Continental Grandeur - Singapore to Monte Carlo

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.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island's fabulous beaches.

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.

Stroll along Calle O'Daly, the pedestrian district named after an Irish banana merchant and lined with historic residences. Visit the Town Hall and the church, Iglesia del Salvador, both of the 16th century. There is an interesting museum of natural science as well as a naval museum.

Nestled in the embrace of the Atlantic Ocean, Fuerteventura emerges as an enchanting oasis of contrasts.

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.

Marvel at the sumptuous palaces, lush gardens and imposing citadels that are the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous legacies of Moorish rule in Spain. Meander the narrow cobblestone streets of nearby Albaicín, the ancient Arabic quarter, or see a flamenco performance in the whitewashed caves of Sacromonte, originally settled by gypsies.

Lying on Spain's radiant Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district. Marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard, the illustrious Explanada de España. Pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline. It's no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, which is in a 18th-century palace.

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.

The Province of Castellón is in eastern Spain. It’s known for the Costa del Azahar, with beach resorts such as Benicàssim, Oropesa del Mar and Benicarló. The 13th-century Peñíscola Castle has panoramic coastal views, and a botanic garden in the neighboring Artillery Park. The Columbretes Islands are a haven for nesting seabirds. Inland, trails criss-cross Mount Penyagolosa, home to red pine trees and eagles.

With its youthful spirit and natural beauty, the Balearic island of Ibiza (or "Eivissa," as it's known locally) appeals to those who love the outdoors. The beach-blessed coastline is majestically rugged, and the hills are covered with olive and fig trees. The capital of Ciudad de Ibiza offers a multitude of diversions, especially in the historic Dalt Vila district. Visit its 16th century Castle of Ibiza and the churches and Museum of Contemporary Art inside the fortified walls. With its cobblestone streets, Ibiza is a scenic city to walk. Two of the most popular beaches are Talamanca and Ses Figueretes.

Enjoy delightful Mahon and its charming shops. Then explore the island and savor its dramatic views and landscape, quaint villages, farms and well-preserved taulas of the island's megalithic civilization. Perhaps see a castle or a monastery and impressive cliff-top views.

Sète, often hailed as the Venice of Languedoc, is a charming port town in southern France, crisscrossed by a network of canals and bridges.

Saint-Raphaël is a resort town on the Côte d'Azur, in southeastern France. Numerous beaches line the Mediterranean coast, some in rocky coves like Fournas and Maupas. Named after a WWII Allied landing, Débarquement Beach faces the island Île d'Or. To the west is the landmark Notre Dame de la Victorie Basilica, built from sandstone in the 19th century. Set atop a parking garage, Bonaparte Garden overlooks the bay

Bastia is a city on the French island of Corsica. Bars and restaurants line the Old Port, with the twin-towered Church of St. Jean-Baptiste rising behind it. Terra Nova, a centuries-old citadel with ramparts, was built by Genoese rulers. Nearby is the Cathedral of Ste. Marie, filled with paintings and marble statues. The Governor’s Palace houses the Bastia Museum, showcasing the city’s history.

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

Formerly a small fishing village on the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno was reinvented as an ideal Renaissance city at the hands of the sixteenth century House of Medici.

Stroll through picturesque Portofino and Santa Margherita. Be awed by the stunning scenery as you explore the beautiful coastal resorts of Ravello, Sestri Levante or San Fruttuoso by local boat and on foot.

Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvelous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don't forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d'Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence - each one a jewel to be savored.