A real feast for the senses, India is awash with colour, smells
and spices. Although there is still hustle and bustle of towns and
cities, the low rise buildings ooze authentic charm and culture so
different to anywhere else in the world.
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is the main cruise port, and is
memorable beyond imagination. Amongst it's chaos and excess, it's
landmarks include colour markets such as Mangaldas Market or
Crawford Market, world class restaurants to fill you up ready for
the next adventure, and stately architecture such as the High Court
or the University of Mumbai. Perhaps most breathtaking are
the rock cut temples on Elephanta Island, named after a large stone
elephant near the shore which collapsed in 1814 and now stands in
Mumbai's Victoria Gardens. Carved into basalt rock, this is
one of the most impressive collections of temple carvings in
India.
Cruising away from India and into the warm waters of the Indian
Ocean, idyllic islands await you, including Mauritius, the
Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Paradise at it's best.
The world's most populous country, rich in a dynastic culture
stretching back over 4 millenniums. Although a land very different
to our own, hidden away from the world behind closed doors for many
years, China can be credited with some of the keystones that
underpin the modern world; paper, gunpowder, banking and paper
money.
As China's economy charges headlong into its position as a major
global player, the doors are know opening for the world to see the
hidden treasures of the ancient nation.
There are three must see attractions for today's visitors;
The Great Wall of China
The Forbidden City in Beijing
The Terracotta Army of Xi'An.
All three speak for themselves and require little presentation
or promotion from the author!
There are of course many many more sights and sounds to
experience in China, perhaps a cruise along the Yanghtze River or
the culinary delights of Canton.
Whoever you are, wherever you've been, we guarantee you will be
enchanted by the mysteries of China
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific
Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic
of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia. It consists of
four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller
islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido located in the
North, Honshu the main island, Kyushu the southern island and
Shikoku the smallest island out of the quad
Geographically Japans landscape is very diverse. Its mixed
coastlines attract many visitors for the breathtaking scenery and
soaring mountains, some of which are volcanic. For the
explorers there is an array of hidden valleys certain to take you
back to nature. Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, one of
which is the capital and largest city in Japan, Tokyo.
Landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower the world's
tallest self-supporting steel tower attract visitors for all over
the globe.
Packed full of history and culture there is so much to see and
do. Whatever time of year you choose to visit Japan some of
the dates to circle in the calendar include 6th January this
is when Dezome-shiki, New Year's Parade of Firemen takes place in
Tokyo, warning people of the dangers of fire through acrobatic
stunts on top of ladders, 15th-16th February in Yokote City is when
the Kamakura Snow Festival takes place, more than 100 rooms called
Kamakura are carved from snow and lit by candlelight creating a
serene ambiance, 23rd-25th July in Soma City is when Soma-Nomaoi -
Wild horse riding takes place, a 1,000-year-old traditional
festival which introduces the code of the samurai, 1st-3rd
September in Yatsuo-machi, Toyama City features Owara Kaze-no-Bon
Festival A festival praying for protection against wind damage and
for an abundant autumn harvest. These dates are to name but a
few, with so much activity you can be certain of an action packed
getaway.