Singapore to Dubai - 14 nights, April 2014

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.