CMV Australia

Situated just north of the mouth of the River Douro, Leixoes is one of Portugal’s major seaports and a gateway to Oporto. Optional excursions feature the country’s second city that is known throughout the world as the home of the famous port wine. A boat trip on the River Douro gives a different view of the city where dark buildings seem to be stacked one on another along the narrow, labyrinthine streets. In Oporto’s São Bento Station traditional tile panels depict the history of Portugal. Oporto is home to the Museum of the Tram giving insight into this traditional and often preferred mode of transport.

The capital of Barbados, and UNESCO World Heritage site, Bridgetown has a distinctly British atmosphere - you’ll even find a Trafalgar Square with a statue of Nelson. Barbados typifies our idea of a classic West Indian island like no other. The island has a beautiful interior dotted with gardens and English country churches, and is rimmed with wonderful breaches.

This bustling city was the beating heart of the Spanish Empire in the New World as Spanish conquerors used it as a departure point for galleons bound for Europe, laden down with plundered treasures. The 16th and 17th century buildings that line the cobbled streets of the Old Town have been given UNESCO World Heritage status and hark back to an age of adventure, conflict and piracy.

Note: Panama/Suez transit times subject to confirmation of convoy timings which may affect port of call timings before or following transit.

Nuku Hiva is situated on the north-western tip of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. It’s a huge island with dramatic landscapes, deep bays blessed with Robinson Crusoe–like beaches, dramatic waterfalls and timeless valleys.

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.

A dreamlike setting, Bora Bora is a ring of sand-edged motu (islets) encircling a glinting turquoise lagoon surrounded by rainforest-covered peaks. Diving, snorkelling, lagoon tours, hiking and parasailing are readily available, but it’s the iconic over-the-water bungalows with piers reaching out like tentacles into the lagoon that Bora Bora is world-famous for.

Approached through its striking harbour with the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney is Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. Explore the sites around the harbour where you’ll find the Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The narrow streets and alleyways of this area contain many historic buildings, pubs, restaurants and shops.

Yorkey’s Knob (giggle once and move on) is a beach suburb of Cairns in North Queensland where you’ll find your own piece of paradise on the large expanse of golden palm-fringed beach. From nearby Cairns is a not to be missed the opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef or discover the amazing World Heritage Rainforest.

Steeped in its colonial past, the Lion City of Sir Stamford Raffles is one of the most exciting cities in the East and provides an opportunity to visit the alleyways of Chinatown, a Hindu Temple, Sentosa Island, the world renowned botanical gardens, Jurong Bird Park and Orchard Road. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel.

The British made Kuala Lumpur the capital of Peninsular Malaysia in the late 19th century, erecting grand colonial buildings that continue to stand proudly today. Since then, a virtual ‘race to the sky’ has seen the graceful buildings and mosques surrounded by steel and glass towers. As well as museums and temples to visit, there’s an elephant sanctuary and rainforest canopy walk.

The fabulous island resort of Phuket is an oriental gem with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, elephant rides and sightseeing opportunities. Sites and sights to savour range from N’Ga Bay, famous for its unique limestone islands; to the popular Patong beach with its open air bars to the quieter areas of Kata and the bustling old charm of Kamala.

Sri Lanka’s capital is a delightful concoction of past and present. Its busy, man-made harbour, from which tea, spices and rubber are exported, stands side-by-side with historical museums and monuments. Colombo offers an array of charms, from the Royal Botanical Gardens to the Pettah Bazaar. 

A true tropical island paradise, Mahé is the perfect stop to unwind with its sandy beached bays enclosed by lush coconut and takamaka trees. For those looking to explore Victoria, Mahé’s capital and the smallest capital in the world, a visit to the botanical gardens is a must with its coco de mer palm trees which line the main entrance. 

A true melting pot of history and culture, Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest city. Its deep natural harbour on the Indian Ocean makes it a key port for trade across Africa, Arabia, India and the Orient. Be sure to explore its many Hindu temples, stunning mosques and the imposing Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese in 1596 which guards the Old Port or take an optional tour to Tsavo East National Park for a safari tour.