Itinerary
Day 1 : Tahiti/FR. POLYNESIA
The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.
Day 2 : Huahine/FR. POLYNESIA
Less visited than the other Society Islands, Huahine maintains more of the traditional pace of life. There are ancient fares (temples) to explore, vanilla plantations to view or drives into the hinterlands in 4-wheel-drive-vans. The coral reefs offshore are excellent for snorkeling.
Day 3 : Bora Bora/FR. POLYNESIA
James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.
Day 4 : At Sea
Day 5 : At Sea
Day 6 : Pago Pago/AM. SAMOA
Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, a verdant chain of seven South Pacific isles 2600 miles south of Hawaii. Populated for over 2,500 years, many experts believe this is the birthplace of Polynesian culture. The people of American Samoa are gracious and hospitable and value their traditional ways. You'll witness village life first-hand as you tour this lush, mountainous island.
Day 7 : At Sea
Day 8 : Apia/W. SAMOA
After years of wandering the south seas, Robert Louis Stevenson chose this paradise as his home. If you like, visit his house and Aggie Grey's hotel. After touring the island, you'll come to understand why the Reverend John Williams, the first European to visit Apia, dubbed Samoa the "Friendly Islands."
Day 9 : At Sea
Day 10 : Suva/FIJI
Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.
Day 11 : Lautoka/FIJI
...Lautoka has countless natural treasures and unmolested habitats that are simply glorious... Sugar is the official crop of Lautoka, and September is the best time of the year to visit, as the entire town celebrates the enchanting Sugar Festival...
Day 12 : At Sea
Day 13 : Port Vila/VANUATU
Right on the south coast of the Efate Island is the capital city of Vanuatu. Port Vila holds the status of being the nation's center for economic and commercial wise. This town possesses this country's vital harbor and airport. The Bauerfield International Airport is located in Port Vila. This airport assists as the center for Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu's international airline.
Port Vila takes pride in their Cultural Centre that consists of collections of the most comprising artifacts in the South Pacific. This beautiful city also contains European-style restaurants and cafes, which is also a hot shot for visitors as well as locals. Port Villa is also the core for the upcoming diving scene, sparkling beaches, and resorts situated around the city, all less than 1 hr away.
Our visitors are known to spend their afternoons relaxing swim, snorkeling, and scuba diving or finishing in our well known sparkling waters. The activities that this city includes are virtually endless. One of the nightly activities consist of the most courageous adventures of our visitors gather for a shell of kava, South Pacific drink, variety of mind blowing forms of alcohol, and the natives all time favorites.
Day 14 : At Sea
Day 15 : Noumea/NEW CALEDONIA
A French owned country.
Day 16 : At Sea
Day 17 : At Sea
Day 18 : At Sea
Day 19 : Auckland
New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.
Day 20 : Auckland
New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.
Day 21 : Bay Of Islands
Day 22 : At Sea
Day 23 : At Sea
Day 24 : Sydney
Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.
Day 25 : At Sea
Day 26 : At Sea
Day 27 : Townsville
Day 28 : Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.
Day 29 : At Sea
Day 30 : Thursday Isl.
Day 31 : At Sea
Day 32 : Darwin
Named after evolutionist Charles Darwin, this tropical city on the top end of Australia is a former frontier town with a rough-and-tumble past. Darwin's growth was achieved back in 1871 with the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, and today a number of historic buildings from that era remain. Darwin is also the center of the aboriginal community, the world's oldest culture. From here, you can visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned not only for its Australian wildlife but Aboriginal rock art.
Day 33 : At Sea
Day 34 : At Sea
Day 35 : At Sea
Day 36 : Benoa/denpasar/INDONESIA
Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is famous for its shimmering beauty and fascinating culture. Hundreds of Hindu temples, towering mountains and verdant rice terraces form a spectacular backdrop to the charm of the Balinese people. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who
Day 37 : Benoa/denpasar/INDONESIA
Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is famous for its shimmering beauty and fascinating culture. Hundreds of Hindu temples, towering mountains and verdant rice terraces form a spectacular backdrop to the charm of the Balinese people. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who
Day 38 : At Sea
Day 39 : Jakarta/INDONESIA
The Dutch colonial influence is still found in the harbor area of Indonesia's capital. But Jakarta's present-day personality is formed by the millions of Indonesians from distant islands who have sought big-city life, creating a third-world metropolis. You can experience their varied cultures at Taman Mini, "Indonesia in Miniature," a fascinating open-air parkland where tribal houses are built to scale. Then journey back to ancient times at the National Museum, which houses the skull of primitive Java Man.
Day 40 : At Sea
Day 41 : Singapore
One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.
Day 42 : Singapore
One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.
Day 43 : At Sea
Day 44 : Kuala Lumpur/MALAYSIA
Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.
Day 45 : Kuala Lumpur/MALAYSIA
Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.
Day 46 : George Town/MALAYSIA
The swirl of Batik in eastern bazaars, the cascade of waterfalls in the Botanical Gardens, jungle-clad hills ringed by golden beaches, these are the images you will take from Penang. This lovely resort island and its bustling capital of Georgetown are the picture of Malaysian diversity. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Kek Lok Si, one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. See the ornate Khoo Kongsi, and old Chinese clan house; and an 18th century British fortress. Enjoy the Chinese embroidery and Malay daggers in the Penang Museum, or marvel at the Penang Bridge (third longest in the world).
Day 47 : Langkawi/MALAYSIA
Day 48 : Phuket/THAILAND
Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.
Day 49 : Phuket/THAILAND
Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.
Day 50 : At Sea
Day 51 : At Sea
Day 52 : At Sea
Day 53 : Colombo/SRI LANKA
Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.
Day 54 : Colombo/SRI LANKA
Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.
Day 55 : Kochi/INDIA
Day 56 : New Mangalore/INDIA
Day 57 : Goa/INDIA
A fascinating blend of India and the West, the mythical kingdom of Goa was conquered in 1510 by the Portuguese, who held it until it joined India in 1962. The Portuguese influence is still clear in the names and Christian faith of the locals, and in Renaissance monuments like the Cathedral, the Basilica Bom Jesu, and the convent of St. Francis, a converted mosque.
Day 58 : At Sea
Day 59 : Male/MALDIVES
The Maldives are the vision of a castaway paradise with a garland of 2,000 coral atolls crowned with coco palms floating in the Indian Ocean. Their houses are built from blocks cut from the surrounding coral. Taste the golden coconut candy that is their passion, snorkel in the clear waters, see an astounding variety of fish, or soar by helicopter to a nearby isle.
Day 60 : At Sea
Day 61 : At Sea
Day 62 : At Sea
Day 63 :
One of the most beautiful of the Seychelles islands, Praslin has a coastline of granite bluffs, carved by wave erosion into fluted columns and fantastic forms like abstract sculpture. In the national park, visit a grove of huge, ancient Coco-de-Mer palms, found nowhere else on earth. A single frond can roof an entire house.
Day 63 : Mahe/SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.
Day 64 : Mahe/SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.
Day 65 : At Sea
Day 66 : Nosy Be/MADAGASCAR
Nosy Be, the largest island off Madagascar is known as "the perfumed isle" for its profusion of ylang-ylang, patchouli, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and saffron. It is also a holiday resort with a colonial French atmosphere. Here you will have the chance of visiting Nosy Komba, set aside to protect the small, endearing primates known as lemurs, which are indigenous here.
Day 67 : Mamoudzou/FRANCE
Day 68 : At Sea
Day 69 : At Sea
Day 70 : Maputo/MOZAMBIQUE
Day 71 : Richards Bay/S. AFRICA
In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 72 : Richards Bay/S. AFRICA
In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 73 : Durban/S. AFRICA
African and Oriental cultures merge harmoniously in the cosmopolitan city of Durban. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban's Marine Parade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the Oriental Arcades. In addition to golden beaches, Durban offers a fascinating history. It is also gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus. A visit to Shakaland is an experience of tribal customs.
Day 74 : At Sea
Day 75 : Mossel Bay/S. AFRICA
Day 76 : Cape Town/S. AFRICA
One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.
Day 77 : Cape Town/S. AFRICA
One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.