Miami, FL to Barcelona

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”

Nestled in the Bahama’s Berry Island chain is a 250-acre uninhabited paradise waiting for you. Great Stirrup Cay is a private retreat designed specifically for your enjoyment. Walk along the powdery, white sand beaches and feel the warm Bahamian sun on your skin. Get comfortable in a hammock and lose yourself in the sound of swaying palm trees and gentle waves lapping at the shore. Snorkel in crystal-clear water teaming with tropical fish. Explore the Straw Market offering a variety of Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. If you are wanting a little adventure, traverse the island’s coast in a kayak or take a paddle boat for a spin. Take a break from your action-packed day and enjoy your favorite cocktail or a complimentary midday beachside BBQ as the ocean breeze blows through your hair.

The volcanic islands of the Azores create a natural aquarium in the middle of the Atlantic between Europe and North America. Whale watching, sport fishing, paragliding, and yachting are popular pastimes. Stroll by the beautiful marina and stop in to legendary Peter Café Sport – a restaurant, scrimshaw museum, post office and necessary stop for all sailors.

Cádiz, Andalusia’s world-renowned capital, has undergone major restoration in recent years. Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, ubiquitous red-tile roofed buildings, and bustling street markets make this a most delightful port. The old town, on the tip of the peninsula, is buzzing with beautiful, lively plazas. To get there, you pass through the new town, an elegant metropolis with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good starting point for a day trip to nearby Seville, where you can visit the Alcazar, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture surrounded by lovely gardens; majestic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla); and Giralda Tower, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Valencia was established by the Greeks and later occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. A 15th century artistic movement here gave the world spectacular paintings, sculptures, and jewels. Today a “City of Arts and Sciences,” Valencia offers visitors remarkable samples of modern architecture, alongside such notable classics as the 13th century Cathedral and Chapel of the Holy Chalice. Built on the site of a mosque which was originally a Roman temple the Chapel contains the chalice which legend says was used by Christ at the Last Supper. For a more historic view, take in the Quart Towers, a former gate of the medieval wall, built in 1444; and Serranos Towers, a former prison surrounded by a moat and built around 1391.

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.