| Resort: | |
| Operator: | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Destination: | Asia, Australia, Australia & The Pacific, Indonesia, South East Asia |
| Price From: | £8990.00 |
Witness southern seaside splendorsDraw back the curtain on a rich tapestry of beauty and culture on this voyage of discovery. Begin with an overnight in vibrant Sydney. Sail north to encounter Australias iconic natural wonders and lesser-known cultural gems. Explore Indonesian treasures and glimpse indigenous Malaysian civilization before enjoying an overnight stay in the Philippines bustling capital city of Manila. You will conclude your sweeping journey with an overnight in Hong Kong. Itinerary:Day 1 Sydney, AustraliaArrive in Sydney and embark your ship. The capital of Australian New South Wales is celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor, the worlds largest. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains on the edge of the blue Pacific, Sydney is blessed with a natural setting few cities in the world can rival. Settle in to your veranda stateroom, and explore this culture-rich and much-loved city. Day 2 Sydney, AustraliaEnjoy a second day in Sydney. You may pull back the curtain and enjoy an insiders view of Australias world-class opera house. Or, join a professional photographer for a walking tour in the harbor area and an opportunity to snap fantastic images of vivid street art, historic houses and more. Alternately, you might choose to explore the natural wonders of the nearby Blue Mountains. Day 3 Cruise the Australian CoastContinue following the east coast of Australia today, often called the Sunshine Coast. Linger on the Sun Deck or on your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the worlds most beautiful waters. Perhaps take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck. This evening, enjoy the jazz strains of live music at Torshavn. Day 4 Brisbane, AustraliaCall on the capital of Queensland, Australia, today, situated on the Brisbane River and spread over hills rising from Moreton Bay. This picturesque city is known for its Queenslander architecture, a distinct style characterized by terraces and raised living spaces. Brisbane itself enjoys a flourishing culinary scene amid a sophisticated collection of art galleries. Head out to explore the surrounding areas and you will find yourself enveloped in beautiful vineyards, stunning seascapes and wonderful nature. Day 5 Cruise the Australian CoastContinue following the east coast of Australia today, often called the Sunshine Coast. Linger on the Sun Deck or on your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the worlds most beautiful waters. Perhaps take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck. This evening, enjoy the jazz strains of live music at Torshavn. Day 6 Whitsunday Island, AustraliaStumbled upon in 1770 by Captain James Cook 49 days after Easter (Whitsunday), the Whitsunday archipelago emerges from the Coral Sea amid the Great Barrier Reef. The seafaring Ngaro people called this paradise home until 1870 and hunted these waters in bark canoes. Natures brushstrokes are astonishing here: pure-white sands meet cerulean waters, swirling together at sandbars to merge into a palette of turquoise, cream and emerald-green hills. Witness these islands and Airlie Beach firsthand; glassy, invigorating and impossibly blue, the waters provide the ideal oasis for relaxation and idling away a few hours on the beach. Day 7 Cairns, AustraliaCall on Cairns today, built on the shoulders of gold prospectors. Today, it is a major sugarcane and fishing port, and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Take in the major sights of Cairns on a city tour, featuring a stop at its historic Royal Australian Navy base, Cairns Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove, a quaint, beach-loving community. Or perhaps board a catamaran for an exciting sail to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the largest continuous system of its kind on Earth, or join an excursion to the lush Daintree Rainforest. Day 8 Cruise the Coral SeaSail the waters of the Coral Sea today, home to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Your day at sea provides the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in The Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure, shave or Nordic scalp massage. Day 9 Thursday Island, AustraliaExplore Thursday Island today, home to a thriving artistic community. You will have time to explore on your own, or perhaps join an optional excursion to discover the history of the islands defense during a visit to Green Hill Fort. Alternately, learn about the indigenous people of Torres Strait during an optional excursion that includes a traditional outdoor dance performance. Day 10 Cruise the Arafura SeaSail the shallow tropical waters of the Arafura Sea. As you cruise today, enjoy coffee or a drink in the Explorers Lounge or stroll the wraparound Promenade Deck. Day 11 Cruise the Arafura SeaSail the shallow tropical waters of the Arafura Sea. As you cruise today, enjoy coffee or a drink in the Explorers Lounge or stroll the wraparound Promenade Deck. Day 12 Darwin, AustraliaArrive today in Darwin, Australia, capital of the continents Northern Territory. Take in the citys highlights on an included panoramic tour, passing Christ Church Cathedral, the seven-gabled Government House and the Old Admiralty House. A stop at the East Point lookout reveals the coastal beauty of the Top End. If you would like, you can set out along the Adelaide River to view the areas famed jumping crocodiles, or travel by seaplane, boat and airboat through the forest and wetlands of Sweets Lagoon. Day 13 Cruise the Timor SeaAs you sail the Timor Sea today, you might enjoy some yoga on the Sports Deck and indulge in a soak in the Thermal Pool of The Spa. Day 14 Komodo, IndonesiaAnchor among the stunning vistas of Indonesias Komodo Island. Go ashore to visit Komodo National Park and the Tamarind Woods, a magnificent menagerie of wildlife including the famed Komodo dragon. If you wish, don a snorkel and mask and explore the vibrant underwater world at Pink Beach, so called for the rose-hued coral washed ashore and crushed to a fine powder by crashing waves. Day 15 Bali, IndonesiaToday, you can explore the colorful markets and rich culture of arts, crafts and traditional dance on the island of Bali. You will tour its bustling provincial capital of Denpasar. Take in the colors, flavors and fragrances of the local market and explore the Bali Museum and the sublime temple of Jagatnatha. Or, see how the traditional Balinese once lived and witness the creativity of talented artisans. Day 16 Cruise the Java SeaSail the Java Sea today. As you cruise, you will have a chance to sample some cuisine of the islands such asrijsttafel, a rice dish adopted by the Dutch and still enjoyed throughout The Netherlands. Day 17 Semarang, Java, IndonesiaCall in Semarang today on the island of Java. Stop for photos of the oldest church in Central Java, visit a historic Chinese Muslim temple and walk through the stunning Rainbow Village on an included tour. Alternately, you may choose to board a vintage railcar for a ride through the Javanese countryside before visiting a coffee plantation. Day 18 Cruise the Java SeaSpend the day relaxing on board as you cruise the Java Sea. Evidence points to the sea bottom being above water before water levels rose following the last ice age. This shallow body of water was also the sight of a disastrous naval battle during World War II, when Allied Forces were defeated by the Japanese on Feb. 27, 1942. Day 19 Cruise the South China SeaAs you cruise the South China Sea, attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chefs Table. Day 20 Cruise the South China SeaAs you cruise the South China Sea, attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chefs Table. Day 21 Kota Kinabalu, MalaysiaGain insight into the lives of indigenous Malaysian tribes during a visit to the colorful Mari Mari Cultural Village. Enjoy swimming or snorkeling among 12,000 acres of protected coral reefs and other marine life during an island getaway off the coast of Sabah. Or, experience a walk through Kinabalu Parks montane oak and chestnut rainforest in the shadow of majestic Mt. Kinabalu. Day 22 Cruise the South China SeaContinue to sail the South China Sea today, once called the Sea of Cham after the maritime kingdom of Champa that ruled Southeast Asia before the 16th century. Today these waters are the second-most used sea lane in the world. As you sail, relax in the Explorers Lounge and enjoy the spectacular vistas from the ship. Day 23 Manila, PhilippinesCall on the bustling metropolis of Manila today. See the highlights of this former Spanish colonial city during a wide-ranging panoramic tour, including the old downtown and Old Intramuros, which was home to the elite during the colonial era. You can embark a wooden canoe for an exhilarating river ride to Pagsanjan Falls. Day 24 Manila, PhilippinesSpend your second day in Manila absorbing its storied history. You can visit Corregidor Island, where General Douglas MacArthur commanded US forces in the Pacific during the early days of World War II. Or, explore the citys finest art, archaeology and natural history museumsall located in the vicinity of Rizal Park, named for national hero Dr. Jos Rizal, whose writings ultimately led to Philippine independence. Day 25 Cruise the South China SeaAs you sail the South China Sea today, relax in the Explorers Lounge and enjoy the spectacular vistas from the ship. As you cruise, mingle with newfound friends in The Living Room, and attend a port talk about your upcoming destinations. Day 26 Hong Kong, ChinaCruise into dazzling Hong Kong this morning and admire the glittering forest of skyscrapers standing between soaring mountains, a bustling harbor and offshore islands. See where deeply held Eastern traditions meet modern Western sensibilities during a panoramic city tour that takes you up Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the metropolis. An overnight stay in Hong Kong lets you explore further on your own or with one of our shore excursions. Day 27 Hong Kong, ChinaDisembark this morning and transfer to the Hong Kong airport for your flight home. Or explore with our extension in this fascinating city. |
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