From Spain & Portugal to Brazil – Old to New World Cruise - Nov. 23-Dec. 11, 2012
Are you ready to join Columbus, Cabral and other great explorers as we sail on a transatlantic adventure? Come with us in November 2012 as we sail from Europe to Brazil and stop at incredible ports along on the way. You will see Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and multiple ports in Brazil – WOW! If you know Portuguese, this will be a great chance to use it in Portugal and throughout Brazil! This once in a lifetime opportunity is only 1/3 of the normal price. Join us today as we go on a voyage to be remembered for years to come!
Itinerary:
November 23 – The day after Thanksgiving fly from your home city to Barcelona, Spain. Departures from most US cities are available.
November 24 – Barcelona, Spain – Welcome to Barcelona, Spain! Enjoy a morning tour of the historic city of Barcelona, Spain. Being the 2nd biggest city in Spain, Barcelona is a thriving European destination. Grab your camera as you go past the La Sagrada Familia church which is a highlight of Barcelona. After your morning tour, it is off to the sea where you will board your floating hotel – the Royal Caribbean Splendour of the Seas. (Cruise Dinner)
November 25 – Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
November 26 – Cadiz, Spain - Cádiz may, in fact, be the oldest inhabited city in the western world, with more than 3,000 years of history. Located on the southern coast of Spain, it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Christopher Columbus departed on two of his voyages to the New World from here and with his discovery of the Americas, Cádiz quickly grew into a major city by importing gold and silver and exporting local specialties like sherry and cork. By the 18th century, Cádiz had become the wealthiest port in Western Europe. Amazingly, this beautiful coastal city has been largely undiscovered by international tourists; however, it is a popular destination for Spaniards. (Cruise Meals)
November 27 - Lisbon, Portugal - Welcome to the capital of Portugal – Lisbon! Your city tour will open your eyes to Portuguese architecture, history, and culture. Portugal is for explorers. Its valiant seamen first charted the Azores, discovered Japan and unlocked the major sea routes the world over. As your ship sails into the harbor of Lisbon, share the anticipation these sailors experienced as they ventured into new and exciting lands for the first time. (Cruise Meals)
November 28 – Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
November 29 – St. Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands – Santa Cruz de Tenerife has all the characteristics of a Spanish city, with a population of some 200,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Island and of the province bearing the same name, including La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
A tranquil and friendly city, Santa Cruz features some markets in its busy squares and streets. Another highlight of the city are its gardens, such as García Sanabria Park, where the local inhabitants go to take a relaxing stroll, read a book, listen to music, or appreciate the permanent exhibition of sculptures by Moore and masterpieces by the most celebrated artist in the Canaries, José Abad.
Outside this charming natural ‘open-air museum’ the city is engaged in the typical day-to-day activities of an island port. Santa Cruz is at the ocean crossroads on the way to or from America and a shelter for ships requiring repairs, and a point of rest for their crews. The city bay embraces the sea as if in the shape of two arms extended in welcome. As well as its natural charm and the relaxed outlook of the local population, always able to make strangers feel at ease, Santa Cruz is rich in architectural highlights. Among these are Concepcion Church, which preserves many features of the period during which Santa Cruz was at the centre of terrible conflicts, and Saint Franciscus Church, a magnificent example of the Hispanic-Portuguese Baroque style of the 17th Century.
The La Carta Palace was built in the same style and period. There are also many elegant houses and castles built for nobility, such as the grand Il Cabildo, San Juan. It is situated only a few minutes’ walk from the charming San Andrès beach, where fishermen used to sleep on the sand between trips out to sea. The houses of San Andrès, once a poor man’s refuge, are now only for the wealthy. (Cruise Meals)
November 30 – Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 1 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 2 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 3 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 4 – Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 5 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 6 – Salvador de Bahia, Brazil – “The place where you breathe the history, soul and essence of Brazil.” These are not the lyrics of a poetic verse, but the words you read when you enter the heart of Salvador da Bahia, one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world. Founded in the 16th Century, it was the first capital city of Brazil and maintained political and cultural supremacy for 215 years. The city was first established on All Saints’ Day, November 1, symbolizing the importance of its religious heritage.
Its bay was named ‘Baia de Todos os Santos’ and the city soon became the focus of Catholic fervor promoted by Portugal, which made it the papal city of its maritime empire. The Portuguese built 365 churches, one for each day of the year. The majority, in exquisite Baroque style, still survive. The Catholic community soon found itself sharing the city with the voodoo spiritualism of Africa, brought into Brazil by African slaves.
At night it becomes a rhythmic extravaganza. This is the soul of Bahia samba, a thrilling beat of African drums and intoxicating percussion. The Olodum band is the city’s most famous musical symbol, coming to international attention in a video made with Michael Jackson. (Cruise Meals)
December 7 – Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
December 8 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - The cityscape of Rio de Janeiro and its spectacular surroundings are one of the world’s magnificent scenes. It combines a vibrant, teeming city with glorious coastline and awe-inspiring landscape. The area was first discovered in 1502 by a relatively unknown Portuguese navigator, Gaspar de Lemos. He called the city Rio de Janeiro, ‘January River’, because he thought he was at the mouth of a river and that the adjacent bays were a miracle of geology. Initially, the Portuguese did not focus much attention on the area, despite its natural beauty, and preferred the more spiritual Salvador.
Consequently Rio was subjected to several influences, notably periods of French and Spanish rule. The Portuguese gained control again in the 16th Century and over a period of 150 years erected a series of six major forts along the coast and in the hills. The city became a departure point for large amounts of gold extracted inland to be shipped to the Iberian coast. Inevitably this precious cargo attracted the attention of pirates and Rio was attacked on a number of occasions, the most serious of which was in 1711 when the city was set on fire. Despite this and hostilities from native Indians, during the 1800s thousands of European settlers continued to come to the city to seek their fortune.
The biggest influx was from Germany, Italy and Portugal. The present population of Rio is some seven million people, Brazil’s second largest city. The statue of Christ towering above Rio on Corcovado mountain is one of the world’s best known sights, along with Påo de Açucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). The Rio coastline along the Atlantic Ocean extends for some 320km and includes probably the best known beach in the world, Copacabana, as well as several other excellent beaches, notably Ipanema and Barra. (Cruise Meals)
December 9 – Sao Paulo, Brazil - Arrive in Santos, Brazil in the morning. Transfer to Sao Paulo for sightseeing. Optional chance for church services and a tour of LDS temple grounds for those who are interested along with an evening fireside. (Cruise Breakfast)
December 10 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Wake up in Sau Paulo and enjoy more city sightseeing in this bustling Brazilian city. You will then transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
December 11 – Arrive home just in time to get ready for the Christmas holidays!
*We will have our own private group shore excursions that will be available. You are free to explore on your own during the days at port or join our group shore excursions.
Your Ship: Royal Caribbean Splendour of the Seas
You’ll love the views on Splendour of the Seas, a worldly ship that shares time between the coastlines of Europe and South America. Take in the scenery through thousands of windows that immerse you in historic towns and incredible mountainside beaches. Have a dip in the sun-drenched indoor/outdoor pool at the Solarium, try your hand at mini golf and rock climbing, or be pampered at the Vitality Spa.
Your Host: Alf Gunn
Alf Gunn took Portuguese learned during two years in Brazil into a 30-year career in law enforcement and today utilizes Portuguese and Spanish in providing travel security presentations in retirement. Alf enjoys maintaining email newsletter correspondence with over 2,500 people who formerly lived in Brazil and is now a veteran of five specialty tours to Brazil. He shares insightful first-hand knowledge of the customs, culture, and easy-going lifestyle of Brazil. Alf loves to meet people, and finds friendships everywhere regardless of borders. He and Marcia call the Pacific Northwest their home, where most of their 10 grandkids live and where he bicycles and sea kayaks year-round.
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Inside Cabin Cruise and Airfare from Los Angeles -Double Occupancy - $2559 (includes cruise and air for $1999 and taxes of $560)
Outside Cabin Cruise and Airfare from Los Angeles -Double Occupancy – additional $100
Balcony Cabin Cruise and Airfare from Los Angeles -Double Occupancy – additional $300
Airfare add-on from SLC, Las Vegas, & Phoenix – $150
Barcelona & Sao Paulo transfers, hotel, & sightseeing – $399
Group Shore Excursions – Prices coming soon
Brazilian Visa – $240 (payable to Visa service company)
Credit Card Fee - $70 (only applies to final payment-pay by check to avoid it)
Deposit - $1000
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*Trip cancellation and emergency insurance available *Passports are required *Full payment due 90 days before departure. *Cancellation charges: non-refundable after deposit and final payment is made Click Here for Current Airline Baggage Fees Click Here For Terms and Conditions