Valparaiso to Hamburg

Welcome to up-and-coming Coquimbo. Halfway down the long strip that is Chile, this working port city on the Pan American Highway is making a name for itself, especially when it comes to the nightlife. The elegant 19th-century English Quarter is beautiful by day, whereas the Aldunate area is where to be at night, full of bars and nightclubs where you can watch or partake in South American dancing.

As well as being blessed with amazing archaeological treasures, including the oldest mummies in the world, Arica attracts international acclaim for its fine wines and truly world-class surfing waves. Known by Chileans as ‘city of the eternal spring’, Arica has been an important port since Spanish colonial rule in the 1500s, and has plenty to offer in terms of historic sites and places to visit.

To the conquistadores, this was the ‘City of Kings’ and its colonial majesty still dominates the heart of Peru’s capital. Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and varied cuisine are among its other riches. An undoubted highlight of Lima is the Plaza Mayor in its centre. It’s filled with grand colonial buildings, some of which date from the 16th century, such as The Government Palace, which occupies almost the whole north side of the square. Other impressive landmarks include the Archbishop’s Palace and the twin-towered baroque cathedral.

To the conquistadores, this was the ‘City of Kings’ and its colonial majesty still dominates the heart of Peru’s capital. Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and varied cuisine are among its other riches. An undoubted highlight of Lima is the Plaza Mayor in its centre. It’s filled with grand colonial buildings, some of which date from the 16th century, such as The Government Palace, which occupies almost the whole north side of the square. Other impressive landmarks include the Archbishop’s Palace and the twin-towered baroque cathedral.

This recently developed port with its modern shopping plazas is just next door to Panama City, once a vital link along the Golden Main. In 1671, it was destroyed by the Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan and a new colonial city was built: Casco Antiguo, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit both old and new, and shop for duty-free bargains including the famous molas handwoven by the Cuna Indians of San Blas.

This recently developed port with its modern shopping plazas is just next door to Panama City, once a vital link along the Golden Main. In 1671, it was destroyed by the Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan and a new colonial city was built: Casco Antiguo, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit both old and new, and shop for duty-free bargains including the famous molas handwoven by the Cuna Indians of San Blas.

Explore the “Venice of America”, with its lacework of over 165 miles of canals and yachts as huge as the mansions they're moored at. Stroll along the tree-lined Las Olas, and wander into its upscale boutiques and wonderful restaurants. Enjoy the shops and cafés of Riverwalk, close to the Arts and Science District.

Around 850 miles west of Portugal, the Azores are an archipelago of nine Portuguese-speaking islands scattered across the Atlantic waters, known for their dramatic and verdant landscapes. Portuguese navigators discovered the first of the Azores in 1432, although 2,000 Flemish settlers were among its early immigrants, and their influence can still be seen in the windmills that dot the landscape on some islands. Praia de Vitoria is located on Terceira, an island whose name means ‘third’ in reference to the order in which it was discovered.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you'll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?

Absorb the rich historic atmosphere of Germany's greatest port city. The heritage of the Hanseatic League is evident once more in theis great seafaring crossroads, much of which has been carefully restored to its pre-war glory. Hamburg is a place where anything can - and frequently does - happen, like giving the world its first glimpse of The Beatles.