Grand Asia, Indian Ocean & South Africa - Reunion Cruise

Discover the many facets of this dynamic city-state where centuries-old traditions continue in the shadow of skyscrapers. Delve into Singapore's past in Chinatown where soothsayers consult cards to predict the future and the scent of exotic soups blends with the sight of arcane medicinal treatments. Visit the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, the Thian Hock Kheng Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Marvel at the elaborate façade of the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, where sacred cow figurines crouch on the roof and an annual fire-walking contest is held.

Stroll in the city's National Orchid Gardens, just inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, where terraces showcase the largest orchid display in the world: 60,000 plants, over 700 species and 2,100 hybrids including the National Flower of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim. See the city's Colonial heritage in all its splendor as you drive past Parliament House, the Supreme Court, Raffles Hotel and City Hall. Wind up over 300 ft. to the top of Mt Faber for sweeping panoramas of the city, port and islands where offshore refineries make this an important petroleum center. Whether you view Singapore as a dining, shopping or cultural mecca, this overview reveals there's much to explore in the Lion City.

*Please note you must dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

Founded in 1973, Singapore Zoo is known as one of the most beautiful zoological parks in the world. Here the animals roam freely in open and naturalistic habitats. Spread over 26 hectares, Singapore Zoo is nestled in the lush Mandai Rainforest and contains over 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

This optional tour offers a unique opportunity to join a Night Safari at Singapore Zoo, where you’ll guided around the world’s first nocturnal zoological park.  More than a thousand animals appear to roam freely in a seemingly vast habitat, from the massive Burmese Gaur (the largest of wild cattle) and the beautiful African Bongo, to the majestic Malayan Tiger and diminutive, boldly striped Banded Civet.

Discover beautiful and unusual fauna on board a silent electric tram, then explore further on foot through the jungle trails for a close encounter with wildlife. The canopy of jungle trees, some towering over 40m above the park, complements exotic ferns and palms, while other plants exude superb fragrances, all providing a dramatic backdrop for the animal residents of the Night Safari.

Covering over 100 hectares and containing vast glasshouses replicating the planet’s various habitats, Gardens by the Bay are a true horticultural wonderland. One of the iconic buildings at the Gardens is the Flower Dome, a 1.2-hectare (3.0 acres) glasshouse that creates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions (e.g. parts of Australia, South America, South Africa). It is also home to a collection of plants from the world’s areas and showcases how plants have evolved to thrive in arid environments.

Enter the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist and see a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Ascend to the mountaintop in comfort by lift before descending via two walkways in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below. Learn about unique biodiversity and geology of cloud forests and the environmental threats they face within the nine unique zones in this cool-moist Conservatory.

Discover the history of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, as you visit a ruined Portuguese fort, picturesque Dutch Square and St Paul's Hill with its sweeping view of the straits that gave this city its name. Malay history is said to have begun with the founding of Malacca in 1403. This once-sleepy fishing village became a stopover for traders from Asia and then Europe. Centuries of colonization influenced the architecture and cultures.

Start your sightseeing with a drive to Dutch Square and a visit to either the 17th-century Stadthuys, once the former governor's residence that is now a History Museum, or the Istana Melaka Museum. Ascend the 120 steps up St Paul's Hill for spectacular views over the waters once plied by schooners laden with silks and spices.

Visit St Paul's Church, built to honour St Francis Xavier, who brought Christianity to Malacca. At Porto de Santiago, view the remains of a Portuguese fortress whose 9-foot-thick walls once encircled the entire hill. Continue to the oldest part of Malacca to visit the Nanking-style Cheng Hoong Teng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Afterwards, there'll be time to wander towards Jonker Street, an intriguing area dotted with antique shops, craft stores and colorful restaurants.

*Please note you must dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule. 

This panoramic tour of Penang’s state capital begins with a drive along the ‘road of harmony’, which is lined with places of worship, including the Anglican St George’s Church, the Chinese Kuan Yin Temple and the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

The next stop will be the brightly painted Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, home to a 108-foot long figure of the Reclining Buddha. Just across the road from here is the Burmese Temple, before you are transported to one of the most popular destinations in Penang, Gurney Drive. Known as ‘The New Esplanade’, and also the Persiaran Gurney, this lively waterfront takes its name from Sir Henry Gurney, who served as Malayan High Commissioner from 1948 to 1951.

Heading out of town, your tour concludes with the tranquil surroundings of the Penang Botanic Gardens, also known as ‘Waterfall Gardens’, which are more than a century old and cover 72 hectares, featuring a spice garden, kitchen garden and orchidarium. Bound by tropical trees and cascading streams, nestled within a deep valley at the foot of jungle covered hills, the gardens are the perfect place to see wild monkeys roaming freely in their natural habitat. You will then be returned to Aegean Odyssey via the colonial grandeur of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel for a glimpse into the style and glamour of Old World Penang.

*Please note you must dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule. 

Follow in the path of James Bond as you navigate Phang Nga National Park, where sheer limestone karsts thrust dramatically from the sea. After a briefing about this beautiful bay during the hour-and-a half drive from Phuket, step aboard a traditional Thai longtail boat and let the scenery speak for itself as you skim over some of the most magnificent waters in the world. Circle the island of Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island since it appeared in The Man with The Golden Gun.

Wind through mangroves and silent caves to Pan Yi Island, then stop at the Muslim Sea Gypsy Village, built entirely on stilts, where you can visit a school, wander the byways, shop for pearls and glimpse a fascinating way of life. During your time at Pan Yi Island you will enjoy a typical Asian buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, cruise back to the mainland for a visit to the Suwan Khuha Temple, a cave temple filled with standing, reclining, and seated Buddha statues, before your return to Phuket Island.

Please note that the operation of this excursion is dependent upon weather and sea conditions. You will spend about 2.5 hours travelling by longtail boat and lifejackets will be provided on board.

With soaring cliffs, powdery sands and crystal-clear waters, it's no wonder Thailand declared the Phi Phi Islands a National Park: Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi. Don your swimsuit, hop aboard a local speedboat and head for these tropical treasures of the Andaman Sea. Your adventure starts early with a transfer from the ship to Phuket Marina.

From here, it's about an hour by water to Phi Phi Le, where a stop will be made at the beautiful Blue Lagoon. Swim or snorkel with colourful fish; explore fjord-like Pileh Cove, with its steep limestone walls; and see the Viking Cave, a source of birds’ nests for the famous Asian soup. Rock carvings inside date from 3,000 to 4,000 years ago and are thought to resemble Scandinavian longboats.

For lunch, your boat pulls up to a beachside restaurant. Splash ashore where a buffet lunch is waiting. Then surrender to an afternoon of pleasure on enchanting Bamboo Island, with free time to snorkel amid the coral beds and wonder if those Viking captains ever did drop anchor in these blissful waters.

*Please note that it is no longer possible to visit Maya Bay as part of this excursion, as Maya Bay is now closed to the public indefinitely.

This excursion is dependent upon weather and sea conditions.

When Rudyard Kipling first saw the 99-metre high golden stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda in 1889, he wrote: ‘Then, a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon, a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple-spire.’

The Pagoda is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Yangon (formerly Rangoon) in Myanmar (Burma) where it dominates the skyline. According to legend, it was created by two brothers, Trapusa and Bahalika, who encountered Gautama Buddha shortly after his enlightenment. As a gift to them, Siddhārtha Gautama pulled eight hairs from his head, which the brothers brought back to Singuttara Hill to preserve in a magnificent reliquary.

As well as Siddhārtha, Buddhism recognises four other Enlightened Ones from the current aeon, or kalpa as it is known, including the predicted future Buddha, Maitreya. Alongside hairs from the current Buddha, Shwedagon is also said to contain the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana and a piece of the robe of Kassapa.

The practise of covering the stupa in gold leaf began in the 15th-century when Queen Shin Sawbu gifted Shwedagon with her weight in the precious metal. The people of Myanmar have continued this tradition to this day, with plates of gold now riveted to the brickwork of the bell-shaped structure.

The spectacular effect created by these panels of gold is best experience at sunset, when their glow casts a spell over the entire city, so the tour will depart at around 4pm, giving you time to learn more about its incredible history as well as experiencing a truly unforgettable sunset.

Note: Voyages to Antiquity regrets to inform that since the time of launching our programme, we have been informed that renovation works are being carried out on the Shwedagon Pagoda and are expected to continue until March 2019. As such, the main stupa will be covered in scaffolding, giving visitors an obstructive view of its stupa and spire from all angles. According to a statement from pagoda officials, the official completion date of this gold plate offering ceremony of the Shwedagon Pagoda is said to be announced early in 2019. We are keeping close contact with the authorities for further information and will update on the status with your final documentation.

An hour’s flight north of Yangon, Mandalay is a cultural center, Burma’s second largest city and her last royal capital. It’s worth making the early start to enable a visit to the Mahagandayon Monastery at Amarapura, one of the largest in Burma and home to over 1,400 monks. Watch the monks line up to receive their last meal of the day, eaten in silence in the middle of the morning.

The nearby U Bein bridge spans the Taungthaman Lake and was built in the mid-19th century. Mandalay has been famed for centuries for silk production and a visit to a weaving workshop provides a fascinating glimpse into the art. Nimble-fingered young women use old-fashioned looms to produce intricate patterns for festive “longyi” or sarongs.

Time to enjoy a typical Burmese lunch, then make a stop at the gate of Mandalay’s city wall within its moat to photograph Mandalay Hill. In the afternoon, a visit will be made to the Shwenandaw “Golden Palace” former monastery to view its fabulous 19th-century woodcarvings of Buddhist myths.

If time permits, a short stop at the Mahamuni pagoda, one of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar will complete today’s tour of Mandalay before a late-afternoon return flight to Yangon, reboarding Aegean Odyssey for dinner.

Please Note: This excursion involves a visit to a pagoda and you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule

Fly to one of the world's wonders, the vast archaeological site at Bagan, a magnificent ensemble of 11th and 12th-century temples. Your day begins with an early start and a hour's flight to the former capital of an ancient kingdom, the landscape still studded with over 2,200 temples.

We will visit the local market where seemingly little has changed over the centuries and vendors sit cross-legged selling the ingredients for euphoria-inducing betel quids.

Highlights of the day for those interested in Buddhism will be the visits to the golden Shwezigon Pagoda and the Ananda Temple with its four colossal standing Buddhas. The massive brick structure of the Dhammayangyi Temple is a source of fascination for today's architects, and the 13th-century Gu Byauk Gyi Temple contains remarkable frescoes showing scenes from Buddha's life.

After a Burmese lunch at a local restaurant. As Bagan is the center of the Burmese lacquerware industry and a visit will be made to one of the many familyrun workshops to observe the centuries-old art of lacquerware making. Board a late-afternoon flight to return to Yangon in time for dinner aboard Aegean Odyssey.

Please note: This excursion involves a visit to many pagodas and you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks each time. Slip-on shoes are highly recommended! Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

 The National Museum of Myanmar (Burma) in the city of Yangon (formerly Rangoon) was founded in 1952 but only moved to its current five storey building in 1996, when the decision was made to provide even more space for this diverse collection dedicated to the indigenous people of Myanmar and its natural history.

Artefacts are spread across fourteen galleries representing different areas of history, from royal regalia to musical instruments, various eras of art to epigraphy and calligraphy, traditional folk art, Buddhist iconography, natural history and prehistory. A highlight is the spectacular 26-feet high, jewel-encrusted Royal Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last ruler of Myanmar, but there are plenty of other priceless and illuminating exhibits to see as well, ensuring you will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding of Myanmar and its people.

Not far from the museum is the indoor Bogyoke Market, formerly named Scott’s Market, after the Municipal Commissioner Gavin Scott who led the city under British rule during the early 20th-century. Following Burmese independence in 1948 the market was renamed in honour of the national leader Bogyoke (General) Aung San who had been assassinated the year before.

Housed inside this beautiful colonial building are 1,641 shops selling luxury items, handicrafts, food, clothing, jewellery, fashion and consumer goods. The market is square in shape and divided into four wings, but the stalls and shops are not categorized, making finding items more fun.

Established by the British as a penal colony in 1789, today Port Blair is the largest town on the Andaman Islands. Surrounded by lush forest and rugged coastline, Port Blair has a vibrant mix of inhabitants including Bengalis, Tamils and Burmese.

You will explore the small town, visiting the Naval Marine Museum, with its displays of tribal art, marine life and archaeology. The museum also has a sizable collection of shells and corals. Next, visit the Anthropological Museum, which illustrates the lives of local aboriginal tribes with miniature models of traditional tools, dresses and photographs of their lifestyle.

Your final stop is the Cellular Jail. The construction of this prison started in 1896 and was completed in 1906. The building had seven wings, at the centre of which a tower served as the fulcrum and was used by guards to keep watch on the inmates. The wings forked out of the tower in straight lines, much like the spokes of a bicycle wheel, and a large bell was kept in the tower to raise an alarm in the eventuality of an escape or disturbance. All the prisoners were kept in isolation and subjected to a brutal work regime, making the Cellular Jail one of the murkiest chapters in the history of colonial rule in India.

Before you return to the ship, there will be a brief stop at the local market Aberdeen Bazaar, where there is a good selection of local wood carvings and jewellery.

Ross Island is about 2 km east of Port Blair and can be reached by a short boat ride from Phoenix Bay Jetty. The island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering, and is home to a large and noisy population of peacocks.

This small island was the capital of Port Blair during the British regime and presently houses the ruins of old colonial buildings like the ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, Government House, the main church, the hospital, and troop barracks. Despite being in a rather dilapidated condition, these buildings still evoke the old British regime. You will also visit a small museum housing old photographs of Ross during the colonial era.

Note: Guests who sign up for this tour will have their included ‘Highlights of Port Blair’ in the afternoon.

A two and a half hour drive through the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside brings us to Pinnawala and this famous site, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to protect unweaned baby elephants found wandering in the forests. From a nucleus of five baby elephants in 1975, the sanctuary is now home to the world’s largest herd of captive elephants, many of which have been bred here and will stay for life. Your first stop will be at the Oya River to watch the elephants bathing and socializing, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty and the antics of these majestic animals. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Pinnalanda Restaurant in a picturesque location overlooking the river, then in the afternoon see the elephants from closer-up and maybe watch some of the older or smaller elephants being fed, for some memories which – like an elephant – you will never forget.

Please note that the terrain is uneven and dusty and the feeding of the young and sick elephants can get very busy.

Despite some negative press concerning the orphanage in recent years, VTA’s local ground partners are happy with the latest inspections of the organisation and their treatment of the animals. A detailed presentation will be given on board to provide more details on what to expect and the reasons behind the work being carried out in the orphanage.

Begin with a leisurely drive past Lake Kandy to a bazaar that offers an array of locally made handicrafts. Your journey then continues to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, which date back to 1371 and are renowned for exquisite orchids, the avenue of royal palms and the gigantic Javan fig tree. A stop will be made at the Ambepussa Rest House for lunch, en route to the tropical beach resort of Negombo where dinner will be served at your second hotel, the Jetwing Sea, which is situated right on the waterfront.

Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria. The island is home to almost 90 per cent of the total population (or approximately 72,200 people) and reflects Seychelles' diverse ethnicity from African, Indian, Chinese and European populations.

With a backdrop of towering 1000m granite peaks, Mahé is an extraordinary treasure trove of flora that has evolved over centuries of splendid isolation. Rare endemic plants found nowhere else in the world adorn Mahé’s mist forests in mountain strongholds, such as the Jellyfish Tree, the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant and the Seychelles Vanilla Orchid.

First visited by the British in 1609, Mahé was then forgotten until Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742 when the gradual process of settling the island began, first by the French whose direct influence continued until 1814 and then as a British colony until Seychelles gained independence in 1976.

After transferring from the ship to Victoria you will start your guided tour of the capital: you will see its bustling market and then enjoy a walk through the magical Botanical Garden. Then drive to San Soucis Mountain and the Mission Lodge. This was once the site of a school for liberated slave children built by the London Missionary Society in 1876. Today there are just ruins to be seen at the beginning of the path to the viewing lodge. From the lodge the views out over mountain slopes, the ocean and the west coast of Mahé are fantastic.

Arrive at the reef barrier and view the underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat drifting over the corals. As well as learning about the history of the Ste Anne Marine Park, you can enjoy some hand fish feeding and snorkelling within the marine park. Disembark on Moyenne Island for a short visit where nature and encounter the grand old inhabitants of the island, the 105 land tortoises you will meet roaming freely.  

In 1735 the French Governor François Mahé de Labourdonna broke ground in the district of Pamplemousses near Port-Louis to create a garden for his family. In 1988 the world-class botanical that evolved from his creation was renamed in honour of the island’s first prime minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, and remains one of the oldest, most prestigious gardens in the southern hemisphere.

More than 500 species of plants are on display, including some giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, which form the centrepiece of the garden’s splendid pond. At least eighty varieties of palms are scattered around the grounds, including Latanias, Verschaffeltia splendida and Talipots, which live for forty years and only flower once shortly before dying. Other unusual curios to keep an eye out for include the marmalade box tree, fish poison tree and sausage tree.

As an additional option, L’Aventure du Sucre (Sugar World) inside the former Beau Plan sugar factory offers a fascinating insight into this valuable commodity. The original factory was founded in 1797 but only ceased working in 1999. For this reason many of the guides are former workers who are able to provide a first-hand account of life on the production line and the historical impact of sugar upon Mauritius. After touring this fascinating museum there will then be a chance for some sugar and rhum tasting.

Free time will be available to take a walk along the cosmopolitan Caudan Waterfront, in the capital of Port Louis, which has a beautiful craft market selling traditional handmade goods such as sarongs, embroidered linen, stained glass objects, wooden sculptures and basketwork.

The most visited attraction in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean, Casela World of Adventures has been welcoming guests of all ages since 1979. Originally a bird sanctuary, the site was expanded to save the local forestation from being redeveloped. In 2015 it was redesigned to feature even more world-class facilities and 21st-century attractions.

Spread over 250 hectares, the park is divided into four “Kingdoms” known as “Safari”, “Nature”, “Mountain” and “Discovery”. The Discovery Centre is a state of the art building adorned with pillars replicating giant baobab trees and imitation creepers stretching across the ceiling. It has an array of animal statues and boasts the island’s first 4D cinema, a scale 3D replica of Mauritius and interactive displays to help visitors discover more about the island.

The three animal kingdoms are home to a wide variety of birds, alongside giant tortoises, Bengal tigers, cheetahs, white lions, lynxes, servals, hyenas, dromedary camels, pygmy hippos, white rhinos and more. A range of optional activities are available to choose from at your own leisure, include a petting farm, “Segway Safari Trip”, horse and camel riding, as well as the chance to feed the park’s nine giraffes.

During a Big Cat Drive Thru, the park’s guides share information and interesting personal anecdotes about their time working with these amazing animals. Then for the more adventurous there’s also the chance to walk with lions, cross a high-wire “Nepalese Bridge”, try your hand at some dry tobogganing or take an exhilarating ride on a zip line above the forest.

Directly south of Port Louis lies the long dormant volcano of Trou-aux-Cerfs. This well-defined cone and crater has not been active for over 100,000 years and is covered with lush plants and flowers, offering spectacular views across the island in all directions as well as to the town of Curepipe below.

After spending some time at Trou-aux-Cerfs, the next stop on this panoramic tour will be to a factory specialising in the making of beautiful scale model ships and other nautical vessels. These intricately hand-crafted replicas are constructed from various kinds of wood and sold across the world.

The spiritual centre of the island is lake Ganga Talao, or Grand Bassin as it is more commonly known. The peaceful waters here are surrounded by Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesh and Ganga, reflecting the site’s deep connection with the River Ganges.

Lunch will be at the idyllic Varangue sur Morne restaurant, located inside Black River Gorges. This picturesque national park is the largest protected forest on Mauritus and is home to some rare species of birds. Then for a sweet digestif, the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery and museum offers a fascinating insight into how traditional island rhum is produced, followed by a tasting.

Chamarel is also home to a ninety-five metre waterfall and a unique geological formation known as the “Seven Coloured Earths”, a surreal landscape made up of multi-coloured layers of sand which seem to settle into stripes spontaneously.

Reunion is a rugged volcanic island with a mountainous centre that was formed over 20,000 years ago during a series of eruptions from the long extinct Piton des Neiges. The eruptions also led to the creation of the Cirque de Mafate caldera, a stunning natural amphitheatre that is entirely enclosed by steep mountains and cliffs known as ‘remparts’, making it impossible to reach without hiking in or being flown by helicopter.

This panoramic drive takes you close to what is still the highest point in the Indian Ocean, stopping at an escarpment some 7,000 feet up to enjoy some marvellous views across the caldera, where a scattering of isolated islanders still live an almost entirely self-sufficient rustic life.

Reunion is one of the world’s largest producers of geranium oil, which is used as a fixative for perfumes. At a small Geranium Oil Distillery in the quaint village of La Petite France, the delicate extraction process will be explained, after which you will have the opportunity to purchase some exquisitely scented essential oils and perfumes, produced by this traditional cottage industry.

The stretch of coastline between the Le Port and St Denis is a beautiful place to begin this tour of Réunion’s picturesque capital, which is surrounded by idyllic mountains on three sides and the Indian Ocean to the north.

A warm and extremely welcoming town, Réunion is the largest of any in the French Colonies. Founded by Étienne Regnault in 1669, it started life around the small pier of Barachois and expanded gradually to become the capital in 1738, taking its name from a boat that ran aground in the nearby bay.

Passing the former East India Company building, the Rue de Paris has some splendid Creole-style houses with traditional colonial-white verandas. A short stop will be made at the Jardin de l'Etat, or State Garden, to see some impressive trees and other rare species of fauna, including the African baobab, fishtail palm tree and coconut tree. The tour will then reach the former palace of the General Consul, which is now the Natural History Museum.

The Hindu Temple and Christian Cathedral are symbolic reminders of how this remote island has managed to integrate differing religions, races and cultures so well. This is a city where everyone is united by the musical Creole language.

Returning to Le Port, there will be a brief stop at a handicraft market for the chance to browse some traditional Creole goods as well as local and Madagascan scents and spices, so don’t forget to haggle with the stall-owners for these excellent souvenirs.

Depart Richards Bay harbour and travel in a northerly direction to the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve. After about a 1 ½ hour drive, you arrive at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi - a reserve which extends across 96,000 hectacres of wilderness.

Proclaimed a game reserve in 1895, Hluhluwe has since become well known for its small population of the rare white rhino. In addition to rhino, the reserve has a spectacular variety of bird and animal life, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthog.

The reserve preserves not only the wildlife of Zululand but also some of the indefinable charm and traditions of the natural surroundings, one of the most fascinating parts of Africa.

Enjoy your buffet lunch at Hilltop Restaurant, surrounded by beautiful scenery. After lunch, depart on another exciting game drive before returning to the ship.

This multiple award-winning lodge is nestled in the clifftops within a low-risk malaria Endangered Species Protected Area, making it the perfect place for an unforgettable double drive safari in one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

On arrival a light-lunch will be served, followed by a chance to unpack in one of nine well-appointed stone and thatch chalets overlooking the river. All accommodation has a private plunge pool on its own balcony with spectacular views across Zululand to the distant Lebombo Mountains, while inside you will find a mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets and an en-suite bathroom.

After settling in, you will be transported into the bush by an expert ranger and tracker in an open 4X4, for a thrilling late afternoon and sunset big game drive. No-one can guarantee exactly what you will see, but among the species that roam these vast African plains are the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, lynx, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeest and blesbok, along with the shy Nyala, which are particularly endemic to the region.

After dusk falls, return to the lodge and enjoy a sumptuous South African dinner before unwinding beneath a pollution free night sky for some of the best stargazing on the continent. Awaken early to experience a sunrise big game drive as Maputaland comes to life, before enjoying a rewarding breakfast and returning to Aegean Odyssey with the safari memories of a lifetime.

We drive north to the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in St Lucia you head out from Sunset Jetty along the walking trail where you have the possibility to see small antelope and do some birdwatching. We continue the walk down towards the boardwalk and have a look at the area where the St Lucia Estuary Mouth used to open into the ocean, and then return to Sunset Jetty.

Here you embark a boat for a leisurely two-hour cruise on Lake St Lucia. The vessel goes at walking speed all along the shoreline of the St Lucia Estuary, and the enthusiastic skipper/captain will tell you more about the hippos - the lake has the largest concentration in South Africa - and Nile crocodiles that inhabit St Lucia. This is home to about 2,000 Nile crocodiles, 800 hippos and about 526 species of birds, favourites of which are the African Fish Eagle and the Mangrove Kingfisher.

Learn more about the mangrove swamps and the five different eco systems of the St Lucia Estuary. Intermittent stops at the sightings will ensure that you are allowed good photographic opportunities and you are guaranteed to see plenty of hippos close up throughout this trip.

Leaving the port of Durban, you travel inland into the beautiful hills of Kwazulu Natal, in the heart of which nestles the province’s capital city, Pietermaritzburg. A city, encompassing old world charm, country living and beautiful Victorian architecture, is now a modern South African town and home to over 600,000 people.

You’ll visit the Natal Museum, one of five national museums in South Africa, which was designed by EJ Wellman in 1904. There are spectacular sections dedicated to African mammals, snakes, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish, insects, geology and palaeontology. The ethnology display contains fascinating items from many regions of Africa including old guns from a Portuguese shipwreck on the Wild Coast, and a replica of a bushman cave contains drawings of rock-art.

Then continue to the historic centre of Pietermaritzburg with its legislative buildings, museums and galleries. Here at Churchill Square you’ll see City Hall - allegedly the largest red brick building in the southern hemisphere - as well as the Assembly Building and the Supreme Court. Also learn about Mahatma Ghandi’s famous incident here while viewing his bronze statue at the Square.

Next, visit Pietermaritzburg railway station. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off a train for riding first class in 1893. On 7 June, while Gandhi was on his way to Pretoria, a white man objected to Gandhi's presence in a first-class carriage, and he was ordered to move to the van compartment at the end of the train. Gandhi, who had a first-class ticket, refused, and was thrown off the train at Pietermaritzburg. Shivering through the winter night in the waiting room of the station, Gandhi made the momentous decision to stay on in South Africa and fight the racial discrimination that existed against Indians at that time.

Continue past the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds, observing the quaint Victorian country shops lining the streets, then take a scenic drive up to the magnificent viewing spot known as World’s View. Here you have a photo opportunity and a moment to experience the sights of Pietermaritzburg and the beautiful mountainous surrounds that first captured the hearts of the Voortrekkers and the early settlers. Return to the ship in Durban.

Depart from the quayside along the Golden Mile. Drive along Durban’s beachfront promenade and on to Umhlanga Rocks, where you will visit the unique Shark’s Board, which is the control centre for maintenance of anti-shark measures on Durban’s bathing beaches. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about sharks through a specialist’s presentation and a shark dissection.

There is a display hall with a large variety of lifelike replicas of fish, rays and sharks, including an 892 kg Great White. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) is mandated to be a global leader in bather protection against shark while minimizing environmental impact, thus promoting tourism.

The KwaZulu-Natal coastline is the only coastline with 38 beaches equipped with bather safety gear owned and maintained by the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence in South Africa. The curio shop sells unusual and stylish sharkskin leather goods and shark’s teeth. Return to the quayside in Durban.

Affectionately known as “The Friendly City”, Port Elizabeth is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Its closeness to some of the finest bushveld in South Africa’s Eastern Cape also offers the chance for a unique wildlife safari experience at one of two stunning malaria-free private game reserves.

Both Lalibela and Pumba span five ecosystems and offer the same huge range of flora and fauna to spot across thousands of acres of beautiful terrain. Upon arrival you will be greeted by an expert ranger and tracker, before being driven out into the bush in an open 4X4 for a thrilling big game drive.

No-one can guarantee exactly what you will see, but among the species that roam these vast African plains are the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, lynx, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeest and numerous antelope such as eland, kudu, bushbuck and wildebeest. There’s also the tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax to keep an eye out for, alongside a wide variety of birdlife.

Following the drive, a buffet lunch will be served before your return to Aegean Odyssey in Port Elizabeth.

Lalibela Game Reserve and Safari Lodge is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth and Addo, which means it is not only malaria free, but spans five ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna.

Lentaba, the “Lodge on the Hillside”, has eight beautifully secluded thatched chalets overlooking magnificent indigenous gardens that seamlessly merge with the bush. Every en-suite unit has a private observation deck to make the most of the views over the valley. The main lodge is decorated in a traditional African safari style and boasts a large lounge, observation deck and swimming pool.

On arrival a welcome drink will be served, followed by a light-lunch and the chance to settle into your accommodation. “High tea” will also be available, before you are transported into the 18,500 acres of bush by expert rangers and trackers in an open 4X4, for a thrilling late afternoon and sunset big game drive.

No-one can guarantee exactly what you will see, but among the species that roam these vast African plains are the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, lynx, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeest, blesbok and other antelope.

After dusk falls, return to the lodge to enjoy a sumptuous South African dinner before unwinding beneath a pollution free night sky for some of the best stargazing on the continent. Awaken early to experience a sunrise big game drive as the bushveld comes to life, before enjoying a rewarding breakfast and returning to Aegean Odyssey with the safari memories of a lifetime.

Port Elizabeth is the third largest port and fifth largest city in South Africa. When leaving the harbour, you will pass a 52-metre high memorial, the Campanile, built in 1923 in memory of the first British settlers who arrived in 1820. It is situated on the site where the settlers landed and contains a carillon of 23 bells. Drive along the beachfront, stopping off at Shark Rock Pier for a photo opportunity, and then continue along the beachfront to Summerstrand, a very popular beach area, with many guesthouses and hotels.

Continuing your tour through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Campus, you arrive at Bayworld. Unique in Southern Africa, this is a museum embracing a natural and cultural history, combined with a herpatalogical section with various reptiles and an Oceanarium which includes the African penguin and Cape fur seals amongst other marine life.

Proceed to the Donkin Memorial, a stone pyramid erected in memory of Sir Rufane Donkin's wife Elizabeth - Port Elizabeth was named after her. It was Sir Rufane who, with 4,000 British settlers, founded the city in 1820 and became the city’s first governor. From here continue to Fort Frederick, a monument that was named after Frederick, the Duke of York. In 1799, during the first British occupation of the Colony during the Napoleonic Wars, a stone fort was built named Fort Frederick after the Duke of York. This fort, built to protect against a possible landing of French troops, overlooked the site of what later became Port Elizabeth.

We pass the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Horse Memorial and St George’s Cricket Ground en route to the quayside via the city centre. Notable buildings you will pass include the Feather Market, the Library, the Post Office and City Hall, which was seriously damaged by fire in 1977, resulting in a major restoration programme. Finally a look at The Old Mayor's Garden and a replica of the Diaz Cross, which was erected on the coast at Kwaaihoek, where Bartholomew Diaz and his men first landed in 1488.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip up Table Mountain, the city’s most celebrated landmark, and a ride in the famous cable car. You will ascend from the Valley Station (363 m) up to the Mountain Station (1,060 m) in under four minutes and enjoy spectacular views of the Cape, as the floor of the car rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent. Table Mountain gets its name from the flat-topped central massif of the mountain, which viewed from the city, is surrounded by Devil’s Peak on the left, Lion’s Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground. They form a sort of amphitheatre that encloses the city centre and some of the older suburbs.

From the summit, the natural protected area stretching from Signal Hill to Cape Point has been managed under the custodianship of the South African National Parks Board. This area has one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species in any area of its size, containing a staggering 2,285 plant species – more than the entire UK.

On your way back to the ship you’ll enjoy a short orientation tour of the city of Cape Town, including the colourful and historic houses of the Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter), the Convention Centre, Adderley Street with statues of Jan van Riebeeck and Bartholomeu Diaz, the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall in Darling Street, the Dutch Reformed Church, Slave Lodge, St George’s Cathedral and the Cape Provincial government buildings in Wale Street.

This tour offers the perfect opportunity to experience the history, architecture and, of course, world-famous wines of Stellenbosch. Leave Cape Town by road for the scenic drive to Stellenbosch. This broad, fertile valley on the Eerste River was named after Simon van der Stel who became the region’s first governor in 1680.

Today, Stellenbosch is a major university town characterised by Cape Dutch-style architecture and streets lined by aged oak trees, some of which have been declared national monuments. After an orientation drive through the town, you will visit the Stellenbosch Museum, which is comprised of four different houses each from a different era of the town’s history. After this you are free to continue to explore this quaint and charming town. Then it is onwards to one of the great wine estates, where you will enjoy a tasting session and learn about the wine making process, before returning to Cape Town and Aegean Odyssey.

Note: Moderate walking through wine estate, not suitable for pax with walking difficulties or wheelchairs.

This trip takes you on one of South Africa's most scenic routes to Cape Point, the most south-westerly tip of Africa. After driving through the suburbs of Green Point and Sea Point to Camps Bay, behind which are the impressive peaks of the Twelve Apostles, you travel along the Atlantic seaboard towards Hout Bay, a small fishing village with a charming harbour and the best fish and chips on the continent of Africa.

From Hout Bay, continue via the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive (provided the road is open) passing through the seaside suburb of Scarborough en route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and their differing ecosystems meet. The reserve occupies 7,750 hectacres of indigenous flora and fauna, and Cape Point with its dramatic sea cliffs - among the highest in South Africa - is the main attraction in the reserve. A funicular railway takes you to the top of the point, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views. From here, continue to a scenically situated restaurant for a seafood lunch.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, before travelling through the naval base of Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek. From here, continue to the colourful fishing harbour of Kalk Bay, and along Boyes Drive, which affords magnificent views of Muizenberg and False Bay. On the way back to the ship you’ll pass the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert's Mill and the famous Groote Schuur Hospital.