Costa Diadema: SSZ - MCZ - SSZ05A0D

     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.