Find the journey of your dreams

Papeete, Tahiti, Fr. Polynesia
The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures where locals speak both French and Tahitian. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Now it is the capital city and gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining and unique restaurants, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti’s mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches. Attractions include a museum honoring Paul Gauguin, the site where Captain Cook landed, interesting Polynesian marae or open-air sanctuaries, and Papeete's colorful municipal market.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Formed approximately 20 million years ago, the 130 islands that make up French Polynesia are considered fairly new from a geological point of view. The most acclaimed of these islands, Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island (less than 20 miles in circumference), Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes covered in coconut palms, blossoming Tiare and hibiscus. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful pareu (Tahitian sarong), sculptures carved from native woods and precious black pearls.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga was one of the last of the Cook Islands to be visited by European ships, but since its "discovery," it was always a favorite of sailors and merchants. Many old South Sea hands consider it the most beautiful island in the Pacific. Today, Rarotonga is the most populous island of Cook Islands, and the location of the country’s capital, Avarua. The name stems from "raro" meaning "down" and "tonga" meaning "south." Isolated for years from major tourist routes, travelers began to arrive in Rarotonga following the opening of the international airport in 1974, many lured by the untouched beauty of pristine white sand beaches edged with swaying palms and crystal-clear lagoons protected by coral reefs. With its jagged volcanic peaks, deep valleys, fertile slopes of red earth and sparkling aquamarine lagoon, Rarotonga comes pretty close to the classic image of paradise.

Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbors on two separate bodies of water. The central part of urban Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Auckland's diverse geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle regularly ranked in the world's top ten. Within a half hours drive from the city is an abundance of activities: sailing to a secluded island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or exploring a black sand beach. Auckland's highest point, Mount Eden (643 feet), offers incredible city views, reinforcing the claim that the twin harbors are among the most beautiful in the world.

Wellington, New Zealand
Visually stunning, Wellington is nestled between a magnificent harbor and a natural amphitheatre of forest-clad hills. Wellington's compact size, combined with cultural sophistication, makes it New Zealand's most inspiring urban destination. Wellington’s cultural crowning jewel is Te Papa, a donation-only museum that celebrates Australasian natural history, science and culture. Exhibits include Maori artifacts, an extensive Pacific Cultures collection and interactive science exhibits. Another highlight in Wellington is the Wellington Botanic Garden, featuring 59 acres uniquely landscaped with protected native forest, specialised plant collections, colorful floral displays, and panoramic views of the city. The city's art scene is flourishing, with numerous galleries and craft markets displaying the work of the country's top artists and craftspeople.

Lyttleton, New Zealand
Although it is known as the "Garden City" because of its beautiful parks and world-renowned gardens, Christchurch is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Named after Christ Church, a college at the University of Oxford in London, Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. Located in the city center is the Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city it’s elegant, English atmosphere.

Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions. Sydney owes much of its splendor to its magnificent harbor; arriving by ship provides an unequalled impression, showing off the city's famous landmarks: the dramatic white sails of the iconic Opera House and the celebrated Harbor Bridge, looming over the skyline. The historic buildings of The Rocks district offset the dramatic contrast of old and new, soaring glass, and steel skyscrapers. Central Sydney contains many of the city's major sights, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Queen Victoria Building, a landmark in its own right, and one of Sydney’s premier shopping centers. Located just west of Sydney are the magnificent Blue Mountains, and on a north shore promontory is the acclaimed Taronga Zoo, with a distinct emphasis on an open, natural environment for the animals.

Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia, and serves as the state capital of Victoria. Located at the mouth of the Yarra River, Melbourne was founded by free settlers in 1835, 47 years after the first European settlement of Australia. Transformed rapidly into a major metropolis by the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, "Marvelous Melbourne" became Australia's largest and most important city, and by 1865 was the second largest city in the British Empire. Today, Melbourne is a major center of commerce, industry and cultural activity, and is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. Melbourne is notable for its mix of Victorian, Gothic and contemporary architecture, its extensive tram network and beautiful Victorian parks and gardens, as well as its diverse, multicultural society.

Adelaide, Australia
Southern Australia's most graceful city lies nestled along the coastal plain between the Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. Unlike its eastern Australian city counterparts, convicts did not colonize Adelaide. Europeans, most of whom were British, first settled Adelaide in 1826. Other settlers to the region included German, Polish, Afghan, Chinese, Italian, Lebanese, Spanish and Scandinavians. The city was designed from the very beginning with wide streets and numerous town squares, marvelous Victorian and Edwardian architecture, parks and wide-open spaces. The city preserved many of its unique stone houses built by the original settlers, as well as the more grand historic public buildings constructed during the Gold Rush years.

Fremantle (Perth), Australia
Historic Fremantle is the gateway port for Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Located 12 miles upriver from Fremantle on the banks of the Swan River, Perth was founded on June12, 1829 by Captain James Stirling, the political center of the free settler Swan River Colony. Perth is considered one of the most isolated metropolitan areas on Earth, with Adelaide in South Australia, the closest city with a population over one million. Perth is geographically closer to East Timor, Singapore and Jakarta than it is to Sydney or Melbourne. Today, Perth is a lively cosmopolitan city, and the Swan Valley Region is home to more that 40 vineyards, many of which are still run by their original families. Perth became known worldwide as the "City of Lights" when city residents lit their house and street lights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead while orbiting the earth on Friendship 7 in 1962.

Padang Bay, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is more than a destination. It is a journey for the spirit and a sojourn for the senses. Bali creates lasting impressions to all who visit: a delicate woodcarving, a bold painting, a village procession, and the costumed dancers of the Barong. It has been called an island of temples, and with more than 10,000 scattered across the landscape, the title is appropriate. It is an island where rice paddies carpet the lowlands, cling to hillsides, and climb the steep slopes of Mount Agung. Considered the "Navel of the World" and home to Bali's gods, Mount Agung soars over 10,000 feet and dominates the surrounding area. Nowhere will you find a more exotic, spellbinding or entrancing synthesis of humanity, nature and the spiritual world.

Sandakan, Borneo, Malaysia
Founded in 1879, Sandakan became the second capital city of British North Borneo in 1884. It was once claimed to have the greatest concentration of millionaires during its heyday as a timber center. The region was known for centuries for its pearls, camphor, bees wax, sea cucumbers and edible bird's nests, attracting traders from the nearby Sulu Sultanate and from as far away as China. At the end of the Second World War, the capital city was moved to Kota Kinabalu. Today Sandakan remains an important town for palm oil and seafood. Sandakan is also known as the gateway to see exotic wildlife, including Orang Utans and Proboscis Monkeys.

Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including massive banks and financial houses, enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, beautiful beach resorts and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world, one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City covers an area of more than 800 square miles, stretching westward from the South China Sea to the Cambodian border. Its land is overwhelmingly rural, dotted with villages and clusters of houses set amidst rice paddies. The downtown section of Ho Chi Minh City is still known as Saigon, and it is here the economic changes sweeping Vietnam and their social implications are most evident. The level of activity and energy of this city will amaze you, and make it clear that this country does not intend to stand still.

Singapore
Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world's most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.

Penang, Malaysia
The name Penang comes from the Malay word for betel nut, Palau Pinang. Ever since its founding over two centuries ago, Penang has been a favored destination of travelers for both its scenic beauty and places of ethnic and historic significance. Today, Penang is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in Malaysia. Established in 1786 as a trading post by the British, the island is a contemporary metropolis with old world charm, offering the best of both worlds and maintaining its illustrious, rich heritage.

Mangalore, India
Mangalore is situated on the west coast of India, bounded by Arabian Sea to its west and the Western Ghats to its east, and derives its name from the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi. It developed as a port on the Arabian Sea - remaining, to this day, a major port of India. Ensconced on the coast, this maritime city makes a pleasant and convenient stop between Goa and Kerala. With narrow, winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, beautiful beaches, temples and churches, and the aroma of spicy coconut curries, it has preserved its old-world charm.

Mumbai (Bombay), India
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a captivating city, known for its striking contrasts. The fastest growing, most affluent and industrialized city in India, Mumbai represents the ever-changing face of today's India - the old coupled with the dynamic new. This vibrant city is a kaleidoscopic mixture of wonderful peoples and incredible places, where within a block or two you can find modern skyscrapers, ornate Victorian buildings, and bustling bazaars.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West. The traditional trading routes from Asia and the Far East to Europe and further afield are even more significant today than they were a hundred years ago. Today's Arab Emirates are a modern melting pot and an interesting blend of cultures. Nestling at the very heart of the Islamic world, the country is unique in its embrace of the Western world. Here you can see the contrasts of the desert Bedouin people, and the opulence and splendor of the Sheiks, set against a backdrop of Western lifestyles.

Muscat, Oman
Oman, "The Pearl of Mystic Arabia," is one of the oldest civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula. Wedged between the Arabian Gulf and the Western Al Hajar Mountains, Muscat boasts an ancient history and rich Islamic heritage, evident in its prominent landmarks such as forts, castles, towers and mosques. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development, leading to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.

Salalah, Oman
Salalah, Oman’s ancient incense capital, is an oasis with lush vegetation resulting from seasonal monsoons. The city's roads wind through groves of coconut, papaya and banana trees, and roadside stands sell fresh fruit and coconut water. The tropical atmosphere is a striking contrast to the otherwise arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Even the Queen of Sheba fell under the spell of the area’s treasure far greater than gold, and sent gifts of frankincense to impress Solomon. Today it is the beautiful sand beaches, the cultural history and archaeology, and the natural diversity that draws visitors to this ancient paradise.

Safaga (Luxor), Egypt
Set on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, the port of Safaga provides access to the impressive reef walls and black sand dunes of the Red Sea. More importantly, it is the gateway to some of Egypt's most memorable destinations: Luxor, Karnak and Thebes. Luxor has often been called the world’s greatest open-air museum; the number and preservation of the monuments in the area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world. The ancient Egyptians called Luxor "The City” and Homer called it the "City of a Thousand Gates." The troops of Napoleon, coming upon its grandeur, broke into spontaneous applause. The pharaoh’s tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the colossal temples of Luxor and Karnak, capture the imagination with splendors that have survived the centuries.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world is found at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Here, on a slender promontory where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Straits of Tiran, Sharm el Sheikh offers access to serene sand beaches, wind-carved cliffs and a wonderland of colorful fish and coral reefs. The area is revered as a place of prophets and miracles, close to St. Catherine's Monastery, the most important religious site in Sinai. Situated at the base of the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments, St. Catherine's Monastery is one of the most famous in the world. Built in the 6th century, it is believed to be built around Moses' Burning Bush.

Ashdod, Israel
Ashdod is Israel's most important port surpassing Haifa in commerce and serving as a major immigration entry point. It is on the site of an ancient Philistine harbor and fort. It is said to be the site of the world's longest siege. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the city held out for twenty-nine years in the 7th century B.C. before surrendering to Egyptian invaders.

Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece's largest island, once cradled the Minoan culture one of the most important and complex of ancient civilizations. It flourished here between 2000 B.C. and 1200 B.C. and extended across the Mediterranean as far as Sicily. Remaining frescoes show bejeweled women, elegantly gowned and elaborately coifed at a time when most of Europe was inhabited by primitive tribes.

The downfall of this mighty civilization has the world puzzled to this day. However, one theory blames a geological catastrophe the eruption of the volcano in Santorini for bringing Minoan culture to its dramatic end.In the early 1900s archaeologists were able to begin putting together the story of King Minos thanks to Sir Arthur Evans' determined efforts to uncover Knossos and to establish the main lines of Minoan chronology.With the island's location marking the boundary between Europe and Africa, heavy influences also remain from Arab, Egyptian, Venetian and Ottoman occupations. Crete was not united with the rest of Greece until 1913.Majestic mountains rise in the center of the island, and the plateaus are split by deep gorges ending up in fertile valleys. The scenery is constantly changing in one place harsh and barren, in another wooded and gentle. Small villages and ancient monasteries are perched on mountain ridges, and old stone farmhouses are surrounded by olive trees, orange groves and vineyards. Crete's shore is lined with forbidding rocks, but also boasts numerous sandy or pebbly beaches.Heraklion is the administrative capital of the island and the main center of commerce. Since the discovery of nearby Knossos it has also become the main tourist stopover. Among its major attractions are the Archaeological Museum, dedicated solely to Minoan archaeology, the Venetian Square with its Morosini Fountain, the Church of St. Mark and the 17th century Loggia, which once served as the center for Venetian administration. In the harbor area remain impressive fortifications, adorned with the Venetian symbol of the Lion of St. Mark.The heart of modern Heraklion is the vibrant market, located not far from the Morosini Fountain, and offering a cornucopia of spices, herbs, masses of fish, fruits and vegetables, local baskets and typical everyday notions. From the square in front of the museum are several shopping streets and a pedestrian mall lined with numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants and caf es.

Sorrento, Italy
With an idyllic cliff-top location on the Bay of Naples, Sorrento has for centuries inspired legends. In Greek mythology the Sirens were said to live here, luring sailors onto the rocks. Today, citrus trees scent the air and add zest to the city's limoncello liqueur. The main square, Piazza Tasso, boasts a monument to the city's most famous son, the 16th-century poet Torquato Tasso. Sorrento is an ideal place to savor the local color, and to shop - especially for marquetry, embroidered linens, cameos and Capodimonte ceramics, all of which can be found in Old Town and along the pedestrian-only Via San Cesareo.

All guests participating in today's shore excursions in Sorrento will first be transported by local shuttle from the pier to the motorcoach staging area.

Valencia, Spain
Valencia is located 1½ miles from the Mediterranean, in the middle of Europe's most densely developed agricultural region. Originally a Greek settlement, the town was taken over by Romans in 138 BC and turned into a retirement town for old soldiers. Visigoths and Moors in turn continued to improve the complex irrigation system of canals. The Moors controlled the land for 500 years, and this fertile plain, which today yields three to four crops, was considered by them to be heaven on earth. El Cid conquered Valencia for Spain in 1094, but it fell back into Moorish hands after his death. Incorporated into Spain in the 15th century, Valencia remains the nation's breadbasket.

Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is the starting point for many exciting excursions into the surrounding wine country. The patricians of Bordeaux have always been merchants and shipbuilders. Under the Romans the city had a flourishing trade with Spain and Britain. In 1154, as a part of the dowry of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it became English and remained so until 1453. In the 18th century, Bordeaux prospered from the slave trade, and later in commerce with French colonies in Africa. Since Roman times the quality of the region's vines and wines has been zealously maintained.

Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is the starting point for many exciting excursions into the surrounding wine country. The patricians of Bordeaux have always been merchants and shipbuilders. Under the Romans the city had a flourishing trade with Spain and Britain. In 1154, as a part of the dowry of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it became English and remained so until 1453. In the 18th century, Bordeaux prospered from the slave trade, and later in commerce with French colonies in Africa. Since Roman times the quality of the region's vines and wines has been zealously maintained.

Southampton, United Kingdom
The south of England boasts a dramatic coastline which encloses some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. The landscape of hills and heaths, downland and forests, valleys and dales, is without rival. Southampton, the United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, and home for many years to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear, has a rich and varied heritage. The remains of the medieval town walls are among the best preserved in the country and fascinating monuments can be found all around the city.