Our tour takes us from the harbour in Funchal up into the mountains, along narrow, winding roads. As we climb higher up into the hills, we will pass pines, acacias and eucalyptus as we head to Terreiro da Luta.

Departing from the quayside in our landrover-style jeeps, our tour will take us inland to one of the most beautiful forest areas of the island, passing through typical streets, which are mainly used to transport agricultural goods that supply the population living in these rural areas.

Departing from the pier we shall travel to the belvedere of Eira do Serrado, where we will be invited to gaze upon the Curral das Freiras Valley (Nun’s Valley). It is located within a deep valley which has one of the island’s most spectacular landscapes, where dizzying views will take our breath away.

Departing from the quayside we will have a short transfer to the cable car station. On a clear day we will have magnificent views of the madeiran landscape as we travel by cable car to the Monte Tropical gardens!

Our bicycle tour will offer us a fun way to explore the city of Funchal as we wind our way through the interesting streets.

We begin our tour with a drive towards Pico dos Barcelos, from where we can see distant Funchal and its surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes.

Departing the pier by coach, we shall travel by highway to the village of Machico, the most historical and interesting town on the island! Machico was the landing point of the first discoverers of Madeira, and as such we will discover some beautiful old buildings including the oldest church on the island.

Leaving the pier, we drive through the city of Funchal for a brief sightseeing tour before continuing to Pico dos Barcelos. Here we can admire the breathtaking panoramic views over the city.

Henry the Navigator of Portugal, at the beginning of the 15th century, planned to extend his knowledge of the coast of West Africa. In pursuit of this objective, two young sea captains, Joãn Goncalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixaira, were blown off course on their journey around the African coast. After many days at sea they found land on a small island that they called Porto Santo; the year was 1419. It was a year later that the next discovery was made. The captains had reported a possible island on the southern horizon. Approaching the island they were met by huge Atlantic rollers breaking along the north coast, and the boiling turbulence of the crosscurrents at the Ponto São Lourenço. However on rounding the headland they discovered the Bay of Machico, and the heavily forested island they called Madeira.

The currency of Madeira is the Euro.

Set within the magnificent Palheiro Estate and lying adjacent to the 5 * Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro – the 18-hole, par 72 Championship golf course meanders through a pristine environment of maritime pine and botanical woodland embroidered with lush, sub-tropical vegetation.

Departing from the pier, we begin our drive towards Pico da Torre, a viewpoint over the small fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. We shall make a brief photo stop at the viewpoint before continuing.

This tour allows us to discover the natural beauty of the island. We begin from Vale Paraiso, where we will walk along the levada – a traditional manmade irrigation system ideal for walkers.

Our tour today will take us to a charming beach bar and restaurant located on the delightful Orient Beach – locals critically acclaim this area as the ‘French Riviera of the Caribbean’, with more than one and a half miles of white sand, fringed by coconut palms and sea grape trees.

Departing from Philipsburg, we will travel along the Great Salt Pond and through Sucker Garden where we shall pass by the monument that marks the Dutch/French border. Our coach will then continue on through the French Quartier D’Orleans, before arriving at the butterfly farm.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

The Golden Eagle will anchor off a white sandy beach located on the calm side of the island. We may swim in the quiet cove, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to explore coral formations teeming with fish, or bob around on a large beach float.

We will depart the quayside by coach on a tour that will explore this island ruled by two nations; by the Dutch to the south and the French to the north.

This tiny island – less than 100 sq km – was divided between the Dutch and French in the 1600’s, as a bastion against the Spanish. The division was supposedly made by someone from each country walking around the coastline in opposite directions until they met up again. Two historic forts were built around this time: Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, was soon captured by the Spanish, who abandoned it a few years later. Some of the original walls remain, and the site gives views over Philipsburg. Fort Willem, built by the British during the Napoleonic War, also offers a panoramic view over the town.

For reference, the currency of St Maarten is the Euro, although US Dollars are widely accepted

An approximate 35 minute coach journey will take us away from the hustle and bustle of modern life to experience the tranquillity of Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve and historical site.

Recognised as a truly unique tour, the St Maarten Americas Cup 12-Metre Yacht regatta offers us a fantastic opportunity!

From Road Harbour, an excursion launch picks us up and takes us on an approximate 40-minute cruise along the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda.

We shall have a short journey to Tortola’s airport where we will board our awaiting sightseeing plane for our ‘birds eye view’ of the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

Boarding a catamaran from the marina in Road Town, we commence an exhilarating cruise across the Sir Francis Drake Channel, retracing the paths of adventurers such as Drake, Columbus and Kidd on this historic waterway.

The port’s name is derived from the nautical term the roads, a place less sheltered than a harbour but which ships can easily get to. A 28 hectare (70 acre) development called Wickham's Cay, consisting of two areas that were reclaimed from the sea and a marina have enabled Road Town to emerge as a haven for yacht chartering and a centre of tourism. This area is the newest part of the city and the hub for the new commercial and administrative buildings of the BVI. The oldest building in Road Town, the HM Prison on Main Street, dates back to the 1840’s.

The Currency of Tortola is the US Dollar.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

An experience of a lifetime awaits those of us choosing to participate in this incredible activity!

After travelling by open-air safari bus through Tortola’s bustling capital of Road Town, we ascend Fort Hill to scenic Belle Vue.

A wonderful opportunity to get up-close to a friendly dolphin!

Our launch will be awaiting our arrival at a local marina, before taking us on an exciting cruise amongst the beautiful islands of this unique archipelago.

We will be invited to enjoy an exciting tour in a safari jeep, along island roads and off-road virgin trails! We’ll be invited to enjoy wonderful vistas of Tortola and the surrounding islands from viewpoints not usually accessed by the general public.

The internationally acclaimed Tropicana is the biggest nightclub in Havana with the main attraction being the show.

Get ready to discover the enchantments of Havana whilst daring to challenge the barriers of time in a collection of cars from the 1950’s!

Cuba is a cigar enthusiast’s paradise! We will also learn about the history of rum and enjoy a taster for ourselves.

Departing from the quayside, we shall proceed to Sierra del Rosario Reserve, Cuba’s first UNESCO sanctioned biosphere reserve and the country’s main centre for Eco-tourism.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

Our tour today will allow us to have an insight into Ernest Hemingway’s Cuban home.

Old Havana, the original walled nucleus of the city, was declared ‘Heritage of Mankind’ by UNESCO in 1982.

The ruins of Tazumal are considered the most important and best preserved in El Salvador. The artefacts found here provide evidence of ancient and active trade between Tazumal and places as far away as Panama and Mexico.

San Salvador is located at the foot of the San Salvador Volcano in El Salvador’s Valle de las Hamazas – the Valley of the Hammocks. Though the city of San Salvador was founded back in 1525, the majority of San Salvador's historic buildings have collapsed over the years due to earthquakes.

Under the command of Hernan Cortés, Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado, who had conquered Mexico and Guatemala, travelled to Acajutla, here he met heavy resistance, but eventually defeated the indigenous people in 1524 and conquered all of present-day El Salvador at the Battle of Acajutla.

Following the independence of El Salvador in 1838, the economy of the nation became increasingly dependent upon the export of coffee. The 1855 completion of the Panama Railway across the Isthmus of Panama further added to the activity at the port of Acajutla. Today, Acajutla is El Salvador’s principal seaport from which a large proportion of the nation’s coffee and sugar are shipped.

The Currency of El Salvador is the US Dollar.

Upon our arrival at the city, we will have a guided tour of the impressive theatre and the Cathedral before stopping for lunch in a local restaurant.

Take in the history and culture of Acapulco while enjoying a performance of the world-famous cliff divers.

Departing from the pier in a four-wheeled drive vehicle we will use the steep trail through the lush vegetation of the interior of the island to reach Taipivai Valley.

Travelling to the Marquesas will be a discovery of secluded islands with very limited facilities. Tours run using locals’ vehicles and with drivers speaking very limited English. The guides may not be certified: their English and knowledge may be very basic. Our tours are mainly sightseeing tours with one guide every 10-15 (subject to availability). Cars may not come with air-conditioning. Seating is usually four passengers per vehicle.

The official currency of Nuka Hiva is the Pacific Franc, however US Dollars and Euros are also accepted in tourist areas.

Please note that roads in Tahiti may appear to us, as rather basic. The traffic in the small but busy city of Papeete can be heavy.

French and Tahitian are the official languages, however, English is widely understood.

We advise passengers on tour to take insect repellent with them.

The official currency of Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc, although US Dollars may be accepted (not Sterling).

Our adventurous tour will take us ‘off the beaten track’, into Tahiti’s lush vegetation. Travelling in four-wheel drive vehicles, we will journey towards the East Coast, making our way to the Papeeno Valley.

Departing Papeete, our tour will take us along the west coast of Tahiti. At La Pointe des Pecheurs (Fishermen’s Point), we stop to visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, which displays not only a number of archaeological finds, but will help us to gain an impression of the island’s geology, its flora and fauna, and to learn about the culture and customs of ancient and modern Tahiti.

Leaving Papeete, we head towards the East Coast. We will pass the Tahara’s point and continue to the Arahoho Blowhole where we shall witness (conditions permitting) the ocean spurting dramatically out from underneath the coastal road.

Our boat tour today will take us on the blue waters of Tahiti!

Approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) from downtown Auckland, is the city’s largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. In the midst of this beautiful rainforest park is the Arataki Centre, which affords spectacular views of both coasts and where some magnificent Maori carvings may also be seen.

This is an exclusive journey of Australian Discovery and is perfect for visitors who are interested in Australian animals and their environment. This special tour has been designed to encourage interaction between visitors and Australian animals.

THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR WITH LIMITED NUMBERS - PRE BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

Our evening will begin with a coach transfer to the Opera House. Located in A-Reserve seats in the theatre, we will then relax for a dazzling performance of Turandot by talented professionals in this unparalleled performing arts venue.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA (TURANDOT) - WEDNESDAY 7TH MARCH 2012

We are in for the thrill of a lifetime as we enjoy the experience and romance of a water-based flight!

Joining our coach we will drive west through Sydney to the renowned Featherdale Wildlife Park, one of Australia’s largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life. Operating since 1972, Featherdale has more than 2200 animals from over 230 species.

Experience the exhilaration of climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Our day will begin with a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, which houses a great variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian reptiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats and various species of Australian birds. We can enter enclosures for face to face, touch to touch meetings with friendly kangaroos and cuddly koalas – we can even have our photograph taken standing next to a koala (optional, at extra cost).

The original site of Sydney is a place highly valued by the oldest civilisation in the world! For at least 50,000 years, its Aboriginal people fished the waters of its sheltered harbour, and speared the plentiful supply of animals that inhabited its heavily-wooded shores.

The Australian sun can be very hot – it is recommended to wear sunscreen and a hat and carry water at all times.

The official currency in Sydney is the Australian Dollar.
 

Discover the grace and magic of Sydney Harbour, a stunning and unique destination. A cruise on the harbour is a must for all visitors to Sydney, and provides magnificent views of waterfront homes, secluded bays and beautiful beaches.

Leaving our ship, we will take a short walk to board our luxury vessel for an approximate two and a half hour leisurely dinner cruise around this stunning harbour. We will enjoy a seven course menu set to the brilliant backdrop of Sydney by night.

Meet and journey with Chris Darwin in the footsteps of his great-great grandfather Charles through the Blue Mountains exploring the wildlife and landscapes that inspired his theories.
 

The Opera House is situated on Bennelong Point and reaches out to the harbour. Described as the eighth wonder of the modern world, it is certainly one of the most recognisable images, along with the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building – and one of the most photographed.
 

Our evening will begin with a coach transfer to the Opera House. Located in A-Reserve seats in the theatre, we will then relax for a dazzling performance of The Marriage of Figaro by talented professionals in this unparalleled performing arts venue.

(THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO) - TUESDAY 6th MARCH 2012

Today we board our coach and head for the Sunshine Coast to spend a thrilling time at Australia Zoo – home of the family of the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin. Here we will see some of Australia’s most unique and amazing wildlife, as well as some interesting animals from around the world, including freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, dingoes and snakes.

Visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary and discover Brisbane – ‘The City of Sun Days’. Our tour today will explore this rapidly growing city built along the winding picturesque Brisbane River.

Enjoying a semi-tropical climate, this lovely city is lushly landscaped with jacarandas, flame trees, bougainvilleas and numerous other flowers and shrubs. Our tour will take us past the Parliament House, the Treasury Building, the Old Customs House, the Cultural Centre, the magnificent Botanical Gardens and many other historical and landmark sites.

For reference, the distance from where we shall dock into the city is approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles).

The official currency of Brisbane is the Australian Dollar.

A stop will be made at the Mt Coot tha Look Out, this location is ideal for photos offering us stunning views of the Great Dividing Range, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay with its small islands to the east, and the Glasshouse Mountains and D’Agilar Range to the west.

This is no doubt one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the city of Brisbane as we travel down the meandering Brisbane River on a marvellous wooden Mississippi-style paddle wheeler.

We shall climb aboard our 4-wheel drive vehicle for an unforgettable journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

From Brisbane we will take a drive south and the inland to the Mount Tamborine volcanic plateau, home to rain forest, waterfalls, wineries and orchards. After our sojourn here, we will descend the mountains, travelling through Oxenford, to the Gold Coast, famed for its many resorts, fine shops and dazzling beaches.

Our tour invites us to experience the life of the “Rich and Famous” of the Gold Coast and spend our day at Surfers Paradise, voted one of the best beaches in the world!

We will board a bumboat, for a ride down the Singapore River through a night of glittering buildings, both historical and modern.

Our tour commences with a visit to Arab Street, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Malays and relives life in a kampong (small settlement) in the 50s and 60s.

Jurong Bird Park is a 20-hectare, open concept park, which is the largest Bird Park in the Aisa Pacific region. We will be fascinated by its collection of more than 8,000 birds from over 600 species. It is thought to be amongst the largest collection of its kind in the world.

For reference, the distance into the city from our berth is approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles). There is a walk of approximately 10 minutes from our ship in order to reach our tour transport. This is only applicable if the Black Watch is berthed at the Singapore Cruise Terminal.

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, although US Dollars may be accepted.

On this tour we will be able to discover Singapore on top of Asia’s most iconic architectural and engineering marvel – the Singapore Flyer.

This tour showcases the contrast between the old and new, and the blend of East and West.

Salalah, is the capital and seat of the governor or Wali of the southern Omani province of Dhofar. The population of Salalah is 197,169 as of 2009.

This tour will allow us to discover the beauty of Salalah, by driving into the surrounding area to see the contrast between the lush vegetation of the Garden City and the barren, bleak landscape of the desert.

Leaving the port we shall make our way to the Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Salalah instructed to be built by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

Departing from our ship we shall embark on a memorable trip to the Land of the Pharaohs and the old Capital of Egypt, Luxor.

The great “Hypostyle Hall” alone is a veritable forest of giant pillars rising 23 metres toward the sky. At the height of its glory, Karnak Temple collected annual tribute from over 65 cities and towns in the region.
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SAFAGA

• As a mark of respect to Egyptian customs and religions, shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting holy or historic sites.
• All tours will be escorted by members of the Egyptian tourist Police. (The Tourism Police are the only authority that can decide the number of the Tourist Police Offices that should be escorting the tours. However, we can say that 95 % of the buses are escorted by Tourism Police Officers)
• Passengers must carry their passport at all times. When leaving the ship for tours, you will have to pass through Immigration (and on your return).
• Photography and the use of video cameras is totally prohibited in all areas, including tombs, in the Valley of the Kings.
 

Upon arrival at the park, considered one of the world’s best snorkelling spots, we will have approximately two and a half hours to explore this underwater haven.
 

Our panoramic tour begins with a scenic drive to the Nabq Protected Area, a marine reserve located 22 miles north of Sharm el Sheikh. This site is an outstanding natural area containing varied ecosystems, including protected coral reefs and stands of mangroves.

A barbecue lunch will be set up in the middle of the desert for us. In this remarkable setting, we are sure to feel like Lawrence of Arabia. The highlight of our tour will be joining the nomadic Bedouins for tea.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• As a mark of respect to Egyptian customs and religions, shoulders and legs should be covered when visiting holy or historic sites.
• All tours will be escorted by members of the Egyptian tourist Police. (The Tourism Police are the only authority that can decide the number of Tourist Police Offices that should be escorting the tours. However, we can say that 95 % of the buses are escorted by Tourism Police Officers)
• Passengers must carry their passport at all times. When leaving the ship for tours, you will have to pass through Immigration (and on your return).
• Toilet facilities may be limited on tours, and therefore queues should be expected. All used buses are equipped with toilet facilities.
 

The monastery stands on the site where tradition has it, Moses saw the burning bush, and dates back to the 6th century AD. Today, it is still occupied by monks following the Greek Orthodox church liturgy and monastic existence.
 

Boarding our glass-bottom boat, our journey will commence. We shall enjoy approximately 90 minutes of cruising, during which we can admire the coral reef.
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ALEXANDRIA

• As a mark of respect to Egyptian customs and religions, shoulders and legs should be covered when visiting holy or historic sites.
• All tour coaches will be escorted by members of the Egyptian tourist Police.
• Passengers must carry their passport at all times. When leaving the ship for tours, you will have to pass through Immigration (and on your return).
• Photography and the use of video cameras is totally prohibited in all areas.
• Toilet facilities may be limited on tours, and therefore queues should be expected.

Depart the quayside, we begin our tour with a drive along the scenic desert road to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, and upon arrival we proceed to the site of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza.

We depart Alexandria and travel towards the small coastal village of El Alamein, which means "the two mountains or the two way-markers” and is a town in the northern Matrouh Governorate of Egypt.

Today we will enjoy a guided walking tour in the heart of Cairo. Our tour will begin at the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, here we will admire its grand, soaring architecture and rich decoration, completed in 1363 is one of the finest in Egypt.

We will begin our tour and head to Pompey’s Pillar. It is a 27 metre high and two metre thick column of polished Aswan rose granite, which stands before the scant remains of the splendid Temple of Serapis, one of ancient Alexandria’s most important buildings.

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, has an atmosphere more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern.

We shall depart the pier by coach for a drive of approximately three hours to Cairo, the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa.

Alexandria is a true waterfront city where the desert meets the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.

We depart the quayside and begin our tour with a drive along the scenic desert road to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where upon arrival we proceed to the site of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza.

We depart from the quayside and begin our tour by making our way past the British/Spanish land frontier.

On this leisurely tour we can enjoy a panoramic sightseeing drive of Gibraltar followed by English tea!

Gibraltar’s purpose-built cable car is one of the best ways to appreciate the great views of the city and its surroundings.

The rock of Gibraltar, overlooking the entrance to the Mediterranean and standing nearly 425 metres (1,400 feet) above sea level, is reputed to be one of the legendary Pillars of Hercules.

Few people are aware that Gibraltar is one of the best places in the world to view cetaceans the whole year round.

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe at the entrance of the Mediterranean overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. The territory covers 6.843 square kilometres (2.642sq mi) and shares a land border with Spain to the north. Gibraltar has historically been an important base for the British Armed Forces and is the site of a Royal Navy base.

Gibraltar is one of the most densely populated territories in the world, with a population of 29,286 estimated in 2008, approximately 4,290 inhabitants per square kilometre (11,100/sq mi). The growing demand for space is being increasingly met by land reclamation; reclaimed land currently comprises approximately one tenth of the territory’s total area.

The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound.