Day 1 : Doha/QATAR

Day 2 : Abu Dhabi/UAE

Before the 1960s, Abu Dhabi was only a bleak fishing and pearling village. Now everything is modern, sleek and shiny and makes up 85% of the total area of the UAE. It has become the richest and most politically important of the UAE's seven emirates. It is a big city for doing business and considered safe and secure for foreigners as long as you avoid demonstrations and political gatherings. It has been accused of being a soulless place, but to be honest it does have its attractions. Some key attractions are the Al-Hosn Palace used by the Cultural Foundation, the beautiful Capital Garden of the Corniche, and the Women's Craft Centre where you will be able to shop for some very detailed souvenirs.

Day 3 : Dubai/UAE

Despite the primeval desert that surrounds it, spirited Dubai has spent its oil income on modern architecture based on soaring Islamic spires. Explore the souk bazaars for gold and silks, Persian and Afghani rugs and more. And be sure to visit the Juneira Mosque.

Day 4 : Muscat/OMAN

The town has changed in recent times, but a glimpse of Muscat's past shows in the old houses lining the Mutrah corniche above the harbor, and in the traditional market souks. See the Sultan's Palace, the National Museum and perhaps indulge in Amonage or Ubar perfumes produced here-the world's most expensive.

Day 5 : At Sea

Day 6 : At Sea

Day 7 : At Sea

Day 8 : Port Victoria/SEYCHELLES

Day 9 : La Digue/SEYCHELLES

Day 10 : At Sea

Day 11 : At Sea

Day 12 : Mombasa/KENYA

East Africa's history is on view in Mombasa. The old Dhow Harbor was a center of trade among the old Swahili towns of the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese Fort Jesus looms above, surveying Old Town's Arab-style craft bazaars. Herds of elephant, giraffe and other game are to be found just inland, in game reserves like Taita Hills and Shimba Hills.

Day 13 :

For many centuries, traders from Europe, India, the Orient and Arabia were lured to these shores. It was from here that explorer David Livingstone set off on his last expedition into the heart of the continent. Today, as you walk along the winding streets of the old Stone Town, lined with whitewashed coral rag houses, you can see reminders of this rich history all around you. Visit the Palace museum, former residence of the Omani Sultans, and the cathedral that now stands on the site of the notorious slave market.

Day 14 : At Sea

Day 15 : 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 16 : At Sea

Day 17 : Pointe Des Galets

Day 18 : Port Louis/MAURITIUS