Lisbon to Miami

A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks - and this creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty. Stroll along Alfama's steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods - where each house and door could be its own photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more. Afterwards, wind up to São Jorge Castle, where views out across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon's finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings. The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by, and there's another UNESCO recognised location close by at Sintra, where a colourful town is set amid thick gardens and towering mountains - capped by the royal Pena Palace. Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata's crumbling pastry and caramelised-custard topping is the essential accompaniment to any coffee stop.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The discovery of Madeira or the legend of the two lovers Although there are serious doubts as to whether the island was known as far back as antiquity, the official discovery of Madeira dates back to the 15th century and is attributed to Joao Goncalves Zarco. He set foot on Porto Santo in 1419 and on Madeira a year later. He named the island "Madeira"-wood in Portuguese- because of the immense forests that cover the island. However, legend has it that Zarco did not come here by chance. It is said that in the 14th century, a couple of lovers who were not bound by the sacred bonds of marriage fled by sea to live out their love. Their names were Anne d'Hertford, a Frenchwoman, and Robert MacKean, an Englishman. Their boat, pushed by a storm, ran aground on the island of Madeira. The two unfortunate lovers died shortly afterwards, one from illness, the other from sadness, but the sailors who were with them on the boat survived. Unfortunately for them, they were captured and sold into slavery in Morocco, where they recounted their adventures and the discovery of an island covered in forests with gigantic trees. The story reached the ears of the Portuguese, and it was thanks to them that João Gonçalves Zarco discovered Madeira and its precious wood.

The small island of Porto Santo lies 21 miles northeast from Madeira, a two and a half hour trip by local ferry.As a result of this close proximity, Porto Santo’s history has been associated with that of its larger sister island since the 14th century, when both appear on a Genoese map. It was in the early 15th century that the Portuguese explorer, Joao Goncalves Zarco, landed on uninhabited Porto Santo after being blown off course while exploring the coast of Africa. He returned the following year on a voyage sponsored by Henry the Navigator; this time he spotted Madeira on the horizon. Compared to Madeira, Porto Santo still remains largely unspoiled, with beautiful sand beaches. Its climate is fairly predictable - dry and warm with few differences in temperature between the seasons, which allows swimming almost year-round. In addition to fine beaches, the island’s major claim to fame is based on the fact that Christopher Columbus lived here for some time and was married to the daughter of the local governor. In the small capital,Vila Baleira, the house of Columbus has been converted into a museum.Another attraction on Porto Santo is the Pico do Castelo. The fort, standing on the highest point of the island, was erected in the 16th century to ward off attacks by French and Algerian pirates. In recent years, thousands of trees have been planted in various parts of the island in an effort to stem the erosion of precious soil. Results so far offer pleasingly green patches in an otherwise dry and arid landscape. Remote Porto Santo still offers visitors an air of tranquility and a look at an unhurried way of life, where stress has not yet had its effect on the 5,000 or so islanders. On the other hand, one must also keep in mind that tourist facilities on Porto Santo are not of the same high standard as on the sister island, Madeira. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the port of Santo. The pier is about two miles from Vila Baleira, the island’s small capital.Taxis may be found in limited supply for the short ride to town or for a trip around the island. Rates should be agreed on before leaving the pier. Facilities at the port include telephone and fax services, a pharmacy and a rental car office. Shopping Local souvenirs include objects made from straw such as miniature windmills and dolls. They can be found in shops around Vila Baleira. Opening hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., opening again at 3:00 p.m. Most shops accept U.S. dollars. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine If you feel like having lunch ashore, seafood is your best choice, which you can find at either Mar e Sol or Por do Sol in Vila Baleira. Other Sites Of interest in town are several churches, the town hall square, a monument dedicated to Portuguese discoveries and the Museum “Casa Colombo.” Around the island you find ruins of 16th-century fortifications and a geological monument at Pico Ana Ferreira. Most of these sights are covered on the tour.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The seaport city of Miami, a hip urban centre located on Biscayne Bay in south-eastern Florida, is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots and is known as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’. For more than two decades, the Port of Miami has been the number one cruise passenger port in the world. It is the second-largest city in Florida with a population of around 5.5 million people, and is a major centre, and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. Miami, Named after a Native American word meaning "big water," was original claimed for Spain in1566 by explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. One year later, a Spanish mission was established. Spain and Great Britain successively "controlled" Florida, and finally Spain ceded it to the United States in 1821. The landscape is very flat, with the highest elevation being only 12m (40 ft ) above sea level, with an averages of about 1.8m (6 ft.).