MSC Armonia - March 7, 2023

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.

Perfect wind conditions make Illhabela the "Sail Capital" of Brazil. Dive among ancient shipwrecked vessels, try some deep sea fishing, or just relax on one of Illhabela's many beaches. Visit the State Park of Ilhabela, established to preserve one of the most beautiful portions of the Atlantic Rain Forest.

Santos is the leading port of Brazil and gateway to the metropolis of San Paulo. Brazilians love Santos because of its beaches and you will too!

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!

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!

La Palma is a stratovolcano, and is the largest of the western Canary Islands. At the island's east-coast is located the picturesque port-town of Santa Cruz. Behind it, like a colossal amphitheater, there is a mighty volcanic crater. This town, with its characteristical steeply inclined alleys, offers a really lively ambience.

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 major island in the chain known as the Balearics, Mallorca is Spain's sunny outpost in the Mediterranean. The town of Palma boasts a shady plaza near the Gothic Cathedral. Visit the Roman ruins and the Drach Caves nearby, or journey to the enchanting village of Valledemosa. Leave time to shop for lovely majolica faux pearls and hand-made lace.

Once regarded as Europe's grandest, most beautiful city, Palermo is still quite impressive. The Four Corners of Palermo, where each 17th-century Spanish Baroque facade is adorned with a statue, is one of the city's most memorable sights. The Fontana Pretoria, often called the Fountain of Shame because of its nude Florentine figures, is also worth noting. Tour the famous Norman Cathedral and Capuchin catacombs.

Originally settled by Greece, Syracuse (Siracusa) is famous as the Greek headquarters in ancient Sicily and site of one of the world's first democratic revolutions. Much of the architecture only dates back to the early seventeenth century, due to an earthquake. Visit the island of Ortygia and the Great Harbour. See what remains from antiquity in Neapolis, including a Greek theater, a Roman amphitheatre and altar, the Euryalus fort, and the Baroque cathedral. Visit the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Montalto Palace as well.

Venice enchants you from your first glimpse as your ship glides through the Grand Canal. A world power in the middle ages, its affluence lives on in its beautiful old buildings like those surrounding Piazza San Marco. Be sure not to leave without a romantic ride along the canals in a gondola.