Cities of the Far East

Our Highlights:

• Harbour views from the Star Ferry
• Exploring the glittering temples of Bangkok
• A Singapore Sling at Raffles

Discover the magic of the Orient where ancient traditions complement the fast paced modern cities. Our journey will take you to the glittering temples and street markets of Bangkok; to the vibrant, bustling city of Hong Kong where East truly meets West; and the modern city of Singapore where hi-tech is combined with colonial elegance. We offer you the opportunity to explore these wonderful places at your own pace with as much or as little sightseeing to suit you.

Located in the South China Sea, Hong Kong offers an intoxicating mix of contrasts and cultures, where the ancient traditions of the East meet Western commercialism. Explore Chinese temples or modern shopping malls, travel by air-conditioned metro or 100 year old tram, dine on fragrant dim sum or American fast food. There is also the colonial history, a result of over 150 years of British rule, a leaving a legacy of high tea and horse racing. Take the famous Star Ferry across the harbour from where you can view the island's iconic skyline, explore the Ladies' Market or search for excellent Chinese food in the restaurants off Nathan Road. Further afield there are over 260 islands,including Lantan, where you can find deserted beaches, a giant Buddha statue and even Hong Kong's Disneyland.

An exotic city of contrasts, from the serenity of the exquisitely ornate temples to the lively nightlife, the bustling street markets, vast malls of designer shops to excellent restaurants and streets stalls selling mouth-watering Thai food. A thrilling mix of ancient and modern and oriental in this buzzing metropolis, saffron-robed monks can still be seen collecting alms, while just moments from the city centre whole communities live in stilt houses by the river, still using skills that have not changed in centuries. We recommend a visit to the glittering temples of Bangkok, particularly the fabulous Grand Palace, attractive Wat Po, with its colossal reclining Buddha, and peaceful Wat Arun, known as Temple of the Dawn and set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

From humble beginnings as a simple fishing village Singapore is now an intoxicating fusion of Eastern traditions and Western progression. Located on the straits of Malacca just north of the Equator, Singapore has been the gateway to Asia for centuries and is home to an eclectic mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay Peranakan and Eurasian cultures. Skyscrapers blend with charming colonial buildings and whilst the city offers a distinct modern edge, wander off the main roads and you'll find an impressive range of temples, bustling markets and enticing food courts. Since its beginnings as a humble trading post to the bustling metropolis it is today, this small city state has continued to offer visitors a huge range of rich, personal experiences. Whilst culture, shopping and dining are three of Singapore's definite highlights, the country has much more to offer holidaymakers such as: a vibrant nightlife, superb spas, fascinating museums; Sentosa Island and its many attractions; Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park

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