Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australias largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australias largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

The City of Newcastle upon Tyne, to distinguish it from the other Newcastles around the world, is located in the North of England. Founded in Roman times with the name of Pons Aelius, it became famous in the 20th century for its shipyards and coal exports. Today it is a bustling English city where you can breathe the real British atmosphere «»and have some interesting cultural visits. Popular attractions include Keep Castle, a Norman fortress from the 12th century, later transformed into a mediaeval castle; Saltwell Park, a typical Victorian Park with gardens, ponds and a maze of hedges; finally the Millenium Bridge which connects Newcastle to the twin city of Gateshead.

In Cairns, breathtaking dives along the reef await us, while, for the more adventurous, you can try out the cage to see great white sharks up close. Enjoy a stop at the port of Cairns to discover the magic atmosphere of one of the sunniest beaches in the Northern State of Queensland, Australia. During this stop you can admire the great barrier reef, one of the worlds most fascinating coral agglomerates, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. You can also visit the Cairns botanical garden where you can enjoy truly idyllic scenery.

Rabaul is an important City of Papua New Guinea, the last of a string of islands, extending from Southeast Asia to the Pacific. During the cruise, youll discover a wild land, unspoilt, varied and almost unknown. Papua New Guinea is located south of the Equator and North of Australia. A land beloved especially by naturalists and explorers who can have fun with almost 9,000 plant species of rainforests and over 250 species of mammals. Rabaul was the capital of the Province of West New Britain until 1994, when it was destroyed by an eruption of Tavurvur volcano. It previously served as the headquarters of the German New Guinea until its conquest by the Commonwealth of countries during World War I, when it became the capital of the Australian protectorate territory of New Guinea. On 23 January 1942 the city was conquered by Japan and became the most important base for Japanese military operations in Oceania.

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The citys many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The citys many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).

Kobe is a city on Osaka Bay in central Japan. It is known for its signature marbled beef and scenic setting of mountains framing the harbor. The Ikuta Shrine, dating to the 3rd century, is among Japans oldest Shinto shrines. Antique cable cars connect Kobe to Mt. Rokko, which offers panoramic views over the port. Beyond the Mount Rokko hills are the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen.

Нагасаки – столица одноименной префектуры, расположенной на острове Кюсю, третьем по величине острове Японского архипелага. Узкий пролив Симоносеки отделяет его от Хонсю. Кюсю имеет форму неправильного прямоугольника, на котором представлены разнообразные возвышенности, достигающие 1800 метров, включая вулкан Гора Ассо. Климат острова характеризуется обилием осадков, что способствует произрастанию субтропической растительности. Город Нагасаки находится посреди длиной бухты, являющейся наилучшим естественным портом острова. Жилая и торговая часть города занимает небольшую территорию, в то время как метрополия, насчитывающая полмиллиона жителей, вытянулась вдоль долины двух рек, отделенных друг от друга горным уступом.

The port of Busan, also known as Pusan, is the largest in the country, as well as our dock in South Korea. Seomyeon is the hub of Busan, with a large shopping area. Here there are also local offices of major Korean and international banks, but it is also the entertainment district with cafes, bars and restaurants. Nearby, there is also the market of Bujeon, the largest in the city with things never before seen in the West. Mt. Geumjeongsan offers the ability to scale its heights and visit the Beomeosa temple, associated with Korean Buddhism. Busan attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, its many luxury hotels, and Gwangalli Beach, famous for its bars and restaurants. Finally Taejongdae, located on the Island of Yeongdo, is a natural park with a cliff overlooking the sea.

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a modern metropolis with Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets and contemporary buildings. The skyline is crowned by the 509m-tall, bamboo-shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper, with upscale shops at the base and a rapid elevator to an observatory near the top. Taipei is also known for its lively street-food scene and many night markets, including expansive Shilin market.

Гонконг – это «особый административный регион Китая». Он состоит из одноименного острова, 259 других островов в Южном Китайском море, а также материковых территорий прилегающих к полуострову Коулун и, так называемых, «Новых территорий». Несмотря на то, что он был заселен китайскими поселенцами еще во 2-ом тысячелетии до н.э., регион не был затронут китайским империализмом вплоть до 17-го века, когда он стал местом разгоревшегося конфликта между династиями Мин и Манчжур. Как бы там ни было, он получил международный интерес только в 19-ом веке, когда португальцы, будучи первыми европейцами, которые стали развивать в этом регионе колонии и торговлю шелком и чаем, наиболее востребованными товарами в Европе.

Гонконг – это «особый административный регион Китая». Он состоит из одноименного острова, 259 других островов в Южном Китайском море, а также материковых территорий прилегающих к полуострову Коулун и, так называемых, «Новых территорий». Несмотря на то, что он был заселен китайскими поселенцами еще во 2-ом тысячелетии до н.э., регион не был затронут китайским империализмом вплоть до 17-го века, когда он стал местом разгоревшегося конфликта между династиями Мин и Манчжур. Как бы там ни было, он получил международный интерес только в 19-ом веке, когда португальцы, будучи первыми европейцами, которые стали развивать в этом регионе колонии и торговлю шелком и чаем, наиболее востребованными товарами в Европе.

Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. Its main beach is a long, curving stretch along Tran Phu Street backed by a promenade, hotels and seafood restaurants. Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island, and the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm islands, reachable by boat, have coral reefs.

From the port of Phu My, where our Costa ship will dock, we can easily reach Ho Chi Minh City, an important city of Vietnam. The port of Phu My is one of the busiest trading ports of Vietnam. Located between two major cities in the country, it is also the place where numerous cruise ships anchor. During this stop you will visit Ho Chi Minh City, the great economic and cultural centre, or Vung Tau, a seaside town is much appreciated by tourists.

Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. Its known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas. The landmark 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is located on a tiny island connected to Ko Samui by a causeway.

Сингапур был маленьким торговым центром могущественной империи Шривиджаяа на Суматре, позже, ближе к середине 13-го века – государство-марионетка в составе империи маджапахит на Джаве, в то время как в 15-ом – 16-ом веках оно стало частью султаната Джохор. Более новая история Сингапура неразрывно связана с личностью Стемфорда Раффла, официального представителя Восточной Индийской компании. По договору, заключенному с султанатом Джахор в 1819 году, он основал британское поселение в Сингапуре. Затем он превратил город в пункт отдыха и перезагрузки кораблей Британской империи с тем, чтобы уменьшить вдвое голландскую экспансию.

The port of Penang is a good starting point to discover Buddhist spirituality, the exoticism of nature and the history of the Malaysian city. Take advantage of this stop at the port of Penang to discover the enchanting exoticism of one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia. You can admire the fascinating nature reserves and appreciate the diversity of the flora and fauna of the island, so you can visit the majestic Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple, explore the historical wonders of the city of George Town and discover the tasty local cuisine.

Коломбо – хаотичный, шумный и очень оживленный город, котел, в котором собрались различные этнические группы и религии, что делает его таким многогранным культурным городом. Наибольшая группа – это сингальские буддисты, и этим объясняется наличие многочисленных буддистских храмов, таких как Гангарама, с его несметным количеством статуй, а также Килания Раджа Маха Вихара, многократно разрушенный и отстроенный. На архитектуру города оказали влияние Тамилы, построившие многочисленные индуистские храмы, известные под названием Ковилс. Храм Катиресан посвящен Сканде, богу войны, в то время как храм Шри Кайласанатха Свами Девастханам расположен около железнодорожной станции Форт и посвящен богине Шиве и богу Ганешу. Тем не менее, также существует множество примеров влияния западной культуры: банкетный зал голландского губернатора, который был преобразован в церковь Св. Петра в 1804 г., в то время как Музей голландского периода, содержащий исторические документы и экспонаты, относящиеся к голландскому колониальному периоду, некогда был резиденцией губернатора Томаса Ван Рея (1692-97).

Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Its known for its mosques and colorful buildings. The Islamic Centre (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) features a mosque, a library and a distinctive gold dome. Near the harbor, a popular fish market offers the days catch, and a produce market is stocked with local fruit.

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. Its known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.

Durban, a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species

Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africas Eastern Cape Province. A major port, its also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhoods Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game.

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.

Walvis Bay is a port town on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the Pelican Point sand spit, its tidal lagoon is home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns. The harbor is busy with fishing boats and ships. Dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse. East of the bay, coastal sand dunes like Dune 7 mark the start of the Namib Desert.

São Vicente is an island of Cape Verde, an archipelago off West Africa. The northern port of Mindelo is a cultural hub, known for traditional music and colonial architecture like the 1900s Palácio do Povo. Inland, Parque Natural Monte Verde has trails up the volcanic peak. Beaches include Mindelo’s Laginha Beach, the shallow lagoon of Baía das Gatas and São Pedro, with strong wind and surf.

Las Palmas is a capital of Gran Canaria, one of Spains Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. A major cruise-ship port, the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches. At Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers. The annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.