Dover
Dover is one of the busiest passenger ports in the entire world, and there are distinct reasons why this is the case. The Strait of Dover is ideally located on the southern tip of England, making it the closest land point connecting the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. For centuries, the port at Dover has been the gateway from Britain to France, Belgium, and the rest of the European continent.
During World War II, Dover endured ruthless attacks by enemy bombings, and the city suffered greatly. The war left the city in a state of disarray, and the city center reeled from the postwar effects for decades, but it has returned to its prewar glory. The scenery remains breathtaking, and the haunting war atmosphere that still lingers to a degree adds a certain excitement to the city, making it all the more mysterious and interesting.
The Strait of Dover is magnificently beautiful, as is the city itself. Of course we have all heard songs and tales of the White Cliffs of Dover, but to really appreciate what that truly means, one must visit Dover and see it with their own eyes. The marvelous Dover Castle can be found here; many of France's inhabitants make the trip across the English Channel annually to see the glorious medieval architecture.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a diverse and outrageously enjoyable city that demands a look. It is already a very popular tourist destination, but it will no doubt continue to have an increasing amount of visitors as the years go by. It is not a quiet town, but it is not as sprawling or congested as some of the neighboring capitals. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and with a population that hovers right around one million, most of the other famous European cities are much larger. This is just fine with the citizens of Lisbon, who prefer their city remain somewhat secluded and protected. This is one of those places to which you must be sure to bring all of your high performance photography gear. But even if you aren't a seasoned shutterbug, buy a disposable camera and snap as many shots as you can! The landscape, horizon, and glorious sunsets here are unparalleled, and the unique architecture will not be seen anywhere else on earth. Even the cobblestone streets are remarkable, built on hillsides, making for a roller coaster-like view of the city or the river at any given time.
In 1755, an earthquake and tidal wave completely destroyed the city, and after that a complex of parallel streets was constructed in between the two main squares. The Alfama is a Moorish sector that is found to the east of Lisbon, and Bairro Alto is located to the west. Lisbon is full of tremendous sights and a fantastic array of top-notch museums. The squares are ideal locations for picnicking and people watching. The weather here is excellent, with hot summers, warm springs and autumns, and cool winters. The more time you spend in Lisbon, the more you will fall in love with it, so keep that picture of the kids handy to remind you of home or you may never want to leave!
Cadiz
Beautiful Cadiz is the ideal spot for a peaceful vacation. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the city on three sides, making it magnificently temperate and scenic. The view from virtually anywhere in the region is marvelous. In February, Spaniards flock to Cadiz for the famous Carnival. However, during the rest of the year the city is fairly quiet and subdued, and most tourists have not yet discovered the wonder of Cadiz. It is for this reason that it is in our best interests to see this exquisite city before it gets discovered.
Phoenician traders founded the region in 1100 B.C. and named it Gadir. It is claimed that Cadiz is the oldest constantly inhabited city in the entire Western World. Julius Caesar lived here and held office, and Hannibal resided here for a time, as well. During the Middle Ages, while controlled by the Moors, Cadiz was forced into a steady decline. Finally, after the discovery of the Americas, the city's commercial importance was rediscovered. Columbus set sail from Cadiz on his second voyage to the New World. In the 18th century, the New World trade was monopolized by Cadiz, and it developed into the most lucrative port in all of Western Europe. The majority of the buildings in the city date from this time period. Built from gold and silver brought from the New World, the cathedral in Cadiz is a breathtaking structure.
A grouping of narrow streets opens into a series of lovely, small squares, and this makes up the forefront of Cadiz. The older portions of the city have an African appearance to them, and the cathedral's golden cupola towers above low, off-white homes. Outstanding parks are scattered throughout Cadiz, and the sparkling bay can be seen from the center of this wonderful city. Plaza de Mina is the perfect starting point to begin your explorations. This square features grand, shady palm trees and an abundance of warm beaches. Everywhere you go, the locals will greet you with a pleasant smile and a kind word, epitomizing the inviting nature of Cadiz, Spain.
Casablanca
Casablanca means white house in Spanish, and the reason for the city's name will become quite obvious as you explore the city's landscape. White houses and white office buildings are the norm here in Morocco's busiest city. The Hassan II mosque stands out above the white landscape, a green tiled edifice that catches your eye no matter where you are.
The city has a history of occupation, with many different rulers claiming the city as their own over the centuries. The Berbers traded at the Port of Anfa with Carthaginians and Phoenicians. Later on, the Portuguese came and destroyed Casa Branca, in retaliation for Berber pirate attacks. Sultan Mohammed Ibn Abdellah rebuilt the town, but it soon came under French control. It was only in 1956 that Morocco gained its independence from Spain and France. The evidence of this occupation is everywhere. French is as widely spoken as Arabic, and street names still carry the words rue and boulevard before them.
The drive along Morocco's western coast, from Rabat to Casablanca, is replete with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This area, known as La Corniche, is truly exquisite, and is well worth the time it takes to get there. But if you are on a tight schedule, the bustling pace of Casablanca will offer you plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and fine dining.
It's the people of Morocco who will make your time here memorable. The country stands where Europe and Africa meet, and a legacy of European imperialism has transformed Morocco into a unique combination of Eastern and Western worlds. Moroccans are proud of their country, and they will go out of their way to show you its best face.
Funchal
In 1419, Tristao Vaz Teixiera and Joao Goncalves Zarco discovered the island of Madeira, on which was established the exquisite city of Funchal. This is a city of incredible lights and sights, a place of dreamy sunsets and gorgeous scenery. The wildlife is remarkable, and the museums are outstanding. Although Funchal is quite built up, the surrounding area is remote and made up of dense jungle. Madeira is an architecturally diverse city with many interesting landmarks.
The island itself is located in the Madeira archipelago and belongs to Portugal. Madeira is 530 miles southwest of Portugal, and is only one of two inhabited islands in the region. Funchal is a coastal city, and is definitely the most active city on Madeira. Nearly all the fun and exciting activities on Madeira are located in Funchal, and the restaurants here are splendid. You are sure to be pleased by the fine dining facilities, good shopping, and active nightlife. There are a number of very nice stores, lively bars, and nightclubs. One of the world's highest ocean cliffs is found on Madeira, and there are plenty of places to hike, explore, and see all kinds of terrain. Madeira redefines the word vacation, as there are so many leisure spots laced throughout Funchal. The Golfe de Madeira golf course is outstanding; the course itself is actually outdone by the fabulous scenery that encompasses the greens. The hills and coastline of Madeira are extraordinarily beautiful, and the climate on the island is lovely. Funchal is bordered by sparkling blue waters that only get more beautiful the more you look at them.
Tenerife
The Canary Islands are culturally and geographically Spanish, but these islands are all unique and each offers tourists a different flavor. The Canaries have long served as a retreat off the coast of Africa; a place for Europeans to enjoy respite. However, today they are able to stand alone as tourist destinations and trading meccas where visitors from around the world come specifically to enjoy the way of life here.
Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands. This is a classic tropical island where the climate is always spring-like. Mild, balmy air drifts across the shores and invites tourists to spend their time outdoors soaking up the warm, moist air and sunshine. Tenerife has fertile ground that is especially conducive to agriculture and botany. For that reason, you will find countless different types of plant life, fruits and vegetables growing all over the island. From its banana plantations to its lush tropical gardens to its rocky coast and dramatic cliffs, the natural elements of Tenerife will undoubtedly overwhelm your senses. Diversity is key to the island's scenic charm. You may spend the morning touring a humid botanical garden inland and the afternoon hiking in the cool wind along the stunning coast.
You will be amazed at the friendliness that this island exudes. The people of Tenerife are known for their eagerness to share their colorful cultures and traditions with outsiders. It is not uncommon for locals to invite tourists to outdoor festivals and performances. And certainly, tourists are encouraged to participate in the festivities that happen year round. Music, dance, food and sporting events play into everyday life in a way that makes each moment here feel like a true tropical celebration.
Cape Town
Cape Town is a beautiful and historical location that demands a visit. It is alive with style and has taken the best from other cultures and incorporated them into a unique blend of heritage and excitement. A little bit of Britain, some Moslem traditions, and buildings that bring a touch of the Dutch are all found here.
There is truly an abundance of things to do and places to go in Cape Town. The outdoors welcomes hiking, swimming, sailing, and mountain biking. Cape Town's cultural highlights will convince you to step inside one of its numerous museums and galleries. This is the land of plenty and it wants you to enjoy all of its fruits.
Cape Town is very accommodating to its guests because of its multitude of sights and activities. Some people like the mountains, while others prefer the sea, and Cape Town has both. With the famous Table Mountain as a perfect backdrop, walk under the sky that holds millions of stars and revel in the moon's reflection off the surrounding mountains. These mountains invite you to explore trails during the day and explore beaches when you arrive at their base. If you'd rather stay away from the hiking and the sand, then perhaps wine tasting would be enjoyable. If so, the best place to go is Constantia and the Winelands. Feel the sophistication and witness the wealth of the surrounding estates. This countryside defines relaxation and comfort. There is no sense of time and no pressure to rush, and your only duty is to enjoy the essence of its atmosphere.
Wherever your interests lie, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is also a great place to visit. Here you will find a newly built treasure containing more restaurants and stores than one could possibly imagine. Watch a movie, stroll down the promenades, and view the moon reflecting off the canals. Cape Town is romantic, it is alive, and it never fails to warm its visitors with its radiance.
Bombay
Located on the Arabian Sea, Bombay, or Mumbai as it is often called, is one of the main ports of call in India and home to over 10 million people. Geographically, Bombay once consisted of seven separate islands, but through dredging, dikes, and land reclamation, the seven islands have coalesced to form the city of Bombay.
The name Bombay comes from the Portuguese Bom Bahia, meaning Fair Bay. The Portuguese, who controlled much of India in the 16th and 17th centuries, ruled over Bombay until 1661, when it was given to the British. Bombay grew exponentially in size and importance during the latter half of the 17th century, playing a pivotal role in international trade.
Bombay may startle you with its regions of tremendous contrast. The city is home to some of the wealthiest families in India, but it also well known for its sprawling slums and areas of abject poverty. When you stroll through the streets of Bombay, make sure you have a trusty map and a general idea of where you are heading, for a city of this magnitude can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler.
Yet, despite its major metropolitan feel, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the charm that Bombay has to offer you. You will revel in the world-class dining and nightlife opportunities, enjoy an afternoon strolling through the bazaars while shopping for those priceless bargains, and marvel at the glorious museums and art galleries that make Bombay a tourists paradise.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the pride of Malaysia. It is the main port of entry in and out of Malaysia, and it is no wonder that Kuala Lumpur was chosen to be the capital of the country. It is known as a modern capital, because this engaging dreamland was just picked a few decades ago as the country's capital. Combining impressive high-rises with natural beauty, excellent shopping with fascinating museums, Kuala Lumpur is a fantastically diverse and gorgeous place to tour.
The dining is marvelous, and cuisine from all over the world is represented in fine form. From scrumptious Italian to delectable Chinese food, you can tour a different country with every meal. In 1857, Kuala Lumpur was founded as a tiny mining town. In the middle of the city, the sparkling Masjid Jame River flows uninterrupted. The Klang and Gombak rivers meet and seem to encompass the entire city. The abundance of water in and around Kuala Lumpur adds to its allure and beauty. The parks are scenic and tranquil, highlighted by Lake Gardens, the butterfly park, and the bird park. Ornithologists will be in utter disbelief as they marvel at the exquisite diversity of the bird life in Kuala Lumpur. Nature enthusiasts and environmentalists take note: the more fervent your passion for the outdoors, the more likely it is you will stay in Kuala Lumpur and not return home. That being said, it is safe for you to assume that Kuala Lumpur is a phenomenally scenic place that offers something for everyone.
Singapore
Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.
Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.
The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.
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