Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.

Madeira is a lush, colorful island of dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains and sunny beaches. In Funchal, the laid-back capital, cobblestone old-town streets, painted doors, whitewashed buildings and iron balconies echo Lisbon. Taste Madeira wine, see Corpo Santo Chapel, and enjoy Parque de Santa Catarina, Madeira Botanical Garden, Palheiro Garden, and the views from Cap Girão, where cliffs drop to the blue sea.

Madeira is a lush, colorful island of dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains and sunny beaches. In Funchal, the laid-back capital, cobblestone old-town streets, painted doors, whitewashed buildings and iron balconies echo Lisbon. Taste Madeira wine, see Corpo Santo Chapel, and enjoy Parque de Santa Catarina, Madeira Botanical Garden, Palheiro Garden, and the views from Cap Girão, where cliffs drop to the blue sea.

Tangier, on Morocco's north coast by the Strait of Gibraltar, is a lively blend of cultures and a historic Phoenician trading town. Explore the bustling Medina, where hawkers, spices, dried fruit, and fabrics fill the narrow alleys; try fresh orange juice or mint tea. Nearby are the Caves of Hercules, and inland the Rif Mountains lead to blue-washed Chefchaouen, a stunning hillside town.

Malaga, on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol, blends beaches, history, and art. Visit La Malagueta beach, the old town, Moorish Alcazaba fortress, and the cathedral known as La Manquita. See the Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre, plus street art in Soho. Nearby, explore Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's La Mezquita, and Seville's cathedral for Andalucía's Moorish Golden Triangle.

Gibraltar is a unique British outpost on Spain's southern tip: a historic peninsula crowned by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. It mixes red phone boxes, Union Jacks, fish and chips, and sunny Mediterranean views. From one moment you can see Africa across the strait; the next, cross the airport runway. The 400m Rock can be hiked or reached by cable car to see Barbary macaques, the Siege Tunnels, caves, and the Moorish castle. In town, Grand Casemates Square offers a lively, sunlit historic center.

Cádiz, Western Europe's oldest city, holds 3,000 years of history in cobbled streets and shaded plazas. Founded by Phoenicians c.1100 BC and later used by Columbus, it grew rich from New World trade. See the cathedral, with its twin towers, and Torre Tavira, the city's best watchtower. Relax on Playa Victoria, cross the modern Constitución de 1812 bridge, and sample tapas at the lively central market.

Porto is a steep, atmospheric Portuguese city of cobbled streets, stacked buildings, azulejo tiles, and strong wine culture. Explore historic Ribeira on the Douro, wander alleys lined with cafes, try pastel de nata, cross the Ponte de Dom Luis I, and visit Porto Cathedral for views and cloisters. Eat Francesinha or bacalhau, then head to the Douro Valley for vineyards and local wines.

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.

Madeira is a lush, colorful island of dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains and sunny beaches. In Funchal, the laid-back capital, cobblestone old-town streets, painted doors, whitewashed buildings and iron balconies echo Lisbon. Taste Madeira wine, see Corpo Santo Chapel, and enjoy Parque de Santa Catarina, Madeira Botanical Garden, Palheiro Garden, and the views from Cap Girão, where cliffs drop to the blue sea.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain's ninth-largest city, offers urban beaches, lively tapas bars, and a mild climate. Las Canteras, protected by a lava barrier, is one of the Canaries' calmest beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on soft sand. In old Vegueta, cobbled 15th-century streets, colonial houses, and the Columbus museum evoke the past. Nearby, the volcanic Caldera de Bandama, whitewashed fishing villages, gardens, and vineyards showcase the island's diverse landscapes.

Join Silversea Cruises on an exciting journey which includes more than one surprise! Explore Santa Cruz de la Palma and unravel the mystery of the Canary Islands.

Though smaller, quieter, and less attractive than Las Palmas, Santa Cruz has elegant monuments. Since La Laguna was the island's capital until 1837, few city-center buildings are older than that. At busy Plaza de España, pedestrian streets lead north and west of the port to the striking auditorium and maritime park. A highlight is the ramblas, steep tree-lined boulevards running from the north end of the city to the sea.

Cape Verde, 300 miles off West Africa, has ten islands and five islets, mostly volcanic, divided into windward and leeward groups. Colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, they first settled Santiago and founded Cidade Velha, a center of the slave trade. Praia, on Santiago, is the capital; Mindelo is the prettiest town and has the deep-water port Porto Grande. Official language: Portuguese; national language: Crioulo.

Bridgetown, Barbados' UNESCO-listed capital, blends colonial history, rich culture, and white-sand beauty. At The Careenage, pastel buildings overlook the Constitution River, with a plaque marking the city's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Nearby Carlisle Bay offers turquoise water, soft sand, and shipwreck dives with turtles and tropical fish. Explore street food, Broad Street shopping, rum bars on Roebuck Street, and Nidhe Israel Synagogue and museum.