Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and South East Asia’s oriental star. Retaining its heritage of colonial buildings, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars, this modern island is today more about contemporary art and hi-tech architecture. Victorian buildings and Chinese shop-houses with their red tiled roofs make for striking state-of-the-art conversions.

The ‘Historic State’ of Malaysia, Malacca is a melting pot of culture and history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved architecture the city proudly showcases its Dutch, Portuguese and English heritage.

The ‘jewel in the crown’ of Malaysia, Penang is linked to the mainland by one of the longest bridges in the world. George Town, the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, boasts a European-style esplanade and a wealth of temples, mosques and Chinese clan houses. This paradise island has no shortage of cultural sights and natural scenery.

Reached across the Eastern Desert from Safaga, Luxor, in the celebrated Valley of the Kings, is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. Nothing in the world compares to the scale and grandeur of the ancient monuments. 

Home to the northern point of the Suez Canal, Port Said’s impressive 56m high lighthouse has safely guided ships in and out of the canal since 1869 and from the boardwalk you can watch as ships queue to enter the canal. From Port Said take an optional shore excursion to Egypt’s pulsating capital city, Cairo, home to the famous pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.

The ancient port to Tel Aviv, Ashdod is the gateway to the sacred city of Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world. There’s much to see and do – optional tours will give you a broad view but be sure to see the gold-plated Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall and the City of David.

Santorini, or Thira, is a Greek Island in the Aegean Sea approximately 120 miles south east of the Greek mainland and is home to a rich variety of landscapes and villages.
Perched 900ft high on the dramatic cliffs overlooking the bay is the Island’s capital, Fira. A short cable car ride from the port brings you to this quaint old town with whitewashed buildings lining narrow cobblestoned streets bursting with shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes.
Beyond the town there is a beautiful countryside where tradition still survives. Cave houses, gardens, vineyards and tiny churches are all waiting to be discovered.

Civitavecchia is the gateway to Rome, Italy's capital and 'Eternal City'. Steeped in a 3000 year history, Rome is a living monument to explore and discover.  From the wonderfully preserved Pantheon to the impressive Colosseum, Rome is full of monuments. Be sure to visit the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the famous Spanish Steps, and stop by the designer boutiques, pavement cafes and inviting restaurants. Rome also incorporates the independent state of the Vatican City, which is the seat of the Pope. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica here dominates the skyline.

Barcelona is home to some of the most stunning works of art in the world. Gaudi’s imposing Basilica and Temple of the Sagrada Família, shows the city is alive with colours. Perhaps visit the 1992 Olympic Games site or wander through Las Ramblas.

The oldest continuously populated city in Spain, Cadiz is a unique ocean port in south west Spain that has been inhabited for the last 3000 years.
Located on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Cadiz, the city is surrounded almost entirely by water and thanks to its historical trade links, it has many foreign influences that are still visible today.
Narrow cobbled streets, small squares and weather-beaten buildings dating back to the Moors make the old city a charming place to explore with look-out towers used by merchants to spot returning trade ships scattered along the skyline. Cadiz also has a fine collection of ancient and contemporary art in its many 

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.

With more bicycles than permanent residents, the Dutch capital is both charming and quirky. Aesthetically little has changed in the centre since its 17th century Golden Age. Beautiful gabled houses and merchants’ mansions line serene, tree-lined canals, which are laid out in five concentric circles and crossed by numerous bridges. The Royal Palace, originally built as a Town Hall in the 17th century, stands on a large square in the centre of the city. Considered one of Europe’s major art capitals, Amsterdam is home to a number of superb galleries and museums including the famous Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.