Asia & Africa Adventure – Singapore to Barcelona

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Visit a batik factory, a butterfly farm, a mosque, church and Indian temple, or just laze around on the beach. Hike the rainforest and waterfall-clad mountains that form the backdrop to the beautiful sandy beaches on the island known as “The Pearl of the Orient.” The capital of the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique culture and architecture.

Langkawi is the main island in the archipelago of the same name in the Andaman Sea. Stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife will surround you as you snorkel, horseback ride, hike, golf or simply relax on the powdery sands of the island beaches. Experience Langkawi’s wildlife up close on a boat tour of the amazing mangrove forest. Travel by cable car over ancient rainforests to the top of Mount Machincang.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Discover the amazing contrasts of this cosmopolitan, Portuguese-founded city with its lovely colonial architecture, Dutch-style palaces, historic churches, Jewish quarter and huge Chinese fishing nets. Or explore tranquil canals by boat and see ancient villages, exquisite scenery, plantations and temples. See Indian cotton made in traditional fashion.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches on the Arabian Sea, watch the fishing boats and explore the city, especially the 10th century Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius College Chapel, the Sultan Battery, Light House Hill Garden, Mangala Devi Temple and the Jumma Masjid. See a traditional South Indian dance performance or perhaps encounter a festival honoring a local deity.

Enjoy this marvelous old Portuguese and Hindu city studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches. Visit the stunning Baroque cathedral and quaint, colorful Panjim for a taste of Portugal in India. Explore the countryside and its spice farms, local markets and the regions exquisite beaches.

As the capital of the low-lying, coral-bed Maldives, winsome Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, where you might watch the fishing dhonis return with the day’s catch. Also be sure to see Friday Mosque, a masterpiece of filigree-curved coral built in the mid-1600s, and the Mulee-aage Palace.

An idyllic tropical island, Praslin is ringed with secluded beaches like magnificent Anse Lazio. Don’t miss Vallée de Mai, a virgin palm forest so extraordinary it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest supports extremely rare flora and fauna, including the black parrot and exotic coco de mer, the world’s largest nut.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Lying off the northern coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be (which means “Big Island” in Malagasy) contains seven volcanic lakes and is blanketed with fragrant flora such as ylang-ylang, frangipani and vanilla. Unusual wildlife flourishes here, as witnessed in Lokobe Nature Reserve, home to maki lemurs, chameleons and paradise flycatchers.

While the other islands of the fragrant Comoros (known as the “Perfume Islands”) gained independence from France in 1975, Mayotte remained under French rule, and you’ll welcome the influence. The Petit Terre district boasts fine patisseries, boutiques and art galleries, and there’s a French flair everywhere.

Intent on recapturing its former glamour, Maputo once again attracts the rich and famous, whom you may see while sipping a cocktail at the extravagant Hotel Polana. Maputo’s struggle for freedom from Portuguese colonialism is recounted in local museums.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it’s the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

With an average of 320 sunny days a year, Mossel Bay has the second mildest climate in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Enjoy walks along the beautiful beaches, horseback riding and whale and dolphin watching. Track big game on a thrilling safari or take a cruise to Seal Island, populated by over 2,500 Cape fur seals.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.

Although rimmed by the inhospitable Namib Desert, Walvis Bay boasts a huge natural lagoon that attracts hundreds of thousands of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and migratory species. The desert’s Dune 7 is the highest sand dune near town and offers a spectacular view. The wooden Rhenish Mission Church is also noteworthy.

Although rimmed by the inhospitable Namib Desert, Walvis Bay boasts a huge natural lagoon that attracts hundreds of thousands of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and migratory species. The desert’s Dune 7 is the highest sand dune near town and offers a spectacular view. The wooden Rhenish Mission Church is also noteworthy.

Angola’s capital and most populous city, Luanda has enjoyed a massive boom in construction in the last decade following the end of the Angola Civil War. Learn about the history of Angola at the many superb museums, historical sites and monuments throughout the city. The Parque Nacional da Kissama, south of Luanda, is an expansive wildlife park with elephants, water buffalo, antelopes and nesting sea turtles.

Off the beaten path, São Tomé and Principe is a tropical paradise that offers lush rainforests, birdwatching, secluded waterfalls and pristine, isolated beaches. Enjoy spectacular views on a hike to the peak of Pico de São Tomé, go in search of the 109 species of orchid that decorate the landscape, or marvel at the impressive Boca do Inferno blowhole.

Wedged between a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Togo’s convivial, beach-rich capital of Lomé has emerged from its colonial past as pure African. For a glimpse of its history and unique Togolese art, visit the National Museum. The spired Lomé Cathedral is also noteworthy.

The twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi was Ghana’s first deepwater seaport and has prospered greatly. Still, the ambiance is rather laid-back, especially in the inviting beach areas. Monkey Hill, a tropical reserve for primates, lies in heart of city. Nearby Fort Orange was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and now serves as a lighthouse.

The Ivory Coast’s largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities, it’s often referred to as the “Paris of Africa.” Abidjan’s more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance.

After three centuries of French rule, Dakar can’t help but exude a certain French flair, especially architecturally. Senegalese attire tends to be rather formal and conservative, but the city is full of life. Art galleries are plentiful, the beaches inviting, and the views fantastic from the Les Mamelles Lighthouse.

Enjoy charming São Vicente and the amazing landscape here and on nearby Santo Antão. Stroll through town past vibrant markets and the replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. Visit the stark but lovely lunar-like beach at Catfish Bay. On Santo Antão see lush and rugged landscapes and picturesque villages.

Stroll along Calle O’Daly, the pedestrian district named after an Irish banana merchant and lined with historic residences. Visit the Town Hall and the church, Iglesia del Salvador, both of the 16th century. There is an interesting museum of natural science as well as a naval museum.

Agadir is the capital of the Agadir Ida-U-Tanan Prefecture and of the Souss-Massa economic region. The majority of its inhabitants speak Amazigh language, one of the two official languages of Morocco. It was the locale for the Agadir Crisis of 1911 between France and Germany that presaged the First World War.

Marvel at the sumptuous palaces, lush gardens and imposing citadels that are the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous legacies of Moorish rule in Spain. Meander the narrow cobblestone streets of nearby Albaicín, the ancient Arabic quarter, or see a flamenco performance in the whitewashed caves of Sacromonte, originally settled by gypsies.

Lying on Spain’s radiant Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district. Marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard, the illustrious Explanada de España. Pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline. It’s no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, a former 18th century palace.

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí’s other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.