Ko Samui
Great Wall of China
The Pacifi c coast is dotted with decadent islands and resorts, and Aurora will call into a number of them including Huatulco and Acapulco in Mexico and Honolulu in Hawaii. Then there’s two full days in San Francisco. Cable cars, colourful Victorian terraced houses and the bustling shops and restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf are some of the most popular sights here and you’ll love the buzz of the city by night. Whilst the iconic Golden Gate Bridge will grace your fi rst and last views of the city.
Further out in the Pacifi c, you’ll discover the remote, tropical isles of Bora Bora, which boasts a stunning emerald blue green lagoon hugged by a scenic barrier reef and Papeete, with its beautiful black sand coves and lush unspoilt vistas. Both are shrouded in myths and legends.
Discover life ‘down under’ Sprawling across a narrow isthmus between two harbours, multi-cultural Auckland looks out across the sparkling ocean. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, hundreds of yachts can often be seen scattered across its waters. From the top of its 328 metre high Sky Tower, you can you can enjoy stunning 360 degree views in all directions, including its nearby bush land and volcanic cones.
In Napier, further down the east coast of North Island, are some of the country’s oldest wineries, including Mission Estate. Sheltered by hills yet exposed to sea breezes its vineyards enjoy the perfect conditions. Mulling over life with a glass of wine in this art deco city is a must. Whilst in Wellington, a beautiful harbour, hills and a golden beach set the scene for this ‘cool’ capital. Ride a cable car to its botanical gardens or take a walk through native bush right near its hub.
Sailing through the ‘Heads’ into the waters of Sydney Harbour, past the Opera House and under Harbour Bridge, is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of this cruise. The big sights done in one swoop as you sail by.
The historic ‘Rocks’ area is where Sydney began, and amidst its cobblestone streets and sandstone steps, you’ll fi nd 19th century warehouses converted to chic restaurants, bars and shops and galleries. As the sun sets Darling Harbour is a particular favourite amongst diners.
Sydney epitomises life in both Australia and its smaller sister, New Zealand. Relaxed, yet stylish, and always enjoying a love affair with the great outdoors, from oceans to rainforest.
Australia’s Brisbane, has a small town vibe, with a bustling music and café scene or the famous Gold Coast. Gateway to the stunning Great Barrier Reef, Cairns also offers an opportunity to ride on its Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which takes you just metres above its World Heritage listed canopy.
The Far East experience The Far East is both exhilarating and tranquil. Modern yet steeped in tradition. The mood can change with the turn of a corner. One minute you’re jostling amidst the crowds of a teeming city, the next you’re experiencing a moment of calm in an ornate Buddhist temple or beautiful orchid garden.
In the Japanese city of Osaka, the frantic buzz of capitalism rubs shoulders with cultural and historic attractions such as the traditional style Osaka-Jo (Osaka Castle), with its cherry trees and teahouse. Buzzing Minami is the place to shop, dine and drink. You can discover the latest gadgets and fashions as well as Osaka’s kuidaore, its ‘eat til you drop’ culture. Whilst in Nagasaki the atmosphere is cosmopolitan and the backdrop an enchanting blend of bridges and temples.
From Xingang in China, where Aurora will dock, you can choose between two starkly contrasting experiences, Beijing or The Great Wall. Beijing isn’t all bicycles and chaos. It also offers impressive architecture, from the stately buildings of Tiananmen Square to the elegant grounds of the Summer Palace and the futuristic Olympic ‘bird’s nest’ Stadium. A different kind of structure all together, The Great Wall, will leave you speechless - its ancient walls snaking seemingly endlessly into the distant landscapes.
You’ll discover Shanghai and Hong Kong swarming with life, but behind the skyscrapers and shopping malls hide temples, traditional street markets and gardens. With two full days in Hong Kong you get to experience this city coming to life after dark. Nha Trang, a seaside resort on the south central coast of Vietnam, offers a slower pace of life. Compare this to Ho Chi Minh City - a fast-paced metropolis where motorbikes crisscross back and forth amidst the bars, restaurants, ancient pagodas and ramshackle shops.
There’s the chance to explore two destinations in Thailand; Bangkok, its thriving capital, and Ko Samui, one of its most beautiful islands. Bangkok’s Grand Palace is both fascinating and beautiful to explore, whilst in Ko Samui the Temple of The Big Buddha, featuring a 39 foot seated Buddha statue is worth a look. In both you’ll fi nd gold adorned Buddhist temples glistening in the sun.
56 WORLD CRUISES 2013
AURORA WORLD CIRCUMNAVIGATION
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