Hamburg To Hong Kong, 52 Nights (H602D)

Madeira, an archipelago off the coast of Portugal, is often referred to as the “Island of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate and lush landscapes. Funchal, its vibrant capital, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of the old town, marvel at the Gothic-style Sé Cathedral, and stroll through the colorful Mercado dos Lavradores, where local farmers sell fresh produce, exotic flowers, and the island’s famous wine. For those interested in history, the Museu CR7 celebrates Madeira’s own football superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and offers a glimpse into his life and career.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by Madeira’s dramatic scenery, from the towering cliffs of Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, to the island’s famous levadas—historic irrigation channels that now serve as hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, which takes hikers through laurel forests, tunnels, and waterfalls to a stunning lagoon. The island’s coastline is equally breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and dolphin watching.

Madeira’s festivals add to its allure, with the Flower Festival being one of the most famous. Held each spring, this event turns Funchal into a sea of blossoms, with parades, floral carpets, and vibrant displays celebrating the island’s rich horticultural heritage. The Madeira Wine Festival, another must-see, celebrates the island’s winemaking traditions, offering tastings, tours, and lively entertainment.

Fun fact: Madeira’s unique microclimates allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits, including the rare and delicious Madeira banana, which is smaller and sweeter than those found elsewhere. You’ll also find exotic fruits like passion fruit and custard apple, which can be enjoyed fresh or in traditional Madeiran desserts.

Known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is a premier tourist destination and a cosmopolitan jewel of the African continent. Nestled between awe-inspiring mountains and a sparkling coastline, Cape Town bursts with history, art, culture, and natural beauty.

Natural and geological marvels abound in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the city’s iconic sandstone formation and most popular landmark, hovers over the Cape of Good Hope and offers spectacular views of the sprawling city below. The mountain can be traversed on foot, for those who enjoy hiking, or by a quick cable car ride. South of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens display a stunning variety of South Africa’s lush and colorful native plant life. Nearby beaches, including Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach, are excellent sites for swimming and surfing (though colder ocean temperatures may make your swim a bit chilly!). Boulders Beach, in particular, has become a favorite sightseeing spot; locals and tourists alike enjoy watching African penguins traipse along the sand.

Cape Town’s history of racial discrimination through the apartheid system, ended in 1994, and the people’s anti-apartheid revolution led by Nelson Mandela are essential to understanding the city’s current political and social makeup. Robben Island, the prison in which Mandela served 27 years for his anti-apartheid demonstrations, is a must-see historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a tour to explore the prison’s halls and see Mandela’s cell for yourself. The city’s many museums, including the District Six Museum and Slave Lodge Museum, provide an immersive look into Cape Town’s colonial and segregationist past.

Eat, drink, and be merry while partaking in Cape Town’s rich cultural life! Vineyards and wineries lie just beyond the metropolitan center and offer a diverse assortment of aromatic wines, including South Africa’s unique pinotage blend. Popular promenades near the city center, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Long Street, will delight you with an impressive array of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Be sure to sample biltong, a dry-cured beef peppered with delectable spices that has become a staple of Cape Town cuisine. If you’re in the mood for heartier dishes, step in a local restaurant for piping-hot bunny chow (with loads of flavorful curry) or fresh fish and chips.

Fascinating Cape Town awaits. Kom ons gaan!

Known as South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is a premier tourist destination and a cosmopolitan jewel of the African continent. Nestled between awe-inspiring mountains and a sparkling coastline, Cape Town bursts with history, art, culture, and natural beauty.

Natural and geological marvels abound in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the city’s iconic sandstone formation and most popular landmark, hovers over the Cape of Good Hope and offers spectacular views of the sprawling city below. The mountain can be traversed on foot, for those who enjoy hiking, or by a quick cable car ride. South of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens display a stunning variety of South Africa’s lush and colorful native plant life. Nearby beaches, including Clifton Beach and Boulders Beach, are excellent sites for swimming and surfing (though colder ocean temperatures may make your swim a bit chilly!). Boulders Beach, in particular, has become a favorite sightseeing spot; locals and tourists alike enjoy watching African penguins traipse along the sand.

Cape Town’s history of racial discrimination through the apartheid system, ended in 1994, and the people’s anti-apartheid revolution led by Nelson Mandela are essential to understanding the city’s current political and social makeup. Robben Island, the prison in which Mandela served 27 years for his anti-apartheid demonstrations, is a must-see historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a tour to explore the prison’s halls and see Mandela’s cell for yourself. The city’s many museums, including the District Six Museum and Slave Lodge Museum, provide an immersive look into Cape Town’s colonial and segregationist past.

Eat, drink, and be merry while partaking in Cape Town’s rich cultural life! Vineyards and wineries lie just beyond the metropolitan center and offer a diverse assortment of aromatic wines, including South Africa’s unique pinotage blend. Popular promenades near the city center, including the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Long Street, will delight you with an impressive array of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Be sure to sample biltong, a dry-cured beef peppered with delectable spices that has become a staple of Cape Town cuisine. If you’re in the mood for heartier dishes, step in a local restaurant for piping-hot bunny chow (with loads of flavorful curry) or fresh fish and chips.

Fascinating Cape Town awaits. Kom ons gaan!

Mauritius, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, is known for its turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. The island is a haven for relaxation and adventure. Its iconic beaches are perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The waters around Mauritius offer world-class diving opportunities, with vibrant marine life and shipwrecks waiting to be explored.

Beyond its beaches, Mauritius boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history of colonization and immigration. The island is a melting pot of cultures, blending African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences. Visitors can explore markets like the Central Market in Port Louis, where spices, handcrafted goods, and local delicacies can be sampled.

Mauritius is also home to breathtaking natural wonders. The Black River Gorges National Park, a sprawling expanse of lush rainforest, offers trails that wind past waterfalls and rare plants and animals. The Chamarel Seven Colored Earths, a unique geological phenomenon featuring dunes of different hues, is another must-see attraction.

Mauritian cuisine is another highlight, with its blend of Indian, Creole, and Chinese flavors. Fresh seafood, curries, and tropical fruits like lychees and pineapples add to the culinary experience. Don’t forget to try the locally produced rum, which has a long tradition on the island.