A Grand Journey Across the Atlantic to Brazil’s Radiant Shores

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.

Enjoy the epitome of Spanish charm. Slowly discover Andalusian riches to reveal Picasso’s birthplace, the Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba and the Ronda valley. Explore ancient heritage sites, dance the flamenco, dare to hike the Caminito del Rey trail and delve into white villages sprinkled amongst mango groves and avocado orchards. Sip cocktails by day and sangria by night. And as you watch the sun slip down, reflect upon this gateway of delights.

Drop a sun-kissed Spanish city onto an island off the coast of North Africa, add a sprinkle of tropical charm and place an active volcano on the doorstep and you have Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Feast on tantalising tapas before exploring neighbouring San Cristóbal de la Laguna’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, whose ancient doorways conceal exquisitely tiled courtyards and hand-carved balconies overlooking resplendent churches. Beyond, Tenerife is dotted with half-moon bays, immaculate golf courses, vineyard-covered hillsides, labyrinthine lava tunnels and sheer basalt cliffs: a primordial landscape sculpted by the fury of mighty Mount Teide.

Artist César Manrique put little Arrecife on the map. Explore his eclectic works in underground caverns, fabulous murals and his former home in nearby Tahíche, or sate your artistic appetite in contemporary gallery MIAC and the surreal underwater world of sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. The spectral landscape of Timanfaya, once a seething sea of lava shattered by volcanic eruptions, is ripe for 4×4 exploration, while the year-round waves of Playa de Famara invite beginners and pros alike to grab a surfboard and take the plunge.

Colours explode around you, the sun sparkles and the people — all sexy. Set on a pretty peninsula, stunning beaches surround Brazil’s first capital. African slaves were brought here to build it into one of the most opulent cities in the New World. Colonial Pelourinho, a UNESCO heritage site, commemorates this history. Its cobblestone streets wind past brightly coloured buildings, squares filled with musicians and dancers. One of the world’s biggest carnivals raves in February. Indulge in fantastic food, Moqueca and caipirinha cocktails, samba and capoeira in the pulsing epicentre of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Breeze into Buzios like French starlet Brigitte Bardot did in 1964 and discover a honeypot of cinematic beaches and a sea of sensual overload. Snorkel in a dreamy dance amongst coral coves. Reel-and-release mighty game fish or board a speedboat for off-shore sunning with Brazilian cocktails. Shop with the well-heeled along Rua das Pedras avenue; saunter with the locals down Orla Bardot boardwalk; or sauté a bounty of Buzios delicacies with a convivial Master Chef. God bless, indeed.

‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, the Marvellous City, Rio constantly finds ways to surprise – whether it’s the tropical rainforest within, Tijuca National Park, the soul-stirring views from towering Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf Mountain. Marvel at the unique “favela” neighbourhoods that are precariously stacked up-and-down hillsides or the spectacular, modernist Niemeyer-designed architecture. Home to legendary Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the mind-blowing spectacle of Rio Carnival in February, the entire city seems to sway to the infectious rhythms of samba. An astonishing depth of discovery few cities in the world offer.