Portugal to Argentina Transatlantic 15 Nights • Lisbon, Portugal • CELEBRITY EQUINOX

Lisbon, Portugal-  See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theaters. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country. 

Beyond its steep and rugged coastline, Tenerife is a cultural and natural wonder waiting to be explored. Discover mysterious step pyramids at Güímar, meet the world’s largest collection of parrots at Loro Park, or take in a show at the ultra-modern Tenerife Auditorium. Foodies will have fun sampling the fresh fish, famous cheeses and sumptuous wines of the island.Of the 7 islands that comprise the Canary Island archipelago, Tenerife stands out as the largest. Depending on your mood and what you are looking to get out of your Tenerife cruise, there are things to consider. For one, the island offers a vastly different terrain depending on where you go. The northern part of the island is quite verdant, so expect the climate to include more rain. In the south, you’ll find it much more arid and dry emulating more of a desert climate. If you like the idea of mingling within crowds and are drawn to where the action is, make plans to visit Los Cristianos, Playa de la Americas, and Costa Adeje in the southwest and Puerto de la Cruz in the north. While in Los Cristianos and you’re looking for some thrills, visit Siam Park, a giant theme park with plenty of rides to choose from. Also in Los Cristianos is Jungle Park, the island’s zoo with over 500 animals in a wonderfully rendered wild setting with lagoons, walkways and sub-tropical foliage.

This capital of Bahia state and fourth-largest city in Brazil was founded by the Portuguese in 1549, and its historic Pelourinho district is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colorful center of Salvador is like a museum of colonial architecture, with more than 300 churches, including São Francisco, recognized for its grandiosity. The city has an unmatched energy and unadorned beauty, with street festivals breaking out routinely and drums pounding out the rhythms. This is the heart of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community, where the culture of those brought as slaves has been preserved, from music and religion to food and dance. Be sure to experience capoeira, the martial art that looks like dance. Out on the Atlantic coast, beautiful Bahia beaches beckon to bathers.

Samba on down to Rio, famous for its dramatic landscape and beach culture, easy going except for the four days of frenetic, feather-festooned Carnival. From the summits of Sugarloaf to Corcovado in the national park, there are many opportunities to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the city. Cruises to Rio de Janeiro are not complete without a cable car ride or walking tour for 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and so much more. Check out the activity at one or two of the 23 beaches, including the Copacabana and Ipanema, crowded with beautiful sunbathers and swimmers, and populated by surfers, bikers. Pull up a chair at a Churrascaria Palace, and dine on the delicious traditional regional barbecue of your choice, washed down with a Caipirinha, the national cocktail. Head to the Museu Historico Nacional to explore the fascinating historic relics and some of Brazil’s treasures, like the throne of Dom Pedro II, imperial coaches, oil paintings, and a full-size replica of a colonial pharmacy.

Montevideo is a thoroughly modern city with a rich artistic tradition, the reach of the rural estancias is all around you. If ever there were a time you were inclined to indulge, delicious steaks are the specialty of the house in virtually every restaurant.