14-Night Rio de Janeiro to Las Palmas

Rio de Janeiro invokes images of a never-ending festival as one of the most celebrated cities in the world. From dancing samba on the beach of Ipanema to exploring the art deco influences of Copacabana, it comes alive. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, seen for miles in any direction, encapsulates the city's grand feel. On the mouth of Guanabara Bay lies the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can take a cable car ride to the top for exhilarating, bird's-eye views of city structures expanding to the edges of lush green cliffs into blue waters. Just on the outskirts of the city, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits to be explored - Sítio Roberto Burle Marx - a garden designed by the landscape architect it's named after.

Salvador’s rich mix of colonial and African influences gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the energy of Afro-Brazilian culture. From the food to the arts to the music, as well as the hip, bohemian vibe of newer neighborhoods, the capital of Brazil’s state of Bahia plunges you into a diverse and authentic experience made for adventure.

The former capital of Portugal’s New World colony lies along Brazil’s northeast Atlantic coast. Colonial architecture in vibrant, pastel colors perfectly display the city’s complex identity and cultural influences. Museums like Misericordia and Bahia Museum of Modern Art give travelers a glimpse into the culture’s history and art for a chance to truly understand the locals.

A climb up the steps of the black and white Barra Lighthouse affords sensational views of the Bay of All Saints. From here, you feel the sea breeze blow through your hair while you take in the expansive scene of the bay on one side and tropical palms and lush green on the other. The rush of waves lapping against the lighthouse’s stone fortress create the soundtrack of your explorations.

Forte da Capoeira, a former state prison, now acts as the site to catch a demonstration of a mesmerizing capoeira performance. This unique Brazilian practice stems from African traditions that combine styles of martial arts and dance. It holds so much importance to the culture that UNESCO deemed it an intangible world heritage.

Explore historical Mindelo with its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings — the pride and joy of the volcanic island of São Vicente. Nestled in a bay ringed by mountains, the scenery will move you and so will the music. Catch live performances of the Cape Verdean morna, a genre made famous by the late Cesária Évora, a legendary singer. Add to your cultural immersion by sampling traditional Cape Verdean cuisine, then quench your thirst with a caipirinha at the beach bar of your choice. Top off your experience with an invigorating hike to Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente..

Sitting along the golden coasts of the Basque Country, San Sebastián offers a seaside allure that pairs beautifully with its culinary culture. Whether enjoying pintxo bar hopping for delicious tapas or savoring the flavors of oysters with txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine, the local delicacies are sure to inspire and delight your palate. Explore Mercado de La Bretxa, where the vendors claim Spain's top chefs source their ingredients. Head over to Playa de la Concha to watch the local surfers in the city's favorite pastime. Ride the vintage funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for breathtaking, panoramic views. Wander through the Old Town and Plaza de la Constitución to connect with the locals and San Sebastián's rich history.

One of Spain's Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is best known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its capital, Las Palmas, offers some of the best beaches on the island with shorelines bordered by coral barriers that shelter swimmers. Make the trek up to the neighborhoods of San Nicolas and San Juan for remarkable views of the homes below. Within the capital's heart you can find the Pueblo Canario, a replica of a traditional Canarian village where you can learn about the island's culture and how it has evolved.