West Indies to Spain

The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city's Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square's perimeter.

Valencia is steeped in 2,000 years of history and culture. Its Old Town is one of Spain's largest, a diverse medley of ancient buildings, wide-open plazas and cultural monuments. The Gothic Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to Valencia's Renaissance trading power. A literal taste of Valencia's past bubbles up in every skillet of paella. The centuries-old rice dish was invented here and perfected by farmers; barracas throughout the city offer demonstrations and tastings of this famously rustic cuisine.

Sail the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its defining landmark, the soaring Rock of Gibraltar, was one of the Pillars of Hercules of ancient myth.

Cádiz lies on Spain's breathtaking province of Andalusia and gained incredible wealth during the 18th century; riches from the Americas were unloaded here after the Guadalquivir River to Seville silted up. This scenic southern region is home the matador and world-class equestrian art. Seville, city of polyamorous suitor Don Juan, boasts plenty of its own glories. Its grand cathedral, Alcázar Palace and Tower of Gold were built from the coffers of Spanish kings, but its fiery flamenco defines its true spirit. It is best to ponder it all while sipping sherry at a bodega.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth.

The island of Madeira is an enchanting Atlantic paradise. Known as the “Garden Island” for its rich agriculture, terraced hillsides and beautiful flowers, it maintains a temperate year-round climate. The island's irrigation aqueducts, or levadas , were dug into the hillsides so that early farmers could make use of every patch of land. One of the island's most prolific crops that has long been fed by levadas is grapes, which produce four types of Madeira wine popular around the world. In the capital and port city of Funchal, the picturesque Old Town is best explored on foot.

The Atlantic Ocean derives its name from Greek and means “Sea of Atlas,” a reference to the mythological Atlas, a Titan who supported the heavens on his shoulders as a punishment for fighting the gods.

St. Martin is a fascinating mix of France and Holland and the island has been shared by the two nations since 1648. The early economy relied on cotton, tobacco, salt and sugar. A large salt pond remains, once harvested by the Dutch East India Company for trade. Today, the Dutch side of the island, anchored by its capital, Philipsburg, is dotted with resorts and casinos. The renowned Rotary Lookout Point offers stunning panoramic views of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and surrounding islands. Further north, the 1.5-mile swath of white sand at Orient Beach is ideal for sunbathing.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.