Name: Paradise Islands of the Indian Ocean
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2725101910

Itinerary

Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is a vibrant city on Mahé Island's northeastern side, blending diverse cultures and traditions. Attractions include the bustling stalls of Victoria Market, the Hindu shrine of Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and the colourful "Jivan Imports" store. The Victoria Botanical Garden features Aldabra giant tortoises and 200 plant species, including unique trees like the coco-de-mer.

Kayaking with the Expedition Team (during the cruise)

Optional

Explore crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush landscapes, granite cliffs and vibrant coral reefs from the comfort and silence of a kayak
Get up close with nature and witness marine life like dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat
Escape the crowds on secluded beaches accessible only by kayak, offering serene spots to relax and swim

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles' largest true atoll, consists of ten islands, with Ile du Nord and Ile du Sud making up 97 percent of the landmass. Nearby, Déposés, Ile du Milieu, Lapins, Banc du Sables and Goëlettes islands complete the atoll. Banc Fantala appeared in 2016 after Cyclone Fantala. The atoll is renowned for sooty and black-naped tern colonies, as well as significant sea turtle breeding.

Cosmoledo Atoll in the Seychelles comprises islands known for white sand flats, lagoon edges and channels, home to fish like bonefish, milkfish, permit, triggerfish, trevally and more. Hawksbill and green turtles nest on beaches. An important bird area, Cosmoledo has the Seychelles' largest colonies of all three booby species, including the last brown booby population, plus many terns, frigatebirds and other endemic birds.

Aldabra, a massive raised coral atoll consisting of 13 islands encircling a lagoon, is home to the world's largest colony of 100,000 giant tortoises. The isolated archipelago features a protected landscape with hundreds of flowering plant and fern species. Endemic Aldabra drongos and pink flamingos are often seen. The white-throated rail, the last remaining flightless bird in the Indian Ocean, scours this unique habitat.

Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Zodiac cruise the magnificent coral limestone formations nearby sandy beaches
Explore the coastal world of this magic atoll
Keep a watchful eye out for wading pink flamingos, adding to the magical experience of this unique destination

Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Drift snorkel with your expedition team, from one end of the channel to the other end
Slowly drift over Aldabra's pristine marine world
Watch for the possibility of encountering elusive sharks as you snorkel in this captivating paradise

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Go ashore at this remote research station and learn about intriguing scientific projects in this untouched wilderness
Learn about the Giant Tortoise, the living legends of Aldabra Atoll
Try to spot the Aldabra drongo, a rare and elusive bird found only on the Aldabra Atoll

The kidney-shaped Assumption Island, a part of the Aldabra Group located over 1,000 km southwest of Mahé, is renowned for its diverse butterfly species, such as the belenois aldabrensis. The island is also home to giant tortoises, Assumption day geckos, and hosts nesting sea turtles near the shoreline. A tranquil white-sand beach stretches for miles alongside brilliantly turquoise water on the west coast.

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Beachcomb and walk on this low-lying island with your onboard expedition team
Learn about the endemic species and history
Watch out for geckoes, tortoises and butterflies

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

Cosmopolitan Zanzibar Island, or Unguja, known as the Spice Island, features Zanzibar City's UNESCO-listed Stone Town(Mji Mkongwe)—a lively warren of narrow streets with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and a spice market with stalls heaped with locally grown spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nearby, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the red colobus monkey, unique to Zanzibar.

Ruins and Spices of Zanzibar

Optional

04 h 45 m

Explore the Palace Museum in Kibweni, immersing yourself in the island's rich history
Discover the archipelago's spice legacy, which once produced 90% of the world's cloves
Continue to the lush countryside to smell, taste, touch and see different spice plants as well seasonal fruits, some unique to Zanzibar

Cloaked in lush vegetation, hilly Pemba Island is famed for its clove farms, peaceful islets and white-sand beaches. The island’s biodiverse forests are a haven for grazing blue duiker (small antelope) and the Pemba flying fox, identifiable by its distinctive rusty-red fur and enormous wingspan stretching over five feet. Offshore, vibrantly coloured coral teems with marine life including green turtles, whitetip reef sharks and nudibranchs.

A Swahili settlement and former trading hub dating back 700 years, Lamu is a storied seafront town on Lamu Island. Clusters of ornate, well-preserved buildings built from coral stone and mangrove timber fill its maze of narrow streets. Tiny alleyways reveal intricately carved wooden doors, arcaded facades and hidden courtyards. The fort and museum are fantastic places to learn about Swahili culture. Dhow cruises visit neighbouring Manda island.

A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa's rich history comes from a beguiling blend of cultures. Over centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians, and British settlers coexisted in the old town, blending African, European, and Asian architectural styles. Perched above the sea, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the 1590s to protect the city, while the bustling spice market is packed with fragrant stalls selling pepper, ginger and cardamom.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

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Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.