CMV Australia

Since 1546 Ponta Delgada has been capital of São Miguel, which is the largest of the nine islands in the Azores archipelago. In the last twenty-five years the cosmopolitan little town has seen rapid expansion bringing the archipelago its first university, shopping mall and dual carriageway. Yet, it still has a small town charm with squares paved with black and white tiles, beautiful churches, and public buildings with white-painted facades and dark volcanic stone trim. Volcanic activity has produced spectacular scenery on the islands and this extraordinary natural beauty is a highlight of optional excursions.

The pretty port of St. George’s is the capital of Grenada, the famed 'Spice Island'. Lush tropical rainforests, spectacular mountainous scenery, vanilla plantations and the wonderful fragrance and aroma of the island’s spices of nutmeg and cinnamon combine to provide a real treasure trove just waiting to be explored. The horseshoe shaped harbour is surrounded by terraced hill slopes with steep cobbled streets, quaint buildings and alleyways leading to the bustling marketplace, home to a plethora of spice traders. A walk to the hillside fort provides a marvellous panorama of the town or what about taking a water taxi to the beautiful Grand Anse beach.

The seaport of Colon gives access to Panama City whose pirate history makes for interesting and plentiful sightseeing. Visit the Plaza de Francia which is dedicated to the 22,000 workers who perished while building the Panama Canal or explore the city’s many museums.

A modern and bustling town, Papeete is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian islands and often called the ‘Island of love’. An overnight stay here will enable you to explore the natural wonders of this beautiful island in the heart of the South Pacific.

Tonga is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy and the only Pacific nation never brought under foreign rule. With stretches of perfect white beaches, Tonga remains as close to authentic Polynesia as you’ll find. In fact, with its sheltered beauty and cultural authenticity, the Kingdom of Tonga is often described as the ‘jewel in the Pacific’.

Auckland is an archaeological wonder with two ancient rainforest covered mountain ranges. A blend of Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.