HIGHLIGHTS
- Impressive
mountains
- Unspoiled
beaches, rolling sand dunes
- Turtles,
colourful corals and tropical fish of every shade of the rainbow
- The
Zulu village of Dumazulu
- Vibrant
waterfront, complete with street performers and sand artists
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
Rates are listed per person
ITINERARY
Days
1, 2
Mahe,
Seychelles
Few
places on Earth can claim to have been as blessed by nature as Mahe.
Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago over 1,500 kilometres east of
Mombasa, Mahe is largest of the 115 islands and is home to so many
stunning attractions you won’t know where to begin. For many
the Seychelles are the destination of a lifetime. Cerulean seas, miles
and miles of beach, lush, tropical jungle and surreal, natural beauty
as far as the eye can see. Not only does Mahe boast 68 pristine
beaches, it is dominated by the towering peaks of the Morne Seychellois
National Park. This splendid National Park takes up over 20% of the
island and is home to a vast amount of endemic flora and fauna,
including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl. Unsurprisingly, the
crystal clear waters are a diver’s heaven, promising a
colourful cornucopia of underwater life, regardless of how experienced
you are. Despite the island being visited in 1609 by the British, Mahe
did not feature on any maps until 1742, when Frenchman Lazare Picault
explored the as yet unnamed islands. However, it took a further 14
years for the French to lay claim to the islands, with the arrival of
naval ship Le Cerf, captained by Corneille Morphey who christened the
archipelago after Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. He did this by setting
down a Stone of Possession, which is on display in the National Museum.
The first settlers arrived in 1770 and 15 years later the population
had swelled to 130 – 7 Europeans and 123 slaves. Today, there
are 80,000 Seychellois.
Days
2, 3
Day
at sea
International
Waters
Days
at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with
what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to
the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading
or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect
balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Day
4
Port
Louis, Mauritius
Located
just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is fast making a name
for itself as the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean. A volcanic
island approximately 10 million years old, Mauritius is thought to be
the peak of an enormous sunken volcanic chain stretching from the
Seychelles to Réunion. In fact, volcanic lakes and inactive
craters can be found scattered throughout the island. Mauritius also
boasts a unique marine environment. Surrounded by one of the largest
unbroken coral reefs on the planet, conservationists are now
campaigning to protect its white coral sand beaches and fragile
ecosystem. Though it can be found on the maps of early Arab mariners,
Mauritius remained uninhabited until the end of the 16th century.
Portuguese became the first European visitors in 1510, however, they
did not lay claim to the island. In 1598 Dutch colonists settled on the
island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch colonial
period saw the development of thriving sugar cane plantations as well
as the decimation of the ebony forests and the extinction of the dodo
bird and other indigenous wildlife. Eventually abandoning their
settlement in 1710, Mauritius lay unclaimed until the arrival of the
French five years later. French continued the cultivation of sugar as
well as indigo, cloves, nutmeg and other spices, retaining possession
of the island until 1810 when it was ceded to Britain at the end of the
Napoleonic Wars. Mauritius is now a vibrant cultural mix with
impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations and some of the
most exquisite beaches and aquamarine lagoons.
Day
5
Pointe
des Galets, Reunion
Feel
the excitement as you enter the Pointe des Galets port in the northwest
of the Reunion Island, this gorgeous tropical island is yours to
discover. Immerse yourself in local life by visiting one of the weekly
markets, the perfume of vanilla beans, coffee and vetiver straight from
the plantations will awaken your senses. Try the fresh tropical fruit
piled up on the stalls and delicious local snacks on offer relishing
the quintessential, irresistible flavours of the Reunion.
If
it’s relaxing beach time you’re after, head for the
Boucan Canot beach, one of the islands most beautiful and safest
beaches to swim. The expanse of fine white sand is an invitation to
unwind, palm groves offer green relief, bars and cafes a place to sip
on ice cold drinks whilst contemplating the vast Indian ocean before
you.
To
explore under the waves, team up with one of the many dive centres who
can show you shipwrecks and volcanic caves. Snorkelers can see sea
turtles, colourful corals and tropical fish of every shade of the
rainbow.
Saint-Denis
the capital of the Reunion Island a mere 20 minutes away, is a must
visit. A rich cultural heritage and wonderful location, makes a walk
through the historic centre a joy. Admire the beautiful 19th century
Creole architecture, stroll the length of the elegant rue de Paris.
There are plenty of historic monuments to visit and peaceful shady
gardens.
Of
course, a glass of fine rum is an essential part of a stay on the
island. So raise your glass to this paradise –
Santé!
Days
6, 7, 8
Day
at sea
International
Waters
Day
9
Richards
Bay, South Africa
Considered
as the official gateway to Zululand, Richard’s Bay has
morphed from being a tiny fishing village into a bustling harbour town.
Today, the 30 km2 lagoon is the major port of the region (and also the
deepest in Africa), a growth spurred on by the significant mineral
deposits, wonderful wetland scenery, unspoilt beaches and game
reserves. Located on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Richards Bay was
for founded in 1879. British Rear Admiral Sir Frederick William
Richards eponymously named the port after landing there during the
Anglo-Zulu colonial wars. Despite its superlative natural setting,
Richards Bay was long considered a southern African backwater, with as
little as 200 residents as recently as 1969. This number grew when it
was proclaimed a town, but even today it is relatively underpopulated,
with fewer than 60,000 calling the province home. The town’s
Zulu heritage is omnipresent so be sure to look out the local arts and
crafts. Nearby Zulu village Dumazulu is the only Zulu village to be
opened up to tourism by King Goodwill Zwelithini, and the only
authentic example of Zulu traditions that foreigners are allowed to
into. If African culture is not your cup of tea, the hinterland offers
fascinating flora and fauna, including a chance to see the incredibly
rare white rhino along with the bucket list Big Five. Richards
Bay’s attractions can be found closer to port too –
the 350 kilometres of coastland, also known as “Dolphin
coast”, are a joy for divers and beach lovers alike.
Day
10
Durban,
South Africa
What
is it about South Africa’s third most popular city that draws
people so much? Is it the vibrant waterfront, complete with street
performers and sand artists? Is it the melting pot of ethnicity, with
all cultures from Zulu to Indian finding a home here? Is it the laid
back life style that has locals calling it simply
“Durbs”? Is it the sweeping landscape? The clement
climate? One visit to Durban will quickly make you see the reason
people love it so is a combination of all of the above. Durban has
always been a beach city but it was the massive investment for the 2010
World Cup that really put it on the map. A huge revamp of the promenade
has brought with it some fantastic eateries which serve up all kinds of
“chow” from traditional bunny chow to bobotie, (a
sweet spiced mince dish with egg topping). Expect Asian influences
wherever you go, too. Durban has the largest Indian population outside
of India. Although there is little evidence, it is known that the city
of eThekwini – Durban in Zulu – was inhabited by
hunter-gatherers as early as 100,00 BC. It was first sighted by Vasco
de Gamma in 1497, but it was not until 1824 that the British settlers
raised the Union Jack. This was after King Shaka gifted
“25-mile strip of coast a hundred miles in depth”
to Henry Francis Fynn after Fynn helped him recover form a stab wound.
It remained part of the British Commonwealth until 1960, when it became
part of the Republic of South Africa. The city’s Euro-African
heritage remains to this day.
Day
11
Day
at sea
International
Waters
Day
12, 13
Port
Elizabeth, South Africa
Port
Elizabeth, or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy
South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city has of
faces. One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes
and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet and two: a
post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called
Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him
– starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks
honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South
Africa’s freedom. Known as “the friendly
city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration,
spurred on by the youth of the region that want to put it (back) on the
map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a
pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks,
restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings
that house museums, restored Victorian terraces. Unsurprisingly, the
boardwalk is buzzing. PE’s proximity to the excellent nature
parks at Addo and Lalibela make it an ideal destination for game
lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from PE (70 and 90
kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South
Africa’s no holds barred natural beauty. This is the real
reason why people come to South Africa – for a chance to see
the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant,
rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as the great white shark and
Southern right whale).
Day
14
Day
at sea
Day
15
Cape
Town, South Africa
Sprawling
across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the
iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the
world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular
mountain scenery, multiculturalism and relaxed ocean charm awaits in
the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine
in laid back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture.
Cape Town’s natural splendour fully reveals itself as the
cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain. From the summit,
3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic
vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you.
Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion's
Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start is
required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain
honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape
Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a
little deceiving - these oceans are anything but warm at times, with
nothing between the peninsula’s end and
Antarctica’s icy chill. This cool water has upsides though,
bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach.
Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute
creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey
to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at
the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging
waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town’s beauty
is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles
offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively
V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson, you can sail in the
ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island, before a former
prisoner tells of the traumas of life on this offshore prison. Your
guide will show you the cramped cells, and render Mandela’s
long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.
Silver Dawn (Luxury Expedition, 596-guests)
Silver Dawn inherits the best features of her sister ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, but is in a class all of her own. With sumptuous suites, outstanding itineraries, plus cutting-edge design and technology and the outstanding OTIVM wellness concept, Silver Dawn sets new standards of luxury. Wake up to a new dawn with Silversea.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
STAFF
& SERVICES
- Butler
services in every suite
- Nearly
one crew member for every guest
- 24-hour
dining service
- Complimentary
transportation into town in most ports
LEISURE
ONBOARD
- Choice
of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages
in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and
spirits
- Onboard
entertainment
- Spa
and Fitness Center
Contact Cruise Norway for the best rates.
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