Itinerary
Day 1 : Barcelona/SPAIN
Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.
Day 2 : At Sea
Day 3 : Seville/SPAIN
Founded by Phoenicians in 1100 B.C., Cádiz may be the oldest continuously occupied city in the West. The Cathedral's gold dome dates from 1722, when New World treasures flowed here. But is also the gateway to the Moorish marvels of Seville: the Alcazar and Giralda Tower, the fountains and palaces of Maria Luisa Park, and the great Cathedral, whose altar is decorated with 4,000 pounds of gold from the Americas!
Day 4 : Casablanca/MOROCCO
The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.
Day 5 : Agadir/MOROCCO
Across the river from the gleaming new town of Agadir is ancient Taroudant, where you can meander within old city walls and see merchants selling handicrafts, fashioned by centuries-old methods. Follow caravan trails south along the coast; a view of Berber life awaits in the pink-walled town of Tiznit.
Day 6 : Arrecife
At the northeastern tip of the Canaries, Lanzarote offers some of the most unusual scenery to be found, with its unique "lunar" landscape of the Timanfaya National Park. Wander in the well-preserved colonial town of Tequise, the island's former capital, or visit the unusual house of the island's famed artist, the late Cesar Manrique, who designed it as part of the volcanic landscape.
Day 7 : At Sea
Day 8 : At Sea
Day 9 : At Sea
Day 10 : At Sea
Day 11 : Dakar/SENEGAL
The capital of Senegal on the tip of Western Africa is a modern town with a charming colonial center known for its handicrafts, textiles, silver-work and beaches. Watch the local fishermen or take a trip to see the beautiful African hinterland.
Day 12 : Banjul/GAMBIA
Day 13 : At Sea
Day 14 : At Sea
Day 15 : Abidjan/IVORY COAST
Day 16 : Takoradi/GHANA
Day 17 : Lome/TOGO
Day 18 : At Sea
Day 19 : Sao Tome/SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
Day 20 : At Sea
Day 21 : At Sea
Day 22 : At Sea
Day 23 : Walvis Bay/NAMIBIA
Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.
Day 24 : At Sea
Day 25 : 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 26 : 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 27 : Mossel Bay/S. AFRICA
Day 28 : At Sea
Day 29 : Richards Bay/S. AFRICA
In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 30 : Maputo/MOZAMBIQUE
Day 31 : At Sea
Day 32 : At Sea
Day 33 : At Sea
Day 34 : 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 35 : At Sea
Day 36 : 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 37 : 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 38 : At Sea
Day 39 : At Sea
Day 40 : At Sea
Day 41 : At Sea
Day 42 : 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 43 : Fujairah
Because it's unique location offers free access to the major shipping routes of the world, making it the pick of ports for entrepreneurs around the world, Fujairah is known as the jewel of the Middle East. Its government's liberalized procedures and firm infrastructure provides excellent support for entrepreneurs to build, grow and diversify. The land of Fujairah is endowed with remarkable beauty. The beaches are sun-kissed, the mountain ranges are majestic, and the convivial weather conditions present Fujairah as an exotic land, ripe for discovery by tourists and businesspersons alike.
Day 44 : 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 45 : Doha/QATAR
Day 46 : Doha/QATAR
Day 47 : 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 48 : Khasab/OMAN
Day 49 : At Sea
Day 50 : At Sea
Day 51 : Mumbai/INDIA
Few cities evoke such a wealth of sensations as Bombay. Entering the city under the Gateway of India, which commemorates the visit of King George and Queen Mary in 1911, the sounds and aromas are exotic and the level of activity from the bazaars to the street vendors is non-stop. Remnants of British rule along oceanfront Marine Drive stand alongside the thought-provoking former home of Mahatma Gandhi, and the cave temple at Elephanta with its second-century Hindu gods. Bombay also serves as the gateway for land tours to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, and Delhi, the historical center of India.
Day 52 : Mormugao/INDIA
Day 53 : New Mangalore/INDIA
Day 54 : Cochin/INDIA
The lush Kerala region is the proverbial land of incense and myrrh, from which the world has sought its exotic spices since ancient times. The aromas of ginger, cloves, cardamom, cumin and other key ingredients of Indian curries fill the air. Not far from Mattancheri Palace, with its mythological murals, is a Jewish colony dating back to 1000 A.D. Don't miss the 16th century synagogue with hand-painted floor tiles from China. A visit to the St. Francis church reveals the tomb of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Guests may also tour the "Mattancheri" or Dutch Palace, which houses some of India's finest Hindu frescoes and ceremonial costumes.
Day 55 : 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 56 : At Sea
Day 57 : At Sea
Day 58 : At Sea
Day 59 : At Sea
Day 60 : 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 61 : 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 62 : Langkawi/MALAYSIA
Day 63 : 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 64 : 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 65 : 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 66 : At Sea
Day 67 : 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 68 : At Sea
Day 69 : Semarang/INDONESIA
From Semarang, travel through the lush jungles of Java to the astounding temples of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument on earth built in the 8th century. Here view a complex of dramatic carved towers that were forgotten for almost 800 years! Topped by graceful stupas, the winding pathways display carved panels depicting the life of Buddha.
Day 70 : Surabaya/INDONESIA
One of the last traditional Indonesian cities that evokes old colonial Asia, Surabaya remains delightfully untouristed and little changed from the thirties. You'll discover old neighborhoods of typical Dutch colonial homes, while in Islamic enclaves throughout the city, men in fez-like hats gather around mosques with minarets. Visit the Surabaya Zoo exhibiting a family of Komodo dragons. Or travel across the narrow straits from Java to the island of Madura and a bygone way of life, where a centuries-old style of bull racing still continues to be used as a method of breeding selection for the island's important cattle industry.
Day 71 : 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 72 : 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 73 : At Sea
Day 74 : At Sea
Day 75 : 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 76 : At Sea
Day 77 : At Sea
Day 78 : Cooktown
During his travels in the Pacific, Captain Cook "discovered" this oldest part of Queensland over 200 years ago. Cooktown was once the destination for the ambitious miners who joined the gold rush of the 1870s. Today, one can get a glimpse into the area's historic past by visiting the museum and wandering around this quaint town. Adverture-seekers will enjoy a crocodile river cruise and a chance to explore the real "wild west" of the Australian outback.
Day 79 : 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 80 : Townsville
Day 81 : Airlie Beach
Day 82 : At Sea
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Day 83 : Brisbane
Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander in the lush Botanical Gardens, shop in the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafes and restaurants along the banks of the Brisbane River.
Day 84 : At Sea
Day 85 : 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.