Astonishing Africa & Asia

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Funchal is the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira an archipelago 880 SW of Portugal and 600 km NW of Morocco, in the north Atlantic. Funchal’s harbour offers plazas lined with shops, colourful houses spilling down hillsides, due to its almost amphitheatre-like formation, and a profusion of flowers. For a fine view of the magnificent bay, take the unique downhill basket sledge ride. Read more about Funchal, Portugal

Santa Cruz de la Palma (commonly known as Santa Cruz) is the capital the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The port is of great importance and is the communications hub between Europe, Africa and the Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. Not surprisingly, the city has a real cosmopolitan mix due to immigrants from Latin America, Africa and Western Europe. Read more about Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (commonly known as Santa Cruz) is the capital the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The port is of great importance and is the communications hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. Not surprisingly, the city has a real cosmopolitan mix due to immigrants from Latin America, Africa and Western Europe. Read more about Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

The almost lunar volcanic islands that form the Cape Verde archipelago lie about 500 km off the Senegal coast. Although the isles may be African geographically speaking, they have retained a strong Latin flavour. Porto Grande, the port for the capital Mindelo, is on the windward isle of Sao Vicente and is home to over 90% of the island’s inhabitants. Read more about Porto Grande, Cabo Verde

Dakar, the western-most city on the African mainland, is a very French capital and the largest city of Senegal. A feverish city that brims with life, together with its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, results in it having the most European atmosphere of any city on the continent. To get an excellent view of the city visit Les Mamelles Lighthouse that was built in 1864 and located on a small volcanic hill. Read more about Dakar, Senegal

Banjul, the capital of Gambia, is a seaport town located on St Mary’s Island where the Gambia River enters the ocean. The island is connected to the mainland to the west and the rest of Greater Banjul Area via bridges. There are also ferries linking Banjul to the mainland at the other side of the river. Read more about Banjul, Gambia

Abidjan is the biggest and most important city of Cote d’Ivoire, and has historically been the economic power base of the region. The city stands in Ebrie Lagoon, on several converging peninsulas and islands, connected by bridges, facing south to the Gulf of Guinea. It boasts a large selection of restaurants, as well as a range of fascinating places to visit. Read more about Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Takoradi is an important deepwater seaport situated on the gulf of Guinea in southern Ghana. Although older and larger, it actually combined with its sister city Sekondi in 1946, and today, known as Sekondi-Takoradi, is the capital of the Western Region of Ghana. It is also unofficially called the Oil City of Ghana, due to the massive oil discoveries in the western region of Ghana. Read more about Takoradi, Ghana

Lome is the capital of Togo, West Africa. Located on the Gulf of Guinea, it is the country's administrative and industrial centre and its chief port. The dock is not within walking distance to town, so shuttle buses are provided. Read more about Lome, Togo

São Tomé (Portuguese: “Saint Thomas”) is a port on the island of the same name, one of two that constitute the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. In Africa’s second smallest country, this capital city is by far that nation's largest town, tranquil and pleasant with a relaxed, Portuguese-Creole atmosphere. After sundown it is dark with no street lights, so it's a good idea to try and cram as much activity into the day as possible. Read more about São Tomé , Sao Tome and Principe

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Southern Cape, or Garden Route, of South Africa. It has, over the years, developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the area. It was here that the first modern Europeans set foot on southern African shores, so most visitors visit the Da Gama Museum Complex - in the town centre - where this event is commemorated. Read more about Mossel Bay, South Africa

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is its busiest port. Its subtropical climate and extensive beaches provide excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers, surfers and swimmers. The Golden Mile, a wide stretch of golden sands, is artificially separated by various piers. Read more about Durban, South Africa

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is its busiest port. Its subtropical climate and extensive beaches provide excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers, surfers and swimmers. The Golden Mile, a wide stretch of golden sands, is artificially separated by various piers. Read more about Durban, South Africa

Maputo, a port city on the Indian Ocean, is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. The centre of many cultures - the Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, Indian, and Chinese cultures is also felt - it is often referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’. It has some beautiful beaches such as Catembe and Ponta d'Ouro, and is also home to a plethora of landmarks. Read more about Maputo, Mozambique

Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean 680km east of Madagascar, and about 170km SW of Mauritius. Two thirds of the island’s western side is covered by mountain ranges. The 3,069m Piton des Neiges (Snow Peak) is the highest point. Read more about Pointe des Galets, Réunion

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, located on the NW coast of the island. The very large city is dominated by the Citadel from which almost the whole city can be observed, and it is surrounded by a range of mountains. The city as a whole is a place of interest, but of special attraction is the famous China Town, where many still dress in national clothing. Read more about Port Louis, Mauritius

Male, pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of the island nation the Republic of the Maldives. This is the smallest country of Asia. The delightful skyline of candy-coloured skyscrapers and historic sites indicate that Male is both a city and an island. Read more about Male, Maldives

Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

Galle is a city situated on the SW tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. It is perhaps best known for its world heritage site, the Galle Fort, which is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by Europeans. It highlights the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. Read more about Galle, Sri Lanka

Phuket is the main town in the SE of an island of the same name, in the south of Thailand. This destination provides perfect silky-soft beaches, together with superb hospitality. With spectacular scenery and warm blue waters, it is not surprising that it is Asia's most popular beach destination. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a ‘must-see’. Read more about Penang, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur - or KL as it is known - is situated midway along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and as the nation's capital city it is the focal point of the new Malaysia. The city truly brings together Malaysia's past and present and its varied cultures. Visitors can appreciate the evocative British buildings as well as the unbounded spirit of progress that symbolises Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. Read more about Port Klang, Malaysia

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Sihanoukville (aka Kampong Som) is a port city in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, 185 km SW of the capital Phnom Penh. Historically, it was the site of the last official battle of the U.S. Army in the war, and two shipwrecks 40 m down, off one of its islands, are of interest to divers. Read more about Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Ko Kut is an island in the Trat Sea Waters of Thailand, at the eastern-most part of the country adjacent to Cambodia. It was originally a village, but now the name encompasses a whole district in Trat Province, eastern Thailand, consisting completely of islands. Ko Kut is ringed with sleepy seaside villages, while inland the island is very wild with a lot of coconut and rubber tree plantations. Read more about Ko Kut, Thailand

Ko Samui is an island off the E coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, about 35 km NE of Surat Thani town on the mainland peninsula. It lies in the Gulf of Thailand, and is Thailand's second largest island, though only 15 km across. The central part of the island is an uninhabitable mountainous jungle. Read more about Ko Samui, Thailand

Bangkok, the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand, is about a two-hour trip from Laem Chabang Port. The city is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is a place where the past, present, and future live harmoniously together, as reflected by the luxury hotels and gleaming skyscrapers that grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples. Read more about Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Bangkok, the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand, is about a two-hour trip from Laem Chabang Port. The city is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is a place where the past, present, and future live harmoniously together, as reflected by the luxury hotels and gleaming skyscrapers that grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples. Read more about Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand