24-Day Iberia & Canary Islands GrandAdventure

Those who saw action in France during World War II will remember that Cherbourg was the primary supply port for the Allies during the Normandy invasion. Its first incarnation as a naval base was under Napoleon. Today, the largest port of the Cotentin Peninsula is gateway to ne of the most photographed sights in France-lofty Mont St-Michel. Begun by Bishop Aubert of Avranches in 708, the slender steeple piercing the firmament is a powerful statement of Norman/Romanesque
religious fervor. Around it, the immense Monastery and Cloisters buttress the Church in massive walls of stone reaching all the way down to the sea. Surrounded by treachous quiksands and a 50-foot tide, it must have been quite an adventure to reach the Mont in the days before the causeway!

Fort Lauderdale, (lô´der-dâl´) city (1990 pop. 148,377), seat of Broward Co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; settled around a fort built (c.1837) in the Seminole War, inc. 1911. The city has more than 270 mi (435 km) of natural and artificial waterways and one of the largest marinas in the world. A major beach resort, it has a performing arts center and art and science museums. Products include electronic devices, boats and yachts, and various light manufactures.

There is no other place with such a variety of scenery – deserts, mountains, lush tropical vegetation, and valleys filled with thousands of banana trees. Agriculture here offers everything: lime trees, vine-yards, coffee plantations, sugar cane, almond, tomato and banana crops,as well as, pine and palm forests.

Portugal is for explorers. Its valiant seamen first charted the Azores, discovered Japan, and unlocked the major sea routes the world over. Now you can share the anticipation they must have felt as you explore this exciting city.

You’ll discover an 8th-century Moorish castle, quaint cafes and a palm-studded coastline. The Alfama district is a maze of narrow, twisting streets, whitewashed houses, flowered balconies, archways, terraces and courtyards that charm your socks off. (And if you can find your way out of this dizzying array, 20th-century Lisbon is just as intoxicating.)

Of course, if you’d rather play by the sea, the Portuguese Riviera lies just outside town, offering something for everyone, from sun, sand and surf to thrilling casinos. Lisbon is a vast garden abounding with flowers and tropical plants. The city’s appeal lies in the magnificent vistas from its many belvederes and in the tree-lined avenues and squares decorated with mosaic pavements.

Madeira is an island of unbelievable beauty set in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about a one and one half hour flight from Lisbon. As it lies parallel to the coast of Africa, it has gentle weather — a moderated climate all year round. Perfect for golf. Mountains drop abruptly into the sea and surround small fishing villages at their base. Just west of Funchal, the capital city, lies Cabo Girao, the second highest cliff in the world. Discovered in 1420 under the sail of two officers of Henry The Navigator, Madeira has been a port of call for many ships over the centuries. The island is volcanic in origin, and the flowers that have been brought here have multiplied greatly over the centuries. The spectacular Blandy Gardens, northwest of Funchal and the neighboring property to Palheiro Golf and Casa Velha do Palheiro is a tribute to this flora.

After a round of golf at either of Madeira’s championship golf courses, Santo de Serra or Palheiro Golf, you can enjoy a glass of famous Madeira wine. Perhaps a visit to Camara de Lobos (Winston Churchill’s favourite place), a little fishing village at the base of Cabo Girao. How about a trip to Porto Moniz at the far northwest end of the island where you can soak in the natural pools. Funchal is the capital of Madeira. Ancient streets, beautiful churches, great shopping and many great restaurants dot the city.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife boasts a rich variety of scenery and attractions, from lively resorts and volcanic beachs in the south to the lush interior of the Orotava Valley and the stunning lunar landscapes of El Teide National Park, dominated by 12,000 ft. snow-capped Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. The historic capital, Santa Cruz, is in the north.