Indian Ocean Cruise - from Cape Town - 123599

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.

Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha is at Algoa Bay and is the fifth-largest city in South Africa. The pretty old town has retained its rural charm, while modern buildings line the periphery of the city. Climbing the steps up the 52-metre-high bell tower, 'Campanile', is well worth it for the excellent view of the port and the city centre. One of the oldest buildings in the city is on Castle Hill Street, the manse built in 1827 which today houses the Historical Museum. Other sights include: Fort Frederick, Market Square, the Oceanarium with a snake park and tropical hothouse

East London has the fourth-largest port in South Africa. The city has a pleasant sunny climate nearly all year round and - like all places along the "Sunshine Coast" - it has wonderful sandy beaches. The history of South Africa still determines the city's character to a great extent. The typical African millieu is dominated by the close links in the past with Germany and the UK. Sights include: "Dolos", Latimer's Landing, Queen’s Park, the Botanical Garden and Zoo, the town hall, East London Museum and the Aquarium.

The South African city of Durban lies in the Kwazulu Natal area. "Durbs", as its residents refer to it, is a city with an intercontinental character. With its countless street traders, more than 2 million Indian residents (the city is at the Indian Ocean) and beautiful white beaches, it is a perfect example of "new" South Africa. Sights include: Sea World, rickshaw buses, Durban Botanic Gardens, the Sugar Terminals, Durban Natural Science Museum and Natal Maritime Museum.

Port Louis, the capital of the African island paradise of Mauritius lies on the West coast of the island, nestled between the Moka mountains and the Indian Ocean. The city is an invigorating mix of city bustle, the grand elegance of a bygone age and multicultural cooperation. Popular destinations in the town centre include the wide luxury street with its King palms and the market with its iron market halls. If you want to buy something here, you have to be prepared to barter. In the town centre close to the port a number of colonial buildings add a touch of palatial pizazz. The best view of the city is to be had from Fort Adelaide, which dates from the British era and sits enthroned in the centre of the city atop a small hill. The island of Mauritius itself is of volcanic origin which is why it is lined by mountain ranges. Huge sugar-cane plantations and paradise beaches are what the island is famous for.

Port Louis, the capital of the African island paradise of Mauritius lies on the West coast of the island, nestled between the Moka mountains and the Indian Ocean. The city is an invigorating mix of city bustle, the grand elegance of a bygone age and multicultural cooperation. Popular destinations in the town centre include the wide luxury street with its King palms and the market with its iron market halls. If you want to buy something here, you have to be prepared to barter. In the town centre close to the port a number of colonial buildings add a touch of palatial pizazz. The best view of the city is to be had from Fort Adelaide, which dates from the British era and sits enthroned in the centre of the city atop a small hill. The island of Mauritius itself is of volcanic origin which is why it is lined by mountain ranges. Huge sugar-cane plantations and paradise beaches are what the island is famous for.

Kochi, with a population of 600,000 is celebrated as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". This sea port at the centre of the Malabar coast grew rich through the export of spices to Europe via the Arabian Sea. The natural harbour of Cochin was created only in the 14th Century as a result of flooding of the lagoon coastline. Expansion work began in 1929. One of the must-sees is the Kathakali dance-drama performed by the natives. Other sights include: "Mattancherry", the Dutch Palace, the synagogue, "Fort Kochi", St. Francis' Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch cemetery, the Chinese fishing nets, Willingdon Island and the Hill Palace Museum.

Kochi, with a population of 600,000 is celebrated as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". This sea port at the centre of the Malabar coast grew rich through the export of spices to Europe via the Arabian Sea. The natural harbour of Cochin was created only in the 14th Century as a result of flooding of the lagoon coastline. Expansion work began in 1929. One of the must-sees is the Kathakali dance-drama performed by the natives. Other sights include: "Mattancherry", the Dutch Palace, the synagogue, "Fort Kochi", St. Francis' Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch cemetery, the Chinese fishing nets, Willingdon Island and the Hill Palace Museum.

Mangalore is on the coast of Malabar by the Arabian Sea. The city's history dates back many hundreds of years and it has been influenced by both Islamic and Christian culture. It was considered to be an important shipbuilding centre and a strategic port. Sights include: the Mangla Devi temple, built in the 10th century, the mountain "Kadri" with its laterite caves and a unique panorama view of the city and the sea, the Sultan's House with the old lighthouse, the St. Aloysius' chapel with paintings by the Italian Jesuit Maschemi.

Bombay, also known as Mumbai, originally consisted of seven islands and was inhabited by fishermen. Today it is an aspiring metropolis, surrounded by the ocean. Mumbai is a pulsating, vibrant city, always open to new ideas and lifestyles. Nevertheless, traditions handed down over centuries still lie hidden in secluded corners and bear witness to Mumbai's opulent past. In the shade of the stone wall against which the waves break along Marina-Promenade, you will occasionally come across a praying Maharashtrian. Bombay is also famous for its film industry, which produces countless romantic and dance films every year. Thus, it is not uncommon to encounter huge crowds blocking the roads in Mumbai, as they stop to cheer and wave at their favourite movie star. Sights include: the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, Malabar Hill, Victoria Gardens, Elephanta Island, the Afghan Church and Flora Fountain.