Costa Deliziosa - December 13, 2024

The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its industrial docks rub shoulders with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Packed with colorful fishing boats and yachts, the Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.

The capital of Gran Canaria is a delight for strollers with areas such as Ciudad Jardin, where beautiful gardens surround the Canarians' homes, and the old quarter of Vegueta, where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492. Explore the island's beautiful landscape; the highlight is a visit to the Guanches' caves, where the island's primitive inhabitants once dwelled.

Mindelo is the most culturally rich, cosmopolitan city on the island of Sao Vicente. The architecture on this Cape Verde island has a distinctly British feel, and the nights feature a Brazilian rhythm. Enjoy the fantastic local seafood. The beaches of the area are quite excellent. Mindelo is the home of the famous composer B. Leza.

The Brazilian Venice, the port city of Recife is marked by the waterways that connect the various districts of the city. The name "Recife" comes from the barrier reef that protects the city's beautiful beaches. The sun shines brighter in Recife and it shows in the warm waters that surround the port. Also, check out Recife's tremendous cuisine!

Called the "Wonderful City" by Brazilians, Rio features the best of all worlds. Great nightlife, beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines, friendly people, plenty of shopping, and many, many restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world make Rio a thrill for all five senses!

Called the "Wonderful City" by Brazilians, Rio features the best of all worlds. Great nightlife, beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines, friendly people, plenty of shopping, and many, many restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world make Rio a thrill for all five senses!

In Montevideo, visitors are often surprised and delighted to discover that the city still retains the disposition and feel of an intimate village. The Old City of Montevideo seems lodged in another time, with customs and architecture from a past era. In the center, the Hotel Plaza Fuerte displays characteristics of the past. Visitors are charmed by its decor and views of the city.

Buenos Aires is a very European city located in the heart of Argentina. German and Italian culture combine with the Spanish native tongue and flavor of Buenos Aires. The food of the city is legendary. If you leave Buenos Aires without seeing a tango show, you have missed out. The energy, melancholy, passion, and tension of the city come bursting forth from this music and dance.

Puerto Madryn is located on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. It is often called the city of whales, as there are an abundance of opportunities to view these magnificent and graceful giants in the waters. There is also an astonishing variety of marine life, making this an attractive destination for divers and snorkelers.

The southernmost town in the world faces the Beagle Channel, where Charles Darwin encountered the now-extinct Yahgan Indians in 1832. In this desolate, wind-swept part of the world, the scenery and wildlife are awesome. Visit the Park Nacional Tierra del Fuego, where you'll find magnificent forest beaches, towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, as well as seals, walrus, and giant sea birds.

The southernmost town in the world faces the Beagle Channel, where Charles Darwin encountered the now-extinct Yahgan Indians in 1832. In this desolate, wind-swept part of the world, the scenery and wildlife are awesome. Visit the Park Nacional Tierra del Fuego, where you'll find magnificent forest beaches, towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, as well as seals, walrus, and giant sea birds.

Punta Arenas is known as the southernmost city on Earth. It is in Chile, and overlooks the Strait of Magellan. The city's attractions include the Museo Salesiano de Mayonino Borgatello and the Centro Cultural Braun-Menendez. The former is a museum covering the region, and the latter provides a view of a local trading family. Be sure to visit the nearby penguin colony.

This Chilean town with the memorable name is located along idyllic Austral Road in the Patagonian Steppe. Puerto Chacabuco offers an extraordinary view of nature at its best. From majestic waterfalls to ice-capped mountains, there are astounding sights everywhere. The town is also lined with dense forests, where rare and beautiful creatures may be spotted through a bit of darkened brush.

Puerto Montt is located just south of central Chile. The city boasts great bay views, seafood restaurants, handicrafts, and plenty of lodging. Puerto Montt is a popular launching point for day trips to national parks, waterfalls, lakes, and mountains of the area. If you take a 50-cent boat ride to the Island of Tenglo, you'll get a great view of the city and several snow-covered volcanoes.

Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from either Tahiti or Chile, making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific, it is best known for the giant stone monoliths that dot the coastline. Easter Island has long been the subject of curiosity and speculation. Discover what remains of this culture today, and what lessons we can learn from its legacy.

Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from either Tahiti or Chile, making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific, it is best known for the giant stone monoliths that dot the coastline. Easter Island has long been the subject of curiosity and speculation. Discover what remains of this culture today, and what lessons we can learn from its legacy.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

Here, you'll find the real South Seas' experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and multi-hued lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

Capital of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is an exquisite slice of paradise. Only 20 miles wide and home to under 10,000 inhabitants, the island offers spectacular beauty without crowds or compromise. Visit a 19th-century trading post. Sample the delicacies at an Umukai feast. No snakes, poisonous insects, or wild animals live on Rarotonga, so your hikes are sure to be as safe as they are enjoyable.

The Kingdom of Tonga is the oldest, and last remaining Polynesian monarchy. See the place where Captain Cook landed in 1777, along with the now huge tree that was planted on that occasion. Visit the ancient tombs of Tongan kings. Then view local crafts at the Tongan National Centre.

Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty and is the region's largest residential and commercial area, boasting profuse sunshine and a fertile landscape. The township is the center of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area and houses a population of approximately 91,000 people, including those residing in Mount Maunganui.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Fremantle, the main port of Western Australia, was once a major whaling center. Today, Fremantle boasts a splendid climate, a huge fishing fleet, and warm people. Freo, as the city is known to the locals, is a great place for food lovers, with its many restaurants, cafes, and al fresco dining opportunities. Watch the sidewalk entertainment on South Terrace, a street known as Cappucino Strip.

Mauritius, an island of volcanic rock, is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Found on the west coast of the island, Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. Visit the many forests or head to the mountain for a breathtaking view of the sea. Or head into town for some shopping.

African and Oriental cultures merge harmoniously in the cosmopolitan city of Durban. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban's Marine Parade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the Oriental Arcades. In addition to golden beaches, Durban offers a fascinating history. It is also gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus. A visit to Shakaland is an experience of tribal customs.

Port Elizabeth, set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, is located on the south eastern coast of Africa, and is a major tourist destination better known as the Friendly City! The city offers the best mix of eco-attractions as a holiday destination with a rich diversity: scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic heritage and a unique coastal climate. The calm waters of Algoa Bay, its shores lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, make Port Elizabeth a mecca for all beach and watersport activities.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

Luderitz is a quirky town lodged in one of the best harbors on the least hospitable coast in Africa. One of Luderitz' main attractions is Kolmanskop Ghost Town. This previously bustling diamond town is now abandoned and fights a constant struggle with the sand dunes of the Namib desert. There are tours every morning around Kolmanskop which are very informative, a particular highlight of the tour is a visit to the bowling alley where you are invited to try your hand.

Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a port on Tenerife island in the Canary Islands. Vegetables, tobacco, and bananas are exported. The construction of an oil refinery and the development of other industries has diversified the economy. The city's splendid scenery and mild subtropical climate make it a favorite tourist resort.

Funchal is a busy port exporting wines, fish, and fruit, it is best known for its beautiful setting and balmy climate, which make it a much-frequented resort. It has a late-15th-century cathedral and a convent church containing the tomb of Jose Goncalves Zarco, who founded the city in 1421.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its industrial docks rub shoulders with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Packed with colorful fishing boats and yachts, the Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille.