27-Day Ancient Empires & Passage To America

The airport for Puerto La Cruz in northeast on the Caribbean. Isla de Margarita is off the coast.

Dating back to ancient times, the Andalusian port of Cadiz is a cluster of narrow streets opening onto little squares, with a golden-domed cathedral in the distance. From here, you can travel to Seville, home of the famous Giralda Tower, 15th-century cathedral, and the Alcazar, once a palace of the Moorish kings.

Cartagena, (kär´te-jê´ne) city (1985 pop. 563,949), capital of Bolívar dept., NW Colombia, a port on the Bay of Cartagena, in the Caribbean Sea. Oil-refining and the manufacture of leather, textile, and tobacco goods are major industries, and there is an expanding petrochemical complex. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the treasure city of the Spanish Main, where precious New World minerals awaited transshipment to Spain. It was often sacked despite its massive fortifications, some of which still stand. It declared its independence from Spain in 1811 and was incorporated into Colombia in 1821. Its rapid development in the 20th cent. was due largely to the discovery of oil in the Magdalena basin. One of the most picturesque of Latin American cities, with shady plazas and cobblestone streets, Cartagena attracts many tourists.

Sitting under the shoulder of smoldering Mt. Etna, Catania is your base for an ascent to the very top of Europe’s largest volcano. Close by is Taormina, where you’ll take in fantastic views of the Bay of Catania.

Today the port of Civitavecchia has the advantage of being the Italian “stepping stone to the Mediterranean” thanks to its excellent weather conditions and ideal geographical location.

From Civitavecchia it is a train ride to almost anywhere in Italy and a quick jaunt to Sardinia. Its position has helped make it the main national coastal shipping port.

Fort Lauderdale, (lô´der-dâl´) city (1990 pop. 148,377), seat of Broward Co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; settled around a fort built (c.1837) in the Seminole War, inc. 1911. The city has more than 270 mi (435 km) of natural and artificial waterways and one of the largest marinas in the world. A major beach resort, it has a performing arts center and art and science museums. Products include electronic devices, boats and yachts, and various light manufactures.

As the capital of the island of Madeira for more than five centuries, Funchal is the 6th largest city in Portugal and one of its main tourist destinations. Its must-see experiences include the botanical gardens, striking architecture such as the Santa Clara Convent and Colegio Church, and a ride in the cable car to get there. Holiday events including New Year’s fireworks, Carnival Parade, the Madeira Flower Festival in May and several other festivals throughout the year are worth planning your trip around.

Kusadasi is a charming fishing village and resort on the Turkish coast.It is also the port for the ancient ruins of Ephesus, once a city of 250,000 inhabitants. The town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the Aegean Sea and is a pure delight for the discerning traveler.

Portugal is for explorers. Its valiant seamen first charted the Azores, discovered Japan, and unlocked the major sea routes the world over. Now you can share the anticipation they must have felt as you explore this exciting city.

You’ll discover an 8th-century Moorish castle, quaint cafes and a palm-studded coastline. The Alfama district is a maze of narrow, twisting streets, whitewashed houses, flowered balconies, archways, terraces and courtyards that charm your socks off. (And if you can find your way out of this dizzying array, 20th-century Lisbon is just as intoxicating.)

Of course, if you’d rather play by the sea, the Portuguese Riviera lies just outside town, offering something for everyone, from sun, sand and surf to thrilling casinos. Lisbon is a vast garden abounding with flowers and tropical plants. The city’s appeal lies in the magnificent vistas from its many belvederes and in the tree-lined avenues and squares decorated with mosaic pavements.

Resting along Andalusia’s bright Costa del Sol is the picturesque port of Malaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso. At the Malaga Cathedral see the natural wood carvings of artist Pedro de Mena and visit the Gibralfaro Castle. Then continue on to the ancient city of Granada, high into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Here lies the spectacular Alhambra, the grand
fortress of the last Moorish rulers of Spain and one of the largest structures in the world. Inside is Isabella’s priceless collection of European paintings. The Granada Cathedral is the site where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella are buried along with their daughter.

Malta, (môl´te) officially Republic of Malta, republic (1995 est. pop. 370,000), 122 sq mi (316 sq km), in the Mediterranean Sea S of Sicily, comprising the islands of Malta, Gozo (Ghawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna). Valletta is the capital. The economy is supported by tourism, light industry, agriculture, and shipbuilding. The polyglot population is a mixture of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, and English. Maltese (a Semitic language) and English are the official languages, but
Italian is widely spoken. Roman Catholicism is the state religion. Malta is governed by a unicameral parliament, a prime minister, and a cabinet.

Palermo, capital of Sicily, the most ancient island kingdom in Italy, wears a veneer of modernity, but just underneath you’ll find the old city, teeming with life in every tiny nook and cranny. In lively cafes and shops selling pungent strings of garlic and cheeses, you’ll find the Italy of old. Banks of old women dressed in ubiquitous black murmur incantations in the enormous, light-pierced cathedral. Palermo’s puzzle of new and old is fascinating.

In Palma, they say, the sun shines every day. This sun-splashed port in the Balearic Islands is what Mediterranean vacationing is all about. Since time immemorial, the famous and not so famous have found their private paradise in Mallorca. Palma’s grand cathedral presides over a wide harbor, packed with yachts, and the pretty old town, filled with happy fun-seekers.

The port city of Piraeus is the ancient gateway to Athens. Here, stand atop the historic Acropolis in the shadow of the Parthenon, visit the ancient Agora and the Temple of Zeus, then view the Palace’s Evzone Guards at attention. Window shop around Constitution Square or travel to Corinth and Mycanae.

The capital city of Valleta is an historic walled city, dating from the Renaissance. Its current population is less than 10,000 inhabitants, and it is built on a rocky peninsula that separates Grand Harbor from Marsamxett Harbor.