San Francisco to Southampton - 91 nights, February 2014

Sitting between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada mountains, laid-back San Francisco is home to an eclectic mix of cultures and the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Survey the superb vistas over the Bay or traverse the steep rolling hills by tram. Explore 'The Rock' of Alcatraz, visit the Museum of Modern Art or head for the celebrated vineyards of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Honolulu's appeal ranges from its magnificent beaches, countless well-stocked shops, tempting restaurants, and multitude of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. Combine the languid allure of the tropics, big city sophistication and the spirit of Aloha, and you’ve discovered Oahu. Known as “The Gathering Place”, this Pacific crossroads is a tapestry of cultural diversity from Polynesian sensuality and Oriental mystique to American pragmatism. And it all blends together in one of the most harmonious gatherings in the world.

Discover not one idyllic island, but three! From Lahaina, encounter tiny Lanai’s welcoming sands and stark Valley of the Gods. Nearby Molokai brings a glimpse of traditional Polynesian customs and cultures. Maui’s beaches are simply legendary, with sandy ribbons of black, red, white or gold; though it’s worth tearing yourself away for the breathtaking scenic inland drives.

Make a dramatic South Seas entrance into this gorgeous natural harbour embraced by jungle-clad peaks, before exploring the evocative white clapboard capital. Despite the inroads of Western ways, the locals still cling to fa’a Samoa, their ancient way of life. And physically, this beautiful island is all South Pacific. Tutuila competes with the splendour of Moorea and Bora Bora.

In nearly 250 years since Captain Cook named then the Friendly Islands, little has changed. It remains the last kingdom in the South Pacific, colourful coral gardens are still untouched and the pleasure of sipping cool coconut milk fresh from the shell is as strong as it ever was.

In a nation where stunning scenery is taken for granted, this water wonderland sparkles like a freshly polished jewel. Over 48 extinct volcanoes cloaked in wild mountainous scenery encircle the “City of Sails”. An undulating succession of bays and inlets stretch along its endless shores. Even the downtown area with its expansive, farm-like parks exudes a sense of spacious beauty.

North of Auckland along the narrow Northland peninsula lies the shady “cathedral” created by some of the largest trees in the world: the giant kauri trees which can stand up to 170 feet tall and are over 1,200 years old. Here the captivating Bay of Islands shelters 150 islands, enchanting wetlands of birdlife, fish, seals, dolphins and even whales.

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”.

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.

Rabaul means ‘mangrove’. The Germans built Rabaul on a mangrove swamp when New Britain was a German colony. Papua New Guinea showcases extraordinary wildernesses, a land of tiny tree kangaroos and giant butterflies.

Edo was an obscure fishing village until it became the capital of the Tokugawa shogunate from 1604 to 1866. When the emperor was restored to power, this new imperial capital was renamed Tokyo (Eastern capital). The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama.

Kobe is the starting point for excursions to the cultural fountainheads of Classical Japan. Ride the bullet train to the classical pavilions and castles of Kyoto. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You’ll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples.

Japan’s first contact with the West came in the form of Portuguese explorers and Jesuit missionaries. Dutch merchants followed. Apprehensive shoguns closed Japan to foreign trade - except at Nagasaki. Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki.

In this beach-fringed city, whisk up the dramatic Busan Tower and savour the sensational panorama. The most densely built up areas of the city are situated in a number of narrow valleys between the Nakdong River and Suyeong River, with mountains separating some of the various districts.

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.

Step back in time amidst the 13th-century buildings of the capital's old quarter or, close to nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, watch the traditional story-telling art of water puppetry.

Pass coastal sand dunes, verdant green hills and paddy fields en route to the historic Vietnamese cities of Hue or Da Nang. Explore the sprawling complex of templates and pavilions in Hue’s Imperial Citadel, glimpse ancient tombs and pagodas that line the shimmering Perfume River or explore the sacred caves found within the Marble Mountains.

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.

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.

Penang is an alluring combination of golden beaches and cultural gems. Along the north coast, Penang’s most famous beach is lined with luxury Asian hotels while Malay kampongs sprinkle across a countryside scented with cloves and nutmeg. Admire the giant reclining Buddha and the 1,000 gilded statues of Kek Lok Si Temple. See the elaborate clan house of the Chinese Khoo Kongsi.

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.

India’s principal seaport, Bombay is ‘Mumbai’ in Marathi. The Portuguese acquired the city from Bahadur Shah in the 15th century; they called their new possession Bom Baim – 'good bay'. Sprawling between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, Bombay is India’s largest city and major commercial centre. Here film, cotton and other industries have produced the highest per capita income in India.

This modern island city reflects the opulence of the seven wealthy United Arab Emirates of which it is capital. Discover duty-free shopping in countless grand malls or stroll along the seafront Corniche. Gaze at the white domes of the vast Sheikh Zayed Mosque or escape into the desert for a Bedouin feast or a ride across the dunes.

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.

Travel to the astonishing hidden city of Petra, Jordan, looming like a mirage that melts into the red sandstone hills of the desert. Dating back to 7,000 B, Petra was the capital of a flourishing civilisation that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Aqaba offers internationally renowned diving and the richest marine life in the entire Red Sea.

On the tip of the Sinai Penninsula, snorkelers and divers will revel amidst reefs swirling with tropical fish; almost as bright are the stalls of Bedouin handicrafts back on dry land.

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.

Sail into the beautiful Bay of Naples with its spectacular views of Capri and Ischia islands. This delightful city, ‘Napoli’ to the Italians has something for everyone, from ancient churches and universities, stunning parks, to scrumptious restaurants. A visit to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to see an abundance of mosaics from the buried city of Pompeii is a must.

Sail to the beautiful island of Mallorca and soak up the views of the gothic grandeur of the Cathedral and its golden sandstone, flying arches and countless pillars and spires. Stretch your legs on a palm-lined promenade, have a peek in the stylish shops, or settle back in a seafront bar for some people-watching. Bliss!

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.