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.
 

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.

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.

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.
 

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

Our tour of the picturesque peninsular will provide us with an easy paced, guided overview of Noumea’s city, hills, bays, beaches and immediate countryside. All in all, ‘the best of Noumea’.

Upon our arrival we will join our friendly crew on an approximate 45 minute cruise out to Duck Island’s Marine Reserve. We will view a wide variety of colourful fish and coral through the glass bottom. During our journey we will have an opportunity to help feed the swarms of fish surrounding the boat.

Travelling with our guide, we will make our way through the city centre where we will be able to view various landmarks and observe the blend of typically French architecture and South Pacific lifestyle.

New Caledonia is approximately 1,600 kilometres (995 miles) from the Australian coast, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, and forms a part of Oceania. It was discovered in 1774 by Captain Cook, who named it New Caledonia. In 1853, it was annexed by Napoleon III for France, and the original colonists were soon joined by convicts from Paris. The final quarter of the 19th century saw the discovery of rich mineral sources, which resulted in a flood of miners from many different lands. This, together with the nickel boom of the late 1960s, which attracted a further influx of people, resulted in today’s multicultural population.

UNESCO has recently listed (7th July 2008) the New Caledonia Barrier Reef on the World Heritage List under the name The Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems.

The currency of New Caledonia is the French Pacific Franc.
 

This comprehensive tour of Noumea will provide us with an easy paced, guided overview of Noumea’s city, hills, bays, beaches and state of the art aquarium.

The “land train” is an excellent option for those of us seeking a guided orientation tour of the city and resort area, complete with the best viewpoint of the peninsular.

Leaving our ship we will take an approximate 30 minute ride through the countryside to Parc Fayard at Dumbea where we will be met by our “Terra Incognita” guide.

Today we will experience the length and breadth of Port Vila from Pango Point to Mele Bay. We will begin with a visit to Nicholai Michoutouchkine and Aloi Pilioko Foundation Museum which are centred within a privately owned tropical garden.

Please note that the tours are all by coasters (mini buses) which may not have working p/a systems or air-conditioning and the quality of the vehicles used may not match the standards we have come to expect in Europe. Unfortunatley the tour mini buses cannot take wheelchairs onboard.

We strongly recommend passengers on tour to take insect repellent with them.

The official currency of Port Vila is the Vatu, although Australian Dollars are widely accepted.

We will board our handmade canoe, paddled by traditional warriors to travel along the Epile River for approximately 30 minutes. At a local village we will be met by the chief and his tribe who will entertain you with local dances.

Along the way we will receive full commentary as we cruise past private homes, villages, rainforest and sea-side resorts and restaurants.
 

Boarding our mini bus we will take a short drive to visit Ekasup Village which has been awarded Vanuatu’s best tourist attraction for the past two years. Here Ekasup villages in traditional dress will give us an insight into the magical and mysterious world of Ancient Melanesia.

Once we reach the sheltered reef near Irifa Island we will be given the opportunity to enjoy some snorkelling within the Port Vila Harbour. Alternatively if we would rather we could relax on the vessel’s upper sun deck and enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
 

Cascades waterfall is 20 metre high waterfall with naturally eroded rock swimming pools set amidst jungle-like rainforest.

Departing from the quayside we will be taken on an orientation of Port Vila which will include many points of scenic, cultural and historic interest.

Spices of Fiji is just west of Suva, a twenty minute drive from our ship. The farm is 90 hetore paradise of jungle, waterfalls, streams and river and home to the Organic Spice Gardens of Fiji.

We visit Fiji during the wet season, so brief tropical showers can be expected and a light jacket or raincoat is recommended. Coaches or small buses are generally used for tours, although transport could be by car.

The currency of Fiji is the Fiji Dollar – Euros and US Dollars may be accepted.

A boutique resort set on one of Fiji’s longest beaches will mean that we will get to enjoy uninterrupted views of Stunning Beqa Lagoon.

Our tour will take us to Fiji’s capital city, Suva – centre of commerce and the seat of government.

Le Truck’ is a popular mode of transportation in French Polynesia – a non-air-conditioned jitney. We depart from the pier and commence a drive around this island paradise, heading first to the district of Fa’anui, passing small villages and fields where we may see the everyday life of the people of Bora Bora. We’ll make a short stop at Fa’anui Bay for photographs.

This is a true off-road tour. We will be riding in four by four vehicles to places which are usually inaccesssible to all other modes of transport.

The Lagoonarium is a highlight of Bora Bora, located on a remote islet. We head here from Vaitape in a motorised outrigger canoe or catamaran style boat, travelling half-way round the island.

Discover the beauty of the ever-changing colours of the lagoon of Bora Bora, on a covered snorkeling boat.
 

Enjoy Bora Bora's magical lagoon onboard our covered boat.

Please note that there is only one rather basic road on Bora Bora, and the quality of the vehicles used may not match the standards we have come to expect in Europe. Should we wish to swim during our time in Bora Bora, there is only one public beach – Matira Beach, an approximate 20 minute drive from Vaitape, the main village on the island, where we tender into.

We call into French Polynesia during the rainy season, so a tropical shower or two can be expected (they finish almost as soon as they start).

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

French and Tahitian are the official languages, however, English is widely understood. The preferred currency is the French Pacific Franc, although US Dollars may be accepted (not Sterling).

Departing the pier in Vaitape, our exploration by glass-bottom boat will allow us to see Bora Bora’s famous marine life without getting wet.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Split between two nations, Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titikaka is a lake of indescribable beauty - a beautiful gem amidst the mountainous ranges of South America. Offering breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains and acres of rustic landscape, we can look forward to exploring a mystical destination at a high altitude.

THIS TOUR IS NOT BOOKABLE ON OUR WEBSITE - PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR SHORE TOUR BOOKING FORM

Let us start with a wonderful fact about Peru – without the Incas we would not be able to enjoy chips, mash, and roast or baked potatoes. They discovered the cooking potential of the potato and cultivated them.

The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol.

Founded in 1926 in a renovated 1707 mansion, the Larco Herrera Museum contains the biggest private collection of pre-Columbian art that exists in the world and consists of about 45,000 pieces, mainly pottery, that were excavated by Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle.

From the pier we will travel to Plaza Mayor, the main square, where we can appreciate the majestic colonial architecture.

Starting out from Callao port we will board our coach and drive through the centre of Lima where we will see the Government Palace, the cathedral and the old colonial section to view the lights of Plaza Mayor and other main streets.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS OVERLAND TOUR - this tour has very limited numbers so early pre booking is recommended.

THIS TOUR CAN NOT BE BOOKED ON OUR WEBSITE - PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR SHORE TOUR BOOKING FORM

On this excursion we can enjoy a visit to one of Peru’s largest private collections, amassed over a lifetime by the late diplomat Miguel Mujica Gallo.

Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is a spectacular and imposing citadel. At a distance of 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Cusco, in the valley of the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 2,400 metres (7,900 feet) above sea level, between the Huatna Picchu (Young Peak) and Machu Picchu (Old Peak). It lies within a spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of the nearby jungle, and the rugged landscape. Machu Picchu is one of the most famed examples of Inca architecture and believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911, by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.

THIS TOUR IS NOT BOOKABLE ON OUR WEBSITE - PLEASE COMPLETE & RETURN YOUR SHORE TOUR BOOKING FORM. PLEASE NOTE THE BOOKING DEADLINE FOR THIS TOUR IS 12 NOON ON TUESDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2011.

We shall visit different Galapagos Islands, seeing many different things.Examples of the Islands we may visit include the following - Santa Fe Island - A short trek leads us through woods of Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Land iguanas, lava lizards and colonies of sea lions can be observed. Plaza Island - This small island is full of fascinating wildlife, both at seaside and along the cliffs. We may have the opportunity to view sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls and opuntia cacti. Bartolome Island - The trail is a fairly steep climb on wooden steps to the summit and is worth the effort, as there is a spectacular view of the Galapagos scenery from above. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can also be observed.

THIS TOUR TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS IS NOT BOOKABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

After an approximate 20 minute ride from Manta we will reach Pacoche Lodge, located in the middle of a tropical forest reserve in a beautiful area full or orchids, bromeliads and other ornamental plants.

DAY 4 - We will leave our hotel and will drive to Alausi where we will board the train going to the Devil’s Nose Pass. This route will show us breathtaking scenery of the Andes, such as the Palmira desert and finally, the Devil’s Nose and the amazing engineering work that was done to take the train across the hills and creeks to communicate the Andes with the Coastal Region. The train received its name from a famous wall of rock with 45-degree decline, called the Devil’s Nose, which is part of the train excursion. Switchbacks are used to help the train make it up steep slopes. A switchback is a trail which zigzags up a steep ridge instead of going straight up.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS OVERLAND TOUR IS NOT BOOKABLE ON OUR WEBSITE - PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR BOOKING FORM IN ORDER TO PRE BOOK IT

VERY IMPORTANT!

Please read the information below before booking any of the tours in Ecuador.

Experienced travellers recommend against wearing or bringing valuables ashore while sightseeing in Ecuador. Please exercise caution with all personal items, particularly when walking through crowded areas which are frequented by tourists. Coaches should be air-conditioned, although the quality of PA systems may vary – as in all South American ports. Tour participants should be aware that guides, although welcoming, may speak rather limited and accented English. Flash photography is not permitted inside churches.

Please note that the 7th April is a Holy Saturday in Ecuador.

The official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar.

Departing from the ship we will make our first stop at the archaeological museum of Banco Central which highlights the local culture and ethnic origins of the area.

On our tour a local band will ride atop one of the buses as we set off in a convoy for a short ride to fascinating Montecristi.

We will depart from Manta to the south along the “Route of the Sun” for a two hour scenic ride along the coast, past small fishing villages, and tropical forest that includes opuntia cactus, fragrant palo santo trees, kapok trees and the algarroba trees.

Cartagena, founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, is today one of the great tourist destinations in South America. It is full of history connected to Spanish-English conflict for dominance in the New World. There were three forts built to protect Cartagena from invasion; San Sebastian de Pastelillo, which was built between 1558 and 1567; the fortress of San Lorenzo in the city; and the great fortress of San Felipe, just outside the city. There was also a great wall built encircling the city. Despite these great defences, Cartagena fell to Sir Francis Drake in 1586. Today, Cartagena welcomes visitors from all over the world.

For reference, the official currency for Colombia is the Colombian Peso.
 

Our tour will begin with a brief panoramic view of the magnificent city of Cartagena – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

Departing the quayside in our horse drawn carriage, our tour today will begin with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas.

We will be invited to enjoy an approximate one hour cruise of Cartagena’s bay with our guide, who will bring to life the era of many great land and sea battles through amazing stories of glory and tragedy, all of which came to shape this city.

Our tour starts with a visit to La Popa, previously known as the ‘Stern of the Galleon’. This ancient monastery is located on top of a hill and offers great views of the city of Cartagena.

Cartagena is conveniently located on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, and is a unique city filled with sun, sea and history.

We shall be invited to enjoy a tour of the magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias, which includes a visit to the historic colonial city and a beautiful show of Colombian music and dance at the painstakingly restored Heredia Theatre.

This wonderful tour offers us a rare opportunity to swim and play with beautiful bottlenose dolphins.

Interact with a beautiful bottlenose dolphin while standing waist-deep in water on a submerged platform.

Departing from the quayside by boat, we will be transferred to the Wet and Wild Beach at Seaquarium; en route we can watch the scenery of the harbour and coastline pass us by.

This is a once in a lifetime tour!

THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR WILL HAVE VERY LIMITED CAPACITY SO EARLY PRE BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

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.

Upon our arrival at Blue Bay Beach, we will have approximately two hours of free time to relax and enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean waters. We may wish to snorkel and explore the colourful reefs or simply relax on the beach under the shade of a palm tree.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TOUR WILL OPERATE ON D1202 CARIBBEAN CRUISE ONLY

We will be invited to enjoy a narrated tour of the coral reefs along the south coast of the island.

Willemstad, capital of Curaçao, wears its Dutch Heritage at a handsome angle; the gabled houses and shops of the waterfront are reminiscent of a small Amsterdam, save for the wash of brightly coloured hues that festoon them. The quaint, steam powered Queen Emma pontoon bridge chugs open and shut to admit different ships. Out of town, the stark, gnarled forms of divi divi trees stand sharp and clear against the blue sky, fronting dazzling white beaches washed by warm, whispering trade winds.

The currency of Willemstad is the Antillean Guilder

Our Curaçao Island tour combines an interesting look at the countryside of Curaçao, the city of Willemstad and three major attractions on this Dutch Island.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Castaways Restaurant lies on a beautiful beach in Jolly Harbour on the west coast of the Antigua. Here we will have some free time to let the sun warm our body and the beach soothe our soul as we enjoy one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches, located in the lush tropical landscaped marina.

On this tour we can indulge ourselves aboard the Mystic catamaran as we sail along the beautiful coastline of Antigua.

Our tour today combines a panoramic tour of the island and an exciting yacht race. It is a little bit of everything to suit those who want to see the sights in a more exclusive and unique way.

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 begins with a short drive to Coconut Grove Beach, located at Dickenson Bay. Upon arrival, we can learn to play the sound of Caribbean music on a steel pan.

The amazing animals will surprise us with their gentleness. These once feared ‘beasts’ will find a special new place in our heart and provide us with unforgettable memories.

This tour gives us a chance to see beautiful places on the island, which are inaccessible by bus, but no problem for our open-sided, four-wheel drive Land Rover jeep. Hold on to your hats for this fun-filled, off-road adventure!

Today’s tour will allow us to enjoy a full circumnavigation of Antigua’s magnificent coastline - think you have seen all that Antigua has to offer? Wait until you experience the views by sea!
 

It is thought that the Arawaks first inhabited Antigua about 2,000 years ago; around 1200 AD they were evicted by the Caribs. It was not until 1493 that Columbus first sighted Antigua, and named it after a church in Seville, Spain. The British colonised the island in 1632, and in 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington arrived to establish the first sugar plantation. By the end of that century, the plantation economy had developed, slaves were imported and the central part of the island was stripped of its forests and replanted with sugar cane. In the early 1800's, the sugar market began to falter. With the abolition of slavery in 1834, the plantations collapsed and were consolidated under the control of a handful of landowners. Antigua finally achieved independence in 1981.

For reference, the currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although US Dollars are widely accepted.

This tour offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to visit Montserrat, and to witness an active volcano from a safe distance.

This tour offers us a unique and exclusive opportunity to visit Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, famed for its deserted pink sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Just 27 miles north of Antigua, and covering 62 square miles, Barbuda was once a popular holiday destination for Princess Diana.

THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR HAS LIMITED AVAILABILITY - PRE BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

Our journey through the centre of the island takes us past quaint villages, which epitomise the typical West Indian style and culture.
 

If there’s one tour we’re really going to ‘push the boat out’ for, perhaps this should be it! Our entire tour of Montserrat is over the ‘exclusion zone’, which is an area that has been designated off limits to ground transportation for the past few years. What better way to view it than by Bell helicopter!

The island is Antigua’s oldest owner-operated excursion, now in its 38th year, and is one of Antigua’s best-kept secret hideaways.
 

Our tour will begin with a visit to the city centre, where we shall walk through some of the most interesting streets of downtown Ponta Delgada.

Since their discovery in the early 15th century, the Portuguese Azores have played an important part in oceanic navigation. They were a logistical point for the discovery of new worlds, a port of call for ships engaged in trade between Europe, America and India, and a place to lay anchor for the galleons bringing the wealth of the Americas back to the Old World.

For reference, the currency used in the Azores is the Euro.

From Ribeira Grande, we proceed along the north coast, passing en route Santa Iria Belvedere and the Tea Plantation at Gorreana, before arriving at the summit of Pico do Ferro Belvedere, which overlooks the magnificent Furnas Valley.

Ribeira Grande is the oldest town on the north coast and has a Portuguese feeling, evident in the house facades and verandas.

An ideal opportunity to see the beautiful places on the island, which are inaccessible by bus!

Leaving Ponta Delgada by way of the coastal road, we pass through a number of picturesque villages before arriving at Feteiras.