The Centenary World Voyages, 101 Nights

The capital of Western Samoa on the northern coast of Upolo Island in the Southern
Pacific.

A city of stunning natural beauty, Auckland blends the best of the modern cosmopolitan world with that of a Polynesian paradise. Nestled between two beautiful harbors, this marine playground offers breathtaking views and more than 1,000 bays and beaches. Shop the colorful Victorian Park Market or the charming boutiques of Parnell Village. Explore museums brimming with artifacts of the Maori culture. Or enjoy the natural splandor of the city, from English-style rose gardens to extinct volcanic sites. Popular landmarks are One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.

The ‘Bay of Islands’ was how Cook described the area two centuries ago, and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charm.The subtleties of its attraction lie as much in the graceful fusion of sea with land as in the manoeuvres of Man – of Maori, whaler, missionary, and later, settler. The Bay, studded with over 150 islands, is a ‘drowned river system’, an area where the sea has invaded and drowned a number of river valleys. Its sheltered waters offer some of the finest boating and fishing to be found anywhere, and the menus of local restaurants reflect the abundance of marine life in the Bay.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means “Resplendent Land,” an apt description for this beautiful island. Its capital, Colombo, has been a major trading port for centuries, and the island itself was colonized first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British. Yet despite splendid examples of 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. Sri Lanka is located 31 miles off the southern tip of India, with Colombo located on the western coast.

Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, N Australia, on an inlet of the Timor Sea. It is the chief port and administrative center for the sparsely settled tropical north coast. Called Palmerston until 1911, it was renamed for Charles Darwin, who discovered its site in 1839. It has been largely rebuilt since a devastating typhoon in 1974. Kakadu National Park is nearby.

Dubai is the Arabian Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan city-and the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Unlike other Gulf statess, Dubai’s thriving economy is fueled not by oil, but by trade, which may explain its laissez-faire attitude. And if you like to shop this is THE PLACE, especially if you’re in search of electronics, gold, antiques and carpets. The souks in Dubai and nearby Sharjah vary from tiny stalls to covered malls. Don’t forget to haggle-it’s expected. More pastimes in Dubai are a dhow excursion on the tidal creek which winds through the city, a game of golf on the only real grass links in the Emirates, a tour of Sharjah, an evening safari inot the desert for a barbeque and traditional dancing and a thrilling demonstration of theancient Arabic art of falconing.

“The Big Island.” There’s something pleasantly direct about the nicknamenatives use for the island of Hawaii. Of course, it’s also known as “The Orchid Isle” and “The Volcano Island,” so it’s no wonder a visitor to Hawaii finds it to be a land of wonder and beauty.

Hana is an industrial port town on the windward (rainier) side of the island, with several hotels and an airport, although the majority of the resort activity is on the Kona side of the Island.

There are snow-capped 14,038-foot peaks (Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea), vast macadamia nut plantations, as well as black lava, white coral and green olivine beaches–not to mention the fiery landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

No wonder they built a city here! The harbor. The cliffs. The duty-free shops (well, those came later). Referred to as the beautiful city in the World by many, Hong Kong has a lure all its own. Once you visit, you will want to return.

There is nothing like Hong Kong and the bustle of commerce, of enterprise, of fortunes being made. And there’s nothing like her duty-free shops and colorful markets to explore both on land and afloat in Victoria Harbour.

An intriguing blend of old China and the modern world, this venerable British Crown colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty on June 30, 1997. Lying at the southern area of Mainland China and the China Sea, it serves as a major sea port and access point to southern China. It is has ferry and plane service to Maccau and the many outlying islands,
many that offer excellent vacation opportunities.

It means “the gathering place,” and whoever named Oahu knew what he was talking about. For millions gather here every year to enjoy “the jewel city” of Honolulu, from Diamond Head and the world-famous beaches of Waikiki to the inspiring memorials of Pearl Harbor, to the only royal palace ever constructed on U.S. soil. And if you’re a board-bug, don’t
miss the legendary surfing beaches of the North Shore.

The main city on the Island is Honolulu, with Waikiki being the primarybeach and resort hotel area. Among the many popular things to do on Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center and Sea Life Park, on the opposite side of the Island from Honolulu, are very popular.

After the Mexican government’s mastery with Cancun’s resort development, it decided to convert the tiny town into the luxurious resort that Huatulco has become. Bahias de Huatulco consists of nine bays extends over a 20-mile stretch. Santa Cruz, the original town, is now the center of Huatulco’s development. Not long ago it was a sleepy fishing village
of simple adobe huts, now its a resort town with wide, palm-lined boulevards, rolling golf courses, and large hotel complexes. The colorful silver and handicrafts market along the town’s main boulevard, Juarez, is a good place to pick up souvenirs. It’s also fun to watch people in the “zocalo,” the grassy town square, or take a glass-bottom boat ride into the pretty harbor of Santa Cruz Bay.

Portugal is for explorers. Its valiant seamen first charted the Azores, discovered Japan, and unlocked the major sea routes the world over. Now you can share the anticipation they must have felt as you explore this exciting city.

You’ll discover an 8th-century Moorish castle, quaint cafes and a palm-studded coastline. The Alfama district is a maze of narrow, twisting streets, whitewashed houses, flowered balconies, archways, terraces and courtyards that charm your socks off. (And if you can find your way out of this dizzying array, 20th-century Lisbon is just as intoxicating.)

Of course, if you’d rather play by the sea, the Portuguese Riviera lies just outside town, offering something for everyone, from sun, sand and surf to thrilling casinos. Lisbon is a vast garden abounding with flowers and tropical plants. The city’s appeal lies in the magnificent vistas from its many belvederes and in the tree-lined avenues and squares decorated with mosaic pavements.

Manila, (me-nîl´e) city (1990 pop. 1,587,000), capital of the Philippines, SW Luzon, on Manila Bay. The Philippine capital before 1948 and after 1976, it is the country’s second largest city, its chief port and transport center, and the focus of its commercial, industrial, and cultural activities. Manufactures include automobiles, textiles, and chemicals. Founded in 1571 and developed by Spanish missionaries, Manila was taken (1898) by the U.S. in the Spanish-American War. During World
War II it was occupied (1942) by the Japanese; many 17th-cent. buildings were destroyed in the Allied assault (1945); only the Church of San Agustin (1606) survived. Among the city’s outstanding modern buildings is the Philippine Cultural Center complex.

Lava, spewing from a live volcano–no, you won’t see this in Naples, Italy, and you’re lucky, because the last folks in these parts who witnessed such an event were the natives of Pompeii, who were buried under 30 feet of ash and pumice stone in AD 79. You can, however, visit the beautifully preserved remains of this unfortunate city on a short tour from Naples.

There’s much more to Naples, of course. This picturesque city is one of the great cultural centers, full of extraordinary works of art and architecture in the classical Greek and Roman styles.

Naples, on its justly famous blue bay, is the great city of the south. Located on the southwest coast of Italy, south of Rome. The Amalfi Drive to the south arguably is the world’s most scenic motor route. Naples enjoys a very dry and warm climate year around.

Each of its five boroughs is a county: Manhattan (New York county), an island; the Bronx (Bronx county), on the mainland, NE of Manhattan across the Harlem River; Queens (Queens county), on Long Island, E of Manhattan across the East River; Brooklyn (Kings county), also on Long Island, on the East River adjoining Queens and on New York Bay; and Staten Island (Richmond county), an island SW of Manhattan across the Upper Bay.

The nation’s largest city, New York is a major U.S. port, the country’s trade center and with its banks and stock exchanges, the financial center of the world.

Theaters, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants draw millions of visitors. With all the sights to see, New York is sure to be a fun filled getaway!

San Francisco one of the nation’s cultural centers. Founded by the Spanish in 1776 as Yerba Buena, it was taken and renamed by the Americans in 1846. The California gold rush of 1848 led to great growth; with the arrival of newcomers from all over the world in the late 19th century the city took on a cosmopolitan air.

A gracious, picturesque city with a mild climate, it is famous for its individuality. Notable features include its cable cars, which carry passengers on its steep hills; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (opened 1936) and Golden Gate Bridge (opened 1937); Chinatown; Fisherman’s Wharf; Telegraph Hill; the mansions of Nob Hill; the opera house; symphony hall (1980); the Yerba Buena arts and gardens complex; and numerous institutions of learning.

Southampton Parish, on Main Island, is one of the nine parishes each of 2.3055 (two point three zero five five) square miles. It was named after Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton (1573-1624), an English aristocrat, one of the most colorful Elizabethans, the patron and friend of William Shakespeare.

Thirty seven sandy beaches, sparkling Caribbean seas, soothing trade winds, fine dining and incredible duty free shopping combine to make St.Martin/St.Maarten a true vacationers paradise.

Destination St. Martin is proud to represent a number of smaller hotels on the French side of the island; generally not the type of places found in the glossy tourist brochures but rather more intimate yet immaculate properties which allow the visitor to experience true island life. Accommodations are available on the beach in the beautiful French village of Grand Case, in Nettle Bay near the town of Marigot and at popular Orient Beach.

The smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations, St. Martin/St. Maarten has been shared by the French and the Dutch in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years.

The border is almost imperceptible and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. The only marker is a monument between Union Road and Bellevue, testifying to centuries of peaceful cohabitation and the treaty that made the arrangement possible.

All the same, each side has managed to retain much of the distinctiveness of its own national culture. The French tend to emphasize comfort and elegance. The beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts provide lavish accommodations, and the restaurants offer some of the finest dining experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. The latest French fashions can be found in many of the shops, and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Small caf’e9s and charming bistros add a decidedly Gaelic and cosmopolitan flair to the place. On the whole the atmosphere remains very relaxed.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales, is Australia’s largest city, chief port, and main cultural and industrial center. Manufactures include ships, refined oil, chemicals, textiles, and automobiles. Sydney Harbour and Port Botany are the main ports. Founded as a penal colony in 1788, Sydney is Australia’s oldest settlement. Its population surged during the Australian gold rushes of the 1850s. Sydney replaced Melbourne as the nation’s largest population center after World War II. Landmarks include the Sydney Harbour Bridge (1932); the Gladesville Bridge (1964); the modernistic Sydney Opera House complex (1973); and the Centrepoint Tower (1981), Australia’s tallest building. The city has several universities and museums, including the National Gallery of Art and the Australia Museum.

The region surrounding Rotorua offers both thermal features and insights into Maori culture. Trout fishing is abundant
as well as golfing at the famed Mount Maunganui.