15-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.

The visible vestiges of a range of submerged mountains make up the 21 islands of the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha - designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The islands sit just off the northeast coast of Brazil, perfect for a possible Zodiac cruise around them. And if conditions permit, you may get the chance for a spectacular landing to explore its ancient mysteries and natural wonders.

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 capital of the Gambia, the City of Banjul, is one of the most populous destinations to visit, but still with plenty to uncover. Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly James Island, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in memorial of a challenging history.

As you take in the lush scenery, dunes and forest of Bijilo National Park, you may be joined by the monkeys. Rarely visited by travelers, Gambia maintains an authentic charm that's apparent while wandering the Albert Market and joining a cooking class to sample a traditional dish. Experience a close encounter at the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, also a sacred place of prayer for locals, as the crocodile is a symbol of fertility for them.

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.

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.