FROM NEW YORK TO NASSAU (BAHAMAS)

The Big Apple, on the East Coast of North America, is the most populous city in the United States, with over eight million inhabitants. World-famous landmarks and towering skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center characterise the Manhattan skyline, while Central Park offers a green oasis and plenty of space for recreation. The city that never sleeps also boasts a vibrant cultural scene: around 1,500 art galleries, approximately 100 museums, countless theatres and more than 23,000 restaurants make New York one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world.

Philadelphia, America’s “cradle of the nation”, uniquely combines great history and the present day. Independence Hall was once the site where independence was declared, and the famous Liberty Bell still reminds us of the spirit of freedom today. But Philadelphia offers more than just its long history: Mural Arts Philadelphia is the largest public art programme in the country, transforming the streets into an open-air gallery with over 4,000 murals. Philadelphia delights visitors with its vibrant cultural scene and culinary offers ranging from street food to fine dining. A real highlight is the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest covered markets in the United States.

Baltimore is a venerable city, considered the birthplace of the American national anthem and home port of historic sailing ships such as the USS Constellation. Today, the city surprises visitors with a lively arts scene, culinary diversity and a relaxed atmosphere on the waterfront. Its modern heart beats in the Inner Harbor, where museums, boutiques, cafes and the renowned National Aquarium make it a popular meeting place Art lovers will find an exceptional collection ranging from Matisse to contemporary works at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Baltimore has a charm all its own, and the smell of fresh seafood beckons you to the city’s numerous restaurants – be sure to try the famous crab cakes.

Charleston/South Carolina/USA, arrival 19.00 hrs

Once an important trading port, Charleston still exudes history at every turn – whether visiting Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, or the mysterious Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, one of the best-preserved historic buildings with interrogation rooms and narrow dungeons in the basement. Strolling through the old town, you’ll be enchanted by the lovingly preserved houses with their typical southern architecture, large verandas and colourful facades. There is no shortage of culinary delights here either: in addition to excellent restaurants, you can discover the local art scene in the galleries around King Street and Broad Street.

Florida’s largest city, Jacksonville, offers the perfect combination of a relaxing beach holiday and urban flair. The long stretches of coastline, including the popular Jacksonville Beach, are ideal for sunbathing, surfing and water sports. Nature lovers can unwind in the extensive Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and the large Jacksonville Zoo. The lively Riverside and Avondale District are right on trend: hip cafes, pretty boutiques and small galleries invite you to linger, discover and enjoy against a historic backdrop.

Port Canaveral delights visitors with the fascinating Kennedy Space Centre, which offers exciting insights into the history of space travel. Just a few minutes away, the fine sandy beaches of Cocoa Beach invite you to relax and enjoy water sports. Disney World is also within easy reach and is sure to delight children and adults alike. Along the waterfront promenade of Port Canaveral, you can enjoy the special atmosphere in cosy restaurants and bars and let the day come to a relaxing end.

West Palm Beach enchants visitors with its blend of historic elegance and modern flair. Between sparkling skyscrapers and green parks, a harmonious backdrop unfolds, connecting the city and nature. The city centre proudly presents pastel-coloured art deco buildings and palm-lined boulevards that invite you to stroll. The cosy streets of Old West Palm smell of fresh coffee, while small boutiques tempt you to browse. The best way to enjoy the Florida lifestyle is in the many charming street cafes – for a day full of unforgettable impressions.

Despite its small size, North Bimini offers plenty of adventure: while everyday life in the beach bars of Alice Town is relaxed, the bright-blue lagoons invite you to snorkel or dive around sunken shipwrecks. Sun worshippers and anglers will also find their island paradise on the dream beaches under palm trees or enjoy Bahamian seafood fresh from the ocean. Fancy some culture? Then the exhibitions at the Bimini Museum are well worth a visit. But the most beautiful pictures are painted by nature: a sunset against the endless blue horizon is unforgettable.

West Grand Bahama, a jewel of the Bahamas archipelago, remains largely untouched by tourist crowds and captivates visitors with its endless white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water and unspoilt nature. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to switch off and unwind – whether snorkelling, diving or kayaking. You can discover a diverse range of wildlife in the tropical forests: bird species such as herons, pelicans and the rare West Indian flamingo are at home in the shelter of the mangroves of Lucayan National Park.