Cruising the Seychelles & Coastal Tanzania

Arrive on Zanzibar's main island and transfer to the Park Hyatt Zanzibar located in historic Stone Town. Also known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar boasts a vibrant culture borne of deep-rooted trade traditions and an eclectic mix of Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian and African influences. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing and dinner at your hotel. Stay: Park Hyatt Zanzibar (D)

The day's excursions may include a walking tour of Stone Town's spice markets and churches, a visit to a rural spice farm or a trek through the mangroves of Jozani Forest Nature Reserve, home to the rare red colobus monkey. Later, board your beautiful expedition ship. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

This morning, Pemba Island comes into view, its lush green hills tumbling into an aquamarine coast of mangroves, lagoons and beaches. Coming ashore, you might learn about island life in the village, visit a school or encounter Pemba's endemic flying fox at a local sanctuary. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

In its heyday, Kilwa Kisiwani was an impressive trading hub for sultans and royalty. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site's fascinating ruins remain accessible only by boat. Here, you might visit the Malindi Mosque and cemetery, the Gereza Fort and the Makutani Palace. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

As your expedition vessel sails toward the Seychelles, relax in the spa and take in a series of enriching lectures. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Arrive amid the Seychelles, a 115-island paradise of azure waters, white sands and verdant mountains harbouring a diverse wealth of marine and birdlife. This afternoon, arrive at Aldabra Atoll. Here, four distinct islands frame a large lagoon inhabited by Aldabra giant tortoises and flightless Aldabra rails. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

The day's excursions may include an exploration of local preservation efforts, a look at daily life on the island, or snorkelling or diving the stunning reefs offshore. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Cruise to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, coming ashore to explore historic Astove, an island renowned for its large inner lagoon and jaw-dropping underwater sea cliff. Here, you might visit an abandoned coconut plantation, embark on a birding walk in search of the endemic souimanga sunbird or relax on the island's spectacular beaches. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Continue your Outer Seychelles adventure on the remote Aldabra Group's Cosmoledo Atoll, home to vast wadable sand flats and an incredible lagoon. Cosmoledo is also the realm of the giant trevally, a powerful predatory fish prized by anglers the world over. Aside from its explosive saltwater fly fishing, the atoll is also renowned as a seasonal sea turtle nesting site. Conditions permitting, you might choose to snorkel or dive offshore. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Explore Farquhar, the southernmost atoll in the Seychelles and another important nesting site for sea turtles. Here, you might embark on Zodiac excursions, snorkel or dive in a lagoon, or relax on the beach. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Today, explore Rémire Island, another remote enclave of the Outer Seychelles renowned for its marine biodiversity and lumbering giant tortoises. Here, wade in emerald waters teeming with luminous fish and relax on yet another gorgeous beach. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Come ashore to visit Aride Island Nature Reserve's incredible granite cliffs and seabird colonies. Then, cruise by Curieuse Marine National Park, where you take in the views of its lush forest and undisturbed beaches. Conditions permitting, you might choose to snorkel or dive offshore. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

Cruise to Praslin Island, a palm-fringed paradise of tropical forests and exotic birdlife. Here, your morning excursion may include a trek through the giant palms of Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Sail onward to the port of La Digue, where you might tour the island via rugged camionette (covered truck), visit a vanilla plantation or lounge on one of the island's beaches. Afterward, return to your ship for a farewell dinner. Stay: Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

After breakfast, disembark your ship in Victoria, where you might tour the town and its local market. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight. (B/L)