Page 27 - Explore Spring Summer 2019

GALAPAGOS CRUISING WITH The Galapagos are best explored
WORLD JOURNEYS aboard a specifically designed small
expedition ship, allowing guests to
Off the coast of Ecuador is one of discover the unique flora and fauna on
the world’s most prolific wildlife each island. A great choice is a cruise
hotspots – the Galapagos Islands. The aboard the Santa Cruz II.
dancing Blue-Footed Booby, flightless
cormorants, Galapagos Flamingos This state-of-the-art vessel
and a range of fascinating reptiles and accommodates 90 guests in 50 air-
marine life make this destination a conditioned cabins with superb service.
wildlife mecca. On board, expert and passionate
naturalist guides share their knowledge
Better yet, because of the lack of of the plants, creatures and geology
predators in the area, travellers can that make this wildlife haven a once-in-
get up close to the islands’ unique a-lifetime adventure.
creatures without disturbing them.
History buffs will also be delighted Snorkel or kayak through the tropical
by the islands’ rich past, renowned waters and encounter sea turtles and
for the resounding impact they had curious seals, take a hike and marvel
on the theory of evolution. A visit to at the diverse landscapes, or simply
the Charles Darwin Research Station lounge on the beach or on the ship
is a must. and soak up the sun.

DISCOVER CHINA AND that few travellers experience. In
JAPAN WITH APT IN 2020 the desert oasis of Dunhuang, take a
camel ride along the sand slopes to
It’s a dose of the unfamiliar, the Crescent Lake at sunset. In Kashgar,
mysterious and the intriguing with on China’s western outskirts, wander
APT’s brand-new range of 2020 the lively bazaar where everything Is
China & Japan journeys. Cruise down exchanged, from handwoven rugs to
China’s Yangtze River through the silk, semi-precious stones and spices.
spectacular Three Gorges region.
Stroll through a bamboo grove in Another new addition is the 12-day
Kyoto. Revel in the tranquillity of a Iconic China with Wuzhen tour
Zen garden in Kanazawa. that lets you experience the buzz
of China’s big cities as well as the
APT’S ever-popular Yangtze River quiet tranquillity of an ancient
cruise returns for 2020. Board the water town. Wander into Wuzhen,
boutique Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer where wooden homes from the Qing
for three or four nights and discover dynasty still stand, small boats drift
the ever-changing scenery of the down canals and street vendors sell
Three Gorges region. Call in at rural green bean soup and tea.
villages, glide past picturesque
gorges and disembark to explore Exclusive moments are synonymous
the Three Gorges Dam. Experience with an APT journey: in Beijing, you
this iconic cruise on most APT China can wander a private section of the
trips, including the popular 15-day Forbidden City not usually open to
Best of China tour. the public, and on a quiet section
of the Great Wall of China enjoy an
New for 2020 is the chance to travel expertly prepared lunch with free-
back in spirit thousands of years flowing drinks set up exclusively for
to a time when Europe and Asia APT guests. You can experience these
were connected by a criss-cross of moments on the 17-day China with
ancient trade routes known as the Tibetan Discovery tour.
Silk Road. This is an aspect of China

PONANT WELCOMES ITS NEW the new generation of ships flying the
SHIP – LE BOUGAINVILLE French flag.
Ponant, the world leader in luxury As with all the Ponant Explorers vessels,
expeditions, recently welcomed its Le Bougainville is fitted with a world-
eighth ship, Le Bougainville, the third first, the “Blue Eye”. This multi-sensorial
in the Ponant Explorers series of six underwater salon allows guests to
new ships. discover and experience the underwater
world via two portholes in the form of
Le Bougainville combines its intimate a cetaceous eye looking out into the
size of just 92 staterooms and suites - sea below water level. Non-intrusive
all with a balcony or private terrace - underwater lighting and hydrophones
with taut, sleek lines, refined design, integrated into the keel retransmitting
cutting-edge technologies, respect the natural symphony of the deep water,
for the environment and major along with Body Listening sofas, offer a
innovations. It’s truly the symbol of unique experience.

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL : EXPLORE : SPRING/SUMMER EDITION 25