31-Day Brazil, Cape Verde, Canary Islands & Riviera Harbors

Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale.

A visit to Rio won’t be complete without a day spent sunbathing on one of its many local beaches. Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, legendary seaside getaways with white sands and brilliant blue waves, attract millions of visitors each year, but an hour-long trek to the west will bring you to the secluded beauty of Prainha Beach, equally worth admiration.

Aside from the crowded beaches, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of serene natural beauty and ecological marvels. Venture west of Rio to immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and biodiverse wildlife of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a verdant paradise for those who love hiking, bird-watching, or rock-climbing excursions! Northeast of Copacabana Beach lies Pão de Açucar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by a short tram ride to its peak and providing spectacular views of the bustling city.

Rio de Janeiro boasts thrilling nightlife, mouthwatering delicacies, and internationally renowned football teams. Dance clubs and bars, offering some of the best cocktails and live music in South America, line the city’s streets, particularly in the popular Lapa neighborhood. Staple street foods include savory churrasco, a Portuguese-style steak, fresh seafood dishes like moqueca, a fish stew, or pão de queijo, warm rolls of cheese bread. International soccer enthusiasts will enjoy touring the Maracanã Stadium, Brazil’s premier football stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 cheering fans per match. Travel to Rio in February for the city’s infamous Carnival, a four-day festival where the streets are filled with samba dancing, parade floats, and brilliantly hued costumes.

This colorful city will excite the eye and capture the senses!

Sao Vicente, one of Cape Verde’s most vibrant islands, is full of beautiful coastal scenery. Laginha Beach, just a short walk from the island's main city, Mindelo, is perfect for relaxing by the turquoise waters, while Sao Pedro Beach is known for its strong winds, making it a popular spot for windsurfing. For those who enjoy hiking, Monte Verde provides panoramic views of the island’s landscapes.

Sao Vicente is also a great place to experience Cape Verdean cuisine, with fresh seafood playing a major role in local dishes. Visitors can try cachupa, a slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, and fish or meat, or enjoy grilled lobster at one of Mindelo’s seaside restaurants. The island’s cafes and bars often feature live music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can experience Cape Verde’s famous hospitality.

Sao Vicente is a gateway to other islands in the Cape Verde archipelago. Ferry connections make it easy to visit Santo Antao, an island known for its mountains and valleys.

Islamic and French influences blend together in charming Casablanca, Morocco’s iconic coastal city. Frequently used as a port for Spanish and Mediterranean cruises, Casablanca lies halfway between Marrakesh and Fes and is the perfect entryway for exploring the rest of Morocco. Casablanca’s most notable sites include the Hassan II Mosque, which towers over the glittering coastline and is one of Africa’s largest mosques, as well as the Ancienne Medina neighborhood, an old French-style quarter with plenty of delightful local markets and cafés. Stroll along the Corniche promenade, which follows Casablanca’s long stretch of beach, for spectacular views of the ocean at sunset, or visit the Mohammed V Square, lined with enormous palm trees, for easy access to the city center and a number of restaurants. Start your next African adventure in eclectic Casablanca!

Sète is a lovely port city in southern France, often called the "Venice of Languedoc" because of its many canals. The old port area is full of history and charm, making it a great place to explore. Visitors can stroll along the canals while observing the daily activities of fishermen and admire the array of boats moored along the quays.

The city is known for its fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels from the nearby Étang de Thau. Some local favorites include tielle, a tasty octopus pie, and macaronade, a pasta dish with beef and tomato sauce. Many restaurants serve fresh, local ingredients, making Sète a great place to enjoy Mediterranean flavors.

Nice, located along the French Riviera, combines Mediterranean charm with cultural elegance. Known for its sunny climate and stunning coastline, Nice has attracted artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. The Promenade des Anglais, a long stretch of seafront with breathtaking views, is perfect for leisurely strolls or simply enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

The city’s old town, or Vieux Nice, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets filled with pastel-colored buildings, markets, and cafés. It is also home to boutiques and art galleries that reflect the city’s creative spirit. Nearby, the Castle Hill (Colline du Château) provides panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean.

Nice boasts a vibrant art scene. The Musée Matisse houses an extensive collection of works by Henri Matisse, who spent much of his life in Nice. Art lovers will also appreciate the Musée Marc Chagall, which features some of the artist’s most iconic pieces.

Food in Nice is a reflection of its Mediterranean heritage, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Visitors should try Niçoise salad, pissaladière (an onion and anchovy tart), and freshly caught seafood.

Surround yourself with luxury in beautiful Monte Carlo, one of Monaco’s four quartiers and a jewel on the Mediterranean. Located just off the southern coast of France, Monte Carlo beckons you with glittering pebble beaches, old-world charm, and stunning architecture. Visit the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo, a paragon of the beaux-arts architectural style, to try your hand at blackjack, craps, or roulette, or tour the Palais Princier de Monaco, the twelfth-century palace where Monaco’s royal family resides. If you visit in May, be sure to attend an exhilarating Formula One race during the Monaco Grand Prix. From lavish French cuisine, to designer shopping along the Boulevard des Moulins, to exquisite botanical gardens, Monte Carlo has plenty of extravagant activities to capture your attention!

Surround yourself with luxury in beautiful Monte Carlo, one of Monaco’s four quartiers and a jewel on the Mediterranean. Located just off the southern coast of France, Monte Carlo beckons you with glittering pebble beaches, old-world charm, and stunning architecture. Visit the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo, a paragon of the beaux-arts architectural style, to try your hand at blackjack, craps, or roulette, or tour the Palais Princier de Monaco, the twelfth-century palace where Monaco’s royal family resides. If you visit in May, be sure to attend an exhilarating Formula One race during the Monaco Grand Prix. From lavish French cuisine, to designer shopping along the Boulevard des Moulins, to exquisite botanical gardens, Monte Carlo has plenty of extravagant activities to capture your attention!

Portofino, Italy, is a jewel on the Italian Riviera, famed for its colorful buildings, glamorous yachts, and charming harbor. This picturesque fishing village, with its pastel-colored houses that cascade down to the emerald-green waters, exudes a quaint yet luxurious atmosphere. The Piazzetta, the heart of Portofino, is a lively square where visitors can sip an espresso or enjoy fresh seafood while watching the elegant boats bobbing gently in the harbor. This is a perfect spot to start exploring the narrow streets filled with boutiques, artisan shops, and vibrant galleries that have captivated artists and writers for decades. Portofino's allure has long drawn celebrities and jet-setters, making it a playground for the rich and famous. Still, its serene beauty and relaxed pace make it a haven for all types of travelers.

One of Portofino’s must-see attractions is the Castello Brown, a hilltop fortress dating back to the 16th century that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. This historic castle, once a strategic military outpost, is now a museum that provides insight into the region’s history while serving as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events. A walk up to the castle through lush Mediterranean gardens is rewarded not only with history but also with some of the most stunning vistas of the Italian Riviera.

For nature lovers, the Portofino Regional Park is an outdoor paradise. With its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and verdant forests, the park offers numerous hiking trails that wind through olive groves and maritime pines, leading to secret beaches and stunning viewpoints. The trail to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a hidden gem only accessible by foot or boat, is particularly popular. Nestled in a secluded bay, this ancient Benedictine monastery is a mesmerizing blend of history, architecture, and nature. It is also home to the famous submerged bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss, which has become a pilgrimage site for divers from around the world.

Fun fact: Portofino was originally called "Portus Delphini," or "Port of the Dolphin," due to the large number of dolphins that inhabited the surrounding waters. The name was bestowed upon the village by the Romans, who were enamored with the region's natural beauty. Today, while the dolphins may be a rarer sight, the charm and elegance of Portofino remain undiminished, making it a timeless destination on the Italian Riviera.