Epic Continental Explorer - Papeete to Barcelona

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tahiti with its vast mountains, white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and glittering coral reefs.

Breathtakingly beautiful, stunning landscapes await, from the verdant mountains to the azure seas and white sand beaches. Take a canoe ride through the lagoon; snorkel, scuba or helmet-dive the reefs, or hike up to the Afareaitu Waterfalls.

Pure, pristine and dreamlike, the ecosystem of this gorgeous island is home to extremely rare birds, plants and crustaceans. Quaint villages, old coral churches and welcoming people are intertwined with a spectacular lagoon creating a paradise like none other in the world.

Visit the entrancing Vaipo Waterfalls and Cascade Tevaipo, which is one of the world’s tallest falls at over 1,100 feet. Wander the black sand beaches, marvel at the giant tiki at Piki Vehini, or get adventurous on an all-terrain vehicle excursion around the craggy island.

Stunning, beautiful, this South Pacific atoll is a "natural aquarium," its lagoon filled with colorful undersea life. Visit the pearl farms, dive with manta rays, explore the atoll's unique winery or just choose a calming respite on a pink sand beach.

Bora Bora appears to be of another world, with pretty sand-edged motu (islets) and rainforest-covered ridges, while its fabulous coral reef is a joy to explore.

You'll notice the rich scent of vanilla the moment you step off the ship onto this stunning island, with its vanilla plantations scattered throughout. Visit one or two, visit a pearl farm, snorkel the clear waters of the surrounding reef, or take a kayak trip along the Faaroa River.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tahiti with its vast mountains, white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and glittering coral reefs.

"The Garden Island" is filled with easily accessible pristine white beaches kissed by emerald waters; you can rent a bicycle and explore the island, take a boat to the hanging oyster beds to see the black pearl farm, or go on a shark-feeding excursion.

Bora Bora appears to be of another world, with pretty sand-edged motu (islets) and rainforest-covered ridges, while its fabulous coral reef is a joy to explore.

Remote, verdant and stunningly beautiful, this island is pure and pristine. Visit one of the many tuna canneries or snorkel in the crystalline waters of one of the protected lagoons. Find a fale, a gazebo where locals perform for visitors.

Apia is located on the northern shore of Upolu, Samoa's second largest island and home to spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches and brilliant sunrises and sunsets. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here and is buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking the village of Vailima and the home he built there, which is now a museum in his honor.

Explore a lush rainforest, feast at a lovo before trying Kava, or simply unwind on an uninhabited atoll without a care in the world.

Nicknamed "Sugar City," it's in the heart of the soft coral capital of the world. Snorkel, scuba, take a boat to a nearby deserted island; visit lush rainforests, local potters and orchid farms.

Lifou Island or Drehu in the local language is the largest, most populous and most important island of the Loyalty Islands, in the archipelago of New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. With a total area of 1,207 square kilometers

Explore this tropical paradise of remote beaches, stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.

Tantalizingly close to New Zealand’s northernmost point, an exquisite landscape revered by the Maori people, subtropical Whangarei beckons with its countless natural attractions, including breathtaking Whangarei Falls and the pristine beaches of Waipu Cove. A bit farther north, the magnificent Bay of Islands evokes a cluster of emeralds that has been cast into the shimmering sea. In the Abbey Caves, feel childlike wonder while exploring passages draped with otherworldly bioluminescent glow worms, and as a quirky diversion, examine over 1,600 historic timepieces at Claphams National Clock Museum. Gaze at the yachts docked next to the splendid Town Basin Marina Village, where you might pick up a memento of this enchanting port of call.

Stretched over a volcanic field on New Zealand’s North Island is the country’s largest city, multicultural Auckland.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Islands beckons with its pristine beauty and rich history.

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

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of North Queensland, Townsville is a vibrant coastal city that effortlessly balances a relaxed tropical lifestyle with modern urban charm.

A friendly city loved by residents and popular with tourists. More than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers plenty to do.

Nestled in the azure waters of the Torres Strait, Thursday Island stands as a beacon of cultural diversity and natural beauty.

Nestled on the northern coastline of Australia, Darwin stands as a vibrant gateway to the country's untamed wilderness and a testament to resilience.

Beautiful Bali is everything you imagine it will be; humbling temples, tranquil lakes, traditional villages, idyllic sands and thriving paddy fields.

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

In the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, head straight for the city where historic temples unite with fashionable skyscrapers and lush parks.

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.

When most of us think of paradise, the vision that springs to mind is likely to resemble the spectacular landscapes of Phuket.

Sri Lanka's naturally wonderful landscape has been shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and European influences for a fascinating multicultural heritage.

Cultural Cochin - ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ - is surrounded by historical towns and considered the regional centre for the arts.

A popular beach-side base, this part of southern India offers more than yoga retreats and tie-dye market stalls.

Made up of 26 ring-shaped atolls, this picturesque Indian Ocean nation is exceedingly romantic and an ideal place to get away from it all

An idyllic tropical island, Praslin is ringed with secluded beaches like magnificent Anse Lazio. Don't miss Vallée de Mai, a virgin palm forest so extraordinary it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest supports extremely rare flora and fauna, including the black parrot and exotic coco de mer, the world's largest nut.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it's the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

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

While the other islands of the fragrant Comoros (known as the "Perfume Islands") gained independence from France in 1975, Mayotte remained under French rule, and you'll welcome the influence. The Petit Terre district boasts fine patisseries, boutiques and art galleries, and there's a French flair everywhere.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

Durban, South Africa’s sultry subtropical jewel, stretches along the sun-kissed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Mossel Bay, a coastal jewel nestled along South Africa’s renowned Garden Route, boasts a fusion of historical intrigue and modern seaside charm.

Cape Town, a jewel nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Table Mountain, pulses with an unmatchable rhythm of diversity.

Walvis Bay, Namibia’s unique maritime and adventure oasis, is a sparkling city on the Atlantic, renowned for its natural lagoon and thriving birdlife.

Angola’s capital and most populous city, Luanda has enjoyed a massive boom in construction in the last decade following the end of the Angola Civil War. Learn about the history of Angola at the many superb museums, historical sites and monuments throughout the city. The Parque Nacional da Kissama, south of Luanda, is an expansive wildlife park with elephants, water buffalo, antelopes and nesting sea turtles.

Off the beaten path, São Tomé and Principe is a tropical paradise that offers lush rainforests, birdwatching, secluded waterfalls and pristine, isolated beaches. Enjoy spectacular views on a hike to the peak of Pico de São Tomé, go in search of the 109 species of orchid that decorate the landscape, or marvel at the impressive Boca do Inferno blowhole.

Wedged between a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Togo's convivial, beach-rich capital of Lomé has emerged from its colonial past as pure African. For a glimpse of its history and unique Togolese art, visit the National Museum. The spired Lomé Cathedral is also noteworthy.

The twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi was Ghana's first deepwater seaport and has prospered greatly. Still, the ambiance is rather laid-back, especially in the inviting beach areas. Monkey Hill, a tropical reserve for primates, lies in heart of city. Nearby Fort Orange was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and now serves as a lighthouse.

The Ivory Coast's largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world's largest French-speaking cities, it's often referred to as the "Paris of Africa." Abidjan's more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance.

After three centuries of French rule, Dakar can't help but exude a certain French flair, especially architecturally. Senegalese attire tends to be rather formal and conservative, but the city is full of life. Art galleries are plentiful, the beaches inviting, and the views fantastic from the Les Mamelles Lighthouse.

Enjoy charming São Vicente and the amazing landscape here and on nearby Santo Antão. Stroll through town past vibrant markets and the replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. Visit the stark but lovely lunar-like beach at Catfish Bay. On Santo Antão see lush and rugged landscapes and picturesque villages.

Nestled along the lush coastline of La Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma emerges as a charming gem, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history and vibrant culture.

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, welcomes visitors to a tranquil and sun-soaked haven.

On the western shore of Morocco, 2km south of the ill-fated city of Casbah you’ll find sun-drenched Agadir. Along the coast, this popular seaside resort flaunts a golden bay and palm-shaded promenade, while its urban heart hums to the beat of busy marketplaces. Outside the city, flamingoes flock to the Massa lagoon and climbing goats perch upon sought-after Argan trees.

Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is a captivating city that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with vibrant modernity.

Nestled on Spain's dazzling Costa Blanca, Alicante is a coastal gem that seamlessly blends history, modernity and Mediterranean charm.

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí's other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona's famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.