14-Night Rio de Janeiro to Tenerife

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.

Buzios, the vibrant heart of Brazil, surrounds you with amazing beaches and high-energy vibes that always feel on the verge of carnaval. Cobblestone streets in its historic districts take you on a journey to the past for a deep dive into how the city came to be. The taste of authentic ethnic and international cuisine that erupts with flavor takes you on a culinary adventure through Brazil’s rich culture.

The resort town of Buzios lies on a peninsula east of Rio de Janeiro. Once a quiet fishing village, it now attracts many visitors with its pristine beaches and mild, tropical climate. But it never feels crowded. It comes alive with just the right mix of travelers and locals.

Praia do Forno offers a unique beach experience with red sands, rocky shorelines, and sea green waters. This beach is less frequented by tourists, providing a more tranquil and remote experience. It has all the benefits of a day spent sunbathing and swimming with less noise and a rare environment.

An experience that mixes the rustic with the touristic calls for a visit to Praia da Tartaruga. Shallow waters and a smooth stone path dividing the sandy shore in two make it a laid back atmosphere for a quieter beach day. You may even spot a sea turtle as you snorkel the beach’s clear waters.

When making your way through Buzios, it’s impossible not to sample the local fare. Flavors of jerk beef, fried potatoes, and Brazil’s unforgettable version of barbecue — churrascaria – create a festival for the taste buds

The city of Ilhéus is known for its striking mix of colonial architecture and beautiful beaches, as well as for being the hometown of famous Brazilian writer, Jorge Amado. Discover its rich history as an exporter of cacao at Fazenda Yrere. Sample the delicious chocolate produced here as you're walked through the process. Perhaps best known for Praia Dos Milionarios, settle in for lunch, drinks and live music at one of the local cabanas. At the Centro Cultural Bataclan, you are transported back in time to the 1920s. From the building's facade to its interior exhibits, history has made this city timeless.

Recife, one of the largest cities in northern Brazil, offers a diverse array of neighborhoods to discover. From palm-fringed beaches like Boa Viagem to the colorful streets, markets, and colonial architecture of Old Town, this destination makes for the ultimate traveler's playground. With plenty of rivers, bridges, peninsulas, and islets to explore, you will never have a boring moment. Colorful streets and architecture amid the local Mercado de São José bring out the city's vibrancy. The structures of Praca da Republica, Catedral de São Pedro dos Clerigos, and Teatro Santa Isabel call out with their stories if you are willing to listen.,/br>

Lying on the southern end of Santiago Island, Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, invites you to explore its lush environment with mild weather year-round. The verdant valleys of the largest island in this West African archipelago converge with rugged mountains creating a landscape ready for exploration. The old capital of Cidade Velha now resides as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides insight into Cape Verde's story, connecting European and African history. Music lovers can rejoice in the many cultural influences of Cape Verde's sounds, with inspiring rhythms that include Brazilian samba, African drumbeats and Caribbean merengue.

The fishing town of Palmeira on Cape Verde's Sal Island invites you to explore its vibrant colors, culture, cuisine and rhythms. Lying just outside the capital, Espargos, Palmeira offers an authentic taste of everyday life on the island. Wander the local markets, savoring every sight, scent and sound as you connect with the communities that make up this lively town. Venturing further into the island of Sal, gather with your fellow explorers to find Shark Bay (Fejoal Bay). Lemon sharks frequent these shallow waters, a wondrous and thrilling adventure to interact more closely with nature. Explore the Salinas de Pedra de Lume, the salt mines for which the island is named. Sitting within the crater of an inactive volcano near a sheltered cove, it's an exquisite scene that inspires a sense of awe at the beauty of this landscape. From the Blue Eye of Buracona to Santa Maria's white sandy beaches, Sal is a perfect paradise for leisurely beach days. .

Formed off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Canary Islands offer rugged and captivating landscapes with black and white sand beaches. The port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a rich combination of historical architecture and modern design, leads the way to exploration of the islands, sometimes referred to as the Canaries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, lies off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. A walk along the Santa Cruz promenade comes with views of lush green flora and rocky mountain peaks against blue sky. Playa Jardin offers spectacular views of black sand dotted with verdant palm trees and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic lapping against the shore, creating a vibrant picture of paradise.

Mount Teide, the highest point of elevation in Spain, offers breathtaking views with a short cable car ride up near its summit. The active volcano offers fertile grounds that are home to over 150 plant species, making it a colorful landscape you will not want to miss. Its walking paths give you the chance to challenge your muscles to the ultimate hike.

The cuisine of the Canary Islands is a rich and savory mix of Spanish, African, and Latin-American foods. Even one of its staple foods, bananas, originated in Asia. This cultural combination of foods makes eating in the Canaries an adventure of its own. With flavors of fish, rice, meat, and locally grown fruits and vegetables, your taste buds will never be bored.