Itinerary
Day 1 : 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 2 : 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 3 : Langkawi/MALAYSIA
Day 4 : 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 5 : At Sea
Day 6 : At Sea
Day 7 : At Sea
Day 8 : 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 9 : 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 10 : New Mangalore/INDIA
Day 11 : Mormugao/INDIA
Day 12 : At Sea
Day 13 : 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 14 : At Sea
Day 15 : At Sea
Day 16 : At Sea
Day 17 :
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 17 : 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 18 : 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 19 : At Sea
Day 20 : 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 21 : At Sea
Day 22 : At Sea
Day 23 : At Sea
Day 24 : Maputo/MOZAMBIQUE
Day 25 : Richards Bay/S. AFRICA
In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 26 : Richards Bay/S. AFRICA
In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 27 : 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 28 : At Sea
Day 29 : Mossel Bay/S. AFRICA
Day 30 : 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 31 : 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 32 : At Sea
Day 33 : 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 34 : 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 35 : At Sea
Day 36 : At Sea
Day 37 : Luanda/ANGOLA
Day 38 : At Sea
Day 39 : Sao Tome/SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
Day 40 : At Sea
Day 41 : Cotonou/BENIN
Day 42 : Takoradi/GHANA
Day 43 : Abidjan/IVORY COAST
Day 44 : At Sea
Day 45 : At Sea
Day 46 : 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 47 : At Sea
Day 48 : Porto Grande/CAPE VERDE
Day 49 : At Sea
Day 50 : At Sea
Day 51 : Santa Cruz
Day 52 : Funchal/PORTUGAL
This is a city of incredible lights and sights, a place of dreamy sunsets and gorgeous scenery.The wildlife is remarkable, and the museums are outstanding.Although Funchal is quite built up, the surrounding area is remote and made up of dense jungle.
Day 53 : At Sea
Day 54 : Lisbon/PORTUGAL
Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.