49-day grand world voyage

City-states are rare in the present day—and none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapores urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city’s mix of ethnic groups—mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians—and you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community. Singapores food scene—which is arguably the worlds most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.

City-states are rare in the present day—and none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapores urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city’s mix of ethnic groups—mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians—and you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community. Singapores food scene—which is arguably the worlds most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.

While some 99 islands make up the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, Pulau Langkawi, the largest island, is the destination where cruise ships call (at Porto Malai) and where ferries and flights arrive from Malaysias mainland, just 30 kilometers (19 miles)

Scarred by decades of civil war, Sri Lanka and its commercial capital, Colombo, are relatively new to modern-day tourism. But Colombo has been a crucial trading post for more than 2,000 years. The city rose to prominence as Sri Lankas most important port town in the 16th century with the arrival of Portuguese fleets. After a period under Dutch rule, Ceylon—as Sri Lanka was then called—became part of the British Empire in 1802. Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, but the country experienced intense unrest from 1983 until 2009, when Sri Lankas civil war finally came to an end. Many visitors head for the pristine beaches or up to the mist-draped mountains of Sri Lankas tea country, and find that Colombo merits more than just a quick stop. Development continues at breakneck speed here, with skyscrapers jostling for space alongside the elegant architecture of its colonial past. Bustling markets and newfangled shops rub shoulders with ancient temples and rich layers of history in this fascinating place.

Densely populated and lively, Malé is the bustling island capital of the Maldives. Trace the country’s unusual history at the National Museum and visit the Old Friday Mosque, dating from 1656.

The Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean about 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, impresses visitors with its pristine natural beauty and indigenous plants and animals, such as the hawksbill turtle and the magpie robin. On the island of Mahé, Victoria—the nation’s main city and one of the smallest capitals in the world—bustles with activity and is home to nearly a third of the Seychelles’ population. Set against steep, velvet-green mountains that include 905-meter (3,000-foot) Morne Seychellois, the islands highest peak, the city is a colorful patchwork of tin-roofed buildings. It displays a vibrant Creole heritage that’s evident in the conversations of locals (English is the official language, but Seychellois Creole is the lingua franca) and the aroma of fragrant spices wafting from its open-air market. Beyond the market area, Victoria’s main sights are the circa 1903 Victorian clock tower Little Ben, modeled after its larger counterpart in London, and the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar temple, the only Hindu temple on the islands. Just outside of town is the tranquil Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, but to truly appreciate Mahé Island, one must head to the beach—and luckily there are more than 60 from which to choose.

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. Its known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.

La Possession is a commune in the French overseas department of Réunion. It is located on the northwest side of the island of Réunion, between the capital of Saint-Denis and the commune of Le Port.

The coastal port of Durban lies along the Indian Ocean in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province of South Africa, where golden sand beaches meet warm blue-green waters. This stretch of pristine beach in the central area of the city is called the Golden Mile, but in fact stretches out for four miles, making it a beachcombers paradise. If surfboards and sunbathing are not your thing, the promenades fronting the beach are a haven for flea markets and shops. Jump into a three-wheeled tuk-tuk for a unique look at the city. Head to the Victoria Indian Street Market, where you can visit temples, shop and sample local flavors. Amid British colonial buildings, a variety of historic museums and quiet parks await your exploration. Nearby, enjoy the lush Umgeni River Bird Park, home to more than 3000 bird species.

Cape Towns spectacular setting on Table Bay, beneath the 1,082-meter (3,550-foot) Table Mountain and Lions Head, seldom fails to take ones breath away, whether you are a local or a visitor. If Johannesburg is South Africas New York, this port city of four million, settled by traders from the Dutch East India Company in 1652, is its San Francisco. With a rich array of restaurants, galleries, vineyards and countless beaches, as well as a Mediterranean climate, life on the Cape Peninsula, which stretches for some 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown to the most southerly point, Cape Point, is genteel and all about good, healthy living and staying outdoors as much as possible. The Table Bay side of the city, known for its luxurious seaview properties and bustling nightlife, is countered by equally intriguing False Bay, which lies behind Table Mountain and is home to quaint, cobblestoned fishing villages like Kalk Bay, as well as the citys famous penguin colony. There, too, youll find the oldest (and some of the best) vineyards in Africa, such as Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting. If you visit, though, be warned: Once might not be enough.

Cape Towns spectacular setting on Table Bay, beneath the 1,082-meter (3,550-foot) Table Mountain and Lions Head, seldom fails to take ones breath away, whether you are a local or a visitor. If Johannesburg is South Africas New York, this port city of four million, settled by traders from the Dutch East India Company in 1652, is its San Francisco. With a rich array of restaurants, galleries, vineyards and countless beaches, as well as a Mediterranean climate, life on the Cape Peninsula, which stretches for some 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown to the most southerly point, Cape Point, is genteel and all about good, healthy living and staying outdoors as much as possible. The Table Bay side of the city, known for its luxurious seaview properties and bustling nightlife, is countered by equally intriguing False Bay, which lies behind Table Mountain and is home to quaint, cobblestoned fishing villages like Kalk Bay, as well as the citys famous penguin colony. There, too, youll find the oldest (and some of the best) vineyards in Africa, such as Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting. If you visit, though, be warned: Once might not be enough.

A bustling port town with year-round warm weather, Richards Bay is home to South Africas largest harbor. The golden sands of the coastline stretch from the Tugela River to the border of Mozambique. These serene beaches are also home to the Richards Bay Game Reserve, a protected lagoon that is home to aquatic birds, hippos, sharks and crocodiles. Nearby, the endless rolling hills, valleys and plains of Zululand give way to lush forests that bear witness to the lands rich history, including the great Anglo-Zulu war. The Zulu are considered one of the great nations of Africa. Activities include wilderness adventure and exploration of the many museums and historical sites.

Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar Is the Spice Island, one of the few places where saffron is produced. Explore its white-sand beaches, Jozani forest (watch for monkeys!), caves and open-air market.

Vibrant Mombasa lies on the coast, home to white sand beaches and coral reefs teeming with tropical sea life. The remains of Fort Jesus stand out from the harbor and are home to a small historic museum. Get a taste of local Swahili village traditions in Mombasas Old Town, where narrow streets and curio shops beckon. Buildings here are based on ancient designs and feature intricate carvings and detailed lattice work. In the modern center, stroll Moi Avenue for a souvenir, and discover the citys famous ceremonial arch. Nearby, the Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to the rare endangered sable antelope. Adventurers can head to Mamba Village in Nyali, East Africas largest crocodile farm.

Vibrant Mombasa lies on the coast, home to white sand beaches and coral reefs teeming with tropical sea life. The remains of Fort Jesus stand out from the harbor and are home to a small historic museum. Get a taste of local Swahili village traditions in Mombasas Old Town, where narrow streets and curio shops beckon. Buildings here are based on ancient designs and feature intricate carvings and detailed lattice work. In the modern center, stroll Moi Avenue for a souvenir, and discover the citys famous ceremonial arch. Nearby, the Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to the rare endangered sable antelope. Adventurers can head to Mamba Village in Nyali, East Africas largest crocodile farm.

Luxor is essentially an open-air museum, where the remnants and mysteries of ancient Egypt rise from the desert sands in continuous breathtaking panoramas. These towering pillars, hieroglyphics and countless murals and statues all have stories to tell. Explore the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where limestone cliff caves once served as the sacred burial grounds for the Pharaohs and Queens of ancient Egypt. View the Karnak and Luxor Temples, which together form the largest ancient religious site in the world – a vast preserved site of sanctuaries built for the Theban gods. In the city of Luxor, the Mummification Museum explores this ancient ritual – and the Luxor Museum houses an exhibit of items from the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Luxor is essentially an open-air museum, where the remnants and mysteries of ancient Egypt rise from the desert sands in continuous breathtaking panoramas. These towering pillars, hieroglyphics and countless murals and statues all have stories to tell. Explore the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where limestone cliff caves once served as the sacred burial grounds for the Pharaohs and Queens of ancient Egypt. View the Karnak and Luxor Temples, which together form the largest ancient religious site in the world – a vast preserved site of sanctuaries built for the Theban gods. In the city of Luxor, the Mummification Museum explores this ancient ritual – and the Luxor Museum houses an exhibit of items from the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Jordan may appear at first glance like a vast, empty land, but its territory has been inhabited for 6,000 years and it is home to an enormous number of historic sites and natural wonders. Most of them are easily accessible just off of the King’s Highway, which stretches from the capital, Amman, down to Aqaba on the Red Sea. As the country’s only port, Aqaba has long been linked to the legend of Lawrence of Arabia, or T.E. Lawrence, and to the famous 1962 film by Sir David Lean. The massive Aqaba flagpole is, at 131 meters (430 feet), one of the tallest in the world and commemorates the Great Arab Revolt of 1916 against the Ottoman Empire in which Lawrence played a key role. Aqaba is a decidedly quieter place now than in the heyday of revolt, whether one comes for the deepwater dive spots, duty-free shopping or its new high-end residential and resort district. Old Aqaba, with a fort that dates from the era of Christian crusaders, continues to be a wonderfully atmospheric neighborhood. There, after a long day in the desert heat, visitors can seek out a Turkish bath for a massage and scrub or take a break from exploring at any number of cafés that overlook the port.

Η Αλεξάνδρεια ιδρύθηκε από τον συνονόματό της, τον Μέγα Αλέξανδρο, το 332 π.Χ. και αποτέλεσε το σπίτι πολλών ιστορικών προσωπικοτήτων, όπως η Κλεοπάτρα, ο Μάρκος Αντώνιος, ο Ιούλιος Καίσαρας και ο Ευκλείδης. Σήμερα η πόλη έχει μια έντονα μεσογειακή αίσθηση, που ίσως έχει απομείνει από την αρχαία ρωμαϊκή σχέση της. Ο γοητευτικός παραλιακός πεζόδρομος, τα αποικιακά κτίρια και οι φαρδιές λεωφόροι την καθιστούν έναν εξωτικό, ρομαντικό προορισμό.

No modern metropolis is more steeped in myth than Athens, Greece. From the gritty port of Piraeus—gateway to Greece’s fabled isles—to the Parthenon—eternal symbol of Western civilization—Athens has attracted adventurers and classicists for centuries. This heritage is still very much alive for modern visitors sightseeing in Athens: ancient stadiums and temples dwell alongside apartment blocks, modern performances are staged in the marble amphitheaters where Greek drama was born and millennia-old monuments are scattered in the archaeological park that circles the Acropolis. One of the world’s oldest maritime powers, Athens is blessed with a balmy climate and stunning coastline. The seaside suburbs of Athens are scalloped with sandy beaches, fancy yacht clubs and glamorous beach bars. While the Athenian lifestyle is known for late-night dinners and dancing until dawn, the city shines brightly by day in the bustling markets, lively cafés and fascinating museums that illuminate Greeces past and present. Contemplate the magnitude of all that culture and ancient tourist attractions while marveling at the sun setting into the Aegean or rising over the Acropolis.