Cunard March 2020 - January 2022

24 Adelaide, surrounded by famous vineyards, is your gateway to Kangaroo Island and The Outback, but don’t miss the South Australian Museum – home to the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts. Explore the sophisticated streets of arty Melbourne from a vintage tram, and indulge in the cutting-edge cuisine of this foodie heaven. Then it’s captivating Sydney with its stunning Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and endless list of other iconic sights. Although Brisbane is a surf capital, you’ll find it very cosmopolitan, especially in the cultural downtown area around the South Bank Parklands. Laid-back Cairns is your springboard to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, and the wilds of the surrounding ancient rainforests. Then finish your circuit with legends of the frontier and crocodile encounters in colourful Darwin. The exotic Far East. As you sail north into the mysterious Orient you’ll be greeted by charming Bitung. Here you’ll come face-to-face with rare tiny tarsiers and pygmy seahorses, amongst an array of exotic fauna and flora, that flourish both above and below the water. Soak up the atmosphere of vibrant Hong Kong amongst the fusion of soaring skyscrapers and ancient gilded shrines, or take a tram to The Peak for spectacular panoramic views of the dazzling cityscape. Vietnam’s Da Nang is home to the pristine My Khe Beach and Dragon Bridge, as well as the enchanting Marble Mountains, which are peppered with hidden 17th century Buddhist grottos. While the bustling streets of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City are filled with a beguiling collection of French colonial architecture and an incredible choice of cuisines. Singapore is renowned for its modern skyscrapers, extravagant hotels, and wonderful shopping, but its profusion of splendid green areas, has earned it the moniker of the ‘Garden City’. From Port Kelang you can visit the enormous Salahuddin ‘Blue’ Mosque and the Hindu shrines of the Batu Caves, as well as the imposing Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. Diverse and cosmopolitan Penang is the food capital of Malaysia and its collection of tranquil, powdery beaches, is second to none. As the Giant Buddha bids you farewell fromMalaysia, Sri Lanka’s Colombo welcomes you for a cup of tea at one of the fascinating Ceylon tea plantations. Arabian Peninsula. Entering the Arabian Gulf you make a pit stop in Abu Dhabi for a visit to the spectacular F1’s Yas Marina Circuit, and the enormous Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the world’s most opulent. Dubai is an extravagant world of contrasts, from traditional souks and wooden water taxis, to glittering shopping malls and towering architecture, including the world’s tallest – Burj Khalifa. In Muscat, wander through the souks piled with silver, frankincense, and handmade Omani clothing, and visit the striking Sultan’s Palace. Salalah seems misplaced on the Arabian Peninsula, with its verdant mountains, banana plantations, and even waterfalls, but the grazing camels may give it away. Sailing into the Red Sea, the shores of Aqaba beckon for an exploration of the magnificent fortress of Petra. Entering the Mediterranean. A tranquil transit through the Suez Canal takes you into the colourful Mediterranean. Athens will whisk you back to ancient antiquity on the hallowed ground of the Acropolis, while the vibrant Plaka District below further enhances your experience. Barcelona makes a bold impression with the lively Las Ramblas and Gaudi’s crowning jewel, the Sagrada Familia. Your final call before arriving in Southampton is Cadiz, the gateway to Seville, a land of fiery flamenco, impeccable horsemanship, and delicious sherry.