Dubai to Southampton - 20 nights, April 2014

Enjoy an evening of eating, dancing and shopping on this evening tour of the souks.

Dubai is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, communities and commerce and this is an ideal opportunity to view another side to the city that never sleeps.

Drive past the picturesque creek en route to two of the city’s oldest souks at the twin city of Deira. Travel via an underwater tunnel to visit the aromatic Spice Souk then stroll through to the most popular tourist landmark in Dubai, the Gold Souk.

After the souk visits, continue onto one of the most popular Lebanese restaurants in the city and experience the local flavours with dinner and entertainment. Enjoy the restaurant’s resident band and singer as they perform popular Arabic numbers and the exotic belly dancer whose sinuous moves may send your head spinning.

Note: There is approximately 45 minutes of intermittent walking over mostly flat and paved surfaces. Guests wishing to stay later at the restaurant for late night entertainment are welcome to stay, but will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship. Arabic restaurants allow smoking indoors. During dinner food will be served course by course, family-style with two or more guests sharing a course from a common serving bowl or plate.

The crescent-shaped, palm-fringed Na’ama Bay has rightfully claimed the title of ‘best exotic destination in Egypt’.

Na’ama Bay has become a leading tourist resort, and is often referred to as the ‘capital of the Egyptian Riviera’. Enjoy a day relaxing and using the facilities of a deluxe hotel beach resort. The trip includes return transportation, admission and use of the swimming pool and private beach.

During your stay, take an inclusive hour-long glass-bottom boat trip and admire the amazing underwater world beneath you. Unique and wonderful corals of all shapes and sizes, as well as a multitude of rainbow-coloured schools of fish, present a panorama of unsurpassed beauty.

Enjoy a selection of dishes from the luncheon buffet, including refreshment of glass of wine or beer, mineral water, tea or coffee.

Note: There are independent suppliers on the beach that may offer water sports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard. Sun beds, umbrellas, changing room facilities and towels are included (subject to space availability around the pool). To join the glass-bottom boat there is a walk of 50 feet along a floating pontoon. There are no hand rails on the pontoon and the buoyancy changes with the slightest movement of the water. It is best to walk in the middle of it looking straight ahead, not down, thus avoiding losing your balance and falling in the water which at its deepest is shoulder high. Please remember to take swimwear, a hat and sun block. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Royal residence of Windsor Castle followed by free time to explore the historic town of Windsor.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.

Note: The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Travel to the vast necropolis at Sakkara to view Egypt’s oldest pyramid. After luncheon, visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

Leaving Port Said travel through expanses of desert sands to the metropolis of Cairo on your way to Egypt’s first capital, Memphis, with its ancient cemetery of Sakkara. Here, the world’s first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built almost 5,000 years ago still stands. After visiting the complex, continue to one of the Mastabas (funerary chambers) built nearby.

Returning to Cairo, you can relax and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon at a leading 5 star hotel. In the afternoon, marvel at the Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza still stand. A unique view of the 3 Pyramids from the Western Plateau affords great opportunities for photographs. Having enjoyed the view from this vantage point, your coach will bring you close to the Pyramid of Chephren, where you will have time to explore the site on your own. Continue down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx, watching the passage of time.

A final stop at the Papyrus Institute will introduce you to the process of paper making from reeds, an art discovered by the Ancient Egyptians. You will have a short time to purchase local handicrafts and papyrus from a selected bazaar.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. This tour does not include a visit to the Cairo Museum. Flash photography is not permitted inside the Mastabas.

A popular option featuring the pyramids, Sphinx and leisurely cruise on the Nile for afternoon tea.

The ancient Greeks considered the Great Pyramid to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at the sheer magnitude of the Great Pyramid - estimated to contain 2.5 million tons of stone.

After viewing the 3 pyramids from the Western Plateau, visit the solar boat museum which houses the boat that the great pharaohs would have used for his journey to the afterlife, the museum was build over the boat to house this unique artifact. Enjoy free time to explore the pyramids on your own before travelling down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the inscrutable Sphinx with the body of a lion and face of a man.

Luncheon will be served accompanied with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink at a leading Cairo hotel before a short stop at a Papyrus Institute, where the art of paper making from reeds, will be demonstrated for you.

Downtown at the banks of the River Nile a luxurious cruise boat awaits to sail you on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy a cruise as you glide past Cairo’s waterfront landmarks. Refreshments of tea with oriental cookies and cakes will be served during the cruise and for your entertainment, a folkloric presentation and belly dancing will take place.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. A flight of 20 stairs leads to the dock for the riverboat. This tour does not include a visit to the Cairo Museum.

A chance to see the essential sights and discover some unique shopping opportunities in the souks.

This tour will take you to Sharjah, the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’, where you will see the King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest in the Emirates. A short drive then brings you to the Heritage Museum area where you visit Bait Al Naboodah, former residence of a prominent pearl trader of yesteryears and an excellent example of old Gulf architecture. The various artifacts and displays will provide a rare glimpse into the life and times of a bygone era.

A short stroll will take you to Al Arsah Souk, a quintessentially Arabic marketplace where you will have time to browse before walking to the nearby Iranian Souk. This is an open-air market with rows of shops selling nuts, spices and saffron imported from Iran by traditional dhows (sailing boats). Sharpen your negotiating technique here, before driving to Souk Al Markazi, a treasure trove of carpets, jewellery, handicrafts and much more and where you can practice your well-honed bargaining skills.

Note: This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over paved ground. Most shops accept US Dollars. Sharjah is a conservative city, so please dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

An exclusive opportunity to meet the beneficiaries of the Al Ihsan Charity Centre and visit a Palace for dinner with Royalty.

Your scenic drive will take you to the Emirate of Ajman; home of the Al Ihsan Charity Centre. This non-profit organisation is supported by His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz, one of the ruling family members, and here you will witness the good work that is carried out to meet the essential needs of some of the 6,000 orphans and 1,300 single women within UAE.

Continue onto the Sheikh's home, a modern-day Palace, where you will be personally received by His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz and his family. Your host will show you around his home, share trivia about his family and narrate some anecdotes about the local community. Enjoy the exclusivity of discussing one on one with your distinguished, well travelled host, covering subjects pertaining to the UAE, from politics and traditions to the economy and family life.

During dinner there will be the opportunity to experience traditional dishes of this region and discover the legendary Arabic hospitality. During the meal, your host will socialise and mingle, sharing insights between East and West. This exclusive experience should leave you with an immense sense of satisfaction having made new friends among the Emirati community and gaining a better understanding of their beautiful culture.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close on 17th December 2012 due to minimum numbers having to be confirmed with the Palace. The proceeds of this tour are donated to the Al Ihsan Charity Centre, a non-profit organisation committed to meeting the essential needs of orphans and single women who are uncared for within UAE. Conservative dress code is to be observed and shoulders and knees must be covered.

This simple transfer offers you the chance to spend some time at the popular resort of Cascais.

A scenic drive from the port will take you along the coastal road to Cascais. This popular holiday resort is set in the picturesque bay of Cascais and is an ideal place to while away a few hours.

Upon arrival, the time is yours to do as you please. Wander along the streets, enjoy the views or browse in the local shops. Cascais offers plenty of cafés if you wish to purchase refreshments or luncheon.

After your visit, you will meet at the designated time and place to rejoin the coach for the return drive to the port.

Note: This is an unguided transfer exclusive of refreshments, meals or entrance fees. Please note meeting points and return times as coaches cannot be held for latecomers. The travel time is around 45 minutes each way, with around 2-2 ½ hours of free time in Cascais. There is a slight incline of around 100 metres to negotiate to and from the coach parking area. The level of walking is at guest’s’ discretion. Shops may be closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Euros are accepted for purchases.

The picturesque villages of Sintra and Cascais have a unique charm all of their own.

Hailed by poets for the great beauty of its surrounding mountain range, Sintra Village is renowned for the view of the old Royal Palace, perched on the highest peak. One of Portugal’s oldest settlements, occupied by both Moors and monarchs, whose castles and palaces add charm to the village. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Make the most of a photography stop at the Praia do Guincho and capture the magnificent views and the most westerly point in Europe – Cabo da Roca.

Cascais, originally an old Portuguese fishing village, has now become a popular holiday resort. Set alongside the picturesque Bay of Cascais, lovely early 20th century homes mingle with modern buildings, creating a delightful atmosphere. You will have some free time to wander along the streets, enjoy the views or browse in the local shops.

The return drive will be along the Corniche bordering the River Tagus, passing by the well-known village of Estoril.

Note: The streets of Sintra are steep and cobble-stoned, and care should be taken. Highlights may operate in reverse to that described above. Shops in Cascais are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Experience Dubai by seaplane and see the amazing buildings and highlights from a totally unique angle.

Take a scenic 40 minute seaplane flight for a bird’s eye view of the extensive new developments in the mega-polis of Dubai. See such highlights as the iconic Burj Al Arab as well as Palm Jumeirah, one of the 3 largest man-made islands in the world and self-declared as the '8th wonder of the world'.

Take the opportunity to grasp the full symbolism of another astonishing project, a cluster of islands reclaimed along Dubai’s coast, collectively known as ‘The World’ islands. Fly over Dubai Marina, the world’s largest man-made marina then photograph Burj Khalifa, which at 2600 feet is presently the tallest structure in the world. Fly over scenic Jumeirah Beach and the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road then return to port.

Note: The running of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Seat belts must be kept fastened at all times during the flight. All current cabin baggage rules and restrictions that apply for commercial flights also apply for this tour. Guests are required to carry clear passport copies on this tour due to security requirements of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

If you do not wish to visit Cairo and the Pyramids or stay on the ship, then hit the shops at the modern City Stars Mega Mall.

This coach transfer will take you to the City Stars Mega Mall where you will have up to six hours at leisure to browse the many outlets including over 600 branded named stores, indoor theme park, cinema, specialised bazaars and Gold Souk.

Luncheon will be on your own to allow maximum flexibility and choice from the many food venues. There are also currency exchanges in the banks and ATM facilities within the complex.

Note: The transfer time to the complex is two hours each way and the amount of walking on this tour is at your own discretion. Please take care to note the pickup time and location.

A wonderful tour to discover two of the most spectacular sites on the Corniche coast; Sintra and Cascais.

With its many monuments, squares and avenues, Lisbon is a spectacular city to explore. You will stop at one of the most important riverside monuments, The Tower of Belem. A 16th century masterpiece dedicated to the discoveries and the church of Jeronimos Monastery.

Sintra was described by Lord Byron as ‘Glorious Eden’ for its dense and subtropical vegetation. You will have free time to explore the main square and the 15th century Royal Palace. There are local craft shops surrounding the square or just relax in one of the many cafés that spill out onto the pavements. Luncheon will be served in a local restaurant.

Heading into Cascais, you will have an opportunity to photography the wonderful views over the bay at Praia Do Guincho. Discover the small houses that surround the bay dating back to the 20th century. You will have free time to browse the small picturesque streets to pick up a local souvenir before heading back towards Lisbon along the beautiful coastal road passing through Estoril. This has become a favourite beach resort for many over the past few years and is at the mouth of the Tagus River.

An excellent tour enabling you to visit a number of spectacular and historical sites all in one day.

Note: There is approximately two hours of walking in total on the tour. Streets in Sintra are steep and cobbled.

Visit the charming towns of Sorrento and Amalfi, enjoy stunning coastal scenery and a relaxed resort atmosphere.

Enjoy a leisurely drive along the Amalfi Coast, the most famous drive in all of Italy, described by John Steinbeck as ‘a dream place that isn’t quite real’.

With luxuriant vegetation and a sun-drenched climate, Sorrento became a favourite retreat of wealthy Romans and has been a popular resort ever since. A cliff-top setting and charming streets with bustling boutiques, make the little town of Sorrento a delight to discover.

Whilst in Sorrento, you will enjoy an Italian style luncheon accompanied by wine.

Further along the coast, you will find the coastal town of Amalfi. Take a guided walk to learn of the history and architecture of this quaint town. See the exterior of the Cathedral of St Andrea and admire the Moorish and Gothic architecture.

During your stop in Amalfi, enjoy some free time to wander the narrow streets, or perhaps relax with a coffee or ice-cream in the ‘piazza’ and absorb the atmosphere.

Your return journey will be along the mountain road before taking the motorway to Naples.

Note: There are a few steps to negotiate at the luncheon venue. The streets of Amalfi are cobbled and inclined. Flat, comfortable shoes are advisable. If parking in Amalfi town is restricted, a visit to the town of Maiori, Minori or Vietri sul Mare will be made instead. Amalfi drive is along cliff edges, including hairpin bends. It is not suitable for those who suffer with vertigo.

A special tram ride in the Old Town and an exploration of Lisbon’s monumental area to make a memorable tour.

A ride on Lisbon’s most famous and typical form of transport – the tram – is an absolute must. With the added dimension of local waiters serving port wine and traditional pastries on board, this unique tram tour is an ever-popular option. To further enhance this Lisbon experience, you will step from ancient tram to modern coach as your tour is rounded off with a panoramic drive of the city’s most famous monuments.

At the famous Black Horse Square, step aboard the tram for a leisurely circuit through this seven-hilled metropolis. See many fascinating glimpses of the ‘old city’ and the Tagus, passing landmarks such as the Parliament, Cathedral and Santa Luzia Belvedere. At Estrela Square, say goodbye to your traditionally-dressed waiters as you step onto a coach for the second part of your tour.

As you stand before the impressive Gothic-Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery, your guide will provide you with details of this imposing building. Nearby, you will be equally impressed by the lavishly-decorated Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, which commemorate Henry the Navigator and Portugal’s incredible voyages of exploration.

Note: Guests are advised there are some fairly high steps to be negotiated when boarding the tram.

See Dubai’s major sights, both old and new, on this panoramic tour which includes visits to the Dubai Museum and Gold Souk.

Your tour starts with a view of the world-renowned luxury Burj Al Arab Hotel - a fantastic photograph opportunity. Continue to the Jumeirah Mosque, a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture. This is followed by a drive along Sheikh Zayed Road, which is considered to be the ‘Manhattan’ of Dubai with its high-rise glass buildings. In complete contrast is the Bastakiya area - one of the oldest areas of Dubai, where you will see ancient houses bedecked with wind towers. These towers were designed to provide ventilation in the days before air-conditioning.

Your journey through the Bastakiya area includes a visit to the Dubai Museum, housed in the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort. The Museum features realistic displays, which provide a fascinating glimpse of the historical links of the city with trading and pearl diving.

Finally, board an Abra (water taxi) to cross the creek and visit the aromatic Spice Souk and the extensive Gold Souk. Here you can purchase exquisite gold jewellery at competitive prices.

Note: This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over paved ground. Most shops accept US Dollars and major credit cards. Please be advised that the lighting in the museum is set very low.