Sydney to Fort Lauderdale

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.

Bursting with modern energy and historic charm, Hobart is a contrasting mix of colonial style and vibrant modernity. Discover all this and more on a cruise to Hobart.

Fifteen dramatic fjords are protected within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the spectacular Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.

Known for its unique fusion of Scottish and Maori heritage, vibrant Dunedin is the second largest city of New Zealand’s South Island.

Surrounded by the remains of an ancient volcano, Akaroa contrasts its pretty French colonial architecture with the rugged natural beauty.

Only a narrow stretch of water separates North and South Island, but the differences between the two entities could not be more obvious - South Island with its wild beauty contrasting sharply with the more sedate landscapes of North Island.

New Zealand’s capital city is a veritable hotspot of food, fun and culture situated in one of the planet’s most beautiful countries.

Napier, with its pleasant Mediterranean climate and famous art deco architecture, is a charming and lively seaside resort located on the eastern side of North Island.

Tauranga is the principal city of the Bay of Plenty. The founders of Tauranga, 19th-century missionaries, left a legacy of well-planned parks and gardens for today's residents and visitors to enjoy.

Stretched over a volcanic field on New Zealand's North Island is multicultural Auckland. The country's largest city, this thriving hub offers everything you would expect.

The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at the top of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll pass farms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast, up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often with refugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered around breathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the foot of the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast through areas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural or horticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known, takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for a diversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, an area settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next to small Kiwi beach houses. An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over the world for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, and shimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between Māoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealand state. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground (the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty and protests by Māori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, the agricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series of winding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are both beautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. . The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged and windswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldest and largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangrove swamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, the headland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believed Māori souls depart after death. Today Māori make up roughly a quarter of the area's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendary Māori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour, where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) lived throughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai, Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Māorihere can trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants

Inyeug Island, better known as Mystery Island, is part of the Tafea Province of Vanatu, the southernmost collection of islands. This is a picturesque island with large rounded cliffs jutting from the water. The cliffs create protected lagoons with some of the lightest, clearest waters in the world. The island is, with the exception of an airstrip used twice weekly, made up entirely of beaches and reefs. This place is ideal for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling in the tranquil waters, where many diverse tropical fishes hide between the corals.

As world famous beaches go, Champagne Beach is one of the big hitters. In 2003, CNN ranked it number nine in its list of top 100 beaches and independent travel specialists permanently include it on their list of 50 best beaches worldwide. It’s one of the world’s greatest natural beauties: picture-perfect beach white sand, turquoise water and nothing – save for the occasional cow or curious turtle - around. With only coconut plantations and a few friendly locals to keep you company, this might just be the island of your dreams. The glorious name “Champagne Beach” was given to the island in the 17th century, when Pedro de Quirós believed he had reached the famous unknown southern land or the “Tierra Australis Incognita” (or Australia as we now know it). He believed the effervescent bubbles of volcanic origin that bubble up from the crystal clear waters were reminiscent of the bubbles of Champagne. Additionally, the coastline is shaped like an art deco Champagne saucer, so the name stuck! The beach is located on the largest yet least populated island in the 40-island Vanuatu archipelago, near the village of Hog Harbor on Espiritu Santo Island. If you want to venture beyond the beach, then Espiritu Santu is also famed for its blue holes. The island is home to some of the clearest waters on Earth, benefiting from natural filtering from underground limestone caves. Ride or paddle your way through emerald green rainforest amid the sound of birdsong for an experience that will make your soul sing.

Alotau is the provincial capital of the Milne Bay Province located in the southeast bay of Papua New Guinea. The town and surrounding area has been an important staging ground during World War II and we will see remains and memorials dating back or referring to the war. On a tour of the town, visitors will appreciate lovely vistas of the bay and experience the markets, which are frequented not only by locals, but also by islanders selling their products or looking for produce to take back into Milne Bay. Alotau is an important port facility for the islands and attracts many vendors of handicrafts from different islands.

If surreal and unique experiences are your thing, then the Papua New Guinean town of Rabaul should tick your travel boxes. Found on the north eastern tip of New Britain Island (the largest island off mainland PNG) Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents are still quite active today! The lively city was almost entirely devastated by Mount Tavurvur in 1994, covering the city in ashfall, but thankfully costing no lives. View less Since then, thanks to Rabaul’s deep-water port, commerce has been on the up, and a few shops and hotels have managed to find an audience. However, Rabaul’s remote location together with the volcano still being one of the most active and dangerous in Papua New Guinea means tourism in not rife. Rabaul has an impressive WWII history which includes a 300-mile network of tunnels dug by Japanese POW designed to conceal munitions and stores. After the Pearl Harbour bombings, the Japanese used Rabaul as their South Pacific base for the last four years of WWII, and by 1943 there were about 110,000 Japanese troops based in Rabaul. Post war, the island was returned to Australia, before it was granted independence in 1975. It should be noted that patience is a virtue here. However, that is not all bad. The slow pace of transportation allows travellers to marvels at the quite astonishing landscape. Divers will also be richly rewarded – the marine life of the island is extraordinary.

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Koror is the state comprising the main commercial centre of the Republic of Palau. It consists of several islands, the most prominent being Koror Island. The state of Koror contains about 65% of the population of the country.

Bohol is an island province consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of 1,589.7 sq mi and a coastline 162 mi, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. In the 1600’s, the Jesuits introduced Christianity to the region. They built huge churches, which were declared heritage sites in the early 2000’s. Unfortunately most of these churches were heavily damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake of 2013. Today, some of these churches are being restored.

The city sprawls eastward from Manila Bay. Its streets range from multi-lane boulevards to maze-like alleys. In this metropolis of 12 million, the contrast between spacious well-maintained elite communities like Forbes Park and overcrowded slum areas such as Tondo is immense. Occupied over the decades by the Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East now meets West, giving the city its unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros. Only members of the Castilian upper class, friars, soldiers and government administrators were privileged to live inside the walls; natives had to live in the outlying boroughs.

From the exceptional views across its famous harbour to the sizzling dishes in its glamorous restaurants, you’re sure to fall in love with Hong Kong.

Take in Halong Bay’s splendid scenery as you wind your way through a dramatic archipelago of lake-filled, tropical forest-topped limestone karsts.

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, Da Nang often gets overlooked on the traveller trail. However, as the third largest city in Vietnam (with a population of 1 million), Da Nang packs a punch that other puts other Vietnamese cities in the shade. Naturally, Da Nang is a savvy choice. The beaches are simply stunning - white sand that runs on for miles, lapped by sapphire seas and punctuated by tall coconut trees. The mountains are stunning – vast swathes of emerald green poking out of the top of the few skyscrapers the city has. And the temples are vast and plentiful. From Lady Buddha – an 18th century shrine and statue that guards over the fishermen – to the Marble Mountains, Da Nang is a sublime mixture of secret lagoons, spiritual sites and Vietnamese energy. The aforementioned Marble Mountains are undeniably the city’s main attraction, although the Golden Hands Bridge (40 kilometres from the city centre) is fast overtaking the Mountains for top spot. Both are sublime in their beauty – one a spiritual pilgrimage site sculpted by (and named after) the elements, the other, a man-made structure of two giant concrete hands that stretch towards the sky. Add to that the busy markets selling everything from Vietnamese silk to street food and the My Son temple ruins (Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat) and you have a destination that offers travellers far more than tourist trinkets. If you are looking for a Vietnamese city that offers both connection and authenticity, you have found it in Da Nang.

Cruising along the Mekong River past hidden villages, mystical jungles and towering mountains affords a southeast Asian experience like no other

A busy, cramped and frenetic city, Bangkok has a reputation of bombarding your senses. Centuries of history collide with a fast-paced modern lifestyle.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is a must-visit jewel in the Malaysian crown. Popular with tourists for generations and valued by lovers of both food and culture.

Thailand's only island province is connected to the mainland by the Thep Krasettree Causeway. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," Phuket offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that rise above the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is Thailand's largest island and about the same size as Singapore. Arab and Indian navigators have called here since the end of the 9th century, while the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century.

Nestling on the Irrawaddy river delta, the city of Yangon is a fascinating fusion of historic traditions, glittering religion and intriguing everyday life.

Built on a truly majestic natural harbour - one of the world’s largest - Trincomalee is a gateway to the deep historical interests of Sri Lanka. Richly cultural and historic, Trincomalee is surrounded by treasured sites, which hark back thousands of years - and hold unprecedented cultural value. Set on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka - on the peninsula that it shares its name with - venture inland to explore some of the world's most majestic and evocative archaeological and holy sites. View less Or, take it easy and lay back on Trincomalee's plentiful, palm-lined beaches. Boat tours can take you out to cruise among dolphins and whales, or to the reefs of Pigeon Island. A swirl of colonial houses, temples and mosques line the multi-cultural streets of this fascinating destination. Live like a local and start the day with a steaming cup of Ceylon tea and buffalo curd for breakfast before heading out to visit extraordinary sites of ancient worship, as you explore Sri Lanka's incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Head inland to the jaw-dropping Golden Temple of Dambulla, a vast temple, dominated by a gleaming gold Buddha figure. The amazing Ancient City of Polonnaruwa dates back to the 12th century and is an unearthed treasure trove of ruins - famous for its meticulously thought out urban planning. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, and you can visit the first capital at the Sacred City of Anuradhapura – a place of immense value to the Buddhist faith. The Sirigiya Rock Fortress is a jaw-dropping collaboration between man and nature, and the incredible fortress sits perched above an almighty 200-metre high slab of rock.

Galle is an ancient Muslim port where different political influences from Europe have merged. In fact, the Galle Fort was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British until the late 19th century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The surviving Dutch-colonial architecture and narrow streets exude the historic atmosphere of this living fort. The 18th century Dutch church has a splendid wooden memorial to one of the commanders of Galle, while the Arab quarter has a distinctly Moorish touch.

Hithadhoo is a district of Addu City, in the Maldives. Hithadhoo is the main administrative district of Addu City, with many of the administrative buildings in this district. The town is situated on the island of the same name, the westernmost of Addu Atoll.

This small island, no more than four square miles in size, is Praslin's beautiful neighbor and presents a picture of peaceful seclusion. Apart from a few minivans, the only other means of transport here are ox carts or bicycles. The island has two centers, La Passe where you come ashore via the ship's tender and, just half a mile to the south, La Réunion. Both are on the island's west coast and neither has more than a handful of dwellings, a few shops, bicycle and oxcart rentals. A perfect place to explore on one's own, some of the beaches near La Passe are within easy walking distance. To venture further you may want to hire an oxcart or a bicycle. There is good diving practically anywhere in the waters around La Digue, as well as excellent snorkeling at Anse Patates and Anse La Réunion. Protected on all but its southeast shores by a magnificent encircling coral reef, La Digue retains all the fascination of an untouched world. The road leading south from La Passe takes you past the charming La Digue Island Lodge and continues to L'Union Estate. The grounds feature a copra factory and an impressive tumble of granite rocks, at the foot of which live several giant tortoises. (There is a fee to enter L'Union Estate.) Further along the beach at Source d'Argent, a dirt path winds around heaps of giant granite boulders which present a popular subject for photo buffs.

This tropical Eden covers 14.5 square miles and lies a mere 28 miles from the island of Mahé. In addition to glorious beaches and fantastic marine life, Praslin is best known for the Vallée de Mai World Heritage Site where the botanical rarity, the coco de mer, grows wild. In fact, this incredible palm forest earned the island its original name of "Isle de Palme," accorded by the French navigator Lazare Picault who had to carve his way through the tangled undergrowth of the inland hills. In 1768 Marion Dufresne led an expedition to the island and renamed it Praslin. He placed a Deed of Possession in a bottle which he buried in the sands of the northern coast. In the early 1800s the total population of the island amounted to ten families. Nothing noteworthy happened through most of the century, except for the arrival of General Charles Gordon in 1881. The hero of Khartoum thought he had found the biblical Garden of Eden and pronounced that the coco de mer was the biblical tree of knowledge

Like jade-colored jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. Lying just four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are some 1,000 miles from the nearest mainland Africa. Little more than 200 years ago, all 115 islands were uninhabited.Then in 1742 a French ship dispatched from Mauritius sailed into one of the small bays. Captain Lazare Picault was the first to explore these unnamed islands. He encountered breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lagoons, coral atolls, splendid beaches and secluded coves. After Picault sailed away, the islands remained untouched for the next 14 years. Then France took possession of the seven islands in the Mahé group. During an expedition Captain Morphey named them the Sechelles, in honor of Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles.This name was later anglicized to Seychelles. The first settlers arrived at St. Anne's Island in 1770; 15 years later the population of Mahé consisted of seven Europeans and 123 slaves. Today there are about 80,000 Seychellois, the majority of whom live on Mahé; the rest are scattered in small communities throughout the archipelago.The people are a fusion of three continents — Africa, Asia and Europe.This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages — Creole, French and English. Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital,Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop.The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the center of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market.

Zanzibar, known as the Spice Island, is separated from mainland Tanzania by a 22-mile-wide channel. The name itself evokes a romantic past that includes memories of great seafarers and explorers, and tales of famous deeds and great riches. To Zanzibar's shores came the Sumarians, Assyrians, Arabs, Chinese and Malays - all contributing to the island's turbulent history. From its shores, the great European explorers - Burton, Speke, Krapf and Livingstone - set out on their voyages of discovery to the mainland. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive at Zanzibar in the 15th century, starting a reign of exploitation including the export of slaves and ivory. The island's main town, Stone Town or Zanzibar Town, on the west coast has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center. The different nationalities that have settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left a distinct mark on its people and architecture. Of special note are the ornate wooden doors and intricately carved balconies. Walking through the narrow streets of Stone Town the visitor catches a glimpse of the town's exotic life. A scent of cloves in the air serves as a reminder that this is indeed the Spice Island. At one time, Zanzibar supplied the world's tables with cloves. Today there are still plantations that cultivate a variety of spices, but the island's economy depends ever more on tourism. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are a major draw for vacationers, encouraging such holiday activities as swimming, sailing and exploring beneath the ocean in unspoiled underwater parks.

Unique plants and animals, a staggeringly impressive landscape and inviting bays make Madagascar a must-see destination.

Today the town of about 70,000 is home to the country's largest port. Its once-fine colonial houses lend Toamasina a somewhat shabby elegance. It is a busy place with sailors and tourists, offering a variety of bars, restaurants and hotels. Most visitors spend only a day or two in town as the attractions are really found outside in the country. While in town, visit the colorful market, where vendors display a wide array of produce, seafood and spices such as vanilla, cloves and black pepper, and locally made quality straw goods. A get-acquainted tour by pousse-pousse (rickshaw), the common local transportation, is a fun way to explore the town and get a glimpse into the daily life and activities of its people. Be prepared to bargain with the driver when establishing the fare. The official language is Malagasy, with French as the second language, spoken mainly in the cities.

Sandy white beaches. Dazzling turquoise waters. Charming people, verdant countryside. The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius has it all.

Located about 480 miles east of Madagascar and 102 miles southwest of Mauritius, Réunion is the largest of the Mascarene Islands. The archipelago, consisting of Rodrigues, Mauritius and Réunion, was named The Mascarentes following its discovery in 1512 by the Portuguese navigator, Pedro de Mascarenhas. The French made the decision to settle Réunion in 1642, but no one actually lived here until four years later when the French governor of Fort Dauphin in Madagascar exiled a dozen mutineers to the island. In 1649, the king of France officially took possession of Réunion and renamed the island Colbert Bourbon. After the French Revolution, the island took back its original name. Since 1946, Réunion has been administered by France as an Overseas Department, with St. Denis as its capital. Facilities here are comparable to any major town in metropolitan France. St. Denis straddles the mouth of the St. Denis River and sweeps upward into the flanks of la Montagne where modern apartment complexes and luxurious houses have replaced the shanty town of the post-war era. Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion, 30-minute by car from the small capital, St. Denis. The island is best known for the rugged beauty of its interior. Major attractions include the fascinating and still active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, and three extinct craters known as cirques. Their forested slopes are dotted with isolated villages. Two thirds of the western part of Réunion are covered by mountain ranges, with the 9,200-foot-high Piton des Neiges the highest point on the island. The major source of income is from agriculture, mainly sugarcane, vanilla and the production of geranium oil used as a fixative in perfumes.

Tôlanaro or Tolagnaro is a city on the southeast coast of Madagascar. It is the capital of the Anosy Region and of the Tôlanaro District. It has been a port of local importance since the early 1500s, and a new port, the Ehoala Port, has been built by QMM and the World Bank

Richards Bay was named after Frederick William Richards of the British Royal Navy. When he learned of the conflict the English experienced in Zululand, Richards arrived with 250 men in support of his fellow countrymen. He also made a survey of the coast in 1879. In 1906, development of the area got underway with the founding of the Zululand Fisheries and the first ox wagon trek to the town of Empangeni. In 1928, Richards Bay got a hotel and a store, from which it gradually developed into the economic center of Northern Kwazulu-Natal. A new deep-water port inaugurated in 1976 is the second largest port in the country after Durban. In its wake, a number of large and small industries, hotels, shops and restaurants have sprung up, causing the town to develop at a record-breaking pace. The most important attractions however are found outside Richards Bay in the game reserves and cultural villages. For many visitors Zululand represents some of the "real" Africa, an area that covers much of central Kwazulu-Natal, including the port of Richard's Bay and the adjacent Hluhluwe Game Park. The region is dominated by the Zulu tribe; their customs, historical traditions and culture are evident throughout the region. The name Zulu derives from an early chief, whose descendants were called aba-kwa Zulu, or people of Zulu. Their capital is Ulundi, located north of the Tugela River. Much of Zululand comprises a scenic, hilly interior plus some coastal areas, where it is usually hot and humid.

The great natural harbor of Port Natal, on whose shores the city of Durban now stands, was thought by early Portuguese navigators to be a lagoon at the mouth of a large river. They called the harbor Rio de Natal (Christmas River), as its discovery fell on Christmas Day in 1497. The name Durban was acquired in 1843 when Port Natal was renamed for Sir Benjamin D'Urban, the Cape governor who had ordered the British annexation of Natal. Durban became a municipality in 1854 and a city in 1935. Today it is one of the principal cargo ports on the African continent, a center for industry and a major holiday resort. With a population of almost one million people, Durban is a bustling, subtropical city with a warm, more often hot and sultry climate that favors the luxuriant growth of trees and gardens. It is considered to be the Asian capital of South Africa with a massive Indian population. While the downtown area is predominantly Muslim, Hindu Durban lies to the north of the city center. It was here in the Phoenix Park Settlement that Mahatma Gandhi set up his retreat center in 1903, from where moral support was drawn for the Indian demonstrations of 1913. Durban's 21st-century economy can largely be credited to the immense amount of cargo passing through its huge port, as well as to the thousands of Transvaal holiday makers who, since the 1930s, have turned the city's beachfront into a popular playground. Its most dominant landmark is the handsome Grey Street Mosque, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

With its spectacular scenic views, wonderful wildlife and fantastic food and drink, Cape Town is a dream destination for any travel enthusiast.

Dine on freshly-caught fish and home-grown oysters as you explore Walvis Bay's outstanding conservation areas and its Germanic history.

A study in contrasting economies, Luanda is a boisterous coastal city of haves and have-nots. As capital of Africa’s second-largest oil-producing country, it has been deemed the world’s most expensive city, and since independence in 2002, everyone seems to be gunning for a piece of the post-civil war economy. Its renaissance offers a range of experiences, from cushy hotels to a restaurant-lined oceanfront promenade to locals hawking handmade goods at crowded public markets.

From a modest fishing port to the biggest in Ghana, Tema’s industrial activity has all but tarnished the charming, postcard scenery of the region. The neighbouring white-sanded beaches remain immaculate, still serving as a testimony of the rich variety of birds that can be found in the area.In the way Mother Nature intended it, gannets, boobies and kingfishers amongst other species fish in and around the cerulean waters of the coast.

Ghana's fourth-largest city plays serene beaches against a bustling commercial centre. People from around the world visit the shore, both for its beauty and to enjoy the fresh seafood served right on the sands. Frantic city life awaits a short distance inland, where an economy fuelled by Ghana’s oil industry is most apparent in the maze of vendors at Market Circle.

Three hours south of Yamoussoukro, nestled in between the canals and waterways, lies Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. Considered the crossroads of West Africa both economically and culturally, Abidjan benefits from clement temperatures year round, reaching average highs of around 88˚ Fahrenheit, or 30˚ Celsius. Like much of West Africa, this city has cachet and soul, and enjoys a diversity of cultures, traditions and people, notably through the French influence, but also through the steady stream of tourists that make the city both vibrant and cosmopolitan.

The Republic of The Gambia borders around the Gambia River, thus appearing on a map as a sliver out of Senegal. It enjoys a cooperative relationship with its neighbour Senegal, having separated from their federation of Senegambia in the early 1990s. This Western Africa country, which its shores on the northern Atlantic is approximately 4,363 square miles (11,300 km sq) in size, smallest country on the continent. Its first historical accounts come from the records of the Arab traders in the 9th and 10th centuries, who were in search of gold, ivory and slaves. The Portuguese then ruled over the area and subsequently sold the trade rights to the British. It officially became a British colony in 1889. Today, it is an independent democracy. Sadly, as many as three million of its inhabitants were taken from the country and enslaved until the British ended the practice in the 1800s. Alex Haley in his epic “Roots” was able to trace his family ancestors to rural Gambia, where Kunta Kinteh's trail began. Today, The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in Western Africa.

Capital of Senegal, and a major gateway to Western Africa, the former colonial trading post of Dakar stamps the Cap-Vert peninsular with glorious surf-fringed beaches. Enjoy the thrum of markets - where colourful textiles are exchanged - and wander streets where jazz, sambar and mbalax spill from every ajar door. Offering tropical island-style beaches in an incongruous urban setting, Dakar is a wild and urgent experience for the senses. Watch on as surfers revel in consistent rollers on this, the most westerly peninsula of continental Africa. Scuba divers can explore worlds below the surface in Dakar's diving areas, or you can head to sandy beaches like Plage des Mamelles' cove, which provide endless options for cooling off. Looking for a little more activity, loosen up and play on golf courses that unroll along the sun-kissed Senegalese coastline, or visit startling natural sites like the vivid pink water of the salty pink Lake Retba. Cultural relevance abounds in Dakar - those wanting to delve a little deeper into the dark history of Senegal should visit the House of Slaves on the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Goree Island, or duck into the Theodore Monod Museum to pour over an incredible collection of masks, artefacts, and treasures. Sandaga Market is a full-on experience of choreographed chaos, sound and flavours. Tear into fish fresh off the boat, and don't be afraid to get your hands a little greasy while handling Dibi - the national street food - soft mutton, simmered with onions and zesty orange spice.

The capital city of Cape Verde, Praia lies on the southern coast of Santiago – known as the fertile island.

Known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde, Mindelo on São Vicente is a bustling port city which is home to 80 per cent of the island’s inhabitants. With a harbourside location and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Mindelo enjoys both a tropical climate and a vibrant social scene.

Everyone knows the name, but only an intrepid handful of travellers get to experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the Amazon.

Everyone knows the name, but only an intrepid handful of travellers get to experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the Amazon.

Everyone knows the name, but only an intrepid handful of travellers get to experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the Amazon.

Everyone knows the name, but only an intrepid handful of travellers get to experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the Amazon.

Everyone knows the name, but only an intrepid handful of travellers get to experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the Amazon.

Blessed with an abundance of wildlife, the first thing visitors to Ile Royale will notice will be the sea turtles feeding along the pier, the iguanas basking on rocks, and perhaps the peacocks strolling along the road

The small island of Mayreau, just one and 1/2 square miles in area (3.9 square kilometres) is the smallest inhabited island of The Grenadines, and is part of the independent state of St.Vincent in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Two of the best known islands in The Grenadines are Mustique and Bequia, the second largest island in this group. The Grenadine Islands are strung out in a gentle sweep between St.Vincent and Grenada.

With its white sand beaches, glimmering blue seas and laid-back locals, Antigua is a quintessentially Caribbean island.

The island's size makes it possible to get a good introduction as well as enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and discover the attractions of Gustavia, the island's tiny capital located around a magnificent harbour. As a reminder of its past as a Swedish colony some of the street signs still show names both in French and Swedish.

Sitting on the north coast of this lush, tropical island, San Juan is the second settlement founded by European settlers in the Caribbean, and the oldest city under US jurisdiction. The stocky walls and watchtowers here have stood the test of time, repelling notable invaders – such as Sir Francis Drake – and the pirates who historically looted these islands. With massive fortresses, airy plazas and sheer Caribbean beauty, San Juan is a beach-blessed star of these turquoise waters. View less With more than 500 years of European history, Old San Juan gleams In Puerto Rico’s sunshine, with sugar-almond painted facades and ankle-testing cobbled lanes. Decorative balconies and varnished wooden doors add everyday artistry to streets, dripping with history. Soak up the culture at rum-fuelled parties and salsa dances on this Spanish-culture infused island, or recline into afternoon relaxation sessions on sensational slivers of gleaming sand. Kick back on the beach, or satisfy a lust for adventure by exploring sprawling mangrove forests. The magic of sea kayaking after dark here is an experience you won't forget. Break the waves with your oar, and watch as the waters illuminate with neon colour, as bioluminescence creates a mystical, peaceful spectacle. Pocked limestone cliffs and karst landscapes add rugged contrast to the serenity of the beaches, and you can walk into folds of the earth in sea-carved caves, or across cliffs to hidden views of the Caribbean’s expanse. Enjoy a taste of the island’s cuisine by sampling Mofongo – a local concoction of green plantains and chicken. Why not indulge and wash it down with an iced mojito, made from crushed mint and locally distilled rum?

For a unique introduction to the Venice of America, you may want to take one of the yellow and green water taxis.This convenient local transport makes numerous stops along the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River, bringing you within short distance of shopping, dining and local attractions.Another option to see Fort Lauderdale from the water is on one of several sightseeing boats. These delightful cruises can be booked from locations at the waterfront and the Riverwalk area. They meander through the main waterways and past magnificent mansions owned by wealthy local families and celebrities from around the country and abroad.