World Voyage - 119 nights, January 2014

The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear. The port serves as your gateway to Southern England’s magnificent historic sites, national landmarks, charming villages as well as the great metropolis of London. Southampton is the ideal starting or ending point for a memorable voyage.

You’ll consider Madeira’s reputation as the ‘Garden Island’ well founded, swathed in lush greenery which bears all manner of tropical fruits. For a thrilling overview, ascend by cable car to Monte, from whose delightful palace and gardens you can survey the orange rooftops below. The best way down again is by wicker toboggan, expertly steered by two gondoliers dressed in whites.

Beloved for its beaches, Tenerife also offers a feast for the eyes – in its numerous art galleries and museums or an incredibly panoramic cable car ascent of Mount Teide. Your ears will appreciate the sounds of the timple, a distinctive element of Canarian folk music. Perhaps even catch a recital at the striking wave-shaped Auditorio, home to the acclaimed Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

The 'Diamond of Africa' is a country of stark beauty and contrasting landscapes. It is home to the world’s oldest desert, the world’s highest sand dunes, and a diversity of people that have created an intriguing blend of cultures and traditions. Found between the sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, the large natural lagoon of Walvis Bays is home to prolific birdlife.

Not only is Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is also surrounded by magnificent beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day savour an awe inspiring cable car ride up Table Mountain. Perhaps make the poignant tour of Robben Island or take a cultural trip to Stellenbosch and its surrounding wine lands.

Not only is Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is also surrounded by magnificent beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day savour an awe inspiring cable car ride up Table Mountain. Perhaps make the poignant tour of Robben Island or take a cultural trip to Stellenbosch and its surrounding wine lands.

Head to the sandy ‘Golden Mile’ and its vibrant promenade, buzzing with brightly painted rickshaws and brimming with hand-woven baskets and intricate beadwork. Away from the coast set eyes upon the Zulu kingdom, the majestic Valley of a Thousand Hills or the Garden Route, draped in lush foliage and dotted with quaint villages.

Mauritius was uninhabited until the Dutch arrived in 1635. Their colony lasted about two generations – long enough for the settlers to hunt the native dodo birds to extinction. The capital of Port Louis offers shopping bargains at the old-fashioned central market. Go bird watching at Casela Bird Park. Or set out on a catamaran to admire the sun-drenched beauty of the island, landing on dazzling white beaches and snorkelling amongst shoals brimming with kaleidoscopic fish.

Perth’s explosive growth in recent decades has engulfed the old historic port of Fremantle. Eighty-percent of Western Australia’s population lives in and around Perth. This bustling port, known as “Freo” to the locals, sits on the Indian Ocean and offers a romantic, artsy ambiance to residents and visitors alike.

Originally part of New South Wales, Victoria became a colony in its own right in 1851. The discovery of gold and the development of agriculture propelled Melbourne’s rise to prominence and prosperity. Flower gardens and graceful, tree-lined boulevards add a refined air to Melbourne, regarded as the hub of Australia’s cultural, intellectual and financial life – at least by Melbournians!

Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" that transported 760 British convicts. Gold and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development; today it is the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”.

The Brisbane River meanders through the heart of the city. Elegant Georgian buildings of native sandstone stand next to sleek glass towers. Brisbane is also a superbly landscaped city with jacarandas, flame trees, and bougainvilleas thriving in its semi-tropical climate. Come face to face with koalas, kangaroos and wombats on tours from this laid-back city.

This sprinkling of 74 verdant isles, fringed by white sands and turquoise skies present a vision of immense beauty beside the vast natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose to bush walk, scuba dive or sail, there are a myriad of ways to experience the Whitsundays.

On the remote northern shores of Australia’s ‘Top End’, balmy Darwin has grown from frontier settlement into a multicultural modern city. Discover the region’s dramatic history – from Aboriginal heritage to World War II air raids and the devastating Cyclone Tracey – in the museums and galleries.

It is a vision of ethereal beauty, where ribbons of white unravel along an azure sea, emerald rice terraces and stone-carved temples pierce a jade landscape; and Hindu gods inspire the highest form of human creativity. Bali is a place of such physical, cultural and spiritual beauty; it can truly be called a paradise.

Perth’s explosive growth in recent decades has engulfed the old historic port of Fremantle. Eighty-percent of Western Australia’s population lives in and around Perth. This bustling port, known as “Freo” to the locals, sits on the Indian Ocean and offers a romantic, artsy ambiance to residents and visitors alike.

Connoisseurs of New World wines are in luck. Around a third of Australia's supply is produced an hour or less from church-sprinkled Adelaide, a legacy of German settlers in the early 1800s. Perhaps its best known is the gorgeous Magill Estate, a wonderful spot for a first-class tasting in the rolling South Australian countryside.

Originally part of New South Wales, Victoria became a colony in its own right in 1851. The discovery of gold and the development of agriculture propelled Melbourne’s rise to prominence and prosperity. Flower gardens and graceful, tree-lined boulevards add a refined air to Melbourne, regarded as the hub of Australia’s cultural, intellectual and financial life – at least by Melbournians!

Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" that transported 760 British convicts. Gold and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development; today it is the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”.

The Brisbane River meanders through the heart of the city. Elegant Georgian buildings of native sandstone stand next to sleek glass towers. Brisbane is also a superbly landscaped city with jacarandas, flame trees, and bougainvilleas thriving in its semi-tropical climate. Come face to face with koalas, kangaroos and wombats on tours from this laid-back city.

Laid-back Cairns is your gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular location for snorkelling and diving among kaleidoscopic marine life and coral. Follow Foreshore Promenade around the lagoon filled with pleasure craft or take a scenic railway ride to the tranquil mountain village of Kuranda.

Kota Kinabalu, capital of the state of Sabah, is your gateway to mysterious Malaysian Borneo. Practice your blowpipe skills at Monospiad Cultural Village or admire Borneo’s majestic flora and fauna in the mangrove swamps of Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary.

Shanghai’s attractions are legendary, from exquisite temples and superb museums to a stroll along the Bund with its elegant 19th-century European architecture. The city is also your gateway to the Grand Canal and the famed cities of Wuxi and Suzhou.

Hong Kong is a paradigm of contradictions. On the one hand the city vibrates with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication. But at the same time it is a land of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs: small, gilded shrines glow with red lamps, joss sticks and fresh oranges; markets are heaped high with salted eggs, squid and every kind of medicinal root and herbal remedy imaginable; red-sailed junks and sampans ply the harbour.

Hong Kong is a paradigm of contradictions. On the one hand the city vibrates with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication. But at the same time it is a land of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs: small, gilded shrines glow with red lamps, joss sticks and fresh oranges; markets are heaped high with salted eggs, squid and every kind of medicinal root and herbal remedy imaginable; red-sailed junks and sampans ply the harbour.

Welcome to Vietnam’s culinary centre where there is plenty on the menu. The port of Phu My (pronounced “Foo Me”) is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau. Still fondly known as Saigon, the city is a thrilling, chaotic whirl played out against a French colonial backdrop as the aroma of noodle stalls, the sight of orange-garbed monks and the incessant buzz of scooters create a vivid snapshot of daily life.

Laem Chabang is the gateway to Bangkok. Founded in 1782 by King RamaI, the city is home to more than eight million people. The capital’s proper name is Krung Thep - the City of Angels. Mysterious and magical, Thailand’s sprawling and dynamic capital offers more exotic sights than any other major Asian city. Visit the magnificent Grand Palace, sparkling residence of Siam’s royalty.

Explore multi-cultural Singapore at the gold-domed Sultan Mosque, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple with its vivid images of Hindu God Vishnu and the calm, lotus-filled lakes of the Chinese garden. A certain Britishness lingers too, so stop by Singapore Polo Club and Raffles Hotel for a tall glass of the pink stuff - a signature Singapore Sling.

Port Kelang is the port for Malaysia’s modern and bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, with its fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Savour the intriguing jumble of Moorish architecture and stately parks, then train your camera lens on soaring Petronas Towers, the fabulous twin emblems of modern Kuala Lumpur.

This cluster of 99 islands boasts palm-fringed beaches that are the envy of all Malaysia beside an abundance of other natural wonders shrouded in folklore.

A landscape draped in greenery, stunning beaches, great wildlife refuges and the ruins of an ancient civilisation beckon visitors to Sri Lanka, an island inhabited by man for perhaps half a billion years. The sights of Colombo are many, a combination of British colonial architecture, historical museums, fine restaurants and shopping especially for sapphires and rubies.

Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of East and West, old and new. Gaze upon astounding extravagance at man-made resorts and delve into a culture that has long drawn globe-trotting visitors. The Jumeira Mosque, glittering Gold Souq, or a Heritage Village showcasing ancient Bedouin craftsmanship.

Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of East and West, old and new. Gaze upon astounding extravagance at man-made resorts and delve into a culture that has long drawn globe-trotting visitors. The Jumeira Mosque, glittering Gold Souq, or a Heritage Village showcasing ancient Bedouin craftsmanship.

In this low-rise gem, wedged between Arabian Gulf and scenic mountains, your first impression will be of the Sultanate of Oman’s beautiful main palace. Three forts – Mutrah, Jalali and Mirani – stand guard at the entrance of Muscat. Once ashore witness lavish palaces, Zawawi Mosque, its pink marble crowned by a gilded dome, and Muttrah Souq, a jumble of crafts and clothing perfumed with spices and frankincense.

This medieval metropolis has changed little over the centuries, offering a wonderful glimpse of mosques and stunning facades. Visitors are always left awe-struck by the site of the three imposing pyramids that still seem to dominate the landscape. No visit to Cairo is complete without an exploration of the pyramids at Giza.

Witness the impressive sight of an abundant vast ships waiting to enter the Suez Canal as you cruise lazily along the fabled Nile. Visit the fascinating National Museum to investigate the dazzling collection of archaeological, prehistoric, and pharonic pieces. One of the icons of the city, the Lighthouse of Port Said, is a beautiful vantage point at the front of the Suez Canal.

Take in the impressive sight of vast ships waiting to enter the Suez Canal at the southern entrance on the Red Sea. Suez is an embarkation/ disembarkation point for those visiting Egypts historical wonders.

A visit to Rome is an unforgettable experience. Explore the legends of the ages: the Vatican and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Catacombs. Stroll down the Via Veneto or sip cappuccino in the Piazza di Spagna. Italy's "Eternal City" is eternally fascinating. Throw a few coins in the Trevi Fountain and you may be back again!

Portugal’s capital spreads its ancient sites on seven steep hillsides that overlook the Tagus River. Feast your eyes on St. George’s Castle which overlooks the city atop the highest hill, or the countless balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps that light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Wonder up to the Bairro Alto where you may hear the sorrowful fado singers ring out from cafés.

The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear. The port serves as your gateway to Southern England’s magnificent historic sites, national landmarks, charming villages as well as the great metropolis of London. Southampton is the ideal starting or ending point for a memorable voyage.