16 Night Spain & Bahamas Transatlantic

Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetising flavours, white-sand beaches and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven – and you can explore its colourful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins or spot colourful coral on a glass-bottomed boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at the famous Atlantis and splash your way through its expansive water park, grab a piña colada at the Marina Village and spot the hammerhead sharks in Predator Lagoon.

As the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, the energetic city of Seville stands tall at the banks of the Guadalquivir River. And like its rich flamenco legacy, this well-preserved city performs an elaborate dance between Moorish history and youth-infused street culture. A jovial spirit and intoxicating personality flow freely throughout its narrow streets, from Old Town’s palaces to the tapas bars of Santa Cruz. Admire the lavish stylings of Plaza de España from a painted ceramic bench, or stroll through Maria Luisa Park’s serene greenery. Stand in Spain’s oldest bullring at the Bullfighting Museum – or breathe in citywide views from the top of Torre del Oro.

The hub of Spain's southern Costa del Sol, Málaga is the picture of paradise. Scale the hilltop to dramatic La Alcazaba, the sandy-colored Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century that overlooks this ancient seaside city. Sun yourself on the idyllic beaches of Caleta and Malagueta, taking in views of the mountains across the bay. See the eccentric works of modernist master Pablo Picasso, the city's most famous native son, at the Picasso Museum. Cruise to Málaga and immerse yourself in baroque and renaissance architecture at Málaga Cathedral, with its elaborate arches and stone reliefs depicting the saints, or turn the clock back to the first century AD at the ruins of the Roman Theatre.

Cartagena greets you with its ancient Mediterranean port on Spain's southeastern coast. Originally governed by the Carthaginians and subsequently by the Romans, Arabs and Castilians, this pedestrian-friendly city is a history buff's dream port. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre and the attached museum, where you'll find an ancient altar to Jupiter and a statue of Apollo. Then, check out the late 19th-century modernist architecture of Cartagena's historic centre. Cruises to Cartagena, Spain allow you to stroll down blue-marble-tiled pedestrian-only Calle Mayor. Or take the 30-minute drive to the Batteria de Castillitos, a medieval-style fortress situated among the picturesque mountain landscape.

Situated on the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Spain's eastern shore, the lively city of Alicante is rich in Moorish and Spanish history. It's perched at the base of the ancient fortress Castillo de Santa Barbara, where you can climb or take an elevator to explore the castle during your Spain cruise. Wander through the narrow lanes and colourful houses of the Old Town, then head towards the seafront on the Explanada de Espana, a marble-laid promenade. Relax on the golden sand of Playa del Postiguet beach. A few streets over, at the foot of Mount Benacantil, you'll find the Basilica de Santa Maria with its distinctive twin towers — Alicante's oldest church, it was built in the 13th century when the Spanish reclaimed the city from the Moors.