17 nætter fra Dubai, United Arab Emirates med Seabourn Encore

The United Arab Emirates is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, and the traditional trading routes from Asia and the Far East to Europe and further afield are even more significant today than they were hundreds of years ago. Nestled at the very heart of the Islamic world, the country is unique in its embrace of the Western world. Here you can see the contrasts of the nomadic Bedouin people, and the opulence and splendor of the Sheiks, set against a backdrop of Western lifestyles.

Som stærk kontrast til de gigantiske bygninger og kunstige øer i Abu Dhabi og Dubai, ligger den naturlige ø, Sir Bani Yas. En del af øen udgør et fantastisk naturreservat, hvor truede dyrearter fra Den Arabiske Halvø og Afrika, strejfer frit omkring. Tag på safari og kom helt tæt på geparder, hyæner, giraffer, gazeller, emuer, sjakaler og reptiler. Nyd solen på de lange, hvide sandstrande og tag en dukkert i det krystalklare vand. Her er palmer i massevis, solsenge til afslapning og strandhytter, hvor du kan nyde en lækker frokost og en kølig drink. Øen byder på nogle særdeles interessante arkæologiske steder såsom et nestoriansk kristent kloster fra år 600 e. Kr. Snup en ridetur langs vandkanten, prøv kræfter med falkejagt eller mød flokke af lyserøde flamingoer på paddle board. Øen bugner af aktiviteter og er et sandt paradis for naturelskere og strandløver.

Wide expanses of desert sands stretching up to the ‘Rub Al Khali’ – the Empty Quarter, blue waters of the Gulf, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and fishing, archeological sites and ultra-modern malls and shops. Abu Dhabi is a fine example of how well a community survived adverse environments for thousands of years by observing strict tribal codes. Today, the values, heritage and culture which were refined by the adoption of Islam over the past millennium continue to thrive notwithstanding the ultra modern infrastructure and facilities of a cosmopolitan, moderately liberal lifestyle. Despite the limitations of a mainly desert environment and a semi-nomadic lifestyle that prevailed up to the 20th century, Abu Dhabi has a rich past evidenced by scores of restored mud fortresses and remains of underground irrigation systems in Al Ain, which has been continuously inhabited for more than 4,000 years and is considered as the cultural centre of the emirate.

Mumbai er stedet, hvor du finder Bollywood, – der hvor Hindu filmindustrien finder sted. Mumbai må siges at være glamourhovedstad i Indien. Sol dig i glansen fra Indiens varemærke, the Gateway of India, ønsk noget på Haji Alis grav og gå på opdagelse på Chor Bazaar.

Mumbai er stedet, hvor du finder Bollywood, – der hvor Hindu filmindustrien finder sted. Mumbai må siges at være glamourhovedstad i Indien. Sol dig i glansen fra Indiens varemærke, the Gateway of India, ønsk noget på Haji Alis grav og gå på opdagelse på Chor Bazaar.

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, in the spectacularly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world and for centuries was the center of the spice trade. Ancient mariners from the Middle East, China and Europe all left their mark on this beautiful city, and its diverse past is reflected in its steep-roofed bungalows, colonial buildings, spice and antique shops, its cathedral, palaces and synagogue.

Sabang is a cozy town on the Indonesian island of Pulau Weh with a sleepy yet charming old colonial atmosphere. Many old colonial buildings are still standing, shadowed by huge trees that the Dutch once imported from Suriname. Thanks to its excellent harbor and good water supply Sabang became an important coal loading station for ships en route between Europe and Asia, and at one time was even larger than Singapore. Enjoy the local restaurants and coffee shops (don’t miss the traditional Acehnese coffee), the morning market and the nearby beaches. The reefs along nearby Sabang Fair are particularly nice for snorkeling.

Phuket, nestled in the balmy Andaman Sea waters, lies 536 miles south of Bangkok. Initially, Phuket derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. Located on a major trade route between India and China, Phuket was frequently mentioned in foreign trader’s ship logs. Blessed with a natural heritage of stunning white-sand beaches, sapphire blue seas, exotic marine life and lushly forested hillsides, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.

The 90 islands making up the Langkawi group lie 20 miles off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. The islands remain quiet and relatively unspoiled, with a total population of only 30,000 inhabitants.

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world’s most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.