16 Nights Africa

This small, roughly diamond-shaped island at the end of peninsular Malaysia may be coated in modernity, but underneath lies conservative Confucian values. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences make Singapore a highly tolerant city with a wealth of fascinatingly sundry cultures.

Home to nearly 2 million people, Malaysias bustling capital Kuala Lumpur is a massive city of skyscrapers and historic architecture. See the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, with their ultra-modern style and contrasting traditional motifs from Islamic art. Then, stroll down to KLCC Park and walk around its man-made lake and fountain backdropped by the modern skyline. Cruise to Malaysia and explore the historic side of Kuala Lumpur at the iconic Thean Hou Temple, with its red pillars, intricate carvings and decorative artifacts from Buddhist, Confucian and Tao tradition. Or see the Moorish architecture of Jamek Mosque, situated at the crossing of the Klang and Gombak rivers.

Sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and a mountain backdrop, Port Louis blends Mauritius modernity and tradition. The Caudan Waterfront entices shoppers with fashion, local crafts and live entertainment. Domaine les Pailles, with its 18th-century ox-driven sugar mill and colonial architecture, houses a new casino. Seek out the capital city's vast Bazaar, built in 1828, for spices, souvenirs and a lunch of fried noodles. For great views, hike the pedestrians-only road up Signal Mountain.

Flanked by the Indian Ocean, this major gateway to Africa is known as a bewitching seaside playground in the sun. It is a modern, yet authentic African metropolis where beaches, traditional warrior dancers, mystic firewalkers and colonial heritage abound.

A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Take full advantage of the abundant outdoor space: learn to surf; go hiking or mountain biking; tandem-paraglide off Lion's Head; abseil off the top of Table Mountain - just a few of the many activities on offer.

A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Take full advantage of the abundant outdoor space: learn to surf; go hiking or mountain biking; tandem-paraglide off Lion's Head; abseil off the top of Table Mountain - just a few of the many activities on offer.