Day 1 : Sydney

Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.

Day 2 : At Sea

Day 3 : Brisbane

Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander in the lush Botanical Gardens, shop in the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafes and restaurants along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Day 4 : At Sea

Day 5 : Airlie Beach

Day 6 : At Sea

Day 7 : At Sea

Day 8 : At Sea

Day 9 : At Sea

Day 10 : At Sea

Day 11 : Benoa/denpasar/INDONESIA

Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is famous for its shimmering beauty and fascinating culture. Hundreds of Hindu temples, towering mountains and verdant rice terraces form a spectacular backdrop to the charm of the Balinese people. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who

Day 12 : At Sea

Day 13 : At Sea

Day 14 : Singapore

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Day 15 : At Sea

Day 16 : Phuket/THAILAND

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Day 17 : At Sea

Day 18 : At Sea

Day 19 : At Sea

Day 20 : Colombo/SRI LANKA

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

Day 21 : At Sea

Day 22 : At Sea

Day 23 : At Sea

Day 24 : Salalah/OMAN

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quar... Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

Day 25 : At Sea

Day 26 : At Sea

Day 27 : At Sea

Day 28 : At Sea

Day 29 : Aqaba/JORDAN

Day 30 : Suez Canal

One of modern engineering's most celebrated achievements, the 110-mile Suez Canal links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. The first attempt to excavate a canal was recorded in 2100 B.C., and over the years Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, French and British all have tried their hand, the latter two succeeding in the late 19th century in a joint effort.

Day 31 : Suez Canal

One of modern engineering's most celebrated achievements, the 110-mile Suez Canal links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. The first attempt to excavate a canal was recorded in 2100 B.C., and over the years Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, French and British all have tried their hand, the latter two succeeding in the late 19th century in a joint effort.

Day 32 : Haifa/ISRAEL

A lovely seaport in its own right, Haifa is a departure point for Tel Aviv and Holy Land sightseeing. Jerusalem beckons with the Mount of Olives and the Western Wall. Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the crusader city of Acre are also within reach.

Day 33 : At Sea

Day 34 : Chania

Day 35 : At Sea

Day 36 : Naples/ITALY

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Day 37 : Rome/ITALY

The port of Civitavecchia is the gateway to The Eternal City, where all roads lead. Mad traffic careens past monuments of the great civilizations of the past. You will want to see it all: the soaring inspiration of St. Peter's, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel; the flow of life along the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the Via Veneto and Trevi Fountain. Be sure to leave time for la dolce vita in one of the piazzas.