Sydney To Barcelona Grand Voyage

Head Down Under to the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, the one and only Sydney. With a sunny attitude and a climate to match, Sydney is a vibrant place that combines the best of the beach, with the convenience of the city. Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Sydney Opera House. Snap a picture of this iconic building that is a prominent feature of Sydney’s famous skyline for the folks back home. Get out and explore the streets to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum.

Nestled in the heart of the dreamily named Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba is a former sleepy surf town that has recently become a popular beach destination. In fact, it was even featured on the popular reality TV series The Amazing Race. Mooloolaba Beach is one of the most famous and popular beaches on Australia’s east coast, so no visit would be complete without a trip to bury your toes in the powdery-white sand. Take to the water in a cruise on the canals, snorkeling in the sea, or diving with sharks. Head inland to swim in one of the secluded waterfalls in the area, and take in the tranquility that surrounds you.

This sunny port on Australia’s northeast coast is in a perpetual state of vacation, and with the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, it’s easy to see why. Small in size but with a beachy, cosmopolitan vibe, Airlie Beach offers excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife, plus a long list of outdoor activities that range from sunbathing to soaring in a seaplane

Cairns is the gateway to many of northern Australia’s natural attractions. Suit up and head offshore to explore the incredible world beneath the waves at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef. Filled with incredible beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise blue waters, you can swim, snorkel, dive, and enjoy a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space.

Cairns is the gateway to many of northern Australia’s natural attractions. Suit up and head offshore to explore the incredible world beneath the waves at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Barrier Reef. Filled with incredible beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise blue waters, you can swim, snorkel, dive, and enjoy a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space.

As the capital of Australia’s vast and sparsely populated Northern Territory, Darwin has grown from a gateway to South East Asia to one of the country’s most modern and tropical cities. With folks from more than 50 countries calling this pleasant burg home, Darin has a multiculturalism unmatched by many other places. A trip to Darwin is a walk in the park—literally. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve, Charles Darwin National Park, Bicentennial Park, and Jingili Water Gardens are just a few of the parks found within city limits. Plus, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park—an incredible combination of lush rainforests, wetlands, wildlife, and a treasure trove of Aboriginal rock art—is just a short jaunt away.

As the capital of Australia’s vast and sparsely populated Northern Territory, Darwin has grown from a gateway to South East Asia to one of the country’s most modern and tropical cities. With folks from more than 50 countries calling this pleasant burg home, Darin has a multiculturalism unmatched by many other places. A trip to Darwin is a walk in the park—literally. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve, Charles Darwin National Park, Bicentennial Park, and Jingili Water Gardens are just a few of the parks found within city limits. Plus, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park—an incredible combination of lush rainforests, wetlands, wildlife, and a treasure trove of Aboriginal rock art—is just a short jaunt away.

When you arrive on Komodo Island, you may be tempted to think we’ve taken a wrong turn and instead arrived on Jurassic Park’s infamous Isla Nublar. But don’t worry—Komodo’s namesake dragons only look like dinosaurs. (And we’re fairly certain there aren’t any science experiences-gone-amuck happening in the peaceful hills.) One of the New7Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park is home to more than just the largest lizard in the world.

Bali is enchanting – a lush, verdant isle where rice terraces color every available acre with the brilliant green of young shoots, and volcanic peaks said to house the gods tower above. It is a deeply spiritual place, where artful offerings of flowers and incense are ever present, and on any given day at least one of the thousands of temples scattered around the island will be hosting a colorful festival. Culturally rich, each village has its own artistic specialty – music, dance, painting, and sculpture. The beaches are tempting, but if you want the real Bali, head for the hills – the Balinese occupy that middle ground, and demons reside in the sea.

Bali is enchanting – a lush, verdant isle where rice terraces color every available acre with the brilliant green of young shoots, and volcanic peaks said to house the gods tower above. It is a deeply spiritual place, where artful offerings of flowers and incense are ever present, and on any given day at least one of the thousands of temples scattered around the island will be hosting a colorful festival. Culturally rich, each village has its own artistic specialty – music, dance, painting, and sculpture. The beaches are tempting, but if you want the real Bali, head for the hills – the Balinese occupy that middle ground, and demons reside in the sea.

Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia. In this important port, you may see numbers of the famous high-prowed Bugis schooners, the traditional trading vessels of the archipelago. They carry timber, cement and other goods

Sandakan is a city in the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the northeast coast of Borneo. The hilltop Puu Jih Shih Temple offers panoramic views of the city. Agnes Keith House is a wooden bungalow that re-creates the city's colonial-era life. The city is also a base for visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the limestone Gomantong Caves, home to swiftlets, bats and kingfishers.

Puerto Princesa is a coastal city on Palawan Island in the western Philippines. It's a base for boat trips through the massive limestone caves and underground river of the biodiverse Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Dive sites are dotted around Puerto Princesa Bay, home to long-nosed dolphins, turtles and rays. Close to the port is the 19th-century Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral

Dazzling turquoise waters ebb and flow against brilliant white sands. A quiet fishing town on Busuanga Island in the warm Western Pacific islands of the Philippines, Coron’s black limestone cliffs give way to coral sand beaches and harbor some of the best diving, snorkeling, and unspoiled land in Asia.

Manila is a city with more sights to see than Imelda Marcos had shoes. There’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Augustín Church, the scenic Baywalk , and largest Chinatown in the world, and that’s just the ABCs. But one of the best known, and not to be missed sites is Intramuros—the remnants of the walled settlement founded by the Spanish in 1571. Spanish colonial-style buildings house an eclectic mix of ruins, churches, and some of Manila’s most interesting museums like the Bonsai Library and Museum, the Light and Sound Museum, and the Rizal Shrine Museum just to name a few. The best way to travel between these sites is to take a ride in the unofficial symbol of the city, the Jeepney. Originally created by enterprising Filipinos out of surplus Jeeps left behind by the US Army, today these elaborately decorated and brightly colored taxi busses jam the streets and lend a certain attitude to the commute.

Manila is a city with more sights to see than Imelda Marcos had shoes. There’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Augustín Church, the scenic Baywalk , and largest Chinatown in the world, and that’s just the ABCs. But one of the best known, and not to be missed sites is Intramuros—the remnants of the walled settlement founded by the Spanish in 1571. Spanish colonial-style buildings house an eclectic mix of ruins, churches, and some of Manila’s most interesting museums like the Bonsai Library and Museum, the Light and Sound Museum, and the Rizal Shrine Museum just to name a few. The best way to travel between these sites is to take a ride in the unofficial symbol of the city, the Jeepney. Originally created by enterprising Filipinos out of surplus Jeeps left behind by the US Army, today these elaborately decorated and brightly colored taxi busses jam the streets and lend a certain attitude to the commute.

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take is as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take is as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

Vietnam’s third largest city, Da Nang is the perfect home base for day trips to both imperial Hue and charming Hoi An, two vastly different but equally worth-a-visit destinations. Perched on the picturesque Perfume River, the main attraction in Hue is its immense imperial city, a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, shops, museums, and galleries that was modeled after Beijing’s forbidden city. The former seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty—feudal lords of much of Vietnam from 1802-1945—the citadel was badly damaged during the Vietnam War. Nonetheless, many buildings survived, and many have been refurbished and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.

This small tropical paradise, lined with coconut palms and white sand beaches and encircled by turquoise water is a perfect place to escape and explore. Gaze up at the Big Buddha, cool off in the natural pool at the base of Na Muang Waterfall and view the astonishing natural rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai.

Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions meld in this island-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The site of the world's busiest port, Singapore offers the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall and Sunte, the world's largest fountain. Play evening golf on lighted fairways; experience the nightlife on Mohamed Sultan Road; or relax at an outdoor spa. Be certain not to miss the savory seafood.

Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions meld in this island-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The site of the world's busiest port, Singapore offers the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall and Sunte, the world's largest fountain. Play evening golf on lighted fairways; experience the nightlife on Mohamed Sultan Road; or relax at an outdoor spa. Be certain not to miss the savory seafood.

Kuala Lumpur—or simply KL to the locals—is relatively young as cities go. But as they say, age is just a number, and what KL may lack in longstanding history, it more than makes up for in panache and progress. As you explore the bustling streets, you’ll notice an eclectic mixture of architecture—the Sultan Abdul Samad Building of Moorish design, the Tudor-style Cricket Club, the Railway station that’s a perfect balance of East meets West, and the early English gothic-style St. Mary’s Cathedral (just to name a few). Not to mention the most iconic building of all, the 88-story Petronas Towers; the pride of the city and the ultimate symbol of KL’s futuristic development.

The port town of Sabang is a little slice of beach and jungle paradise on the island of Pulau Weh (also known locally as Sabang). Dipping into the Indian Ocean off the tip of Sumatra, it is the most northwestern island of the Indonesian archipelago. Part traditional fishing village, part colonial-era town, Sabang is a picturesque community with timeless traditions, rustic way of life, and charming friendly people.

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is still largely untouched and unchanged by tourism, but with the New York Times and Forbes naming it a Top Destination, it won't be overlooked much longer. One of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, there is much to see and Hambantota is the gateway to most of it. Yala National Park, it is said, brings The Jungle Book to life. Ironically, it was once a hunting ground for the elite under British rule - today it holds the world’s largest concentration of leopards and elephants. Bundala National Park is an important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka, the highlight being the greater flamingo. With herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards, Uda Walawe National Park rivals the savannahs of Africa. Head there for a tropical safari.

Sri Lanka was once known as Serendib, origin of the word serendipity, an apt description for the pleasant surprises certain to pop up as you explore this gem of an island with everything to offer: white beaches, lush tropical forests, fragrant gardens of cinnamon and clove, and a long and equally spicy history. From Colombo, the capital, you can meet the gang at the elephant orphanage, take a trip to Kandy to visit a temple purported to house a tooth of the Buddha, or check out village life on a bicycle. Don’t forget to take some of the excellent tea home with you, a product for which the island became world famous under yet another name – Ceylon.

The "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Cochin is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Stroll Fort Kochi beach at sunset, framed by the Chinese fishing nets, visit St. Francis Church, where Vasco de Gama was buried, and take in a Kathakali dance performance that will leave you spellbound.

The "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Cochin is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Stroll Fort Kochi beach at sunset, framed by the Chinese fishing nets, visit St. Francis Church, where Vasco de Gama was buried, and take in a Kathakali dance performance that will leave you spellbound.

Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It's known for its mosques and colorful buildings.

When you cruise to Mauritius with Azamara®, you’ll find endless coral sand beaches to while the day away, but there is so much more to explore in Port Louis. Beyond beachfronts, beneath the surface, the capital city of Mauritius is rich in immersive cultural experiences. Influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East can be seen, heard, and savored all around downtown streets. It can feel a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.

When you cruise to Mauritius with Azamara®, you’ll find endless coral sand beaches to while the day away, but there is so much more to explore in Port Louis. Beyond beachfronts, beneath the surface, the capital city of Mauritius is rich in immersive cultural experiences. Influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East can be seen, heard, and savored all around downtown streets. It can feel a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.

Cruise just off the coast of Madagascar to Pointe des Galets (or simply, Le Port), a gateway to all Réunion has to offer. It’s not hard to miss Réunion on the map. After all, this charming island 500 miles off the coast of Madagascar is just 30 miles wide. But after viewing its towering volcanic peaks, hiking its lush rolling hills, and walking the palm tree-lined streets of Pointe des Galets, it transforms into a destination never to be forgotten

At Azamara® we believe the most memorable destinations are found off the beaten path—and with only dirt roads connecting it to the rest of the country, Tolagnaro certainly fits the bill. Jutting out into the Indian Ocean, surrounded by crescent-shaped beaches on three sides, this secluded port on the southeast coast is your gateway to otherworldly natural wonder when you cruise to Madagascar.

Perched on the lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, Richards Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in South Africa. It’s also one of the main gateways to KwaZulu-Natal province and Zululand, the much larger inland region popular for its mountains, diverse wildlife, and vast surrounding savannah ecosystems.

Often overlooked in favor of trendy Johannesburg or popular Cape Town, sunny Durban has been on the rise since it got revitalized to help host the 2010 World Cup, and is an unexpected delight on any cruise to South Africa. Thanks to its golden beaches, Indian influences, and nearby natural wonder, you’ll understand why South Africans love to vacation here as soon as you step on shore. The city is home to the proud Zulu people, and the largest Indian population in Africa. Weave in colonial Victorian architecture with ornate mosques, and the rich tapestry of world cultures is found around every corner. It’s a place where Catholic church spires mingle with minarets. Where calls to prayer blend with sounds of buzzing Indian markets. Where the cheers of a soccer match pulse to the rhythm of native drum beats

Immerse yourself in one of the sunniest destinations in all of South Africa—Port Elizabeth. Home to vibrant communities, worldly flavors, and safari-worthy wildlife, Port Elizabeth (or PE as the locals call it) is a piece of paradise on Nelson Mandela Bay. Our South Africa cruises give you the chance to explore PE’s townships for a deeper look at what makes the Rainbow Nation so diverse. Embrace the sense of community known as Ubuntu, shop in the lively marketplaces, and visit a shebeen (pub) to share homemade umgqoboti—a popular traditional beer—with the locals. Then, chase the surf and an endless summer at Hobie Beach, where the warm waters and refreshing breezes are perfect for relaxing under the sun.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city. A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city. A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Between the windswept shores of the South Atlantic and the vast Namib Desert, discover a quaint fishing village with a distinct German vibe and a rich history rooted in the diamond rush. Aside from the sandy streets and surrounding desert, much of Luderitz wouldn’t seem out of place in Munich or Berlin. Colourful colonial architecture remains from the scramble for Africa and the diamond rush in the early 1900s, when the town was German-controlled. The Deutsche Afrika Bank, Old Post Office, and Lutheran church overlooking the town and harbor are a few of many impressive buildings that echo this bygone era.

Under crystal clear skies and surrounded by huge, golden dunes, discover an adventurous culture in Walvis Bay. Perched across from Pelican Point, the city is sheltered from the rugged surf that stretches north up Namibia’s rocky, fog-bound Skeleton Coast. Venture inland to the rolling sands of the vast Namib Desert for an exotic African safari to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, and more, or kayak in the calm waters of the city’s huge natural lagoon.

Under crystal clear skies and surrounded by huge, golden dunes, discover an adventurous culture in Walvis Bay. Perched across from Pelican Point, the city is sheltered from the rugged surf that stretches north up Namibia’s rocky, fog-bound Skeleton Coast. Venture inland to the rolling sands of the vast Namib Desert for an exotic African safari to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, and more, or kayak in the calm waters of the city’s huge natural lagoon.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean about 800 miles off the coast of Europe, Gran Canaria is like a little slice of Spanish paradise. In fact, even though it’s just 29 miles across, with its variety of landscapes, climates, and attractions, Gran Canaria is sometimes referred to as a “Miniature Continent”, and a third of the island under protection as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The south features sunny resort communities, the bird sanctuary of Palmisos Park, and Maspalomas (renowned for its beaches, sand dunes, and lighthouse), while the east has the fishing village of Puerto de Mogan, otherwise known as “Little Venice” due to its many canals.

Lanzarote’s most famous feature is its otherworldly landscape, born of hundreds of fire-breathing peaks. The last eruption was in 1824, and though the region is now classed as dormant, you can still feel the heat under the surface at Timanfaya National Park. Considering that the island is a desert with only 5-6 inches (125-150 mm) of rain a year, the ingenious farmers of Lanzarote have worked agricultural miracles, especially in the wine region of Geria, where vines are planted and flourish in a layer of black volcanic sand, which holds on tight to every last drop of moisture. It is an amazing sight to see, and produces a nectar that is a delight to sip.

Tucked near the foot of the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by the rich plains of the Souss Valley, Agadir is a sunny cosmopolitan city where modern architecture meets the shell of a colonial port nearly leveled by a 1960 earthquake. Today Agadir is one of the most premier sardine fishing ports in the world and a thriving commercial center for citrus export. Newly built in the mid-twentieth century, modern buildings intermingle with white washed buildings along wide French inspired boulevards fringed by lush parkland and mimosa trees. But, the main star of Agadir’s landscape is its lovely stretches of secluded beach that attract tourists from around the world to the shores of this North African resort destination.

Modern-day Casablanca retains some of the atmosphere and history of times gone by yet is a thoroughly modern city. Frenetic yet welcoming, Casablanca remains a lively destination. Especially in Djemaa el-Fna, the huge square in the medina is teeming with open-air food stalls, jugglers, storytellers and snake charmers. The architecture of its French-colonial past can be seen in the graceful white buildings, with their soft lines and attention to detail.

The towering Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold. Overlooking the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea from a height of 1,400 ft, it is a natural fortress, in a strategic position to control all naval traffic between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Only three miles long and a mile wide, this peninsula attached to the Spanish mainland juts out into the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates continental Europe from North Africa, a distance of only 14 miles. One feature most unusual for Europe is the troupes of semi-wild and curiously tailless Barbary macaques that have taken up residence on The Rock’s upper reaches.

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate, and gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish architectural heritage. The city’s Alcazaba is a fine example, an 11th century citadel sitting in majestic splendor overlooking the African coast. It contains three magnificent palaces and graceful gardens with ornate fountains. In addition to their rich cultural heritage, Malagueños are also very proud of their most famous citizens – Picasso, for whom there is a museum commemorating his birth here, and actor Antonio Banderas, so far without a monument.

Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi. Though his materials were stone and metal, his forms were organic, awash in curves, swirls, and colors. His masterpiece is the amazing Church of the Sagrada Familia, colossal and as yet unfinished, though construction began in 1882. A contemporary contribution to the scene is Ricardo Bofill's post modernist National Theater of Catalonia, an imaginative combination of classical and modern design, with a greenhouse-like lobby.