Desert Cities & Turquiose Seas - Dubai to Port Louis

Located in the northeast United Arab Emirates, bustling Dubai attracts visitors with its international facilities and exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Known as the Hong Kong of Arabia, Dubai’s modern duty-free shopping malls and traditional souks offer some of the best bargains in the world on such luxury items as gold jewelry and designer creations. For a more historic outing, visitors can explore the museum at Al Fahidi Fort or venture out into the Old Quarter of Bastakia.

Khasab is an eclectic and off-the-beaten-path port with pristine seas and jagged peaks. It’s location at the northern tip of the peninsula makes this city the apex of the triangle between Dubai and Muscat. Choose to take a dhow cruise along the Strait of Hormuz or go on a humpback dolphin watching excursion on the bay, either way your experience will be far from ordinary.

Fujairah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah is the only Emirate of the U.A.E. that is almost totally mountainous, surrounded by the ruggedly majestic Hajar Mountains. Dana Plaza offers shopping in the souks, while excursions include dune drives, camel safaris and a voyage to the region’s only fjord, Musandam Fjords.

Muscat is the capital of Oman, a sovereign country. Muscat has been important since the 6th century BC, when Persians controlled the port. It was under Portuguese domination from 1508 to 1650, and subsequently the Iranians gained control of the city. Muscat became the capital of independent Muscat and Oman in 1741- the country’s name was changed to just Oman in 1970. Muscat offers a number of exciting excursions including dolphin watching and off-road desert adventures.

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, lying north east of Mahé. Originally known as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, Lazare Picault named the island “Isle de Palmes” in 1744. In 1768 it was renamed Praslin in honor of Cesar Gabriel de Choiseul, duc de Praslin, a French diplomat. Tropical forests and nature preserves abound, housing the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids.

Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. Its terrain is defined by white-sand beaches such as those in the popular resort area of Beau Vallon, and granite peaks including the rainforested Morne Seychellois. The island is also home to Victoria, Seychelles' capital, known for Creole architecture and a colorful covered market with wares like fish, fruit and clothing

Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, lying on the Indian Ocean. The town is mainly occupied by the Muslim Mijikenda/Swahili people. Over the centuries there have been many immigrants and traders who settled in Mombasa, particularly from Persia and the Middle East and Indian sub-continent who came mainly as traders and skilled craftsmen. Today, Mombasa is your gateway for exciting safaris to Tsavo, Maasi Mara and the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary.

Zanzibar, part of the archipelago sometimes referred to as the “Spice Islands,” has for centuries a been crossroads of culture, a melting pot of influences where Africa, India and Arabia meet. Visitors can savor this confluence in its food and delight in the variety of unique offerings for sale at its bazaars. The major attraction is Stone Town, with its whitewashed, coral-rag houses, quaint shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards and squares; although the pristine white-sand beaches offer just the spot for a quiet moment.

Tanzania’s largest and richest city, Dar El Salaam is a multi-cultural crossroads that is home to African, Asian and Middle Eastern communities. When translated, the city’s name is Haven of Peace; however, Dar El Salaam is far from a sleepy town. Its bustling streets encircle markets, luxury hotels and the best restaurants in East Africa. The city boasts international cuisine ranging from traditional Tanzanian barbecue and Zanzibari food to Thai, Chinese and American restaurants. After a delicious meal, visit the National Museum for insight into the history of Tanzania.

Discover exotic Nosy Be with its rich air fragrant from native spices and flowers and, neighboring Nosy Komba with its lemur population found only in this part of the world. Beginwith a stroll around the city center of Hellville in Nosy Be, visiting the open marketplace. Then hire a driver to take you on an island tour to see the bright blue volcanic lakes, or hire a boat to take you to Nosy Komba to visit the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for locally made perfume, distilled rum, finelinens and hand carved wooden art. Enjoy some of the fresh local seafood prepared with the local spices in this colorful and aromatic destination.

Part of the charm of travel is to be transported to places that will stay in your memory forever. Mauritius with its translucent waters, moon-white beaches, ebony forests and rare orchids will enchant you. Port-Louis, located in the north-west of Mauritius, was given its name by the French governor, De Nyon in honor of King Louis XV. Travel to the rim of Trou-aux-cerfs, an extinct volcanic, now a tropical forest. Meditate on the beauty of Grand-Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake and pilgrimage place for Hindus, and marvel at the serene beauty of the Plaine-Champagne forest reserve and the spectacular Black River Gorge.

Part of the charm of travel is to be transported to places that will stay in your memory forever. Mauritius with its translucent waters, moon-white beaches, ebony forests and rare orchids will enchant you. Port-Louis, located in the north-west of Mauritius, was given its name by the French governor, De Nyon in honor of King Louis XV. Travel to the rim of Trou-aux-cerfs, an extinct volcanic, now a tropical forest. Meditate on the beauty of Grand-Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake and pilgrimage place for Hindus, and marvel at the serene beauty of the Plaine-Champagne forest reserve and the spectacular Black River Gorge.