Costa Deliziosa: BCN - SFO - BCN37A01

Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal, is situated at the mouth of the Tagus River along the Atlantic coast. This historic and dynamic city is known for its unique blend of traditional charm, modern culture, and impressive architecture, making it one of Europe’s most attractive metropolitan destinations.

The city boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times, with vibrant neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Belém exuding an authentic Mediterranean spirit. Narrow streets, picturesque squares, vintage trams, and the aromas of traditional cuisine create a special atmosphere that captivates visitors. Lisbon is also famous for its historic landmarks, including the imposing Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the city and the river.

A special highlight of Lisbon is fado – traditional Portuguese music filled with emotion and melancholy, often performed in small, intimate venues in the old quarters of the city. This unique musical form is deeply connected to the spirit of Lisbon and is a must-experience for anyone seeking authentic Portuguese culture. The gastronomy scene is especially notable, ranging from traditional pastéis de nata to top-tier restaurants blending Portuguese and international flavors.

The promenade along the Tagus River and lively squares such as Praça do Comércio are ideal spots for leisurely walks, coffee breaks, or evening outings. The city also offers numerous green spaces, parks, and viewpoints perfect for relaxation and enjoying the views.

Lisbon is a perfect destination for those wanting to experience a blend of history, culture, art, and modern urban life, with a warm Mediterranean atmosphere and welcoming local people.

     When they reached the island of São Miguel during the second half of the fifteenth century, the first colonists settled in an area that they called Povoação Velha, now simply known as Povoação. Driven by the adventurous spirit of the age, the conquerors ventured into the interior of the island, until reaching an arid area with easy access to the sea: Ponta Delgada.
     The original settlement of Ponta Delgada, dating back to around1450, was a fishing village near the Pero de Teive coast that subsequently expanded west of Santa Clara.
     Over the years the area was settled by people with farming experience and a good head for business, who soon transformed it into a small but flourishing town. According to local legend, in 1499 King Manuel I officially promoted Ponta Delgada to the status of town, prompting such rapid growth that it was promoted to the status of city by King John III in 1546.
     The rich and sumptuous houses and the elegant residences of the aristocracy, splendidly built, skilfully decorated, and whitewashed inside and out like castles, were an indication of the city's increasing importance.
     Despite its tortuous, winding streets and urban growth, the city has remained as well-ordered as the day it was planned. Ponta Delgada has an organised feel and is composed of seven different districts: the aristocratic quarter, located in the area of Aquinha and Sant'Anna; the two fishing villages, situated along the coast of Pero de Teive and Santa Clara; the farming community that extends from Foral da Misericordia to Fontinha do Maranhão; the business district in the city centre, where the Rua dos Mercadores is situated; the industrial district as far as the area of Villa Nova; and the Casa Verde district, in the Prachinha, which is home to the pineapple growers of São Miguel.

     Less than 100 years ago, Fort Lauderdale was nothing more than a small village in the south of Florida. Today it has a population of some one million people, symbolic of the rapid development of the United States as a whole. But there is evidence of settlement in the area that stretches back far beyond 100 years - 8,000 in fact.
     The first Europeans to make their presence felt were the Spanish in the 16th Century who landed near the village of Tequesta, at the mouth of the Miami river. They referred to the region as 'florida' after its beautiful and fertile landscape. The indigenous Seminole Indians strongly resisted the colonists and there was a period of considerable bloodshed until the natives were overcome and escaped inland. Apart from a 21-year period of English interest, Spanish dominance remained a factor until 1821, when the United States annexed the region.
     Fort Lauderdale, as its name suggests, was originally a fort built to protect the vital railway and the coastal area from pirates. The city of Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County, is a modern, wealthy metropolis, much of whose fortune rests on tourism. A massive amount of money, some 30 million dollars, has been invested in developing the city in an attractive manner. Thus there is a network of canals, ornamental waterworks, fountains and contemporary artworks.
     One of the focal points is the Riverwalk, a panoramic promenade along the bay, lined with boutiques, restaurants, shops and museums. The significance of water is further symbolised in the International Swimming Hall of Fame, dedicated to famous swimming champions such as the original 'Tarzan', Johnny Weismuller, along with the more recent Olympians Greg Louganis and Mark Spitz. Nearby is the magnificent Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex, one of the most advanced sports venues in the world. The city also has several parks with facilities for playing soccer, basketball, baseball and American football, plus a number of open-air gyms.
     The Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosts is a major entertainment venue.

     Less than 100 years ago, Fort Lauderdale was nothing more than a small village in the south of Florida. Today it has a population of some one million people, symbolic of the rapid development of the United States as a whole. But there is evidence of settlement in the area that stretches back far beyond 100 years - 8,000 in fact.
     The first Europeans to make their presence felt were the Spanish in the 16th Century who landed near the village of Tequesta, at the mouth of the Miami river. They referred to the region as 'florida' after its beautiful and fertile landscape. The indigenous Seminole Indians strongly resisted the colonists and there was a period of considerable bloodshed until the natives were overcome and escaped inland. Apart from a 21-year period of English interest, Spanish dominance remained a factor until 1821, when the United States annexed the region.
     Fort Lauderdale, as its name suggests, was originally a fort built to protect the vital railway and the coastal area from pirates. The city of Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County, is a modern, wealthy metropolis, much of whose fortune rests on tourism. A massive amount of money, some 30 million dollars, has been invested in developing the city in an attractive manner. Thus there is a network of canals, ornamental waterworks, fountains and contemporary artworks.
     One of the focal points is the Riverwalk, a panoramic promenade along the bay, lined with boutiques, restaurants, shops and museums. The significance of water is further symbolised in the International Swimming Hall of Fame, dedicated to famous swimming champions such as the original 'Tarzan', Johnny Weismuller, along with the more recent Olympians Greg Louganis and Mark Spitz. Nearby is the magnificent Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex, one of the most advanced sports venues in the world. The city also has several parks with facilities for playing soccer, basketball, baseball and American football, plus a number of open-air gyms.
     The Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosts is a major entertainment venue.