Enjoy meeting the locals and being entertained by whimsical lemurs on this delightful tour to nearby Nosy Komba.

Board your local boat from the ship's gangway and cruise across the east coast of Nosy Be to Nosy Komba, passing the verdant Lokobe evergreen forest along the way. Reaching the fishing village of Ampangoriana, you will tender ashore (please note it is a "wet" landing) and then have a bit of time to mingle with the locals and browse for souvenirs. Approximately 500 yards from the village is the Black Lemur Sanctuary, home to Madagascar's most famous residents, the black lemurs. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe these lively creatures as they leap from tree to tree. The black lemurs are the males and the brown lemurs the females. Although these animals live in the wild, they are tame enough to be fed with bananas and their capricious behavior will no doubt be fun to watch.

Leaving the sanctuary, you will walk to a nearby snack bar where you will be treated to a light snack while relaxing in the shade of a Tamarind tree and taking in the wonderful views of the Lokobe Reserve and surrounding islands. During your break, the local Sakalava embroiders will give you a demonstration on tablecloth making and the village children will perform a brief folk show for you. Free time will be provided for you to stroll on the beach, shop for souvenirs or perhaps take a dip in the ocean.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will re-board your boat and cruise back to Nosy Be and your awaiting ship.

Experience the Old World beauty and charm of the Seychelles during an orientation tour of picturesque La Digue. Enjoy a scenic drive to L’Union Estate, where you’ll gain insight into La Digue’s history at the estate’s old Creole house and coconut factory, and delight in daily life characterized by a decidedly relaxed pace punctuated by bicycles. Continue to La Digue’s beaches, considered to be among the world’s finest, including nearby Anse Source D’Argent, which has been called a bather’s and photographer’s dream. You’ll thrill to the soft white sands and dramatic granite boulders that have long enchanted visitors to the island. Keep a sharp lookout for the resident avian wonders, as you might catch sight of a Seychelles paradise flycatcher, a rare bird endemic to these islands that sports glossy black plumage with elongated tail feathers.

Explore Durban's unique blend of diverse Asian, African and European cultural influences during a tour of this coastal city.

Depart the pier for a scenic drive along the palm tree-lined Victoria Embankment. Pass by highlights such as the Vasco Da Gama Clock, the Dick King Statue, the imposing Durban Club and the Yacht Club, before stopping briefly at Currie Hill for panoramic views and photo opportunities of the city below.

Visit the Durban Botanical Gardens. Upon arrival, you will take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens, which house a wide variety of local flora and are renowned for their orchid house and rare collection of cycads, a plant dating back to prehistoric times.

Your scenic drive also takes you past the Old Market Square, which is reminiscent of the City Hall in Belfast and serves as Durban's municipal offices. Drive by the Juma Mosque, which is reputedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and famous for its massive golden dome and turrets, stopping for pictures at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Pay a visit to the Victoria Street Market, commonly known as the Indian Market. Browse amongst a splendid array of delicately-fashioned ebony and ivory ornaments, herb and spice stalls, and wooden carvings. Bargains are endless, and time permitting, you’ll have a brief time to shop independently.

Visit a vanilla plantation and explore a stunning cirque on this fascinating tour that includes lunch and free time for shopping. Take a picturesque drive to Saint-Denis, the economic and political center of Réunion Island, and notice eye-catching colonial mansions and buildings that date back to the time of the East India Trading Company during the 18th century.

Driving through the Sainte-Marie region, you’ll view sugar cane fields, lush greenery and, further east, vibrantly hued Indian temples. At a fragrant vanilla plantation, relish a guided tour and informative demonstration of how the plant’s aromatic oil is produced. Continuing to the Cirque of Salazie, thrill to a route through the natural amphitheater that passes countless cascading waterfalls, verdant gardens and colorful flowers while you ascend to approximately 3,300 feet. You’ll capture amazing photos during a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then enter the town of Hell-Bourg, named for a respected former admiral and island governor.

Take a walking tour past the village’s enchanting Creole houses and enjoy time on your own to shop before savoring a traditional lunch, a wonderful conclusion to your delightful exploration.

Stroll through colonial Luderitz and admire the spectacular architecture built during the town’s heyday at the beginning of the 20th century, when diamonds were discovered nearby.

After walking from the pier, you will soon be immersed in the German ambiance of bayside Luderitz. Although Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed here in 1488, the area remained unsettled until German tobacco merchant Adolf Luderitz purchased much of the surrounding land nearly 400 years later. The sleepy port soon became an important supply post for Germany’s colonization of southwest Africa, and Luderitz grew accordingly, especially after diamonds were discovered in the nearby Namib Desert.

As you approach Luderitz’s prominent Diamond Hill, you will see Goerke Haus, one of the most extravagant mansions built during the boom at the start of the 20th century. Renovated and full of period furnishings, the estate was built for diamond entrepreneur Hans Goerke in an Art Nouveau style with German and African themes.

Felsenkirche is another outstanding Diamond Hill landmark. The Evangelical Lutheran church was built in 1912 with private donations from German citizens and is renowned for the stained-glass panel above its altar, which Emperor Wilhelm II donated.

Finally, there is Luderitz Museum, where you will learn more about Germany’s colonization efforts, the diamond industry and Namibia’s flora and fauna. Interesting artifacts include whalebones, photos of the indigenous people and colonial mining equipment. After visiting, you may follow the guide back to the pier or return later on your own.

Discover highlights of beguiling Mossel Bay and explore a museum complex dedicated to the first European to land in South Africa. Enjoy an enlightening drive around Mossel Bay, a beach-blessed city in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains that was named by a Dutch explorer in 1601, when he found a huge collection of mussel shells in a nearby cave. As you travel along the town’s charming streets, you’ll learn that South Africa’s first post office was established here centuries ago after sailors began leaving letters in the cleft of a milkwood tree so that other sailors could deliver them on their journeys.

See that revered, 500-year-old tree, now a National Monument, standing near the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which is named for a Portuguese navigator who was the first European to set foot in South Africa in his search for a spice route to the Far East. During your time at the complex, perhaps you’ll visit the absorbing Shell Museum or the Maritime Museum, where a replica of Dias’ ship is on exhibit, along with early maps and navigation instruments. Experience the compelling sites and seafaring history of enchanting Mossel Bay on this captivating excursion.

Take in the landmarks of Port Elizabeth from the comfort of your coach, leaving you with a wonderful impression of South Africa’s beloved Friendly City.

At the entrance to the harbor, note the soaring Campanile, which was erected in 1923 and holds a carillon of 23 bells in honor of the area’s first British settlers. Continuing along the scenic shore, you’ll pass the lovely suburb of Summerstrand, drive through the campus of the Nelson Mandela University and perhaps stop at Shark Rock Pier to take in panoramic views of the city.

Pausing for photos whenever possible, see the beautiful Victorian Gothic Main Library, the Feather Market, constructed during the ostrich feather boom, and Dias Cross, a tribute to Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who erected a cross nearby after discovering Algoa Bay in 1488. At the Donkin Reserve park, you’ll observe a stone pyramid dedicated to Elizabeth Donkin, after whom the city was named in the 1820s. Admire well-preserved Fort Frederick and two sporting venues, Saint George’s Park Cricket Ground, which is South Africa’s oldest bowling green, and the more modern Nelson Mandela Stadium, all testament to Port Elizabeth’s dynamic role in South Africa’s history.

This wonderful full-day excursion gives a true insight into the different spectrums of Mauritian scenery to be found.

Leaving the pier, you will travel from the center of Curepipe along a tarred road that leads gently up to and round the rim of Trou-aux-cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater, whose floor is now heavily wooded. Making a photo-stop here, you will be treated to a magnificent view over the entire island and its towering mountain ranges.

Your drive continues from here to Grand-Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake and pilgrimage place for the Hindu where you will have a guided visit. In this idyllic location there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities and many Hindu pilgrims make the walk in bare feet from their homes to the lake. Hindu legend is that the lake is filled with the waters of the holy Ganges of India, making this a very significant place for all Hindus.

From here, you will next make your way through the forest reserve of Plaine-Champagne, with a stop at a viewpoint that looks out over the spectacular Black River Gorges. Further down the winding road, you will reach a local restaurant with a breathtaking view over the coastline for lunch.

Traveling along through thick Chinese Guava groves, your route next takes you to discover the magnificent Chamarel waterfall which emerges from the moors on the way down to view the unique seven-colored earths of Chamarel. These unusual mounds of undulating land that stretch in contrasting rainbow colored layers of earth are believed to be the result of weathering and volcanic origin.

Your journey back takes you down a winding road that unveils the West coast - the Morne Mountain where you will have a final photo stop, and Benitiers Island. Before reaching the pier in Port Luis, your route will pass the fishing villages and the famous salt pans of Black River.

The island of Mykonos is world famous for its stunning scenic beauty comprised of windmills, sparking bays, superb beaches, white houses and churches with their colorful blue and red domes. You'll pass by Ornos Beach, one of the most cosmopolitan beaches on the island with an abundance of luxurious hotels, tavernas and yachts mooring offshore.

You’ll make a short photo stop at the beach of Kalafatis to experience one of the island's beautiful beaches and to enjoy the breathtaking view. As you head to the center of the island, you'll visit the village of Ano Mera and the Monastery Panayia Tourliani. You’ll also have a chance to enjoy ouzo and Greek appetizers in the peaceful little square of the village.

View the landmarks of Dubai, an ultra-modern city with a strong reverence for its past. The stark contrast between the old and the new is evident throughout the city. As you will see, Jumeirah Mosque was built in the medieval Fatimid tradition but is a modern white-stone building that can hold 1,200 worshippers. You will also pause for photos of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the luxurious hotel whose signature sail-shaped silhouette rises high above the Arabian Gulf. Historical Dubai will come to life in the atmospheric Al-Bastakiya district. Its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers, known as barajeels, lend the area a character that harkens back to the days before electricity. You may delve even deeper into the past by browsing the Dubai Museum, which is housed in the 200-year-old Fort Fahidi. A water taxi will then bring you across Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks for one last glimpse of traditional life before departing for the airport.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• l at the iconic buildings that define the skyline of modern Dubai.
• See how centuries-old buildings have been beautifully folded into the modern landscape.
• wse the collection of artifacts in the Dubai Museum for a deep historical perspective.
• Ride a water taxi across Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks.

You’ll journey to the southern part of the island passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross a huge black lava stream to get to the Timanfaya National Park. At the Visitors Center, you’ll learn about the volcanic phenomenon in Lanzarote. There are various exhibition rooms, each equipped with different interpretative resources. Then, it’s off to Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ash are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for fun demonstrations.

The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat from the earth below. Board the coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. Continue to the valley of La Geria where the famous Malvasia grape is cultivated. Here you’ll be able to taste the wine produced from the grapes that grow in deep holes surrounded by semicircular volcanic stone walls that protect the delicate vines from the strong winds.

Next, stop will at Mancha Blanca Village to enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Los Dolores Restaurant. Then continue to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint, built into the precipice of the Famara Mountains and also designed by Cesar Manrique. From the steep cliffs you’ll appreciate fantastic views (weather permitting) of the small island of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Drive to the northern area of the island known for its volcanic tunnels, product of strong eruptions that have carved caves and passages. The largest lava tunnel called Jameos del Agua is probably the most overwhelming, transformed into a small paradise by local artist Cesar Manrique. You’ll return to the harbor driving through the eastern coast of the island and passing the villages of Guatiza and Mala.

Experience breathtaking views and photo opportunities over Cape Town during this brief, yet memorable visit to Signal Hill.

Depart the ship for the drive along Kloof Nek to Signal Hill. This famous, flat-topped hill is located next to Lion's Head and Table Mountain in Cape Town, and renowned for its noon gun, which is operated by the South African Astronomical Observatory (not visited). The road to the summit features a vantage point where spectacular views over Cape Town and the surrounding area can be observed, especially at dawn and sunset.

Upon arrival at the summit, you will take in dramatic sunset views over Table Bay and Cape Town, and be served a selection of canapés and a glass of sparkling wine.

Following your visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier, passing Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Sea Point and Green Point along the way.