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Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’ overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighbourhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Madeira is described as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” Entirely volcanic in origin, the soil combines with the mild climate to produce an abundance of green as well as multicoloured vegetation. The rugged landscape, scenic fishing villages, magnificent vistas and ideal climate bring the island fame as a year-round resort. Before leaving this panoramic Atlantic Isle, be sure to sample a glass of the famous Madeira wine.

Tenerife’s privileged setting allows you to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas; admire the enchanting Orchid Gardens, founded in 1774 as a historic English garden, or visit the Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Discover exotic Arrecife with its modern, yet relaxed attitude rising pristine and white against a barren volcanic landscape along a turquoise bay. Visit Timanfaya National Park and marvel at the twisted lava formations and caves. Explore El Charco de San Gines, a salt-water lagoon filled with colourful fishing boats, surrounded by the white and blue homes of the fishermen. Visit the International Museum of Modern Art housed in the Castle of San Jose, and the Archaeological Museum in the Castle San Gabriel. Meander along Calle Leon y Castilla for exceptional souvenirs and shopping. Look for hand-embroidered linens, African carvings, the local Guanches pottery, duty-free perfume and liquor. Enjoy tapas and a fine glass of wine at one of the seaside cafés in a land of sunshine and siestas.

Located along North Africa’s Atlantic coastline in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, Agadir was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1961 demolished most of the historic Portuguese, Arab and French colonial structures. Modern Agadir is a posh, upscale resort offering delicious sun-drenched days and activities from tennis, horseback riding and golf to stretching out on a golden sand beach. Visitors looking for a memento can bargain in the colourful souks. Dining options range from traditional Moroccan dishes to French and International cuisine. Excursions can take you to ageless Berber villages, or you can indulge the senses in the scenic Souss Valley and the High Atlas.

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and industrial centre. Its renaissance came with the French protectorate under its first resident general, Lyautey. It was largely his ideas on public works and the layout of the new city which gave Casablanca its wide boulevards, public parks and fountains, and imposing Moresque civic buildings.

Explore the Mendoubia Gardens which contain a fascinating banyan tree that is more than 800 years old. The Caves of Hercules are 9 miles west of Tangier in the Cap Spartel area; it is a place of great beauty and archaeological significance.

Situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region’s capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is also renowned as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose works can be seen in the fairly new Museo Picasso housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. And connoisseurs can imbibe in the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. This is a pleasant town to explore and also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra, located inland at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.