African Flair And Canarian Charm

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

Tangier is a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. The city, whose origins date back to the 5th century BC, is captivating with its lively medina and busy markets offering traditional handicrafts. The kasbah with its impressive Tor Bab el Kasbah rises up over the city and offers fascinating insights into the past. You get a sense of a wide variety of influences in the narrow streets – from the Carthaginians to the Romans and the Moors, all have left the marks of their different cultures.

A pivotal port city linking Africa and Europe, Tangier lies just nineteen miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the Iberian Peninsula. Long coveted for its strategic location where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, numerous empires called it their own throughout history. The city’s vibrancy and multicultural air attracted all manner of artists in the late 20th century, including Henri Matisse and Paul Bowles. Tangier’s ancient, walled medina brims with the pleasures of Morocco, from intricate carpets and finely made slippers to fresh dates.

Modern life and historic charm go hand in hand in Casablanca. The lively metropolis is Morocco's economic centre and offers an exciting mix of Arab/Muslim heritage and remnants from the French colonial period. The old town, also known as the medina, is inviting with its winding streets and numerous bazaars to wander around, while the Art Deco district and the Corniche promenade show the city’s modern side. At the end of the Corniche you will see the majestic Hassan II Mosque and its minaret rising about 210 m (689 ft) into the blue sky: one of the largest mosques in the world, its architectural beauty and the glorious marble of the huge prayer hall are impressive.

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

Let the warm sand caress your feet as the Atlantic surf plays a peaceful melody of its own. The Corniche in Agadir is a great place for a stroll, while fishing boats bob around in the sea under the setting sun. The old kasbah rises up over the city, a dormant guardian from times gone by. The scents from the Souk El Had – cinnamon, saffron and mint – are a feast for the senses. This is where modern life meets the history of the Berbers, who still whisper of freedom and tradition in the mountains.

Shaped by the Atlas Mountains on one side, Agadir is framed on the other by a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. While little is known of the city’s origins, the Portuguese created a fortress here at the end of the 15th century, naming it Santa Cruz de Ghir. Freed from Portugal’s occupation by the Saadians in 1540, Agadir grew into a colourful and prosperous port and became newsworthy in 1911 when a German gunboat, the Panther, sailed into the bay as a protest against the division of North Africa between the Spanish and French. Morocco gained independence from the French in 1956, an event which was closely followed in Agadir by the tragic earthquake of 1960. The city, which has been rebuilt to represent the ‘new nation’, is blessed by fine sandy beaches overlooked by luxurious hotels and a great selection of cafés and restaurants. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

Volcanoes and sandy beaches: Lanzarote is an interplay of colours. The island was formed about 20 million years ago and now boasts a variety of golden, black and almost white beaches. Turquoise bays, red and black volcanic landscapes and the green vineyards of La Geria reveal a unique and diverse natural landscape. Lanzarote and its sister island Fuerteventura – once joined and now separated by a narrow strait – both exude a magical appeal that cannot be found anywhere else.

A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, its pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast. The island is home to a great selection of restaurants and local specialities including garbanzos compuestos – a chickpea stew; papas arrugadas – potatoes with carrots, peas, ham and green pepper; and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. Please note that those planning to participate in one of the shore excursions from this port may need to take an early lunch on board ship to suit the excursion schedules.

Laurel forests, shrouded in mystical fog, shape the wild beauty of La Gomera. Garajonay National Park tells a story of ancient times, when nature still played the leading role. The coasts drop dramatically into the sea and El Silbo, the whistling language of the indigenous people, rings through the valleys. From the summits, there are views over the unending blue of the Atlantic, where the waves gently lap against the rugged cliffs. La Gomera is a place full of secrets and magic, a paradise for explorers and dreamers.

Unspoiled, green, and lush, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has many secrets to reveal. A Canary Island capital like no other, life is lived at a refreshingly lackadaisical pace here. Wander between San Sebastian's faded pastel hues, which spill across the coastline, and bathe in this seaside city's warm sunshine, as waves splash onto sunny beaches. A sleepy capital city, travelers have been resting, relaxing and rejuvenating here for centuries - including Christopher Columbus, whose presence remains in museums dedicated to his visit. He called in to restock water supplies while voyaging to discover the new world. Silbo, an extraordinary whistling language, used to communicate over great distances, adds even more cultural fascination to this luscious island's mountain scenery, crafts, and traditions. Head to beaches like Playa de San Sebastian to revel in the black volcanic sand that the Canaries are known for, and Playa de la Cueva, where you can look across to Tenerife's soaring cone. Or explore this island's own natural wonders, at the verdant terraced landscapes of La Gomera's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Garajonay National Park. Trek through the trails of Laurisilva forests, laurel plants, and heather trees. La Laguna Grande is another elegant location of colorful natural beauty, where island legends of witchcraft swirl. Discover ceramic traditions - handed down through generations - at El Cercado, where glazed jugs used to store chestnuts are molded by hand. Squeeze more local charms into your bulging suitcase along San Sebastian's pretty Calle Real street - where everything from palm honey to woven baskets and local snacks are up for grabs. Or settle into city squares, where life plays out in palm tree shade and cafe gatherings.

Santa Cruz de la Palma, the capital of the “Isla Bonita” stretches between green hillsides and dark beaches. The colourful house facades and colonial palaces along the Calle Real and the Calle de San Sebastian exude traditional Canarian charm. La Palma, one of the smaller Canary Islands but with impressive scenery, is enticing with its romantic tapas bars, winding streets and beautiful dreamy backdrop. Walking along the cobbled streets, you will feel like you have been taken back to the glamorous times of the 17th century.

Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), La Palma is typified by lush forests of pine, laurel and fern which contrast with the rugged splendour of the gigantic Taburiente crater. The island is dotted with attractive villages, which are a delight to discover, and the capital Santa Cruz also makes for an interesting day of exploration. Perched on the edge of the volcanic crater of La Caldereta, Santa Cruz comfortably blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. Perhaps visit the fascinating Natural History Museum, stroll around the historic quarters and the Plaza de Espana or travel a few miles outside the city to the exquisite Church of Our Lady. If you enjoy shopping, you can find reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods and beautifully embroidered clothes, tablecloths and napkins, a speciality of the Canary Islands.

Tenerife, in the heart of the Canary Islands, is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago. Authors describe it as one of the “Isles of the Blessed” and visitors are enthralled by its picture of paradise. With idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, white dunes and lush vegetation, Tenerife is a place to dream about. Its landmark is the Pico de Teide, a majestic volcano that dominates the surrounding landscape. The island’s flora is surprising with a variety of protected species, most of which are native to the Canaries.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.

Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), La Palma is typified by lush forests of pine, laurel and fern which contrast with the rugged splendour of the gigantic Taburiente crater. The island is dotted with attractive villages, which are a delight to discover, and the capital Santa Cruz also makes for an interesting day of exploration. Perched on the edge of the volcanic crater of La Caldereta, Santa Cruz comfortably blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. Perhaps visit the fascinating Natural History Museum, stroll around the historic quarters and the Plaza de Espana or travel a few miles outside the city to the exquisite Church of Our Lady. If you enjoy shopping, you can find reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods and beautifully embroidered clothes, tablecloths and napkins, a speciality of the Canary Islands.