OVERVIEW

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 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 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 various sporting venues, including St George’s Park Cricket Ground, 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get acquainted with the Friendly City, affectionate nickname for Port Elizabeth, on a relaxing panoramic tour.
• Pause for memorable photos at several captivating points along the way, conditions permitting.
• Behold the towering 1923 Campanile, which houses a carillon and commemorates the area’s earliest British settlers.
• View numerous intriguing landmarks including the Victorian Gothic Main Library and the stately Feather Market.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience Oman's unique blend of historic and contemporary sites when you visit Nakhl Fort and Springs, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, as well as other city highlights.

A drive along the Batinah Coast takes you to the centuries-old Nakhl Fort, perched on a 200-foot high hilltop with spectacular views of the surrounding oasis. This impressive pre-Islamic fortress was the stronghold of the well-known Bani Kharous tribe during Medieval times, and offers a unique look into Oman's past. You'll then visit Nakhl Springs, a tranquil and picturesque area framed by majestic mountains and a dense green oasis.

Stop for photos at the Zawawi Mosque, Oman's most exquisite mosque and at the splendid Al Alam Palace, which offers scenic vistas overlooking Muscat Bay. Visit Bait Al Zubair, a private museum housing collections of traditional Omani items that include weaponry, jewelry, clothing, household items and more. You’ll enjoy lunch at a local hotel during the day.

A day in Muscat is not complete, until you visit the colorful Muttrah Souq, where the scent of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices fills the air. Here, a multitude of shops offer Omani daggers, or khanjars, as well as handmade Omani costumes, antiques, silver jewelry and a variety of handicrafts.

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.

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.

OVERVIEW

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Acquaint yourself with seaside Mossel Bay on a coach tour of its intriguing highlights.
• Gaze at a 500-year-old tree, declared a National Monument for its use by sailors in times past as an ad hoc mailbox.
• Find the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, named after the first European to arrive in South Africa.
• Wander the appealing museum complex, perhaps visiting the Maritime Museum or the Shell Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Drive through the Addo Elephant Park, an unspoiled nature reserve teeming with wildlife. Settle in for an approximately 90-minute journey north across the Swartkops River to Addo Elephant Park, a spectacular nature reserve that stands as living proof of the success of South Africa’s conservation efforts. During your approximately two-hour game drive, you’ll hear that when the park was founded in 1931, it housed a paltry population of 11 elephants, which over time has ballooned to over 450 individuals. From your coach, catch sight of the park’s namesake elephants, a somewhat smaller species of the African elephant. You’ll gather that they are highly intelligent creatures that communicate through vocalization, touching with their trunks and various body postures. Learn that the park’s five biomes, from grassland to montane forest, support an enormous diversity of other animals, including black rhino, lions, antelopes, spotted hyenas, zebras and warthogs as well as a wide variety of birds, including the world’s largest Cape gannet breeding population. On this unforgettable excursion, you’ll applaud the successful protection of the remarkable Addo elephant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the magnificent animal denizens of the Addo Elephant Park during a coach game drive.
• Gaze in awe at the park’s Addo elephants, an intelligent and sociable species.
• Discern signs of communication among the elephants, such as touching trunks or vocalizing.
• Keep an eye out for zebras, warthogs, antelopes and the more rarely seen lions and black rhino.
• Glory in a range of fabulous birds including the African crowned eagle and Cape gannet.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, binoculars and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

This extraordinary tour gives you the opportunity to view one of the world's most active volcanoes and the surrounding geological wonders. Departing the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the coastline to Saint Pierre, where you will turn inland and begin your ascent to the high plateau of the Plaine des Cafres. Making your way inland, you will soon notice that the cooling freshness of the coast gives way to the natural heat of the volcano as you pass a landscape of heathers, gentians, small villages, pastures and lush forests. From the nearly 6800 ft. summit of the 'Nez de Boef', you can see down across the valley below with all of its geological surprises. This includes the gaping hole in the crater 'Commerson'. The splendid calderas created by the volcanoes are also referred to as amphitheaters and hold many amazing discoveries that delight geologists from around the world.Next, you will visit the viewpoint that overlooks the 'Plaine des Sables'. Marvel at this barren terrain that is strewn with volcanic rock and makes one think they have stepped from the surface of the Earth to that of the Moon. It is truly an incredible sight to behold. Continuing, you will reach 'Pas de Bellecombe', the main viewpoint for the Bory crater which rises up in front of you over 8600 feet. This advantageous viewpoint is situated on the top of a 492 foot high cliff that overlooks the volcanic valley which includes more than 60 smaller craters that are spread around the two main ones, Crater Bory and Crater Dolomieu. Before it's time to make the 2 and one-half hour journey back to the ship, you will be treated to lunch at a nearby restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ascend the Plaine des Cafres plateau, passing lush forests and small villages.
• Behold the Commerson Crater’s massive caldera from the approximately 6,800-foot summit of Nez de Boeuf.
• Take in magnificent views from the Pas de Bellecombe overlook atop an approximately 500-foot cliff.
• Marvel at a lunar-like volcanic valley showcasing over 60 small craters and the larger Bory and Dolomieu Craters.
• Refresh with a relaxing and tasty lunch at a specially selected restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Experience the tropical charms of northwestern Nosy Be on this half-day tour of its key destinations.

Begin by boarding a coach in Hell Ville, the colonial capital of Nosy Be. The town's curious name pays homage to the 19th century French admiral Louis de Hell, who also served as governor of nearby Réunion Island. You'll soon see one of Hell Ville's liveliest spots, the market place, where locally grown vegetables, colorful fruits and exotic spices are all on display. Many of the merchants are Sakalava, the island's first inhabitants and most prevalent ethnic group.

From here, it's a drive through the luxuriant countryside, passing Malagasy villages and plantations. During brief stops in the fields, you will likely smell the aromas of the lush crops, which may include coffee, pepper and the coveted ylang-ylang, a tree whose flowers yield fragrant oil that is used in the making of perfumes. Ylang-ylang is so abundant that Nosy Be is often referred to as the Island of Perfumes.

Driving further into the countryside, you will see the unusual, balloon-shaped homes in Dzamandzar, the second largest city in Nosy Be. For a different perspective of the island, you'll stop at Mont Passot, an elevated area known for its stunning views of the Amparihibe crater lakes and the surrounding plantations.

Next, it's on to Madirokely Beach, considered one of the best on the island. If you like, you might take a quick dip in the turquoise waters, and then enjoy a beverage at the hotel.

Finally, you will make your way back to Hell Ville, where you may shop for Malagasy handicrafts, perfumes and embroidered tablecloths before returning to the ship.

Discover the historic and religious sites of Muscat, Oman's political, economic and commercial hub, during this half-day tour. A scenic drive takes you through the exclusive Omani residential district of Shati Al Qurum. You’ll visit the Grand Mosque, the largest and most exclusive mosque in Oman, before stopping at the colorful Muttrah Souq, where the scent of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices fills the air. Here, a multitude of shops offer Omani daggers, or khanjars, as well as handmade Omani costumes, antiques, silver jewelry and a variety of handicrafts.

Continue to Bait Al Zubair, a private museum housing collections of traditional Omani items that include weaponry, jewelry, clothing, household items, books, photographs, paintings, and maps. Take a drive along Muscat's scenic coastal road, through the charming fishing village of Sidab and on to Muscat's Old Town for a great photo opportunity at the impressive Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos. The palace, adorned with Oriental-styled architecture, and strategically positioned between, two Medieval fortresses offers picturesque vistas overlooking Muscat Bay.

OVERVIEW

Explore the African bush on a game drive at a private reserve, where you may spy animals such as elephants, lions and giraffe. Revel in a leisurely drive inland to the beautiful Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, an area of immense biodiversity, where the variety of plants and ecosystems attract more than 200 species of birds but where the larger creatures, such as elephants, lions and giraffe, are the true attractions. Following a welcome drink at the reserve’s visitor center, you’ll board an open 4x4 vehicle and drive deep into the fascinating landscape. Discover that the animals wander freely, so there is no telling what you’ll see over the next two hours, but it’s likely you’ll experience close encounters with a variety of indigenous creatures that may include white rhinos, mountain zebras, blue wildebeest, impalas and lions. Thanks to the ideal viewing conditions offered by your 4x4 vehicle, you might also spot smaller yet still delightful animals such as honey badgers, porcupines and rock hyrax, all adding to the magic of your foray into the South African wilds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Survey the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve on a 4x4 vehicle that is perfect for wildlife sighting.
• Keep an eye out for awe-inspiring animals such as white rhinos, elephants, lions, giraffe and blue wildebeest.
• Pass through various ecosystems, which provide habitat to over 200 species of birds.
• Glimpse some of the reserve’s smaller inhabitants, including honey badgers, rock hyrax or porcupines.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear light-colored, casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Muscat’s exotic souq, palace, mosque and museum, during this scenic half-day tour of the city. Your drive takes you to Muscat's Old Town for a great photo opportunity at the impressive Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos. The palace, adorned with Oriental-styled architecture, and strategically positioned between, two Medieval fortresses offers picturesque vistas overlooking Muscat Bay. Another photo stop is made the Zawawi Mosque; built by Sheik Zawawi, it is one of Oman's finest.

You’ll visit the Bait Adam Museum, located on the ground-floor of a private home, to view a unique collection of currency, paintings, photographs, guns, and more. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your host, and offered Arabic coffee and dates. A visit to Muscat is not complete, until you visit the colorful Muttrah Souq, where the scent of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices fills the air. Here, a multitude of shops offer Omani daggers, or khanjars, as well as handmade Omani costumes, antiques, silver jewelry and a variety of handicrafts.

OVERVIEW

Venture off-road through the Addo Elephant Park in an open safari vehicle, seeking the bountiful wildlife that roams freely in this vast nature reserve. Settle in for an approximately 90-minute journey north across the Swartkops River to Addo Elephant Park, a spectacular nature reserve that stands as living proof of the success of South Africa’s conservation efforts. Upon arrival, you’ll board your open-air 4x4 safari vehicle, which is designed to provide unobstructed views of the resident animals. During your approximately two-hour game drive, catch sight of the park’s namesake elephants, a somewhat smaller species of the African elephant. You’ll gather that they are highly intelligent creatures that communicate through vocalization, touching with their trunks and various body postures. Learn that the park’s five biomes, from grassland to montane forest, support an enormous diversity of other animals, including black rhino, lions, antelopes, spotted hyenas, zebras and warthogs as well as a wide variety of birds, including the world’s largest Cape gannet breeding population. You’ll feel closer than ever to unspoiled Africa on this exceptional adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Approach the magnificent animal denizens of the Addo Elephant Park during an off-road game drive.
• Access off-the-beaten-path locations with the flexibility of your open-air safari vehicle.
• Gaze in awe at the park’s Addo elephants, an intelligent and sociable species.
• Discern signs of communication among the elephants, such as touching trunks or vocalizing.
• Keep an eye out for zebras, warthogs, antelopes and the more rarely seen lions and black rhino.
• Glory in a range of fabulous birds including the African crowned eagle and Cape gannet.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, binoculars and sunscreen.
• Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives.