Santiago, (from Valparaiso) to Southampton - 78 nights, February 2014

A single tram ride will open up a whole vista of possibilities during your visit to Valparaiso - from the colourful houses set upon the hillsides to the stunning Maipo Valley wine region.

To the west of Chile, this island is one of the most far flung destinations in the entire globe, you can sail over 1900km and not come across another inhabited island.

These beautiful isles have an intriguing past. It was here that Fletcher Christian and eight fellow mutineers from the Bounty took up permanent residence. Today's islanders are descendants of the mutineers and their Tahitian companions, sharing their surnames and speaking a dialect that is a hybrid of Tahitian and eighteenth-century English.

Discover Papeete, a bustling place by South Pacific standards. With its white sands and aquamarine lagoons, this Polynesian Eden holds much the same allure today that it had in the past. Visit the museum of one of Tahiti's most famous expatriates, painter Paul Gauguin.

French Polynesia is made up of some 118 islands, of which Tahiti is the best known. Just 12 miles across the lagoon from Tahiti lies Moorea, the former haunt of Tahitian nobility. Many believe this stunning island to be the inspiration for James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai - and it's easy to see why. Picture-postcard lagoons are framed by white sand beaches and six verdant mountains that loom over the island.

Try the ceremonial drink yaqona or kava, made from the root of the pepper tree. You’ll find it everywhere, including Suva’s must-see market, piled high with tropical fruits, exotic vegetables, freshly caught fish and reflecting Fiji’s rich cultural flavours.

Beach lovers are in for a treat in a capital bejeweled with a string of bays; this South Seas ‘Riveria’ has a real French flavor too among the boutiques and cafes. Noumea enjoys a wonderful climate with more sunshine than any other Pacific island.

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.

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”.

Spectacular scenery awaits as you cruise by Milford Sound in the south-west tip of New Zealand.

Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South of New Zealand and the principal of the region of Otago. In 1865 it became one of the largest cities for the influx of new settlers from Ireland, Italy, France, Germany and China due to the discovery of Gold. Sites not to be missed are the outstanding Dunedin Railway Station and a ride on the world famous Taieri Gorge Train.

Perched in the hills surrounding a sparkling bay, Wellington has the beautiful setting (and crispy weather) of San Francisco. White sails mingle with cargo ships in the Harbour. Charming Edwardian architecture blends into a contemporary skyline of concrete and glass. Culturally the city even surpasses Auckland.

Napier is New Zealand's art deco city. Following a massive earthquake in 1931, large swathes were reconstructed in the flamboyant style of the day with a superb collection of Deco, Spanish mission, and classical Revival buildings.

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.

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.

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.

The Big Island is also known as the Volcano Island, as the 14,000-feet peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea create a backdrop of uncompromising beauty. Another nickname, the Orchid Isle, hints at the abundant flora within its rich rainforests, while macadamia nut plantations add their mark to the patchwork landscapes. Amidst all this, Hilo greets you with a sedate friendliness and delightful clapboard buildings.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Puntarenas and discover how rich this ‘Rich Coast’ really is. See the rainforest from up high during a canopy tour through wispy ferns, winding lianas and delicate orchids. You can taste nature’s bounty, too, at one of the plantations which produce the country’s famously rich coffee. Or relax surrounded by lush palms and crystal clear waters.

Experience the Panama Canal in luxury on board Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria as part of a Cunard Voyage. The Panama Canal is a magnificent feat of engineering connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Your ship will be guided through the canal, just inches from the canal's sides in places on a journey that takes approximately 10 hours and provides a most memorable experience.

Aruba is the Caribbean, but with a charming rugged edge. Brightly coloured houses, vibrant street life and a distinct buzz in the air, are all part of the experience when you visit the Schooner Market and watch merchants sell exotic fruit and fresh fish direct from tiny boats. Keen golfers should take a tip and reserve a round at the Tierra del Sol course.

There’s a good museum here, some fine old colonial buildings plus a sprinkling of cigar and gemstone shops to browse. Snorkel in Stingray City and feed the graceful sea creatures or bask on flawless beaches. The real stars here are in plain view – crystal clear Cayman Island Waters, fine sand beaches, and brilliant birds.

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.

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.