Lisbon to Miami

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Discover exotic Arrecife with its modern, yet relaxed attitude rising pristine and white against a barren volcanic landscape along a turquoise bay. Visit Timanfaya National Park and marvel at the twisted lava formations and caves. Explore El Charco de San Gines, a salt-water lagoon filled with colorful fishing boats, surrounded by the white and blue homes of the fishermen. Visit the International Museum of Modern Art housed in the Castle of San Jose, and the Archaeological Museum in the Castle San Gabriel. Meander along Calle Leon y Castilla for exceptional souvenirs and shopping. Look for hand embroidered linens, African carvings, the local Guanches pottery, duty-free perfume and liquor. Enjoy tapas and a fine glass of wine at one of the seaside cafés in a land of sunshine and siestas.

Discover the seaside sophistication of Las Palmas with its year-round Springtime weather, magnificent beaches, gardens, and stylish sun seekers. Explore the Plaza de Santa Ana and it’s 15th Century twin-towered cathedral of the same name. Visit the Casa de Colon mansion where Christopher Columbus allegedly slept during his 1492 voyage. Meander through the Vegueta and Triana old quarters along narrow cobblestone streets lined with galleries, restaurants, and shops selling good Canarian wine, ron miel (honey rum), and tobacco.

Tenerife's privileged setting allows you to enjoy beautiful beaches such as las Teresitas; admire the enchanting Orchid Gardens, founded in 1774 as a historic English garden, or visit the Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Discover gorgeous Santa Cruz de La Palma with its colorful buildings, 18th Century mansions, and wrought-iron balconies draped with lush bougainvillea, dramatic volcanic mountains, and fertile green valleys set amid a pristine turquoise sea. Explore the star-shaped 17th Century Castillo de Santa Catarina fortress. Then visit the Moorish influenced Iglesia de El Salvador to admire the luminous stained-glass windows. Stroll along O’Daly Street browsing through lovely boutiques, antique and artisan shops. Enjoy a glass of fine Canary Island wine in a jewel-like setting.

The 700 islands of the Bahamas Islands begin 50 miles off the coast of Florida, stretching 760 miles to the southeast. The heritage of Old Nassau blends the Southern charm of British loyalists from the Carolinas, the African tribal traditions of freed slaves, and a bawdy history of blockade-running during the Civil War and rum-running in the Roaring 1920s. Over it all is a subtle layer of civility and sophistication, derived from three centuries of British rule.