorkel in crystalline waters, or dive and explore the exquisite underwater world of fish and coral. Visit the nearby Great Barrier Reef and enjoy its breathtaking wonders. While in Airlie Beach, take in the laid-back atmosphere at the picturesque lagoon and tropical garden.

Discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails, wildlife and magnificent coral reefs.

This is the place to see the magnificent rainforest from the Kuranda Railway and visit local wildlife like koalas and emus in a rainforest habitat. Or learn about Aboriginal tradition at the culture park. Explore the town, its charming homes and the lovely botanical garden.

Discover Aboriginal culture and art at the Fine Arts Museum, see the city and its wonderful gardens, or venture into the outback to fabulous Territory Wildlife Park and its many wonders. Or head for the incredible waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Watch crocodiles at a research station, or take a cruise along the Adelaide River and watch the saltwater crocs leap from the water to catch their prey.

As Indonesia is known as the land of laughs and smiles, the people of West Timor will delight you with their welcoming nature. In Kupang, the capital of West Timor, you’re likely to notice influences from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial eras when Kupang was an important trading post. Visit the Museum of Nusa Tenggara Timur to discover artifacts from the province and insights on the city’s legacy and historical occasions in the region. Natural wonders are plentiful too. Crystal Cave is a stunning attraction named after its clear water, and jungle-shrouded Oenesu Waterfall is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Lovely beaches are nearby as well – try Lasiana for its white sand and calm waves or Pantai Tedis to watch the sun set and enjoy local Indonesian fare.

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands of Indonesia and one of three major islands making up Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being a popular destination for diving, it is the only natural habitat of the Komodo dragon. The island of Komodo includes approximately 60 square miles of craggy mountains, deep canyons, savannas and monsoon rainforests.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Showcasing a dizzying array of cultural influences, this second-largest city in Indonesia was once the most important port of the Dutch East Indies. A prime example is the stately 19th-century House of Sampoerna, a colonial-style cigarette factory that houses a fascinating museum. Discover a vast selection of wares at Pasar Pabean, a lively market that links Chinatown and the Arab Quarter. At the Grand Mosque of Surabaya, one of Indonesia’s largest, climb the soaring minaret for better views of the gleaming blue and green tiles adorning the sanctuary’s domes. As a tranquil respite, settle in for high tea at the elegant Majapahit Hotel, a highlight of Surabaya’s complex and absorbing historical legacy.

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Discover the amazing contrasts of this cosmopolitan, Portuguese-founded city with its lovely colonial architecture, Dutch-style palaces, historic churches, Jewish quarter and huge Chinese fishing nets. Or explore tranquil canals by boat and see ancient villages, exquisite scenery, plantations and temples. See Indian cotton made in traditional fashion.

Enjoy the sights of this teeming city, visiting the many lovely Jain and Hindu temples, the Hanging Gardens, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the magnificent Victoria Station. Take a harbor cruise from the Gateway of India or travel to lush Gharapuri Island to see the 7th century rock-cut temples of the Elephanta Caves. Shopping: Lovely silks, fine gold jewelry, ornate woodcarvings, personal altars, finely carved screens and antiques abound.

Admire the colorful Sultan’s palace and the Jelali and Merani forts, stroll through the markets and narrow alleys and browse in the bustling souks. Or view the city from above by traveling on the Corniche and head out along the scenic Batinah coast and enjoy the desert, the oases, fishing villages and the historic medieval Nakhl Fort. Then spend time at a glorious beach resort.

Khasab is an eclectic and off-the-beaten-path port with pristine seas and jagged peaks. It’s location at the northern tip of the peninsula makes this city the apex of the triangle between Dubai and Muscat. Choose to take a dhow cruise along the Strait of Hormuz or go on a humpback dolphin watching excursion on the bay, either way your experience will be far from ordinary.

As the world’s richest city, Abu Dhabi boasts opulent hotels, museums and a yacht-filled marina, all marvels of modern architecture. Explore the emirate’s old souks, sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, ride the dunes on an exhilarating desert safari, or dive into dazzling marine life.

Explore this amazing emirate where ultra-modern architecture soars over traditional Arab styles. See the impressive Jumeirah Mosque and stroll through the narrow alleys of old Dubai. Visit a museum in a former all-boys school or journey along Dubai Creek in a dhow. Visit fascinating Sharjah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fabulous souks.

Admire the colorful Sultan’s palace and the Jelali and Merani forts, stroll through the markets and narrow alleys and browse in the bustling souks. Or view the city from above by traveling on the Corniche and head out along the scenic Batinah coast and enjoy the desert, the oases, fishing villages and the historic medieval Nakhl Fort. Then spend time at a glorious beach resort.

A historic trading center and the ancient gateway to the holy city of Mecca, Jeddah has played host to pilgrims and travelers from around the world for centuries. With these sweeping influences, not only is it one of Saudi Arabia’s most diverse and progressive cities, it’s long been considered the cultural capital of the kingdom. Colorful and nuanced adventures in history, culture and cuisine are a certainty here. Don’t miss the aquamarine-domed Al Rahma Mosque that seems to float atop the Red Sea, the UNESCO-protected Old City or Al Balad and its traditional souk, the culinary scene in the Al Rawdah district and the waterfront Jeddah Corniche.

Take a thrilling journey to Luxor and see the majestic Karnak and Luxor temples. Cross the Nile to the famed Valley of the Kings with the long forgotten tomb of Tutankhamun, the nearby mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the enormous Colossi of Memnon. Or take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the vast sand dunes.

Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira’s museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.

Visit beautiful Taormina and marvel at its famous Greek theater and the stunning view of Mount Etna. Explore lovely medieval Messina with its historic churches and the cathedral where it is rumored Richard the Lionheart worshipped in 1190. Or discover ancient Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C., with its fine mosaics, Roman baths and impressive theater overlooking the sea.

Beautiful Capri, with its stunning panoramas, villages, charming piazzas and the Villa San Michele, makes a nice diversion. Visit the ruins at Pompeii, take a cooking lesson in Sorrento or travel to the frenetic city of Naples and learn to make pizzas as the Neapolitans do.

Wander through the lovely town of Olbia and visit its 11th century cathedral with Roman artifacts and Punic burials. Or drive into the stunningly beautiful countryside of the Costa Smeralda with its towering cliffs, quiet grottoes and exquisite sandy beaches beside emerald green waters. Explore the enigmatic remnants of the ancient Nuraghic culture.

Enjoy delightful Mahon and its charming shops. Then explore the island and savor its dramatic views and landscape, quaint villages, farms and well-preserved taulas of the island’s megalithic civilization. Perhaps see a castle or a monastery and impressive cliff-top views.

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí’s other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.

Lying on Spain’s radiant Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district. Marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard, the illustrious Explanada de España. Pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline. It’s no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, a former 18th century palace.

Marvel at the sumptuous palaces, lush gardens and imposing citadels that are the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous legacies of Moorish rule in Spain. Meander the narrow cobblestone streets of nearby Albaicín, the ancient Arabic quarter, or see a flamenco performance in the whitewashed caves of Sacromonte, originally settled by gypsies.

Explore the Mendoubia Gardens, which contain a fascinating banyan tree that is more than 800 years old. Or experience a more traditional Morocco in Tetouan, a mountain city of grace and culture and the location of the beautiful white royal palace. The Caves of Hercules are nine miles west of Tangier in the Cap Spartel area; it is a place of great beauty and archaeological significance.

Visit the ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917.

This Galician capital is most famous for the magnificent Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, which for over 1,000 years has been the destination of the religious pilgrimage known as the Way of St. James. Before visiting the shrine to the Apostle James, stroll through the city’s charming Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy the city’s visual feast of wonderful ornate buildings, broad avenues, marvelous squares and the Cathedral of St. André where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII. Stroll through Old Bordeaux. Then visit the area’s fabulous vineyards and magnificent châteaux and delight in tasting their superb wines.

Strategically located near the western tip of the Breton Peninsula, this naval port has a rich military history. Among its landmarks are the heavily fortified Chateau de Brest and the rotund 14th century Tour Tanguy tower. It contains a fascinating museum with dioramas depicting Brest on the eve of World War II. The city’s Oceanopolis, one of Europe’s largest marine complexes, presents more than 1,000 different species. Brest is also known for its National Botanical Reserve, which focuses on endangered plants rarely found elsewhere.

Explore this fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan with its impressive clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor the stunning view of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep, winding streets and the mazelike abbey passages.

Enjoy the relaxing drive through the countryside to Paris and then savor its bountiful attractions. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Ride a boat on the Seine, stroll the Champs-Élysées and climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Our two gateways to Paris are outstanding as well. Honfleur dates to the 11th century and features a historic waterfront. Across the Seine lies Le Havre, once home to Claude Monet. His Impressionist works hang in the Malraux Museum. Historic Rouen is closest to Paris and boasts the great Cathédrale Notre Dame.

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.

Experience the pastoral Cornish countryside on the way to Land’s End, where starkly beautiful moors and cliffs overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Having been a church, a fortress and a private home, the mythical St. Michael’s Mount is a legendary island castle that appears to change moods with the passing clouds.

Considering it’s the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest literary figures – Beckett, Joyce, Shaw, Wilde, Yeats – you can’t help but wonder what it is about Dublin that so inspires. Exploring the city, you find answers. It’s the strong sense of community embodied in its pub culture, in the stunning churches seemingly on every corner, and in the sprawling parks where residents gather to commune with nature. It’s also the history preserved in the ancient books of Trinity College’s Old Library and in the story of Guinness and his iconic beer. Meanwhile, the charming seaside town of Dún Laoghaire possesses its own sense of timeless appeal, from the James Joyce Tower and Museum to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland.

Cheerful Cork sprawls about the River Lee in one of Ireland’s most stunning settings. Bridges crisscross the city leading to landmarks like St. Anne’s Church and the Old City Gaol, where you’ll see the 19th century prisoners’ graffiti. Make time to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.

Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants’ Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.

Offering some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK, Glasgow is a major center of commerce and culture. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the only cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation in tact and houses a celebrated collection of stained glass windows. The Burrell Collection showcases a range of work by major artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as examples of late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. When exploring Scotland’s culinary culture, be sure to taste some of the famed single malt whiskies.

Stroll through this picturesque fishing town and admire the views from the headland. Take a drive around this stunning, craggy island of majestic waterfalls, beautiful fjords, farms, villages, enigmatic sea stacks and panoramic views of the neighboring islands. Or visit an ancient Viking settlement in a valley of lakes.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest city and a center of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums and art festivals, hike along the extraordinary vistas, or explore the botanical gardens. Also of interest is the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world.

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. The capital of the Westfjords has long been a cultured oasis in the midst of this haunting beauty, fueled by the rewards of being one of Iceland’s largest fishing centers. The first merchants lived in wooden houses now preserved in the Neöstikaupstaöur section of town, which is alive with shops and restaurants. Two museums are of particular interest – the West Fjords Folk Museum for tools and heritage items and the Maritime Museum for a look at the 19th century fishing industry.

Discover this fascinating land where the forces of nature hold sway as you visit the modern capital with its thermally heated outdoor swimming pool, remarkable botanic gardens and folk museum. Explore the starkly beautiful countryside of lava formations, glaciers and incredible waterfalls and the site where the first parliament sat in 930 A.D.

Founded by the British in 1749, Halifax still has a British military air about it. Every day at noon, a ceremonial gun is fired at the Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fortress where the guides wear military uniforms. The exhibits have a more seafaring slant at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and include the nearly 100-year-old Acadia.

The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. Call it what you may, New York reigns as one of the world’s most dynamic cities. But where to begin? The sacred soil of Ground Zero or stunning Central Park? The Guggenheim or the American Museum of Natural History? Should you take in a Broadway show or simply enjoy the nonstop show of people that parade through the streets? The possibilities are endless in the five boroughs of New York City, so get out and enjoy.

The Old South is captured beautifully in Charleston, which has meticulously preserved the ambiance and architecture of its antebellum past. The downtown is full of old-fashioned inns, antique shops and pristine private homes. Visit Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired, or the Charleston Museum, established in 1773 and distinguished as America’s first museum. Another signature attraction nearby is Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in America.

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach’s Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.