We're heading to Sydney, Australia for a 21 day cruise to Hong Kong!

On Day 1 we'll take a tour of the Sydney Opera House!

On day 8 we will stop at Darwin and we will visit the Litchfield National Park, which offers a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of Australia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Embark on a scenic drive to the beautiful Litchfield National Park. The Park features numerous waterfalls, monsoon rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds and historical sites. Passing through a remarkable treeless, black soil plain you’ll arrive at the towering Magnetic Termite Mounds. These amazing architectural feats complete with arches, tunnels, chimneys, insulation and nursery chambers, can reach up to 13 feet high, giving the appearance of a huge graveyard. Further into the National Park, a stop will be made at either the majestic Florence Falls or Wangi Falls to photograph and absorb the beauty of the surrounding landscape. ------- Crocodylus Park is one of the best places in Australia to come face to face with the largest reptiles on the planet. The Park plays host to over 1,000 crocodiles ranging in length from 11 inch hatchlings to massive 15 foot adults, weighing 80 stone. You can learn about these awe-inspiring creatures in the museum, watch the daily feeding displays where the crocodiles literally leap into the air for their food, and even feel the soft skin of a crocodile if you choose. The Park also houses a diverse array of other wildlife including Hawksbill Turtles, iguanas, monkeys, lions, Persian Leopards and tigers alongside Australian wildlife from Brolgas to Wallaroos.

On Day 17 we'll stop at the port of Phu My, which is the gateway to the city of Ho-Chi-Minh, an 8-million people city that is the heart of Vietnam. In Ho-Chi-Minh we will visit museums, local markets, as well as temples. More details: Located on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city full of contrasts. Visit the National History Museum filled with ancient ceramics, traditional costumes and relics crafted in stone and bronze. Afterwards, watch a short performance of the uniquely Vietnamese spectacle – water puppetry. Stop for photographs at the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, whose twin spires are a distinctive city landmark. See the Reunification Hall, once the Presidential Palace and where Liberation forces, on 30th April 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War. Visit the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Sea Goddess - Protector of Sailors, before returning to the 3rd district to visit a lacquer factory, where you will see talented Vietnamese craftsmen at work.

On our 2nd day in Sydney we'll go to the Blue Mountains to enjoy the beautiful Aussie scenery and wildlife. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More details: Begin your day with a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. This amazing park contains a variety of Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian reptiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats and various species of Australian birds. There is also an opportunity to get up close to the friendly kangaroos and have your photograph taken with a cuddly koala. Next you will drive over the imposing Blue Mountains, where you will be able to see the giant rock formations known as the Australian ‘Grand Canyon’ as well as deep, tree-studded valleys and cascading waterfalls. View the world famous rock formation ‘The Three Sisters’ and enjoy the splendid panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and the Ruined Castle. A highlight of the day will be a ride on the world’s steepest perpendicular railway plunging 700 feet down into the lush valley. A short walk will bring you to the Scenic Cableway, for the return journey on the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. A delicious two course luncheon will be served at the Mountain Heritage Hotel. This quaint building has an old world charm where you can relax and reflect on your day sightseeing whilst absorbing the spectacular unrivalled views of the surrounding mountain panorama.

On day 3 we'll stop in Brisbane and take a 5 hr excursion which includes viewing the Brisbane sights and a visit to the Koala Sanctuary. ________________________________________________________________________ More details about the excursion: Take a leisurely drive through the city, where you will pass the Botanical Gardens, the historic Parliament House, the Treasury Building, City Hall and Old Customs House. See the South Bank Parklands and Cultural Centre, which combine the State's Art Gallery, Performing Arts Complex, Museum and Library in a splendid riverside setting. Before arriving at the Koala Sanctuary, stop at Mt Coot-tha Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, founded in 1927, is the world's oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary and contains over 130 koalas. Set in beautiful, natural surroundings, the sanctuary is also home to many other species of native Australian wildlife including Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Echidnas, Kookaburras, Emus, Cassowarys, various species of Reptiles and a Platypus.

On Day 5 we will take an eco adventure on Airlie beach. We will do snorkeling and see the amazing wildlife around the great barrier reef. _________________________________________________________________________ More Details: After a short cruise through the islands, a snorkelling stop will be made at either Black Island or Langford Sandspit to enable you to observe the vibrant marine life, which swim around the coral reef. Your Captain will be available to answer any questions on this amazing natural wonder. Refreshments of soft drinks will be served during the stop. The next stop is on the northern shores of Hook Island. The rugged island is mostly national park which boasts beautiful beaches, breathtaking lookouts, excellent snorkelling and walking tracks. Enjoy a stroll along one of the pristine beaches or snorkel with hundreds of tropical fish as you explore the underwater world of one of the Whitsundays many coral reefs. This World Heritage Listed area is famous for turtle spotting, swimming and snorkelling.

On day 8 we'll have a relaxing couples massage while on the sea cruising towards Darwin. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Details: You and your favorite person can enjoy a gorgeously relaxing full body Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage or Swedish Massage as you lie side by side.

On Day 11 we will stop at Bali, where we will have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their culture, and visit a wood-carving studio. _______________________________________________________________________ More details about the excursion: Walk through the local farms to experience the real life of Balinese farmers working in the rice fields, learning more about the simple and traditional irrigation system called Subak, the process of rice growing, from planting the seedlings, to harvesting and even cooking the rice. Next stop is Pura Kehen, constructed in the 13th century. Stepping through the ‘Kori Agung’ (stone capped gateway), there are elephant sculptures, which is unusual for a building of that age, as Bali was never home to its own elephants. Once inside the temple, there is a small compound which is guarded by a mythical ‘Naga’ (dragon), which has a magic stone inside it. Apparently the stone glowed red hot once the site of the temple had been decided. Proceed onto Penglipuran Village where life has barely changed in over a century. Following this fascinating local insight, continue to Kintamani, where you can enjoy luncheon overlooking Mount Batur, an active volcano, and the picturesque Lake Batur, in the crater. In Kemenuh, visit a wood carving studio to discover skilled carvers who turn slabs of teak and ebony wood into masks, religious figures and intricate wall decorations. Take the opportunity to browse in the large gallery where there will be the opportunity to purchase the finished products.

On Day 15 we'll arrive at Bandar Seri Begawan, also known as Brunei, the richest country on the island of Borneo. We will take a cruise tour around the city and go the local market to interact with the local culture. More details: Travel by boat to a water village, where you’ll visit a local home for tea and cakes. Built entirely of stilt houses and wooden walkways this cluster of houses is the world’s largest water village. Your visit to Brunei continues with a leisurely cruise along the mangrove lined river. Have your camera ready as you try to spot some of the birds and wildlife that reside there. You may even be lucky enough to spot the rare proboscis monkey, found only in Borneo. Upon your return to the city, a delicious buffet style luncheon will be served at a local restaurant. Afterwards a scenic drive will introduce you to some of the city’s highlights, including the Jame and Omar Saifuddien Mosques where you’ll pause briefly to capture photographs of these magnificent buildings. Enjoy a visit to the vibrant Kianggeh open air market, for an opportunity to mingle with the local people as they purchase their fresh produce. Round off your tour with a visit to the Royal Regalia. The museum is dedicated to the sultan and houses the grand regalia used during his jubilee celebrations. Displays include the royal chariot, gold and silver armory and jewel encrusted coronation crowns.

On Day 19 we will go to Nah Trang, Vietnam, where we will take a tour that will take us to the oldest pagoda of the city, a silk embroidery workshop, among others. ------------------ Tour details: Your tour begins with a visit to the fascinating Oceanographic Institute to see some of the thousands of marine-life species that live in the surrounding tropical sea. Heading into the town, you will pass the beachfront lined with Philaos trees before making a photograph stop at the city church, built in grey stone and located on top of a hill. Long Son Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Nha Trang, with two decorative dragon balustrades marking its entrance. The interior sanctuary features murals and several images of the Buddha. Crossing the Xom Bong Bridge, Nha Trang’s most famous landmark, Po Nagar Cham Tower, comes into view. A visit to this complex of towers, built in the 8th century is a fascinating experience. Take a stroll through the bustling Dam market place, the central commercial market of Nha Trang, before visiting a silk embroidery workshop. Here, you will see Vietnamese ladies making beautiful handicrafts, which are also available to purchase.

On day 21 we will disembark in Hong Kong, our last port of the cruise. We plan on doing a tour that will take us to 2 fortifications built by the English during WWII. --------------- Details of excursion: At the extremity of Kowloon Peninsula is Devil’s Peak. This large fortification was constructed to defend the eastern approaches to Hong Kong harbour. Learn about how this was the scene of bitter fighting between the courageous Indian soldiers serving under the British command and the attacking Japanese Army, during the battle for Hong Kong. Continue with a walk through the seafood restaurant of Lei Yue Mun (literally the ‘Mouth of the Carp’) and see live fish and seafood on display in giant fish tanks, ready to be picked for luncheon or dinner. At the end of the village, enjoy a ferry ride to Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island to visit the Museum of Coastal Defence, housed inside the late Victorian-era Lei Yue Mun Fort. The fort occupied a strategic position guarding the eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour, where the British had built military style barracks as early as 1844. In 1993, the Hong Kong Government took the decision to conserve and develop the fort into the present day Museum of Coastal Defence. Inside the museum, there is a permanent exhibition with exhibits from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the British period, the Japanese Invasion and the period after Chinese sovereignty resumed over Hong Kong.

For our last dinner we're headed to Lung King Heen, an authentic Cantonese restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong – the world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the coveted Michelin three-star rating.

We are spending the last 2 nights of our honeymoon in Hong Kong.