Moroccan Passage

According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The citys reputation as Americas Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping.

The capital of Madeira is named after the fennel (funcha) that once flowered there in profusion. The largest island in the Madeira Archipelago was discovered in 1419 by Portuguese explorers venturing south into the Atlantic. The island is nearly equidistant from Lisbon and the African coast, and its unique geographical position allowed Madeira to play a pivotal role in European discovery. Seamen such as Christopher Columbus gained knowledge and experience plying the routes of the islands sugar trade. When sugar declined, the islands famed wines continued to provide a robust trade. By the late 18th century, Madeiras mild climate, rocky peaks, and lush valleys provided a winter haven to Europes aristocrats. Visitors still flock to the island today, drawn by its scenery and its weather. Funchal is noted for its superb hand-embroidery and wicker ware, both Madeira specialties. The island, of course, is also noted for its superb wines: they are perhaps the worlds most complex and long lasting wines.

For many, the word Casablanca conjures up Hollywoods vision of an exotic city of intrigue. But the reality is far removed from film fantasy, more complex and fascinating. Casablanca is Moroccos largest city, the busiest port in North Africa, and home to nearly four million people. An important trading center since the days of the Phoenicians, Casablanca is an evocative blend of more new than old, more familiar than exotic. It is a modern commercial city with an old heart that is home to narrow, cobbled alleys, bazaars and souks, minarets and medinas. Casablanca is a modern city with beaches bordering the Atlantic and broad, tree-lined avenues. The city is also your gateway to Moroccos interior and the exotic “Imperial Cities” of Rabat and Marrakech.

The port of La Coruña is Spains second largest seaport and boasts one of the longest promenades in Europe. Rich in historic significance, this Galician city is a destination in its own right, as well as a pilgrimage point for Santiago de Compostela.

The south of England boasts a dramatic coastline that encloses some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. The landscape of hills and heaths, downs and forests, valleys and dales, is without rival. Southampton serves as your gateway to the countryside – and to a wide variety of historic sites, national landmarks and charming. And of course, London is a two-hour drive by modern highway. The United Kingdoms premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home for many years to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear.