Panama Canal and Western Mediterranean

When John Fremont sailed into San Francisco in 1846, he found no famous bridge, but a golden light reflecting off the high cliffs that flank the bay’s only entrance. He named it Golden Gate and its glowing welcome still creates a striking first impression today.

Welcome to the gateway to fame and fortune, with its endless beaches and non-stop excitement. There are wonderful restaurants, exceptional museums, fabulous stores, dazzling nightlife, unlimited recreation and sporting attractions, and a rich multiculturalism that adds international allure.

Whilst growing as a fashionable tourist destination, the Mexican resort of Cabo San Lucas still maintains its sparse and uncrowded atmosphere, and boasts a warm hospitality which matches the sunshine.
Nestled on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo is famous for its casual atmosphere, exciting nightlife, and stunning beaches and scenery.

Explore Puntarenas and see how rich this ‘Rich Coast’ really is. Maybe not in terms of its per capita wealth, but certainly in terms of its endless opulent greenery, grand views and unspoilt scenery.
See the rainforest from up high, with a canopy tour through ferns, winding lianas and orchids. You can taste nature’s bounty at one of the plantations producing the country’s famously rich coffee.

If you are interested in maritime engineering or iconic journeys, this should be high up your list of must-sails. This legendary canal is steeped with intrigue and blessed with ever-changing scenery.
As you pass through the locks at either side of Gatun Lake, you’re slowly rising to, and dropping from, 26 metres above sea level, avoiding the lengthy and treacherous alternative route via Cape Horn.

Brightly coloured houses, vibrant street life, a distinct buzz in the air – all are part of the experience when you visit the Schooner Market and watch merchants sell exotic fruit and fresh fish direct from tiny boats.

Explore the “Venice of America”, with its lacework of over 165 miles of canals and yachts as huge as the mansions they’re moored at. Stroll along the tree-lined Las Olas, and wander into its upscale boutiques and wonderful restaurants. Enjoy the shops and cafés of Riverwalk, close to the Arts and Science District.

The 180 or so islands that make up Bermuda create a welcoming stepping-stone in the Atlantic. Its capital, Hamilton, is a vision of pastel houses to match the famous pink beaches.
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory that was first settled by the English in the early 1600s.

Lush botanical gardens and superbly landscaped terraces adorn the hills above the capital. Settle down in a local café and soak up the scenery with a perfectly chilled glass of fortified wine – an island speciality.

Explore enchanting ruins inside ancient city walls built some 3000 years ago. Saunter beneath sweeping palms, soak up astonishing sea views or simply watch the world go by in this busy, buzzing port.

Glimpse Barcelona’s remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. There’s also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.

Napoli, as it’s known to Italians, has a little bit of everything – ancient churches and universities, stunning parks, and wonderful restaurants. The Duomo is perhaps one of the most beautiful ancient cathedrals in the world. Take time to explore the Palazzo Reale, a palace built at the turn of the 12th century. Or visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to see one of the most comprehensive collections of Greco-Roman artefacts anywhere, including an abundance of mosaics from the buried city of Pompei.

Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.

This island famed as Napoleon’s birthplace is a perfect summer resort. Explore its fine sandy beaches and deep forests of pine and chestnut, which cover more than half the landscape.

Stretch your legs on a palm-lined seafront promenade where stylish shops boast their wares and bar clientele settle back in their chairs with a hard few hours of people-watching ahead. Blissful!

Glimpse Barcelona’s remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. There’s also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.