Australian & African Exploration

A first glimpse of its two great icons – the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House – will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

A first glimpse of its two great icons – the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House – will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The city’s elegant tree-lined boulevards, extensive parks and gardens, colourful trams, rich cultural programmes and art-deco high-rises set the scene in this classy, vibrant community.

Stylish, art-loving Melbourne is wonderfully cosmopolitan, and is proud to be recognised as Australia’s sporting and cultural capital. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is home to Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex, while the National Gallery of Victoria has stunning Australian and indigenous art. Melbourne’s liberal, bohemian and progressive personality means it was ‘hipster’ long before the word became a ubiquitous label.

The city centre is defined by the modern Federation Square development, with smart plazas and chic bars and restaurants all well-situated by the Yarra River. The breadth of shops and markets, not to mention the huge variety of cuisine available – Greek, Italian, Maltese, Thai, Vietnamese and more – is a mouth-watering prospect for any visitor.

The inner city is probably the most European of any in Australia: the leafy Collins Street was coined as the ‘Paris End’ in the 1950s. The city’s well-ordered grid also adds a flavour of New York in this extraordinary destination. The Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Zoo are two other attractions that are worthy of discovery.

Hobart is the second-oldest city in Australia and it has many well-preserved colonial buildings, especially around the picturesque harbour and in the narrow lanes of Battery Point.

Many of the fine sandstone warehouses have been converted into cafés, galleries and artists’ workshops. The Narryna Heritage Museum, tells the story of wealthy merchants who settled on the island. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 259 steps of the Shot Tower for views out over the town and harbour.

The breathtaking beauty of Albany’s rugged coastline marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. The Rainbow Coast creates a fitting backdrop to the town’s dramatic history of pioneers, convicts and whaling. This charming city is a grand mixture of old and new, as the stately old quarter merges easily with the modern offerings of retail therapy and a vibrant art scene.

Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, a former whale processing plant, now houses an intriguing museum. The southern coastline and the rural surrounds are bursting with nature, historic attractions and a rich diversity of wildlife. Migrating whales pass off the coast at Torndirrup National Park, where steep cliffs give way to dramatic rock formations.

Named amongst the world’s top ten cities in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2016’ rankings, Fremantle has now shaken off its ‘undiscovered gem’ tag and emerged as one of Australia’s must-visit destinations. A diverse and dynamic port city, it is renowned for its eclectic mix of music and arts, its collection of interesting museums and historical sites, lively city centre streets lined with cosmopolitan cafés, breweries, bars and restaurants and fantastic shopping.

With gorgeous, quintessential beaches, a stunning harbour, beautiful river trails and parks within easy reach of the centre too, Fremantle is a wonderful example of modern Australia and the joy of living in this incredible part of the world.

But, while Fremantle is a welcoming and rewarding destination to visit in itself, its location and its major port make it the perfect gateway for visiting Perth – Australia’s ‘Sunniest Capital City’ – on a Fred. Olsen cruise. If you call at Fremantle on an Australian adventure, you can opt for a direct tour to Perth and uncover the city’s wealth of attractions. Perhaps explore Kings Park, one of the world’s biggest city parks, right in the heart of it all; delve into rich Aboriginal history; sample the local arts, culture and delicious food; or simply make the most of the city’s renowned sunny climate at your pick of the glorious beaches lining the coast.

Port Louis, capital of Mauritius capital and its busiest city, delivers a huge slice of everyday Mauritian life. Sat in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the port is known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th century Champ de Mars horse-racing track.

To see a colourful snapshot of this paradise, a visit to the lively Central Market, which contrasts with the sparkling new Caudan Waterfront and shopping precinct, is recommended for local produce and handicrafts.

The Blue Penny Museum offers a taste of the island’s colonial and maritime history and culture. Port Louis’ famous Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, with its giant Victoria Water Lilies, demands discovery, as does the nearby 3,000-acre Domaine des Pailles Nature Park.Show less
Tea is a big deal in Mauritius, with 58 varieties produced on the island. Many take the opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ factories and view the picturesque colonial houses en route. Alternatively, many simply choose to relax beside a fabulous Indian Ocean Beach.

A republic of France, Port Réunion is like is like a tropical version of the French Riviera, with gourmet restaurants – many run by descendants of the original pioneers, sandy beaches and chic boutiques.

The Caribbean island’s lush, sweeping landscapes and mountainous interior are just waiting to be explored, as are the southern villages which appear to be frozen in time. Their charming creole houses remain as they were fifty years ago. More than 8,000 imported labourers built the docks here and many of these Portois stayed on in these shacks.

Following investment by the French Government, the island now has a modernised port, new housing, green spaces, and the creation of a superb boulevard, Ocean Avenue, linking the Old Port, soon to be a marina, with the city.

Some 23 whale and dolphin species visit the waters off the west coast of Réunion. From June to October the exhilarating spectacle of humpbacks breaching can be witnessed, after they’ve made the epic swim from Antarctica.

Steeped in history and known for its incredible weather, Port Elizabeth provides the complete South African experience. On the fringes of Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, the area is renowned for its diverse marine life, sublime beaches and top water sports.

Founded in 1820, much of the city’s history is evident today in the architecture of Fort Frederick and the Campanile Bell Tower – both part of the Donkin Heritage Trail that allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the original 1820 Settlers on their journey of discovery and settlement.

From its darker past, Port Elizabeth is now the place to meet people and easily lives up to its nickname, the ‘friendly city’. Most things in the centre are on tap: bars, music, art and photographic spaces – all part of constant clash of cultures. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum at the entrance to St George’s Park has a small gallery of paintings and sculpture by contemporary South African artists, and is a real treat to view.

Nearby, the Addo Elephant Park offers the chance to encounter the rare Addo Elephant, among a variety of other game, while a safari experience at the Kariega Game Reserve takes visitors in search of the ‘Big Five’. The 54 hectare Settler’s Park in the city centre is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting the most beautiful flora and fauna.

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car.

Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park.

Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car.

Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park.

Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car.

Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park.

Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.

The coastal town of Lüderitz in south-western Namibia has a deep, colonial German heritage, exhibited by the colourful, traditional buildings that still stand proudly in the town today.

Nestled between the dusty Namib wilderness and the South Atlantic Coast, Luderitz is a picturesque town surrounded by azure waters filled with seals, penguins and dolphins. Its colonial buildings include the Art Nouveau Goerke Haus, which was built into the rock face on Diamond Hill, and the nearby hilltop church, Felsenkirche, offers panoramic views of the bay stretching around to Robert Harbour.

The Lüderitz Museum has exhibits on the town’s diamond-mining past as well as local and natural history. A visit to the ghost-town of Kolmanskop is a photographer’s dream, while local rock lobster served in the town’s restaurants is a culinary delight to savour.

Walvis Bay is a pleasant port town on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the Pelican Point sand spit, its tidal lagoon is a magical destination for bird lovers as it is home to an array of birdlife including pelicans, Damara terns and the largest flock of flamingos in Southern Africa. The town’s harbour is busy with fishing boats and ships, and the slower pace of life here – plus a distinctly laidback vibe – can be witnessed around its recently renovated waterfront, which has a number of fine bars and restaurants. With its calm, friendly atmosphere, the honey hued sand plains of Walvis Bay is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring cities. It’s also the perfect gateway to the famous Cape Cross Seal Reserve, home to some 100,000 Cape fur seals, and the grandeur of the Namib-Naukluft Park. The park’s sand dunes rise to over 1,000 feet and are the world’s highest – Dune 7 is popular with locals as a slope for sandboarding and skiing.

The beautiful isolation of Jamestown, the capital of St. Helena, lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, It is the final resting place of Napoleon, who was exiled there, and his gravesite in a colourful, flower-laden glade can still be visited.

Still a British Overseas Territory, the town’s main attractions include the Museum of Saint Helena, which showcases St. Helenian stamps, island communications, religious icons and geological specimens; The Cenotaph; and the view from Jacob’s Ladder – its 699 steps rise from the capital to Half Tree Hollow above.

Jamestown’s temperature is consistently warm and pleasant throughout the year, moderated by its proximity to the ocean. This historic village boasts the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Show lessHemisphere – the 18th century St. James’ – plus numerous handsome Georgian manses that line a very British Main Street.

The exuberant capital of West Africa’s Senegal – and once a French overseas territory – friendly Dakar is a thriving seaport and city where today’s skyscrapers, old colonial buildings and animated street markets (look out for some tempting craftware!) are juxtaposed in bizarre incongruity. You’ll find French the common language, but with a wealth of tribal dialects much in evidence! Within easy reach, too, are some excellent Atlantic beaches, and nearby N’Gor offers good snorkelling.

La Palma’s small, yet pretty capital city – is one of the Canary Island’s true gems. Boasting colonial-style architecture, a swathe of charming beaches, restaurants and bars, Santa Cruz is typically Canarian and has something for everyone.

Conquered by the King of Castile in the 15th century, Santa Cruz de La Palma was a key trading post between Spain and the Americas, and the city’s fascinating history can be explored in the historic quarter – one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic sites. The Naval Museum is a replica of Christopher Columbus’s 15th-century Santa Maria sailing ship.

Stunning palaces and sumptuous merchants’ houses butt up against the grand town hall, built during the reign of Phillip II. Religious buildings include the Renaissance-style Church of El Salvador, with a tower of volcanic stone, and the Church of Santo Domingo, which houses a superb collection of Flemish paintings.Show less
The compact city centre is incredibly picturesque, and the newly redeveloped beach and promenade have boosted the city’s resort credentials. Calle Real, the city’s main street, is famous for being both a Property of Cultural Interest and a Historic-Artistic Site. Santa Cruz’s finest restaurants, shops and prettiest squares are found here, and sampling the delicious local cuisine and local culture is highly recommended.

The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden’ with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation!

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.