Sydney to Singapore

Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it's the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you'll have plenty of time to go exploring.

Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it's the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you'll have plenty of time to go exploring.

Come face to face with koalas, kangaroos and wombats on tours from this laid-back city. Wander in botanical gardens and enjoy people-watching from a cafe on the Brisbane River.

Discover the history and sightseeing highlights of this charming beachside town. Your coach will take you to the Proserpine Historical Museum, where you’ll delve into the legacy of the region’s sugar and cattle industries, as well as viewing a ‘Digger’ vintage steam locomotive that was used in the sugar fields during WWI. Then you’ll take in the highlights of this developing area, pausing at the Harbour Lookout for stunning panoramic views, and concluding with refreshments at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Yorkeys Knob is a coastal suburb of Cairns, in Cairns Region, Far North Queensland, Australia. It is north of the centre of Cairns, and is the third beach suburb after Machans Beach and Holloways Beach.

On the north coast of the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia lies Bitung, known for its incredibly vibrant, varied and often-bizarre marine life that thrives in its coastal waters. Nature lovers are welcome! Your guide to Bitung. From bustling cities to awe-inspiring landscapes, the Indonesian port of Bitung is the gateway to northern Sulawesi’s abundant wonders, including its provincial capital Manado. Fringed by fauna cloaked mountains, Manado is a gastronomic paradise with dining spots turning out aromatic delicacies and beach bars coupling cocktails with salty ocean views. Pick up a souvenir from the seafront arcade, try island-fished tuna (with eye-wateringly hot sambal) and admire the architectural contrasts of colonial Dutch buildings and ancient Buddhist temples. Further afield you’ll encounter the black and white sands of Lembeh Island, the waruga stone graves of Airmadidi Village and the mangrove forests of Tangkoko Nature Reserve.

The Philippines’ sprawling capital city is a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. A long and varied history stretches back as far as 5,000 years, with human life occupying the area from around 3000 BC. The city first flourished during the Ming Dynasty due to trade relations with China, before experiencing invasions by Indian, Bruneian and further Chinese empires and then becoming the seat of the colonial government of Spain.

Contradiction is part of Hong Kong’s attraction. While the city buzzes with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication, it remains a place of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs. Your guide to Hong Kong. Few cities balance old and new like Hong Kong. A city as fiercely modern as it is traditional, life here pulses with vigour and vitality while still honouring ancient customs and beliefs. Market traders hawk steaming dumplings on neon-lit streets. Sacred temples stand in the shadow of skyscrapers and luxury boutiques populate glossy shopping centres. Contradiction is all part of Hong Kong’s appeal, the city’s dynamic personality a complementary blend of Chinese and British influences. Heralded as one of the world’s foremost culinary, cultural and commercial capitals, a port call here provides myriad ways to satisfy your stomach, your senses and your suitcase.

Contradiction is part of Hong Kong’s attraction. While the city buzzes with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication, it remains a place of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs. Your guide to Hong Kong. Few cities balance old and new like Hong Kong. A city as fiercely modern as it is traditional, life here pulses with vigour and vitality while still honouring ancient customs and beliefs. Market traders hawk steaming dumplings on neon-lit streets. Sacred temples stand in the shadow of skyscrapers and luxury boutiques populate glossy shopping centres. Contradiction is all part of Hong Kong’s appeal, the city’s dynamic personality a complementary blend of Chinese and British influences. Heralded as one of the world’s foremost culinary, cultural and commercial capitals, a port call here provides myriad ways to satisfy your stomach, your senses and your suitcase.

Divided between tradition and modernity, the megalopolis of Bangkok seduces precisely by its double identity. On the western bank of the Chao Phraya, the district of Thonburi, crossed by a maze of khlong (canals), seems timeless with its floating markets and its houses on stilts. On the eastern shore, where the tourist sites are concentrated (along the river), and the buildings of the business center, life never seems to stop, just like the noise! So find serenity in the 400 or so temples that Bangkok conceals or in its museums, which contain the wonders of Siamese art. TO HAVE Bangkok's royal district It is in a bend of the Chao Phraya river that Rama I decided in 1782 to establish his capital, the royal district, leaving the site of Thonburi chosen by his predecessor. There he built the splendid Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace, both resplendent with color and beauty, which he protected with a long enclosure. Ratanakosin, or royal district, also shelters a museum of Coins and Deco…

Divided between tradition and modernity, the megalopolis of Bangkok seduces precisely by its double identity. On the western bank of the Chao Phraya, the district of Thonburi, crossed by a maze of khlong (canals), seems timeless with its floating markets and its houses on stilts. On the eastern shore, where the tourist sites are concentrated (along the river), and the buildings of the business center, life never seems to stop, just like the noise! So find serenity in the 400 or so temples that Bangkok conceals or in its museums, which contain the wonders of Siamese art. TO HAVE Bangkok's royal district It is in a bend of the Chao Phraya river that Rama I decided in 1782 to establish his capital, the royal district, leaving the site of Thonburi chosen by his predecessor. There he built the splendid Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace, both resplendent with color and beauty, which he protected with a long enclosure. Ratanakosin, or royal district, also shelters a museum of Coins and Deco…

The Thai island of Ko Samui enchants with its palm-fringed beaches and dazzling salt-white sand. Ko Samui is also famous for its Big Buddha Temple, featuring a 12-metre statue of Buddhism’s founding father.

Modern Singapore is a fascinating mélange of cultures. Browse the shop-houses of Little India, perfumed with fragrant spices and flowers. Have tea in Chinatown where medicine shops and calligraphers line the narrow streets. Meander through the world's largest collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, and walk through Raffles Landing, the old colonial district with its restored British-style buildings.

Modern Singapore is a fascinating mélange of cultures. Browse the shop-houses of Little India, perfumed with fragrant spices and flowers. Have tea in Chinatown where medicine shops and calligraphers line the narrow streets. Meander through the world's largest collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, and walk through Raffles Landing, the old colonial district with its restored British-style buildings.