Rio de Janeiro to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Vibrant Rio lies cradled in the outstretched arms of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which stands atop Corcovado Mountain. At the feet of this magnificent landmark lies one of the worlds most magnificent bays. Golden beaches with such alluring names as Copacabana and Ipanema stretch as far as the eye can see. There are close to two dozen such bays, which serve as a playground for some of the worlds most beautiful people. All along this waterfront, which swirls with mosaic art, are five-star hotels, elegant shops, popular restaurants and a lifestyle to match. Winding its way along this magnificent mile or so is a constant parade of handsome Cariocas, as the local people are known.

Vibrant Rio lies cradled in the outstretched arms of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which stands atop Corcovado Mountain. At the feet of this magnificent landmark lies one of the worlds most magnificent bays. Golden beaches with such alluring names as Copacabana and Ipanema stretch as far as the eye can see. There are close to two dozen such bays, which serve as a playground for some of the worlds most beautiful people. All along this waterfront, which swirls with mosaic art, are five-star hotels, elegant shops, popular restaurants and a lifestyle to match. Winding its way along this magnificent mile or so is a constant parade of handsome Cariocas, as the local people are known.

Salvador da Bahia, Bahia for short, is known for music, as it is here that the influences of Africa, with its drum-centered rhythms, have found an enthusiastic following. As for the architecture, it is not to be dismissed; the city was the seat of the country’s first Catholic Bishop, giving the citys neighborhoods a historic air. Many monuments in the Pelourinho (the heart of town), have earned the district a place on UNESCOs list of World Heritage Sites.

Named for the great coral reef that lies off its shorts, Recife has been dubbed the “Venice of Brazil” by visitors and locals alike.

Visitors seeking shelter from the cold winter have long known about the sun-drenched Canary Islands. About 60 miles from the North African coast, Gran Canaria enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year round. Of the seven islands in the small chain, Gran Canaria is the most popular and boasts Las Palmas as its capital. This bustling Spanish city was founded in 1478 and some of the original buildings still stand. Golden beaches offer a serene contrast to the lush and rugged interior terrain. For a real treat, admire the fine beaches from the top of Bandama, one of Gran Canarias extinct volcanoes.