CASABLANCA Morocco Part of Casablanca lies within the walls of the Ancienne Medina – built in the 19th century – which contains narrow lanes crammed with piled-high stalls as well as the last remains of the city’s 18th century fortifi cations. Rising above the ocean on a rocky outcrop is the Hassan ll Mosque – the landmark of the city. Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built to commemorate the former King’s birthday, it is the world’s largest mosque, boasting a soaring 700ft high minaret. A short drive up the coast you can visit Rabat, Morocco’s capital and home of the country’s royal family.
CATALINA ISLAND Dominican Republic Located a 20 minute boat ride away from La Romana harbour on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Catalina is a jewel of an island famed for its lovely beaches, laid-back atmosphere and sensational diving and snorkelling. This is defi nitely where to head to the beach armed with mask and snorkel. Its shallow waters are home to a dazzling array of brightly coloured sea life, including purple sea fans and orange, brown and grey garden fi sh. Catalina’s warm clear waters are also a good place for spotting larger fi sh, including grouper.
CATANIA Sicily Located between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, this ancient city has suffered the violence of nature on several occasions, while its people have strived to rebuild it. An earthquake in 1693 resulted in the Baroque palaces evident today. Originally founded by Greek colonists, ‘Katane’ was later conquered by the Romans and its Roman Theatre is one of the best examples of Roman architecture to be found. Head to Catania’s principal square, at the end of busy Via Etnea, and you’ll fi nd most of its main points of interest nearby, including its much photographed lava statue and the Duomo.
CEPHALONIA Greece The unspoilt, rugged but timeless, Greek island of Cephalonia is hard to beat. Just over 30,000 live on the island, mainly in the coastal towns and resorts with the rest living much as they have done for centuries in the mountain villages. Pause for a drink in one of the pretty harbour front tavernas in the port town of Sami after exploring. There are sandy beaches near the west coast town of Argostoli along with a couple of interesting caves. At Melissani, near Agia Egfymia, the sun shining down through a hole in the cave’s roof creates a spectacular lighting effect on the water.
CHACABUCCO Chile Tucked deep amongst the Patagonian Fjords which stretch along the coastline, the quiet Chilean port of Chacabuco has a superb location close to the beautiful San Rafael Lagoon. This spectacular national park was declared a Worldwide Biosphere Reserve in 1979 and covers the whole glacier-strewn area of Chile’s Northern Icefi elds. The 1,000-year-old San Rafael Ventisquero (hanging glacier) which is nearly 46 meters long and 69 meters high, constantly – and noisily – calves (sheds ice) into the lagoon. But the whole region around Chacabuco is now a major eco-tourism destination with the Hot Springs (50C!) at picturesque Puyuhuapi; the intriguing limestone caves at Marmol ; and the lush botanic gardens and waterfalls of Aiken park all promising memorable visits.
CHARLESTON United States of America Nestled on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, the colonial port of Charleston is the oldest city in the state and claims to be one of America’s loveliest. Amongst piazzas and plantations, mansions that once belonged to wealthy colonial merchants masquerade as museums, with National Russell and Heywood- Washington House being two of the fi nest. Beauty exudes from the magnifi cent gardens of Middleton Place and White Point, and after a carriage ride around the city, you can opt to pay a visit to Mount Pleasant or the area west of Ashley River.
NEW FOR 2012
CHARLOTTETOWN Prince Edward Island, Canada Travel back through time in Charlottetown, Canada’s birthplace and a city bursting with colour and culture whatever the season. This pretty port is capital of Prince Edward Island, inspiration for the Anne of Green Gables novels and Canada’s smallest and greenest province. Boasting some of the cleanest air in the country, exploring its many historic hotspots is a delight and, whether you go on foot or hop aboard a boat or bus, a guided tour will help you make the most of your visit. Learn more about the city’s role in the creation of the Confederation through the interactive displays at Founders’ Hall, shop for souvenirs or simply enjoy sitting on the scenic waterfront – the choice is yours in charming Charlottetown.
CHRISTCHURCH (from Lyttelton) New Zealand As you arrive in Lyttelton, there’s a chance that its narrow harbour may remind you of a Scottish Loch. From here you can head straight into Christchurch, a city blessed with a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, beautiful parks and gardens and a great selection of shops. The city’s tram system links all the major attractions of the Cultural Precinct where must-sees include, the Botanic Gardens, the Arts Centre and Art Gallery.
COCHIN (Kochi) India The view of the harbour is immediately recognisable, for the lines of fi shing nets along the waterfront have inspired artists and photographers ever since this Chinese fi shing style was imported into India’s Kerala region. The old town – Fort Kochi (Cochin), not only has a 16th century Portuguese-built church, but a 16th century synagogue for the small Jewish community that still remains. There’s a bustling new town, Emakulam, too, but most visitors head for the network of canals leading off the Vembanad Lake on which Cochin sits.
COLOMBO Sri Lanka Colombo is a world away from the peace and tranquillity of the country’s tea plantations, but don’t be fazed, it’s an easy city to explore. For international shopping and restaurants, head for the Fort District in the north of the city and then catch some local colour in the Pettah Bazaar District, a warren of streets rich in mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples and lined with shops selling everything from exquisitely worked gold jewellery to herbs for Ayurvedic treatments. To the south of the city, enjoy lush scenery and watch a cricket match at the lovely seafront park of Galle Face Green, before a stylish afternoon tea at the historic Galle Face Hotel.
CORK (from Cobh) Ireland Pronounced ‘Cove’, Cobh is the port for Ireland’s second biggest city, Cork, and boasts one of Europe’s largest natural harbours. Poignantly, it was also the fi nal departure point of the ill-fated Titanic. The bustling city centre is home to fascinating shops and markets, while traditional Irish music can be heard in many of the historic pubs and bars which populate the city centre. Six miles inland from the city lies the famous Blarney Stone. Positioned more than 24 metres up in the battlements of Blarney Castle, legend has it that kissing the limestone block provides the one puckering up with the gift of what is euphemistically called ‘persuasive’ speech.
COLON (from Cristobal) Panama Colon, founded in 1850 by the Americans working on the Panama railroad, is today Panama’s second largest city. Take an enchanting journey into the lush rainforest to experience the ecology and get a closer look at the wildlife on and around the amazing Gatun Lake. If you head further into the dense jungle you can meet the Embera Indians. Living as they have done for centuries, you’ll get a glimpse of their mystical rituals and their amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and natural remedies. Learn more about the rich diversity of fl ora and fauna at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and don’t miss the impressive Gatun locks in action on the wondrous Panama Canal.
CONSTANZA Romania Romania’s largest sea port, Constanza can trace its history back some 2,500 years. Named ‘Tomis’ originally, according to legend it was here that Jason landed with the Argonauts after fi nding the Golden Fleece. Today it blends old and new infl uences to great effect, combining archaeological treasures, ancient ruins and the historical monuments of its Old Town with shops, a grand casino, open-air restaurants and nightclubs. Sights include its cathedral, the Roman Mosaics and the Genoese Lighthouse dating back to 1860.
COPENHAGEN Denmark ‘Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen’ was the adopted home of Hans Christian Andersen. And, true to the spirit of its most famous resident, this popular Danish city has a fairytale magic all of its own. Discover it in the delightful Tivoli Gardens, where you can soar above the city in a hot air balloon. Or in the shops and cafés of Stroget, Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. If you simply want to take it easy, you can’t beat a stroll along the pretty Nyhavn Canal, browsing the market stalls and looking at the fi ne old sailing ships moored near its banks. You will fi nd more history at the magnifi cent Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum – home to fascinating Viking relics – and at Kronberg Castle – the former Elsinore of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’.
COQUIMBO Chile Boasting one of the best harbours on the coast and beholding some of the country’s most interesting historical structures, Coquimbo is also the main gateway to the attractive city of La Serena – capital of the Norte Chico. Here you’ll fi nd elaborately crafted wooden architecture built by its early British and American settlers. The attractive esplanade of Plaza Prat offers great views of the waterfront, with other points of interest including the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro church and the Museo de Sitio.
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