From Cape Town to Mahé

Depart on a voyage of discovery to experience the extraordinarily rich heritage of South Africa, followed by a tropical expedition to the islands of the Indian Ocean. Explore South Africa's most famous cities and towns: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay and Durban; then take advantage of the opportunity to head out on safari to see the Big Five! Next, set sail for the Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean, a quintessentially beautiful archipelago that is home to the largest concentration of sea turtles in the world. Following an unforgettable stop at Nosy Komba off the northern coast of Madagascar, continue on to the Seychelles. Calling at a variety of ports, discover the islands of Assumption, Alphonse, La Digue and Aldabra, a nature reserve recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Africa - Madagascar

Ports of call;
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Europa, Juan de Nova, Glorioso Islands, Nosy Komba

Madagascar - Seychelles

Ports of call;
Assumption Island, Aldabra Atoll, Astove Island, Alphonse Atoll, La Digue, Victoria/Mahé

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Guayaquil (Ecuador)

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Guayaquil is the most inhabited city in Ecuador. Founded by the conquistadors in 1535, it borders the coasts of the province of Guayas. You can stroll without any cares in the world, in the upper part of the city, next to the Las Peñas district. This Bohemian district with its colourful houses offers an impressive view of the city, if you’re courageous enough to climb the steps which separate the chapel rooms from Cerro Santa Ana lighthouse. The city is also blessed with many parks and gardens, perfect for taking a breather.

At sea

At sea

Quepos (Costa Rica)

Not far from the virgin forest of Manuel Antonio national park, Quepos is a welcoming stopover located on the Pacific coast. Its waterfront has an array of stalls of pineapple and banana vendors, and it’s nice to wander here in the shade of manchineel trees. In the lush green and floral streets, houses with stunningly carved balconies line the town which is laid out in grid form. You’ll also have some time for a spot of shopping in the plentiful traditional boutiques where you’ll find hand-crafted cotton clothes, ceramics with Costa Rican designs, and decorative objects in hand-painted wood.

At sea

Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala)

Located on the Pacific coast, 100 kilometres south of the capital, the city of Puerto Quetzal is the largest port in the country. Close to the city, the ravishing little old city of Antigua, is a former colonial capital listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. You’ll admire the wealth of its historical monuments.

At sea

San Juan Del Sur (Nicaragua)

Considered the Nicaraguan surfing capital, the attractive seaside resort of San Juan del Sur is the ideal place for letting go and revelling in the waves. Looking out on the Pacific, you will be charmed by this fishing harbour-come-seaside holiday destination. Nestling in the crook of a curved bay, apart from its long white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, this town will win you over with its natural landscapes of steep rocks and green hills. If you are looking for a touch of tranquillity, far from the madding crowd, ravishing creeks garnish the coastline around San Juan del Sur. Come and play in the shining rollers!

Herradura (Costa Rica)

Herradura takes its name in Spanish from the horseshoe form of its bay, covered in lush tropical vegetation, its beauty enhanced by the hills that loom over it. This small town is surrounded by national parks that are remarkable for the rich variety of fauna and flora they protect. When your ship calls here, it will be the moment to take a journey in small covered boats along the Tarcoles River, whose banks are home to crocodiles and iguanas. This mangrove also hosts the loyal and flamboyant Scarlet Macaw, with its red, blue and yellow plumage, known for mating with the same partner for life.

Golfito (Costa Rica)

Coiba (Panama)

Coiba Island once housed a prison with a sinister reputation that has since been abandoned. Today the island is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers many activities. Experience the emotion of the first explorers by heading deep into the virgin rainforest, untouched by human hand, and carve a path for yourself through the creepers, under the watchful gaze of the multitudes of birds. You may be lucky enough to see the Howler Monkey, only visible here. To conclude this unique adventure, take a dip in the turquoise waters of the unspoiled beaches on the island, among the sea turtles and the tropical fish swimming elegantly through the coral reefs.

Fuerte Amador (Panama)

Colon (Panama)

Colon (Panama)

Disembarkation

Durban (South Africa)

As your vessel cruises along the coast of Durban, from the exterior decks you will be able to admire the long beaches washed by waves from the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers that overlook the jacaranda-lined avenues. Not far from there, you will be captivated by the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the ancestral land of the Zulu people. The undulating, soft green hills are home to a multitude of small villages with traditional round huts. In the heart of the Phezulu Safari Park, the beliefs and rituals of the fascinating Zulu culture will be revealed to you and you will be treated to a show that pulsates to the beat of Zulu drums.

At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

At sea

Europa (Eparses Islands)

Located in the South of the Mozambique channel, between the African continent and Mozambique, the island of Europa is the largest and best preserved of the Scattered Islands. This ancient atoll of volcanic origin is covered by natural and practically virgin vegetation, a blend of dense forest and mangrove. Small piece of France at the end of the World, the island is surrounded by coral reef, home to an impressive array of marine wildlife. In addition to the many bird colonies that have made the island their home, such as the red-footed booby, the tern or the tropicbird, the white sandy beaches have become the most important laying ground for green turtles in the entire Indian Ocean.

At sea

Juan de Nova (Eparses Islands)

We invite you to board your ship and sail to discover the Scattered islands, virgin and pristine lands often described as “ocean sanctuaries”, and more particularly the island of Juan de Nova. Located deep inside the Mozambique Channel, once known as Saint Christopher, this unusual islet owes its existence to its coral reef, which has slowly developed over time to form an almost submerged land made of coral and sand. Home to the biggest colony of Sooty Tern in the Indian Ocean, this tiny strip of land is classed as a nature reserve and will not fail to enchant you with its rocky hillsides, sand dunes and translucent lagoons.

Juan de Nova (Eparses Islands)

Nosy Komba (Madagascar)

During your cruise, your ship will stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. This vegetation is home to amusing black lemurs – furry orange-brown and black creatures that are surprisingly agile and call to each other from amongst the trees. The many small beaches and the emerald-coloured water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.

Glorieuses (Eparses Islands)

The Scattered Islands are like minuscule confetti sprinkled around Madagascar and form an archipelago of unrivalled beauty. Their geographical isolation, and their very limited human settlement make them a true geological sanctuary, classed as a nature reserve since 1975. Regularly used as the “zero point” in scientific studies, they offer their rare visitors almost pristine vegetation composed mainly of mangrove, as well as long beaches of shimmering sand stretching out behind turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs that are home to the world’s highest concentration of sea turtles.

At sea

Aldabra (Seychelles)

Located in the very heart of this faraway archipelago, the Aldabra Atoll is considered to be one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth, where a large population of sea turtles has found refuge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast tract of land is formed by 4 small coral reef islands separated by narrow passes and containing an emerald-water lagoon lined with mangrove and fine-sand beaches. As your ship slowly nears the clear, reflective waters along its shoreline, do not miss your chance to discover this natural wonder, which is considered to be the largest atoll in the world and once fired the imagination of many an explorer.

Aldabra (Seychelles)

At sea

Alphonse (Seychelles)

Alphonse Island is located off the Seychelles archipelago. Discovered in 1730 by the Knight Alphonse de Pontevez, this island, specialised in coconut processing in the past, is now a veritable natural reserve, home to different species of marine mammals, sea turtles and many birds. Alphonse Island is also renowned for its rich underwater life and coral, among the best preserved in the Indian Ocean. A marvellous spectacle that can be admired with just a mask!

La Digue (Seychelles)

A sprinkling of islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles exude calm and beauty against a backdrop of leafy coconut trees, white sand and crystal-clear water. In addition to the tranquillity of its green lagoons and its idyllic beaches, this remote paradise also boasts an exceptional fauna and flora. In the many parks and nature reserves, come and observe colourful birds, giant turtles and the numerous marine species living in the turquoise waters. Before reaching the archipelago’s capital, Mahe, your ship will introduce you to La Digue. Time stands still here on this small stretch of land protected from all motorised traffic, where the only mode of transport is the bicycle or the oxcart.

Victoria - Mahe (Seychelles)

Disembarkation

Honolulu - Maizuru

During these voyages, we are offering you an entirely sea-based crossing, there are no ports of call (except possibly for technical reasons), nor any onboard entertainment or speakers, and no transfers provided. Likewise the catering is less elaborate than for other cruises. Although no entertainment is organized, you are free to discover what life is like aboard our ships by spending time with the crew who will be happy to share their experiences with you. To facilitate embarkation, we suggest that you spend the night before departure in the city that your ship leaves from. Similarly, on the day of disembarkation we advise you to reserve a flight that leaves at the end of that day or the day after your arrival.

Vieux Fort - Praia

During these voyages there are no ports of call (except possibly for technical reasons), nor any onboard entertainment or speakers, and no transfers are provided. Likewise the catering is less elaborate than for other cruises. To enable you to embark as early as possible, we suggest you spend the night near the port the day before the ship is due to leave. At the end of your cruise we recommend that you book an evening flight on the day of disembarkation, or one the next day.

From Dakar to Dublin

Setting off from Dakar, set sail for the archipelagos of Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Discover a diverse variety of landscapes and numerous UNESCO sites. Continue your grand voyage from Lisbon to Portsmouth with an exceptional gourmet food and wine programme in partnership with Ducasse Conseil and Château Latour. Elegant gala dinners and visits to world-famous vineyards are just part of the experience that awaits you. Finally, the L'Austral will take you the lands of legend and romance. Passing green and verdant grassy downs, precipitous cliffs and the ruins of ancient castles along the way, you'll make stops at Guernsey, Cork, Liverpool, Belfast and finally the city of Dublin, where this Grand Voyage concludes

Cape Verde/Canary Islands - Africa

Ports of call;
Dakar, Praia, Mindelo, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife de Lanzarote.

Funchal/Madeira - Northern Europe

Ports of call;
Funchal/Madeira, Lisbon, Leixões-Porto, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bordeaux, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Guernsey, Honfleur.

Northern Europe

Ports of call;
Portsmouth, Guernsey, Isles of Scilly, Cork-Cobh, Liverpool, Douglas, Belfast, Dublin.

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From Auckland to Darwin

Set off to discover the sublime landscapes of New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. From Auckland to Darwin, via Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, Le Lapérouse will take you into the heart of these lands of a thousand cultures, lost in the blue of the Pacific Ocean. After you sail to the Bay of Islands, the Chesterfield Islands will appear, scattered across the Coral Sea. You will then discover Tufi, the spectacular volcanic fjord of the Tropics, and set off to meet the people of Ambrym Island, before calling at the Maluku Islands, a natural paradise on the Spice Route. An opportunity for many rewarding encounters with the peoples of the Antipodes.

NZ - Oceania

Ports of call;
Auckland, Bay of Islands, Kouare Island, Lifou, Loyalty Islands, Hienghene, Bélep Islands, Chesterfield Islands

Oceania

Ports of call;
Noumea, Lifou, Loyalty Islands, Tanna Island, Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Ambrym Island, Ureparapara Island - Sana Islands, Vanikoro, Santa Ana

Oceania

Ports of call;
Honiara - Guadalcanal, Roderick Bay, Njari Island - Gizo, Alotau, Tufi, Lusançay Islands, Trobriand Islands, Dobu - Fergusson Island, Samarai Island

Australia - Oceania

Ports of call;
Cairns, Cape York, Asmat, Triton Bay, Mommon - Sebakor Bay, Kei Islands, Banda Neira, Darwin

Cayenne - Lisbon

During these voyages, we are offering you an entirely sea-based crossing, there are no ports of call (except possibly for technical reasons), nor any onboard entertainment or speakers, and no transfers provided. Likewise the catering is less elaborate than for other cruises. Although no entertainment is organised, you are free to discover what life is like aboard our ships by spending time with the crew who will be happy to share their experiences with you. To facilitate embarkation, we suggest that you spend the night before departure in the city that your ship leaves from. Similarly, on the day of disembarkation we advise you to reserve a flight that leaves at the end of that day or the day after your arrival.

Colón

Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.

Corn Island

At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Trujillo

Santo Tomas de Castilla

Punta Gorda & Half Moon Cay

At sea

Progreso

Progreso

At sea

Key West

Miami

Disembarkation.

Praia

The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbour, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old centre, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.

Praia and Maio

Discovered in 1460 in the month of May, as its Portuguese name indicates, Maio is located east of Santiago in the Cape Verde archipelago. At the south-west tip of the island stands the seaport town of Vila do Maio and its pastel-coloured houses nestling against the smooth hills. Morro, a quiet little village famed for its hand-crafted pottery is located not far from there. Follow the coast road alongside deserted beaches to the fishing port of Calheta, and on to the village of Morrinho.

São Nicolau

Located south-west of São Vicente, the island of São Nicolau is a thrilling sight with its steep but luxuriant cliff faces culminating in Mount Gordo. Near the summit, the island’s attractive capital, Ribeira Brava, and its pastel-coloured houses and colonial monuments, nestles in a deep valley. Not far off, you can hike through the mountain cirque of Fajã, where you’ll see the rare and extremely old dragon trees growing naturally on the high plateaux.

Mindelo

Located on the shores of the bay of Porto Grande on the North-West Coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde’s cultural capital. Here in Cesaria Evora’s homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip a grog of Cape Verdian sugarcane spirits. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d’Água, you’ll be taking in the sight of the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor’s Palace and the municipal market, behind which an atmosphere high in tropical flavours prevails.

Porto Novo

The coastal city of Porto Novo is located on the South-East Coast of Santo Antão Island. Near the jetty, colourfully painted boats lie beached on the sand. Shaded by palm trees and tamarinds, the waterfront boasts beautiful vantage points overlooking the Atlantic and the island of São Vicente. In the city centre, built at the feet of abrupt escarpments, you’ll discover the low-profile, painted buildings that are emblematic of traditional Cape Verde architecture.

Boa Vista

Fogo

Lying west of Praia, the volcanic island of Fogo is Cape Verde’s highest landmark. Protected by a national park, this is where you can see recent lava flows, and older ones sprouting with new growth. Along the rocky coastline, you’ll come across picturesque villages, like Mosteiros. Don’t miss a visit to the historic town of São Filipe, and its elegant colonial houses overlooking the Atlantic.

Praia

Disembarkation.

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. Sample the local delicacies such as the pasteis de nata—delicious creamy bakery flans. On the Alfama hillside, as you explore the Moorish streets, you may well hear sounds of fado drifting from the bars. Along Chiado’s elegant streets, big fashion labels will entice in you for a bit of luxury shopping.

Leixoes

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixoes lies less than 10 kilometres from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches and its national Soares de Reis museum. The Sao Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.

At sea

St. Jean de Luz

Bordeaux

Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine.. You can uncover this city’s secrets in the Bordeaux Wine and Trade museum as well as in the bars housed in the historical wine cellars of the old city centre. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.

Bordeaux

Pauillac & Château Latour

Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometres away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavours, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colours and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.

Belle-île-en-Mer

Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colours in the morning light.

Guernsey (Channel Islands)

Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.

Honfleur

A treasure of the Côte Fleurie, Honfleur is located on the edge of la Crique de Rouen in Normandy. You will no doubt admire the historical ships moored in its old port. With its tall, slate-covered houses, the quays provide a great setting for a very nice walk. In the streets behind the harbour, you will see many timber houses. These picturesque places were the cradle of several pre-impressionist painters. You can see their works in the Eugène Boudin museum. Exhibited works represent scenes of medieval streets and the coastline as it used to be, as illustrated by the Butin beach and its lush green hillsides.

Portsmouth

Located to the south-east of London, Portsmouth is one of the three most important military ports in England. This maritime tradition takes shape in the Historic Dockyard, the home of Portsmouth's arsenal, where emblematic ships are to be found, including HMS Victory, captained by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The home town of Charles Dickens, and the adopted home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the celebrated adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Portsmouth is not short of attractions with its parks, sea fronts and city walls. Do not miss the view over the city from the Spinnaker Tower, taking the form of a great sail and soaring from 170 metres into the air, making it one of the highest monuments in the United Kingdom.

Maizuru

Embarkation.
Located on the western coast of Honshu island, in the province of Kyoto, the charming town of Maizuru boasts one of Japan’s most exquisite closed bays. A climb to the observatory will allow you to appreciate the splendour of this inlet scattered with tiny wild islands. You can also admire the treasures of traditional architecture by visiting the temple of Enryu-ji or the Tanabe-jo castle. The town also bears traces of a rich military past, which you can see in the old arsenals of the navy, red brick buildings that today house a museum.

Sakaiminato

Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.

Busan

With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis on South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You’ll find delightful simply to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you’ll have the pleasure of meeting.

Nagasaki

Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine as well as several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world.

Kagoshima

The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was "swallowed up" by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.

Uwajima

Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. Another interesting tradition is togyu, a Japanese variant of bull-fighting where two bulls are pitted against each other without a toreador. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.

Hiroshima

Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.

Tamano

Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod to the pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of this ancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regional attraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometres make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.

Osaka

Disembarkation.
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity.ﾠ The main historic landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.