Cultures & Landmarks of Polynesia, Australia & Asia

Havana, the capital city, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba, is famed for its colonial history and vibrant culture.The city is home to exquisite Spanish colonial architecture, classic American cars, irresistible rhythms of mambo and a confusing jigsaw of grand avenues and cobbled streets.

 A stroll around Habana Vieja, Old Havana, quickly reveals the audacious Latin atmosphere within the imposing coastal fortifications and intimate, traffic-free squares. At its centre, the buildings reflect the city’s vivacious architectural mix: the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the iconic National Capitol Building, the Baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal, and the Plaza Vieja are all worth the effort to uncover.

The art culture is one of the city's biggest revelations, and Cuban creativity is accessible through the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the Fusterlandia public art project and the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, which champions the movement of Havana's more contemporary art scene. The city is awash with experimentation, exemplified by the explosion of uber cool cafes and Bohemian bars.

Columbus believed this was the most beautiful land he'd ever seen, and it’s hard not to agree given Cuba's 2,000 miles of tropical coastline, lush mountains and some 300 beaches that melt into azure seas.

At the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal on the Caribbean Sea, lies the country’s second city, Colón. Initially established as the terminus of the Panama Railroad, the town was originally called Aspinwall, after Railroad’s promoter, William Aspinwall. It was built to provide a fast overland route to California and the gold rush, but the local Hispanic population soon renamed it in honour of Christopher Columbus. [ReadMoreMob]

Outside the city port are several reminders of Panama’s rich history, including the Canal’s impressive Gatún Locks and Gatún Dam. Fort San Lorenzo, built by the Spanish to guard the strategically important Chagres River, is a well-preserved colonial military structure.The vast Colón Free Trade Zone offers tax-free shopping.

The Pacific port and tiny town of Puerto Caldera is well-situated for many of Costa Rica's top attractions and most popular cities, including San Jose, Jaco and Puntarenas. This tropical city is located off of the Gulf of Nicoya and its unspoilt, natural beauty is a true spectacle.

The vast rainforest around Puerto Caldera spreads from the coastline up into breath-taking mountain ranges where rivers, waterfalls, parks and wildlife preserves are all waiting to be discovered.

The beautiful French Polynesian Island of Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands, and is dominated by two dormant volcanoes which have eroded to leave a 1,200m peak, surrounded by lush, green fertile valleys.

The hidden Taipivai valley is where Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, set his other great novel, Typee. The island is resolutely unspoilt. In its farms, pastureland and fishing villages, life carries on pretty much as it has for generations. The islanders are very welcoming of visitors, although there’s little concession to the tourist trade apart from a couple of souvenir shops.

Part of a National Wildlife Reserve, with especially rare flora and fauna, it has a dream-like mood that will bring out Robinson Crusoe yearnings in most visitors! Fakarava’s immense lagoon offers superb snorkelling and diving as well as a chance to visit a black pearl farm.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Its very name conjures up images of Gauguin paintings, palm trees, golden beaches and blue seas, and this near-perfect Polynesian island does not disappoint.

The bustling city of Papeete is home to the world’s only Pearl Museum, which traces the history and mythology of pearls, and has many examples of black, white and pink pearls on view. The town’s fine buildings include a number of interesting religious buildings: the red spire-topped, 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral plays an important part in Tahitian society.

Beside the port, the busy Place Vai’ete fills with food carts (roulottes) in the evenings, while the large Le Marché de Papeete is a favourite daily market. Le Marché, at the heart of the city, is packed with stalls selling fruit and vegetables, oils and scented soaps, jams and pickles, clothing, hats, bags and shell necklaces. Spread out over two floors, the sumptuous displays of flowers – Tahitian homes are considered incomplete without flowers everywhere – simply have to be seen to be believed.

French Polynesia is comprised of over 100 islands and atolls, with Tahiti possibly being the most famous thanks to its soaring peaks, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas. The array of natural treasures includes the Faarumai Waterfalls and spring garden of Vaipahi.

Raiatea, which translates to ‘faraway heaven’, certainly lives up to its name. The island boasts breathtaking scenes of lush jungle interiors, volcanic peaks – including 3337ft-high Mount Tafatua and Mount Olympus, where rare and scared Tiare Apetati flowers grow – and extensive coastal lagoons offering stunning seascapes of azure blue waters and coral reefs teeming with colourful flora and fauna.

Beyond the island’s abundant beauty, Raiatea is also rich with cultural and historical importance. It’s believed to be the original birthplace of Polynesia, and where the great Polynesian migration to Hawaii and New Zealand began many centuries ago. Today the island is a pilgrimage for those who wish to retrace the historic steps of their ancestors.

Amongst the awe-inspiring landscapes, many fascinating historical and archaeological treasures await discovery, including Marae Taputapuatea – the largest outdoor temple in French Polynesia – and Hauviri Marae, home of the famous Te-papa-tea-ia-ruea sacred stone.

The small South Pacific island of Bora Bora to the northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is a special kind of paradise. This popular resort destination is surrounded by sand-fringed motu (islets) and a warm lagoon protected by a coral reef. With incredible sandy beaches that stretch on forever, grand palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and turquoise waters filled with turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish, many visitors find it hard to describe the magic that emanates from this island. [ReadMoreMob]

A haven for scuba divers, one of Bora Bora’s more unusual sites are the ‘bungalows’ perched over the water on stilts. Since water is a way of life here, popular lagoon excursions include snorkelling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing and jet skiing.  

At the island's centre the extinct volcanoes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu tower over the whole island, the latter rising to a height of 727m.

The International Date Line runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and distinguishes the change of one calendar day to the next, passing through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, roughly following the 180° line of longitude, and is exactly halfway round the planet from Greenwich, London.

So, for guests sailing West on their World Cruise, it will result in a 'Lost Day', due to location of this imaginary line, and so it follows that for guests sailing East, it results in a day gained.

Located on the north coast of the island of Tongatapu, Nukuʻalofa, the capital of Tonga, lies just west of the International Date Line. Nukuʻalofa has a hidden charm that includes a vibrant main street, a broad waterfront, and impressive views across the bay to neighbouring coral islands.

Tonga is a collection of 171 islands that are truly unique given they’re the first place on earth to greet each new day. Nuku’alofa - one of only 45 inhabited Tongan islands - is the capital of Tonga and home to the Talamahu Market and the Royal Palace - the historical residence of the King.

Talamahu Market is a buzzing, fresh-produce hub where bananas and other coloured fruits are piled into handmade woven-frond baskets. It has a few cooked-food stalls, plus some excellent (and affordable) Tongan arts and crafts on sale.

Although situated on the beautiful south coast of Vanua Levu, the second largest of Fiji’s 333 magnificent islands, Savusavu is a remote, hidden away paradise. Unlike some well-trodden Fijian destinations, this wonderfully picturesque town isn’t on the regular tourist trail, so its natural treasures and forested, mountainous landscapes remain largely untouched, and its sleepy streets retain their authentic charms.

Most visitors to Savusavu come to escape the crowds and the bustle of Fiji’s busier holiday resorts. Time here affords opportunities to relax and enjoy the glorious sunshine at the breathtaking beach; experience some of the world’s best snorkelling and scuba diving in warm, teal waters teeming with exotic fish and coral reefs; while away a few hours at the volcanic hot springs; explore tropical gardens overlooking the spectacular bay; and much more.

A wander into town is rewarding too however, with a collection of cosmopolitan restaurants serving an eclectic mix of Fijian and Asian-influenced cuisine, welcoming bars, shops run by friendly locals, and a busy market – each offering an authentic taste of life here – to discover too.

Barely a kilometre long, only 200 metres wide, and sitting within the Vanuatu archipelago of over 80 Islands, Mystery Island is a untouched tropical paradise in the South Pacific. A naturally-crafted marine sanctuary, the island is surrounded by deep blue, calm seas and coral reefs alive with colourful flora and tropical fish. Throw golden, palm-lined beaches into the mix too, and this is a wondrous place to experience. [ReadMoreMob]

Formerly used by the Allied forces as a landing strip during World War II, the island still receives a few commercial flights too. However, no one actually lives on this fascinating deserted land, due in part to the belief that it is haunted by ghosts after dark.

Often described as the ‘St Tropez of the Pacific’, the French controlled territory of New Caledonia combines a wonderful Pacific climate with European inspired culture and heritage.

An easy-going city spread out over a large peninsula, Noumea – New Caledonia's capital – is surrounded by pretty bays and lagoons, and offers something to please every visitor. There are some excellent museums, including the City Museum, the National Museum of New Caledonia – which has a fine collection of Melanesian and Kanak artefacts – the Geological Museum and the Maritime History Museum. The latter celebrates three millennia of seafaring, and includes displays of finds from ships wrecked on the coral reefs. Also of interest is the National Aquarium, with stunning displays of tropical fish, as well as live coral.

Sydney, Australia is one of the world's most exciting, must-see modern cities. Home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House – two of the most iconic cityscapes on Earth – the capital of New South Wales has a visual wow factor that most other cities can only dream of.

Defined by the rugged Pacific coastline that surrounds it, Sydney is a timeless, cosmopolitan metropolis that is easy to fall in love with. The imposing Darling Harbour, plus the smaller Circular Quay Port are the hubs of waterside life, with the revered Royal Botanic Garden nearby. For the more adventurous, Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Compared with its Australian counterparts, Sydney is loud and brash. It has glamour and casualness in equal measure: there is a balance between the beach culture found on Bondi Beach and the fine dining and vibrant nightlife found in Kings Cross and Oxford Street.

Museums and memorials abound and include The Australian Museum, which opened in 1857 with the purpose of displaying the natural wealth of the colony, and the modern Museum of Sydney, which details the city's development. The Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park is a public memorial dedicated to the achievement of Australia's armed forces in World War I.

The neoclassical Greek frontage of the NSW Art Gallery underlines the prominent and gregarious role art has in Sydney society. Major international exhibitions regularly arrive here and there's an outstanding permanent collection of indigenous art. And everything that’s best in contemporary Australian cuisine can be found at Circular Quay and The Rocks.

For those wanting to escape the city and go off the beaten path, the spectacular Blue Mountain or the Australian Bush offer spectacular sights and experiences. Sydney Harbour National Park protects large swathes of bushland, while Botany Bay’s history and connection to Britain is a big draw.

Sydney, Australia is one of the world's most exciting, must-see modern cities. Home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House – two of the most iconic cityscapes on Earth – the capital of New South Wales has a visual wow factor that most other cities can only dream of.

Defined by the rugged Pacific coastline that surrounds it, Sydney is a timeless, cosmopolitan metropolis that is easy to fall in love with. The imposing Darling Harbour, plus the smaller Circular Quay Port are the hubs of waterside life, with the revered Royal Botanic Garden nearby. For the more adventurous, Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Compared with its Australian counterparts, Sydney is loud and brash. It has glamour and casualness in equal measure: there is a balance between the beach culture found on Bondi Beach and the fine dining and vibrant nightlife found in Kings Cross and Oxford Street.

Museums and memorials abound and include The Australian Museum, which opened in 1857 with the purpose of displaying the natural wealth of the colony, and the modern Museum of Sydney, which details the city's development. The Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park is a public memorial dedicated to the achievement of Australia's armed forces in World War I.

The neoclassical Greek frontage of the NSW Art Gallery underlines the prominent and gregarious role art has in Sydney society. Major international exhibitions regularly arrive here and there's an outstanding permanent collection of indigenous art. And everything that’s best in contemporary Australian cuisine can be found at Circular Quay and The Rocks.

For those wanting to escape the city and go off the beaten path, the spectacular Blue Mountain or the Australian Bush offer spectacular sights and experiences. Sydney Harbour National Park protects large swathes of bushland, while Botany Bay’s history and connection to Britain is a big draw.

Leaf through the pages of Burnie’s history at the Pioneer Village Museum, work up an appetite at the regions famous Lactos Cheese tasting centre or take a stroll though the spectacular Annsleigh or Rhododendrum Gardens.

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The city’s elegant tree-lined boulevards, extensive parks and gardens, colourful trams, rich cultural programmes and art-deco high-rises set the scene in this classy, vibrant community.

Stylish, art-loving Melbourne is wonderfully cosmopolitan, and is proud to be recognised as Australia's sporting and cultural capital. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is home to Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex, while the National Gallery of Victoria has stunning Australian and indigenous art. Melbourne's liberal, bohemian and progressive personality means it was ‘hipster’ long before the word became a ubiquitous label.

The city centre is defined by the modern Federation Square development, with smart plazas and chic bars and restaurants all well-situated by the Yarra River. The breadth of shops and markets, not to mention the huge variety of cuisine available – Greek, Italian, Maltese, Thai, Vietnamese and more – is a mouth-watering prospect for any visitor.

The inner city is probably the most European of any in Australia: the leafy Collins Street was coined as the 'Paris End' in the 1950s. The city's well-ordered grid also adds a flavour of New York in this extraordinary destination. The Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Zoo are two other attractions that are worthy of discovery.

The breathtaking beauty of Albany's rugged coastline marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. The Rainbow Coast creates a fitting backdrop to the town’s dramatic history of pioneers, convicts and whaling. This charming city is a grand mixture of old and new, as the stately old quarter merges easily with the modern offerings of retail therapy and a vibrant art scene.[ReadMoreMob]

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, a former whale processing plant, now houses an intriguing museum. The southern coastline and the rural surrounds are bursting with nature, historic attractions and a rich diversity of wildlife. Migrating whales pass off the coast at Torndirrup National Park, where steep cliffs give way to dramatic rock formations.

An extrovert city with a dynamic skyline. Visit nearby Fremantle (the city’s superbly restored Victorian port) which boasts immaculate gardens and parkland – and 20 miles of Indian Ocean ‘Sunset Coast’ beaches. Northwards is the Nambung National Park and its Pinnacles Desert, where ancient limestone pillars rise from the sand dunes.

On the surface, Surabaya – Indonesia’s second city, situated on the northeast coast of Java Island – is just another of Asia’s sprawling, modern metropolises, with its busy port and thriving commercial districts, impressive cityscape of soaring skyscrapers and futuristic architecture, vast shopping malls and artisan markets selling trendy street foods and the latest must-haves.

Take time to dig a little deeper though and you’ll soon realise there’s much more to this incredible city. Surabaya is known as the ‘City of Heroes’, in recognition of the major role it played in the National Revolution between 1945-1950, and the iconic Majapahit Hotel – where nationalists famously tore away the blue strip from the Dutch flag in 1945 – is a must-visit site.

While proudly Indonesian, the city doesn’t shy away from its undeniably Dutch-influenced past however, and this heritage can be seen in its Amsterdam-esque canals and fine examples of colonial architecture, such as the stately, 19^th century House of Sampoerna and Grahadi, the colonial-era residence of the Governor of East Java.

There’s a prominent mix of Chinese and Arabian influences on display today too – Surabaya is home to one of Asia’s largest and most diverse Chinatown districts, as well as a labyrinth-like Arab Quarter, which is home to a collection of beautiful mosques, temples and authentic, Middle Eastern souk-style markets.

When hearing ‘Semarang’, our minds often flit to the sensational Borobudur Temple, first built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Sailendra Dynasty. With a fantastic tour to walk around the grounds and along the steps of enlightenment, your stop here would not be complete without a visit.

Alternatively, jump at the opportunity to explore the many rice paddies and vast rural spaces which are simply breath-taking, and on a beautiful sunny day, can be a therapeutic and relaxing contrast to the busy inner-city.

For those staying in the city, the authentic Chinatown rubs shoulders with both modern and Dutch Colonial buildings, while Buddhist and Hindu temples, Islamic Mosques and Christian churches point to the town's ethnic mix.

One of the most beautiful buildings is the Sam Po Kong Temple, built to honour the Chinese commander Cheng Ho and extensively renovated in 2006 on the 600th anniversary of his voyage to Semarang. In the former Dutch quarter, the Oudstadt, is the Gereja Blenduk, the ''Doomed Church'' which is the oldest in central Java.

The overall style is neo-classical, but various local influences give it a rather idiosyncratic feel. Also worth seeing is the splendid Stasiun Tawang, the oldest railway station in the country

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, this dynamic city-state is the perfect cocktail of culture, cruising, arts and architecture. This global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population is passionately working towards its dream of a ‘City in a Garden’.

Getting around Singapore is a fairly rapid affair, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems. Its colonial core centres on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, and its multitude of Corinthian columns. The 19th century red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, allegedly houses one of Buddha's teeth.

The concrete that once dominated the city skyline is slowly being replaced by ‘green skyscrapers’, which look more like living ecosystems than office buildings. Visitors stepping out of the centre will find walking trails, treetop bridges, indigenous wildlife and the city's green jewel, the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tantalizing selection of food sold from street markets is dotted around the city. Food is taken very seriously: from cheap street fare to Michelin-starred dining, Singaporean foodies will happily queue for it. Of course, for sheer elegance, nothing beats a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel.

Singapore has always drawn visits from a variety of sea craft. Merchants of every race, colour and faith were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore’s population comprised of 48 races, speaking 54 languages. Malay is now the official language.  

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, this dynamic city-state is the perfect cocktail of culture, cruising, arts and architecture. This global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population is passionately working towards its dream of a ‘City in a Garden’.

Getting around Singapore is a fairly rapid affair, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems. Its colonial core centres on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, and its multitude of Corinthian columns. The 19th century red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, allegedly houses one of Buddha's teeth.

The concrete that once dominated the city skyline is slowly being replaced by ‘green skyscrapers’, which look more like living ecosystems than office buildings. Visitors stepping out of the centre will find walking trails, treetop bridges, indigenous wildlife and the city's green jewel, the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tantalizing selection of food sold from street markets is dotted around the city. Food is taken very seriously: from cheap street fare to Michelin-starred dining, Singaporean foodies will happily queue for it. Of course, for sheer elegance, nothing beats a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel.

Singapore has always drawn visits from a variety of sea craft. Merchants of every race, colour and faith were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore’s population comprised of 48 races, speaking 54 languages. Malay is now the official language.  

Although it has been a popular destination for in-the-know divers and hikers for decades, remote Weh Island – also known locally as Pulau Weh – has managed to stay off Indonesia’s well-trodden beaten track. The island, much of which is part of a National Wildlife Protection Area, is beautifully unspoilt and boasts gorgeous beaches, dense jungle interiors and coral reefs that beg for exploration.

Weh’s scuba diving and snorkelling spots are among the very best in Southeast Asia. The island’s underwater canyons and rugged rocks are sanctuary’s for a diverse array of marine flora and fauna, such as lionfish and clown fish, thorny seahorse, hawksbill turtle, Kuhl’s stingray and whale sharks to name just a few. Wonderful wildlife awaits discovery within the depths of the island’s lush volcanic landscapes too, including wild monkeys, lizards, boar and colourful butterflies.

Sabang, Weh’s capital, is a delight in itself, fronted by breathtaking, wind-swept white sands and surrounded by the rich rainforest of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. No time here is complete without venturing into Sabang to sample the local traditions and culture; visit the Monument of Kilometre Zero of Indonesia, Indonesia’s westernmost point; and to take in historic sites such as the Japanese Fortress.

The port city of Colombo is rich with colonial heritage, religions, races and cultures. With a population of over 4.5 million people, Colombo is a bustling, fascinating and noisy city. It combines Dutch and British colonial buildings, with Buddhist temples, Islamic mosques, Christian churches, and modern gleaming skyscrapers. The impressive Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, is worth uncovering and it borders the sprawling Viharamahadevi Park, home to a giant Buddha. [ReadMoreMob]

The narrow cobbled streets of Pettah, the main bazaar district, are full of shops and street markets selling an amazing array of goods at bargain prices. There are plenty of places to eat, from small shops selling pancakes to coffee shops and upmarket restaurants.

A more rustic, slow-paced Sri Lankan experience can be found in nearby Negombo, with its quaint village streets and lively fish market. Alternatively, sun seekers can venture to the private beach of Mt. Lavinia, located on the breath-taking Golden Mile beachfront.

Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, serene Kochi on India’s south-western coast has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years.

Formerly the port of Cochin, Kochi grew to prominence as an outlet for the spice trade in the 14th century, and is most famous for the iconic-cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that billow out across its harbour. This ancient trading centre is a melting pot of cultures and religions, evident in the town’s buildings, which range from the oldest synagogue in the British Commonwealth to the austere Mattancherry Palace, built by the Dutch but influenced by the Portuguese.

Mormugão is the main port of the tiny State of Goa, renowned for superb beaches and a colonial history that combines the best of Indian and Portuguese culture.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Goa showcases a mix of scenic beauty and architectural delights, from golden beaches and spice plantations to striking temples and bustling markets.

The Arch of the Viceroys was built in 1597 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India, while the nearby Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome. Opposite the magnificent Se Cathedral at Old Goa – one of the largest churches in Asia, is the Basilica of Bom. Here the remains of Francis Xavier, a founder of the Jesuit order and patron saint of Goa, lie in a silver casket next to the altar.

Yoga is king in Goa, and the crop of spiritual activities available to visitors grows each year. T’ai chi sessions, Reiki healing courses, meditation, and most forms of spiritual exploration are all practised freely. The scents, spices and flavours of Goa’s cuisine is the area’s other main attraction, and the Indo-Portuguese influence will surprise and tantalise even seasoned travellers.

Once a cluster of seven islands covered with coconut palms, Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is a sprawling, vibrant city on India’s west coast. It is a busy, densely-populated city, home to India’s most prolific film industry, Bollywood, and the largest tropical forest in an urban zone.

Mumbai can prove to be a surprising introduction to India. On its harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch; through it is India’s centre for finance and fashion, and a fervent religious crossroads. As such the city’s furious energy – and often heavy air pollution – can make it a totally different experience for visitors.

But once in Mumbai’s heart, some of the most imposing colonial-era architecture on earth is on view, as are its secret bazaars, hidden temples, and India’s top restaurants and intense nightlife.

The cultural mix is extraordinary: religious sites like the Jain Temple and the closely guarded Parsi Towers of Silence all exist happily next to the Victoria Railway Terminus, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and the Ghandi Memorial Museum. The unique and popular bazaars offer souvenir trinkets, traditional shawls and shoes all ready to be bartered over.

Venturing beyond Mumbai, the elusive and lesser known Elephanta Caves are captivating. Set in attractive surroundings of lush green vegetation, vines and towering trees, Elephanta Island offers a stark contrast from the bustling inner city of Mumbai. The eerie Buddhist and Hindu caves, and their honeycomb of halls, shrines and pillars, are a must-see.

Once a cluster of seven islands covered with coconut palms, Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is a sprawling, vibrant city on India’s west coast. It is a busy, densely-populated city, home to India’s most prolific film industry, Bollywood, and the largest tropical forest in an urban zone.

Mumbai can prove to be a surprising introduction to India. On its harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch; through it is India’s centre for finance and fashion, and a fervent religious crossroads. As such the city’s furious energy – and often heavy air pollution – can make it a totally different experience for visitors.

But once in Mumbai’s heart, some of the most imposing colonial-era architecture on earth is on view, as are its secret bazaars, hidden temples, and India’s top restaurants and intense nightlife.

The cultural mix is extraordinary: religious sites like the Jain Temple and the closely guarded Parsi Towers of Silence all exist happily next to the Victoria Railway Terminus, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and the Ghandi Memorial Museum. The unique and popular bazaars offer souvenir trinkets, traditional shawls and shoes all ready to be bartered over.

Venturing beyond Mumbai, the elusive and lesser known Elephanta Caves are captivating. Set in attractive surroundings of lush green vegetation, vines and towering trees, Elephanta Island offers a stark contrast from the bustling inner city of Mumbai. The eerie Buddhist and Hindu caves, and their honeycomb of halls, shrines and pillars, are a must-see.

Inhabited since 4000BC, Aqaba is the Jordanian port city on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba, and gateway to the world-famous stone-city of Petra. The Lost City of Petra is the impressive archaeological site carved from the sandstone hills more than 2,000 years ago, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its breath-taking tombs and ruins remained hidden to the world until their rediscovery in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. [ReadMoreMob]

The seaport of Aqaba has been strategically important for traders for centuries. The Crusaders built a fortress here, which was rebuilt by the Mamlukes in the 16th century, and it remains one of the town’s most important landmarks. The Aqaba Archaeological Museum houses Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid artefacts, an unearthed treasures from the ancient city of Aila, are also within its walls.

The small town of Aqaba itself has a relaxed vibe, and is a regular stopover for visitors heading to the diving and snorkelling clubs of the Yamanieh coral reef.

The city of Haifa is said to be one of the prettiest in Israel, and is surrounded by nature sites, churches and mosques, mountains and sea.

The Bahai Gardens here are not to be missed when on your cruise holiday. The site is where members of the Bahai faith have established their shrine – this building is stunning, with a golden dome, marbled walls and nine sides representing the nine major religions in the world. It is surrounded by several other unique buildings, and set amongst some of the most spectacular gardens in the world, which are designed in nine concentric circles and look like waves extending out from the shrine at the centre.

Other interesting places to visit in Haifa include the National Maritime Museum, the Railway Museum and the Khai-Bar Wildlife Preserve.

The city of Haifa is said to be one of the prettiest in Israel, and is surrounded by nature sites, churches and mosques, mountains and sea.

The Bahai Gardens here are not to be missed when on your cruise holiday. The site is where members of the Bahai faith have established their shrine – this building is stunning, with a golden dome, marbled walls and nine sides representing the nine major religions in the world. It is surrounded by several other unique buildings, and set amongst some of the most spectacular gardens in the world, which are designed in nine concentric circles and look like waves extending out from the shrine at the centre.

Other interesting places to visit in Haifa include the National Maritime Museum, the Railway Museum and the Khai-Bar Wildlife Preserve.

A holiday resort with an excellent family reputation, Limassol has some great beaches and lots of tavernas, cafés and restaurants. But there’s plenty else to see and do here. Limassol Castle was built in 1228 by Frederick II of Germany, but largely rebuilt by the Ottoman rulers during the 19th century. It now houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. The Limassol Archaeological Museum has many fascinating objects from the island’s history, especially from the Ottoman period.

Further afield, the Amathus site, about 11km east of the city, has the ruins of a Temple of Aphrodite and tombs from the early Iron Age era. In the other direction is the village of Kolossi; the splendid castle overlooks vineyards where the Cypriot Commandaria wine is produced.

Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.

Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John".[ReadMoreMob] Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.

The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.

Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Situated on Andalusia's beautiful Mediterranean coast, Malaga offers everything you would expect from a city on the Costa del Sol: seemingly endless stretches of golden sand beaches, fantastic restaurants serving traditional tapas and friendly bars attract locals and holidaymakers alike.

There's much more to the region's captivating capital than busy beach resorts though. Dig a little deeper and a wealth of cultural, historical, artistic and architectural treasures reveal themselves, such as Catedral de Málaga, the statuesque and striking Alcazaba Fortress and Castillo de Gibralfaro. Not-to-be-missed is the Picasso Museum, which exhibits a fantastic collection of masterpieces from arguably Malaga's most famous 'son', Pablo Picasso.

What's more, Malaga is also your gateway to Granada and the glorious Alhambra, where proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain's finest expression of Moorish art; as well as the Ronda Valley, where on tour you can explore a charming old town and the picturesque El Tajo gorge.