Day: 1
Your journey kicks off in style at Rosewood London, where Geoffrey Kent welcomes you. Meet your tour leadership team and fellow guests over cocktails and dinner.
Day: 2
São Miguel is the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, and a place where volcano-fed springs boil amid lush emerald-green landscapes.Often referred to as “The Green Island,” São Miguel is famous for the Furnas volcanic valley, center of unique geothermal activity, and whose fertile volcanic soil contributes to a uniquely flavorful food scene. One of the Azores’ signature dishes is cozido, a blend of meats and vegetables slow-cooked naturally in the volcanic Furnas region. See how a master chef assembles the ingredients and sets it cooking. While it simmers, visit a dairy farm where cheese is made. Watch the craft in practice firsthand and sample a variety of local cheeses, from fresh and creamy to dry and well-aged. This whets your appetite for your cozido, cooked to perfection and served picnic-style against the green-carpeted landscapes. Cap off your culinary exploration with a therapeutic tea tasting, where you sample a diverse array of medicinal blends brewed from local spring water. Explore as you like the next day on your chosen Design Your Day activity.Ride an e-bike through Ribeira Grande on a guided tour of the North Coast, filled with history, nature and splendid seaside viewsSaddle up for a horseback ride across the amazing Azorean landscape, following old roads through charming villagesWatch for whales and dolphins on a morning cruise with a marine biologistTake a chef-led food tour of Ponta Delgada, stopping at markets, traditional eateries and specialty food shops to sample the local flavorsGet your blood pumping with a coasteering activity on the south coast, swimming, climbing and jumping from cliffs amid the incredible volcanic rock formationsEmbark on a kayaking adventure along the coast and discover the best-hidden treasures, the high cliffs, bays, small caves and unknown beaches
Day: 3
Day: 4
Day: 5
A unique crossroads of French and Ottoman influences, Algiers is a diverse metropolis of whitewashed Ottoman palaces and well-curated museums and galleries.Extending along the Bay of Algiers, Algeria’s capital invites exploration with wide, open boulevards, savory food and freely extended hospitality. Get to know the city on an open-air tour, passing Haussmannian facades, the Grand Boulevard and the Martyrs’ Monument, ending at the majestic Jardin d’Essai du Hammam. A short distance from Algiers is Tipaza Archaeological Park, where you view a treasure trove of ancient Roman ruins, seaside theaters and exquisite mosaics. Continue to Cherchell, a historic gem nestled on the Mediterranean coast, and wander through its picturesque streets. Back in Algiers, set out on your chosenDesign Your Day activity.Explore the intriguing Casbah, a living labyrinth of narrow alleys, traditional homes, mosques and palaces recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a sensory journey through the soul of the cityVisit Djamaa al-Djazair (The Great Mosque of Algiers), a bold architectural statement that bridges tradition and modernity, and then stop at another symbol of Algeria’s religious diversity, Notre-Dame d’AfriqueOn an art history tour of Algiers, visit the Algiers Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most prestigious art museums on the African continent; the Bardo Museum, set in an 18th-century Moorish palace; and the Museum of Islamic Art, housing sweeping panorama of Islamic heritageBid farewell to Algeria at a private dinner in a secluded and historic palace estate, a blend of Ottoman tradition, Andalusian elegance and Belle Epoque architecture.
Day: 6
Day: 7
Day: 8
Dive into Accra’s vibrant rhythms, from its placid beaches to city streets where the smell of couscous and waakye mingle with ocean breezes.Accra is a city with an unmistakable energy and a deeply felt sense of hospitality. Explore the Ghana National Museum, the country’s premier cultural institution, followed by a visit to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a landmark dedicated to Ghana’s first president. The park features Nkrumah’s mausoleum as well as striking statues, fountains and lush gardens. Pay a formal visit to the Ga Mantse in historic Jamestown to immerse yourself in traditional drumming, dancing and ritual. Meet some of the city’s famed coffin makers, whose imaginative creations — shaped like fish, castles, airplanes and more — celebrate life with artistry and humor. Ashanti traditions come alive in Kumasi, where you experience a royal audience with the monarch himself, the surrounding gold regalia, kente cloth and ceremonial music reflecting centuries of power and pride. End your Ghana visit with a celebratory dinner crafted by one of the country’s most renowned chefs, a fitting finale to your cultural immersion.
Day: 9
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Day: 11
Colorful villages echo with the rhythms of Creole culture while volcanic peaks rise above palm-fringed shores, all setting the stage for a mix of raw adventure and cultural immersion.Sao Tome, a lush island of culture, food and dramatic landscapes, welcomes you with a lively dance performance that sets the tone for the next few days’ exploration. Wander through bustling markets alive with color and flavor, then step into the Coffee Museum to trace the path of beans from field to cup. Explore a historic plantation where cocoa gained its first foothold on the island. Sao Tome’s unique energy is on full display at a stirring Tchiloli performance, a centuries-old theatrical dance filled with passion and intrigue. Stand before natural wonders like Boca do Inferno’s roaring cliffs and the towering Pico Cão Grande, Sao Tome’s iconic peak. Renowned chef João Carlos Silva hosts you for a culinary experience at Roça São João, a blend of fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes and modern techniques. At the northerly Roça Agostinho Neto plantation, witness the bamboo dance, an electrifying display of dexterity and cultural pride. A meeting — and tasting — with a renowned chocolatier drives home the unique relationship between the land and one of its staple crops.
Day: 12
Day: 13
Day: 14
Nestled in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, the town of Victoria Falls is a charming and vibrant destination that serves as the main gateway to its namesake attraction, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, or the Smoke that Thunders. See the mile-wide cascades spread out before you from the window of your helicopter on a private flightseeing tour. Then repair to nearby Lookout Café for lunch, where the spray from the falls provides the distant backdrop. Relax with a sunset river cruise along the Zambezi, keeping an eye out for hippos, crocodiles and elephants as well as many different bird species. Zambezi National Park is home to elephants, lions, buffalo and leopards, as well as herds of antelopes, zebras, giraffes and impalas. Set out from your lodge on expertly led game drives and celebrate your stay at a farewell Zimbabwean beach picnic set on the banks of the Zambezi River with traditional music.
Day: 15
Day: 16
Day: 17
Scattered like emeralds across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago is a sanctuary of untamed beauty where only eight of its 115 islands are inhabited, the rest left to nature.The Seychelles are East Africa’s own little slice of paradise, where surf climbs the beaches with a gentle sigh and colorful life abounds both above and below the water. Amid a journey filled with exhilarating wildlife encounters, your Seychelles stay offers a deliberate, luxurious pause. Your exquisite hideaway on Mahé’s southwest coast, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, is discreetly nestled in the lush hills above Petite Anse Bay. Visit Victoria, the world’s smallest capital city, to see the colorful market and iconic clock tower. Stop at the eye-catching Hindu temple before continuing to Mission Lodge, what was once called Venn’s Town, the island’s first school built for children of freed enslaved people who could not return to their homeland. Your final evening in Seychelles celebrates this unique country with a festive dinner overlooking the ocean. Customize your time in Mahé with Dine Around opportunities within the resort and your choice of Design Your Day option:Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of Petite Anse with a dedicated Marine Biologist, capturing underwater memories while learning about local conservation effortsEmbark on a gentle guided hike to a granite summit for a serene open-air meditation led by a resident yogi, surrounded by breathtaking island viewsPaddle across crystal-clear waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, spotting turtles, rays, and seabirds as you explore the bay at your leisureIndulge in a personalized treatment at the hilltop Four Seasons Spa, where ocean views and island botanicals elevate every moment of relaxation
Day: 18
Day: 19
Day: 20
Lying near the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan blends nomadic traditions, Silk Road heritage and modern innovation into a culture that feels both ancient and ever on the move. Almaty reveals itself as a city where history, culture, and nature converge in unforgettable ways. Begin with rare, after-hours access to the Central State Museum, where a senior curator leads you through silent galleries of ancient artifacts, intricate nomadic costumes and treasures hidden from public view. Step deeper into tradition at the Museum of Musical Instruments, where an ethnomusicologist introduces you to the sounds of the steppe before a private performance fills the air with centuries-old melodies. The Green Bazaar is your introduction to the city’s beating pulse, where a local expert connects you to vendors, flavors and family traditions. Leave the bustle behind for the wild beauty of Big Almaty Lake and Almarasan Gorge. With a naturalist guide, explore hidden trails, snap photos from out-of-the-way viewpoints and picnic by a gently flowing river. Conclude at a falcon farm, where expert falconers reveal ancient traditions and modern conservation, culminating in a private demonstration of raptors in flight.
Day: 21
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Day: 23
Home to some of Europe’s oldest traditions, Bulgaria offers tantalizing glimpses of a half-remembered past amid cobbled streets, ancient ruins and rituals faithfully carried to the present day.Bulgaria carries the heritage of many ancient civilizations, and nowhere is this more evident than in historic Plovdiv, possibly the oldest town in Europe. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and let the city’s timeless charm reveal itself. Visit the ancient Theater of Philippopolis, still a working open-air concert venue more than 2,000 years after it was built. See also the Stadium of Philippopolis, hidden beneath the city center — this Roman marvel once held over 30,000 spectators. Stop for lunch at an art gallery, reserved exclusively for you, and wander at your leisure among the collection. Sofia’s heritage is equally ancient, and your local guides bring it to life as you visit Roman remains, the Church of St Sophia, the city garden and National Theater, and Aleksandar Nevsky Cathedral, among other sites. Privately experience the mystical Kukeri festival tradition, a spellbinding cultural ritual featuring masked, fur-clad dancers in handcrafted costumes. Spend an afternoon exploring via your selected Design Your Day option.Discover Bulgaria’s Christian artistic heritage at the Icon Gallery, along with a live performance of sacred music by a renowned vocal ensembleRide an authentic vintage tramcar on a charming tour through the heart of Sofia, passing some of the city’s most emblematic buildings and landmarksUnwind at your hotel with a rejuvenating spa experience.For the grand finale to your adventure, gather at a restaurant nestled in the Vitosha Mountains, surrounded by fresh air and beautiful woods. As you tuck into your traditional Bulgarian feast, watch a folkloric performance followed by a thrilling display of traditional fire dancing, an ecstatic ritual recognized by UNESCO as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Day: 24
Day: 25
Day: 26
Bid farewell to Geoffrey and your fellow travellers as your journey reaches its end.