Costa Diadema: SSZ - LEX - SSZ18A0H

     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.
     The luxury hotels that line the coast form a striking contrast to the favelas shanty towns on the hillsides behind. According to a local saying, happiness is found in the small things: a cool beer on the beach ('chopp' is cheaper than water), the rhythms of samba music, a jog along the Copacabana. Plus of course the world-famous Rio carnival and the national obsession - soccer. The Brazilian joy for life, 'saudade', is symbolised in the thrilling city of Rio.

     "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, symbolising the importance of its religious heritage.
     Its bay was named 'Baia de Todos os Santos' and the city soon became the focus of Catholic fervour 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.
     The fortunes of the two followings gradually became intertwined, to form a unique tradition that influenced the broad cultural development of the city. The historical heart of the city with its two million inhabitants is the Pelourihno plaza, not long ago an area of drug trafficking, prostitution and an illegal weapons trade. After a restoration project sponsored by Unesco, the area has been reborn as the centrepiece of cultural life in Salvador, the third city of Brazil. During the day, the area is the domain of craftsmen and artists.
     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.

     Approximately 250km south of Recife, the sophisticated coastal resort of Maceio is the capital of the densely populated north-eastern Brazilian region of Alagoas, with a long history of maritime commerce. It boasts some of the country's most delightful beaches - particularly on the northern side - which slope into the crystal clear emerald green water of the Atlantic and are protected by a coral reef. The recently restored ancient quarter of Maceio remains the heart of the city.
     Many of Maceio's inhabitants can trace their ancestry to African slaves who immigrated to Brazil and set up the state of Palmares, which in the 17th Century evicted the Dutch colonists. The city of Maceio includes the impressive Museo Do Instituto Historico and Museo Theo Brandao, both dedicated to the history of the region. Maceio's most famous son is the militant environmentalist Gininho Britzky, who has a large cult following as president of the Brigada Ecologica de Alagoas. The scourge of multi-national companies, he has faced threats and attempts on his life.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city in the Canary Islands, is located on the northeastern coast of the island of Gran Canaria. This vibrant city combines a rich history, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a relaxed Mediterranean-Atlantic lifestyle. The historic heart of the city, Vegueta, is the perfect place to explore colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Its cobbled streets are home to important museums, churches, and buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the House of Christopher Columbus. In contrast, the modern parts of the city offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, galleries, and the dynamic rhythm of urban life.

One of the city’s main attractions is Las Canteras Beach, over three kilometres long and located right in the city centre. Thanks to a natural reef that softens the waves, it's ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and seaside walks. The city hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the well-known carnival, famous for its costumes, parades, and music. The cultural scene is enriched with theatres, concert halls, and museums.

The local cuisine features traditional Canarian flavours – fresh fish dishes, local vegetables, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce – along with influences from Latin America and Africa, reflecting the city’s historical ties to trade and the sea.

Thanks to its mild year-round climate and excellent transport connections, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for those looking to combine culture, the sea, nature, and urban life all in one place.

Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and its economic capital, is located on the Atlantic coast and pulses with the energy of a major modern metropolis. Unlike many other Moroccan cities that emphasize their past, Casablanca looks toward the future — and it is precisely in this blend of tradition and modernity that its unique appeal lies.

The city is a symbol of modern Morocco: wide avenues, contemporary neighborhoods, business centers, and colonial-era urban architecture, especially in the Art Deco style, all testify to its history as well as its ambitions. Yet Casablanca has not lost its Moroccan identity — it can be felt in the rhythm of its streets, markets, cafés, and the aromas of traditional cuisine. Its most famous landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive in the world, with a 210-meter tall minaret. It is an architectural marvel that blends Islamic art with modern technology. The old medina, smaller and quieter than those in other cities, offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life — from artisan workshops to local markets. There is also the Corniche, a seaside promenade in the Ain Diab district, filled with restaurants, cafés, and clubs, ideal for seaside strolls and enjoying the sunset views.

The city is also famous for its name, which evokes iconic film scenes — although the movie Casablanca was not filmed here, the spirit of romance and nostalgia remains alive in legendary places like "Rick’s Café," inspired by the film.

Casablanca is a city that reveals the face of contemporary Morocco — ambitious, bustling, yet deeply rooted in its culture and tradition. It is a meeting place of old and new, where the Mediterranean and Africa intertwine in a unique urban story.

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history spanning over 2,800 years. The city was founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC, and was later ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, each leaving behind a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Some of the most notable landmarks are the Roman Theatre, the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, which offers a stunning view over Malaga and the coast, and numerous museums. The most notable ones include the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the La Manquita Cathedral.

The city is also known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and is home to La Concepción, one of the most significant botanical gardens in Europe and the modern Muelle Uno promenade.

Malaga offers beautiful beaches, such as Playa de la Malagueta, close to the city center, and Playa del Palo, as well as a rich gastronomic scene focused on fresh local ingredients. Specialties include espeto (grilled sardines), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), a wide variety of tapas, and sweet wines like Moscatel. The Atarazanas Market is the perfect place to sample local food and buy souvenirs.

     The city of Leixões has the most active port in northern Portugal. This has given Leixões an importance that is not reflected in the history books, which concentrated instead on Lisbon, Porto, and Vitoria and ship departures to the New World and East Indies colonies. Situated nine kilometres from the centre of Porto, Leixões is to Porto what Piraeus is to Athens.
     The port of Leixões was created in the last century and is almost completely manmade. It was originally developed as a loading point for locally produced wine being exported to international markets. Leixões and the city of Matosinhos were designed with the purpose of easing marine traffic to northern Portugal. Originally completed in 1890, the port was widened in 1930 and modernised in 1970 with the creation of new terminals for fruit products and containers. It is presently renowned for silo transportation.
     In recent years, Leixões's passenger traffic has increased, mainly due to its proximity to Porto, a city with significant cultural and historical appeal.