Mauritius, Madagascar & The Western Cape

Fly overnight to Mauritius. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and refresh or start exploring your glorious tropical island surroundings.

Today, enjoy a private tour of the southwestern corner of the island. Begin at Trou aux Cerfs, where you'll be able to stroll along the crater of this dormant volcano, enjoying spectacular views over the island and the Indian Ocean. Discover more about Mauritius' Hindu culture on the shores of Grand Bassin, visiting temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, drive through the spectacular scenery of Black River Gorges National Park, pausing to admire Alexandra Falls before a final stop at the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

Spend today relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local area.

After breakfast you will be met at your lodge by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Port Louis to board the Norwegian Sun. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

Arrive at Réunion, a French-governed island which, with green cloaked mountains, tumbling waterfalls, coral fringed beaches and thick forest, brings magical nature on a grand scale. Disembark at Pointe des Galets, from where you can explore Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano, hike through varied terrain or kick back on one of the jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaches, lapped by clear, warm Indian Ocean waters

While away the day exploring the plentiful amenities of your cruise ship. Why not relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or try a lively dance lesson, as you cruise westward across the Indian Ocean.

Port on the northern tip of the extraordinary island of Madagascar, at the buzzing port city of Antisiranana. With a whole day before you, you can explore bustling shops and restaurants and admire French Colonial architecture or escape the city to the glorious beaches or wildlife-filled forests that surround it.

Arrive at Nosy Be, a paradise island just off the country's northwestern coast. There are volcanic lakes and coral reefs, soft sand beaches and spectacular nature to explore – you could spend the day with lemurs and chameleons at the Lokobe Reserve or learn about the local production of ylang-ylang at a plantation.

Spend these days at sea making the most of the Norwegian Sun's excellent range of facilities and activities. Try out the range of restaurants, watch live performances featuring a talented cast of performers and musicians or browse the shopping boutiques for souvenirs.

Port at Port Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha. Home to beautiful beaches, the wilderness around the city is home to the world's densest population of elephants. You have two days here to fill - choose to relax on one of those beaches, explore the wildlife and wilderness of a nearby game reserve, taste delicious local dishes or spend your time enjoying the facilities onboard

Enjoy a second day in Port Elizabeth. Choose to relax on one of those beaches, explore the wildlife and wilderness of a nearby game reserve, taste delicious local dishes or spend your time enjoying the facilities onboard

Arrive in the harbour town of Mossel Bay. On South Africa's famous Garden Route, it is known for its beaches and glorious nature, with opportunities to hike up to a lighthouse, visit an archaeological site or feel the sand between your toes on a picturesque beach.

Disembark the Norwegian Sun at Cape Town's cruise port, where you'll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel. This evening you will dine at the wonderful Gold Restaurant, an immersive and authentic African experience that features a 14-course taste safari and traditional African entertainment.

Dive into Cape Town's natural beauty, rich history, and diverse mix of cultures. Visit Greenmarket Square and the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens and the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Then, ascend Cape Town's most iconic landmark, Table Mountain via the cableway for amazing views. This evening, enjoy dinner on the V&A Waterfront.

Embark on a tour of the renowned Cape Winelands, a region that is an absolute feast for the senses. The day begins with a wine blending experience, where you'll be invited to create an original tasting blend from several different wine varieties, guided by a wine ambassador. Continue into the picturesque Franschhoek valley, famous for both its wine and its Cape Dutch architecture, where you can have lunch followed by a wine and chocolate pairing. Afterwards, return to Cape Town.

Head out of the city to explore the dramatic scenery of the Cape Peninsula. Take a breathtaking drive along Chapman's Peak (weather permitting), revealing sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean. Then find yourself among the rugged beauty of the Cape of Good Hope where you can stand on Cape Point and see the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Finally, enjoy a visit to Boulders Beach, renowned for its resident African penguin colony, offering a close-up observation of these charming creatures.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.