Grand Africa Voyage

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

Funchal, an inviting city with a bustling marina, a cobbled centre, a museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, and an ascending backdrop of mountains just waiting to be explored.

Lanzarote is an island destination which promises to leave you awed by the majesty of nature, thanks to its volcanic geology which dates back a mere 15 million years.

On the western shore of Morocco, 2km south of the ill-fated city of Casbah you’ll find sun-drenched Agadir. Along the coast, this popular seaside resort flaunts a golden bay and palm-shaded promenade, while its urban heart hums to the beat of busy marketplaces. Outside the city, flamingoes flock to the Massa lagoon and climbing goats perch upon sought-after Argan trees.

The sprawling, Moroccan city of Casablanca, sits on the north-west coast of Africa.

Stroll Tunis' spirited medina where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, carpets and other treasures at fire sale prices. Sharpen your haggling skills here—it's anticipated! At the edge of the Sahara, the Phoenician city at Carthage now lies in windswept ruins, but once was the glorious rival of Rome.

The city of Chania is divided in two parts - the old town and the new town which coexist harmonically - each with their own charms. The old town however, is the beating heart of Chania and exudes true beauty with its cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and listed buildings from different eras - some of which have been transformed in restaurants or shops.

On the island's south coast, Limassol is very much in the Greek sector of Cyprus. Nearby crusaders' castles, Greco-Roman ruins, olive groves and vineyards all speak to a lifestyle that is intrinsically Hellenic, and wizened lacemakers weave the traditions of their ancestors into their detailed work.

Beyond the clear waters of Sharm el Sheikh lie Cairo and its enduring wonders: the treasures of royal Egyptian tombs, the imposing enigma of the Sphinx, and the 13-acre Great Pyramid of Cheops, 46 centuries old and counting.

This history-rich Jordanian city boasts impressive scuba diving and water sport options, plus nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Luxor is essentially an open-air museum, where the remnants and mysteries of ancient Egypt rise from the desert sands in continuous breathtaking panoramas. These towering pillars, hieroglyphics and countless murals and statues all have stories to tell. Explore the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where limestone cliff caves once served as the sacred burial grounds for the Pharaohs and Queens of ancient Egypt. View the Karnak and Luxor Temples, which together form the largest ancient religious site in the world - a vast preserved site of sanctuaries built for the Theban gods. In the city of Luxor, the Mummification Museum explores this ancient ritual - and the Luxor Museum houses an exhibit of items from the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Of all the cities in Canada, Victoria may be the furthest from Great Britain, but it has the most British vibe. Between sipping afternoon tea, visiting flower gardens and castles and stopping in at pubs, one could easily forget about the Pacific Ocean lapping at the other side of Vancouver Island. The influence of the First Nations culture is also strong here in Victoria, with totem poles taking a front-and-center position on the Inner Harbour and in Beacon Hill Park. Extensive galleries are devoted to the history of the First People at the Royal British Columbia Museum, too, one of Victoria's top tourist attractions. Other waves of immigration besides that of the English are evident in the streets of Canada’s oldest Chinatown here, as well as on the menus of the city’s many restaurants, pizzerias and tavernas. Start your visit to Victoria's sights and attractions at the Inner Harbour. Whale-watching cruises and sightseeing floatplanes take off and return from their excursions here and government buildings, museums, the Visitor Centre and the grand Fairmont Empress provide a dignified welcome. Just around the point, Fisherman’s Wharf offers a lively contrast with working fishing boats, barking harbor seals and busy seafood restaurants serving up the catch of the day. Take time for a jaunt to the famous Butchart Gardens, a truly stunning show garden developed on the site of a depleted quarry. Enjoy afternoon tea or a walk in the park or a shopping trip to Market Square or along Government Street. However you choose to spend your day here or decide where to go in Victoria, the city’s civilized delights will charm you.

Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar Is the Spice Island, one of the few places where saffron is produced. Explore its white-sand beaches, Jozani forest (watch for monkeys!), caves and open-air market.

Known locally as Momoju, Mamoudzou is the capital of the French overseas collectivity of Mayotte. Located in the Indian Ocean, between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique, Mayotte encompasses the largest coral lagoon in the world, more than 1,000 square kilometers in size. Enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving; discover where sea turtles come to roost; and in August and September, watch for humpback whales with their calves.

Unique plants and animals, a staggeringly impressive landscape and inviting bays make Madagascar a must-see destination.

Mozambique's capital and largest city, Maputo, has finally recovered from a 15-year civil war that ended in 1992, and is now bounding toward prosperity, thanks to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. For curious travelers, there's much to discover here: You'll find a fascinating swirl of cultures—including Portuguese, Bantu, Arab, Chinese and Indian—and be energized by the lively atmosphere of a young, vibrant Africa on the move. Recent investments in Maputo’s parks and museums as well as in the historic Baixa quarter have put a new shine on much of the city. A good place to start your exploration of the two main neighborhoods, uptown and Baixa, is Independence Square, the gateway to both areas. Here, architectural styles mix to surprising effect. Next, head to the central market in Baixa, the historic heart of town, for a glimpse of residents' daily life and to visit some of the cultural highlights such as the National Money Museum, housed in one of Maputo's oldest buildings. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens at the Natural History Museum, the elegant old train station and the underappreciated modernist architecture dating from when Mozambique was ruled by Portugal. Maputo consistently delivers surprises like these—and more.

A bustling port town with year-round warm weather, Richards Bay is home to South Africa's largest harbor. The golden sands of the coastline stretch from the Tugela River to the border of Mozambique. These serene beaches are also home to the Richards Bay Game Reserve, a protected lagoon that is home to aquatic birds, hippos, sharks and crocodiles. Nearby, the endless rolling hills, valleys and plains of Zululand give way to lush forests that bear witness to the land's rich history, including the great Anglo-Zulu war. The Zulu are considered one of the great nations of Africa. Activities include wilderness adventure and exploration of the many museums and historical sites.

With its spectacular scenic views, wonderful wildlife and fantastic food and drink, Cape Town is a dream destination for any travel enthusiast.

Lüderitz is a coastal town in southwestern Namibia. It’s known for its German colonial buildings, including the art nouveau Goerke Haus, built into the rock face on Diamond Hill. Nearby, Felsenkirche is a hilltop church with panoramic bay views stretching around to Robert Harbor.

Dine on freshly-caught fish and home-grown oysters as you explore Walvis Bay's outstanding conservation areas and its Germanic history.

Luanda, the capital of Angola, is a port city on the west coast of Southern Africa. A seafront promenade known as the Marginal runs alongside Luanda Bay. Nearby is the well-preserved 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel, which now contains the Museum of the Armed Forces.

Once a modest fishing village, Takoradi is today a major port city. Explore its colonial past with a visit to the ruins of the Dutch Orange Fort. Takoradi has wonderful restaurants, be sure to sample the local cuisine at any of the beachside resorts.

Known as “the Manhattan of the tropics,”Abiijian is one of the Côte d’Ivoire’s two capitals. This populous city boasts one of Africa’s liveliest music scenes, picturesque lagoons lined with swaying palm trees, as well as coffee and cocoa plantations.

The Gambia is defined by a river, the one that gives the nation its name. The long, narrow country stretches from the Atlantic into Africa for some 475 kilometers (295 miles), and consists of the Gambia River and its banks—spanning only 48 kilometers (30 miles) at its widest point. This smallest country on the African mainland is also home to the continent’s smallest capital, Banjul, with fewer than 35,000 residents. Sitting on an island where the river enters the ocean, Banjul is decidedly laid-back, without the bustling city center—or traffic jams—of Africa’s larger metropolises.The Gambia also has the distinction of having enjoyed a relatively stable government since independence. That, combined with a warm tropical climate and miles of beautiful beaches along its Atlantic coastline, has attracted a thriving expat community. For most visitors to Banjul, the nearby beaches and quiet pace of life here are its main draws. Among the popular sights are The Gambia National Museum, which recounts the history of the country as well as daily life for the nation’s residents, and the Abuko Nature Reserve, the country's first national park, which provides an excellent introduction to Africa’s flora and fauna.

Alluring and frenetic, Senegal’s capital, Dakar, was long a tiny settlement on the southern part of the Cape Verde peninsula. It now encompasses former colonial towns (it was once a French commune) and a handful of other villages. The hub is the Place de l’Indépendance, a buzzing square lined with both concrete-block and colonial buildings and from which streets with restaurants, shops and theaters radiate. Roads are often congested with buses, taxis and horse-drawn carriages, and the Medina quarter, home to the Grand Mosque and markets, is an explosion of color and commotion. The food scene has a lot of flavor, too, with influences from Senegal’s many ethnic groups, European past, and a large Lebanese expat community. Alongside trendy restaurants, you’ll find beachside night markets and traditional spots serving thieboudienne (seasoned fish served with rice and vegetables). Music makes up much of the pulse of Dakar—you'll hear the drumbeats of the local mbalax music emanating from the city's dance clubs—but there are more serene parts of Dakar, too. The streets of Île de Gorée, once a depot for the slave trade, can be hauntingly quiet, and an hour away, the pink-tinted Lake Retba offers a respite from Dakar’s never-ending sights and sounds.

Known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde, Mindelo on São Vicente is a bustling port city which is home to 80 per cent of the island’s inhabitants. With a harbourside location and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Mindelo enjoys both a tropical climate and a vibrant social scene.

Massive El Morro Fortress guards Old San Juan, while the benevolent Indian spirit Yuquiyu keeps watch over the entire island from the highest peak in the rain forest. By night there are roulette wheels to spin and fiery flamenco shows to catch. Sample shore excursions: Old San Juan Historic Walking Tour; El Yunque Rain Forest Drive; World Heritage Fortress & Art Museum.

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.