Inaugural World Journey – Dubai to Barcelona

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.

Arrive in a remote Omani peninsula at its filigreed fingertip pointing at the Strait of Hormuz. Burn up rocky peaks on bikes and off-road vehicles, cruise through spectacular inlets on converted dhows to explore the landscape and flit beneath warm waves with schools of dolphins and tuna of Telegraph Island. Look into Old Town forts, laid-back souks and whitewashed mosques. Pass hidden Bedouin houses, mosques and goats to reach a vast green oasis, then swing up to the summit for cooler climes, fossilised fish and views to behold. Blink and you might miss the richness of this discreet legend.

Marvel at this colourful commercial, fashion and cinematic capital to scope architectural frills, Bollywood sets and fragrant gastronomy. Hop on a rickshaw through swarms of traffic, sip chai, watch the dhobi wallahs in action, visit ancient monuments out on Elephant Island or linger longer to witness perfection at the Taj Mahal. Escape the heat in cool galleries, take a tour through Indian history at museums, get lost in ancient temples and get your vogue on with a bejewelled custom sari. Meditate in golden Global Pagoda then, as the sun sinks low, watch the raw energy of this mind-boggling metropolis from the imperial, proud-standing, sea-facing Gateway of India.

Marvel at this colourful commercial, fashion and cinematic capital to scope architectural frills, Bollywood sets and fragrant gastronomy. Hop on a rickshaw through swarms of traffic, sip chai, watch the dhobi wallahs in action, visit ancient monuments out on Elephant Island or linger longer to witness perfection at the Taj Mahal. Escape the heat in cool galleries, take a tour through Indian history at museums, get lost in ancient temples and get your vogue on with a bejewelled custom sari. Meditate in golden Global Pagoda then, as the sun sinks low, watch the raw energy of this mind-boggling metropolis from the imperial, proud-standing, sea-facing Gateway of India.

Trip into India’s sultry south with a Portuguese-tinged past and rich Goan culture. Gallivant around colourful townhouses and Hindu temples in Old Goa, step back in time on fort walks and UNESCO church crawls, or pop into Panaji for a private guided tour of the Rembrandt of the East. Set off to spice plantations, India’s most beautiful beaches and jungles where tumbling waterfalls beg to be explored. Cast lines with expert anglers in fishermen’s paradise, haggle for earthenware in must-see flea markets and bend into bona fide yoga. Former hippie crowds may have trailed off, but the tropical peace and love remain.

Exhale into the definition of paradise with a swoon-worthy backdrop of aquamarine waters, teeming reefs, flawless skies and lofty palms. Hit the urban capital streets for sightseeing and shopping. Whisk over to other islands by dhoni or speedboat to snorkel alongside Picasso and Rabbit fish, surf the Maldives’ most famous break or gear up to dive through bright coloured corals. Greet lurking octopus on an aquatic safari, get up close with turtles in rehab, try a spot of fishing or windsurfing and paddle towards ocean-filled horizons in glass-bottom kayaks. Catch a seaplane to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which boasts the world’s largest mass of manta ray and or simply stake out your own slice of heaven on a private island for a blissful day of sand-dune dining. It appears fantasy island perfection does exist after all.

Cheerfully painted houses that cling to cliffs, and a maze of cobbled alleyways adorned with murals that emote love, life and optimism dazzle in the Valley of Paradise, Valparaiso. Spread over 42 steep hills connected by funicular, the World Monuments Fund crowned this curious system of lifts one of the world’s 100 most-endangered historical treasures. Artists, writers and musicians have long made the city their home. Now, a UNESCO-protected city of urban creativity where avant-garde culture, and a growing art and music scene keep the city future-focused. Progressive and positively picturesque, you will enjoy explorations before or after your journey to sensational Santiago, where you can visit the vineyards of Maipo Valley and Vina del Mar or trek to remote Easter Island, the primordial Galapagos Islands, or mythical Machu Picchu.

Cheerfully painted houses that cling to cliffs, and a maze of cobbled alleyways adorned with murals that emote love, life and optimism dazzle in the Valley of Paradise, Valparaiso. Spread over 42 steep hills connected by funicular, the World Monuments Fund crowned this curious system of lifts one of the world’s 100 most-endangered historical treasures. Artists, writers and musicians have long made the city their home. Now, a UNESCO-protected city of urban creativity where avant-garde culture, and a growing art and music scene keep the city future-focused. Progressive and positively picturesque, you will enjoy explorations before or after your journey to sensational Santiago, where you can visit the vineyards of Maipo Valley and Vina del Mar or trek to remote Easter Island, the primordial Galapagos Islands, or mythical Machu Picchu.

Sunbathers and surfers seek Coquimbo’s sunny climate and snow-white beaches but its endlessly clear skies makes this one of Chile’s top 10 places to view the Milky Way and solar phenomenon, notably, the Cerro Tololo Observatory is the 6th largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The region’s history also is most intriguing. Erosion from sea level changes revealed numerous dinosaurs and 4,000-year-old petroglyphs. It also created the fertile Elqui Valley which today produces world-class wines and brandy, the secret ingredient in Chile’s infamous pisco sour. Let your spirit fly at a mixology class then toast the heavenly skies.

Known for the grape brandy that bears its name, Pisco sits on the western coast of Peru’s lowlands. Its position at water’s edge and proximity to the Andes, made a strategic home for the ancient Paracas people. Aptly named ‘bird’, in their Quechua language, for the amazing array of bird species still seen on the rocky outcroppings nearby. Well-preserved is the area’s natural history including ancient vineyards in operation since 1684 and elegant tasting rooms for some of Chile’s best-known wine varietals. Pisco also is where many adventurers take the opportunity of a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines pictographs etched in the desert some 2,000 years ago. History’s treasures preserved in nature.

Named in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro to commemorate its founding on the Catholic holiday of Three Kings Day, Lima is majestically sophisticated on a gorgeous oceanfront. A mix of cultures, climates, and architecture, Lima seamlessly blends its 500 years of history – pre-Columbian, colonial, Spanish, and Asian – into a contemporary recipe that consistently earns it the title of “world’s capital of cuisine”. Savour its soul in lime-marinated ceviche, lomo saltado, and potent pisco sours. Stroll flower-line boulevards in the colonial quarter, which was declared a “Cultural Heritage of Humankind”. Picture yourself in the Barranco amongst the artistic and bohemian. Listen to the stomping boots of the Changing of the Guards at Government Palace. Venture further afield into the magnificent wetlands for a moment of mindfulness. Saddle a high-stepping Caballo de Paso, a horse breed unique to Peru. Or answer the call of the wild in nearby Torres del Paine National Park to trek through forests, fjords and glaciers.

Named in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro to commemorate its founding on the Catholic holiday of Three Kings Day, Lima is majestically sophisticated on a gorgeous oceanfront. A mix of cultures, climates, and architecture, Lima seamlessly blends its 500 years of history – pre-Columbian, colonial, Spanish, and Asian – into a contemporary recipe that consistently earns it the title of “world’s capital of cuisine”. Savour its soul in lime-marinated ceviche, lomo saltado, and potent pisco sours. Stroll flower-line boulevards in the colonial quarter, which was declared a “Cultural Heritage of Humankind”. Picture yourself in the Barranco amongst the artistic and bohemian. Listen to the stomping boots of the Changing of the Guards at Government Palace. Venture further afield into the magnificent wetlands for a moment of mindfulness. Saddle a high-stepping Caballo de Paso, a horse breed unique to Peru. Or answer the call of the wild in nearby Torres del Paine National Park to trek through forests, fjords and glaciers.

Named in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro to commemorate its founding on the Catholic holiday of Three Kings Day, Lima is majestically sophisticated on a gorgeous oceanfront. A mix of cultures, climates, and architecture, Lima seamlessly blends its 500 years of history – pre-Columbian, colonial, Spanish, and Asian – into a contemporary recipe that consistently earns it the title of “world’s capital of cuisine”. Savour its soul in lime-marinated ceviche, lomo saltado, and potent pisco sours. Stroll flower-line boulevards in the colonial quarter, which was declared a “Cultural Heritage of Humankind”. Picture yourself in the Barranco amongst the artistic and bohemian. Listen to the stomping boots of the Changing of the Guards at Government Palace. Venture further afield into the magnificent wetlands for a moment of mindfulness. Saddle a high-stepping Caballo de Paso, a horse breed unique to Peru. Or answer the call of the wild in nearby Torres del Paine National Park to trek through forests, fjords and glaciers.

Framed by two oceans connected by the singular Panama Canal (the 7th Wonder of the Modern World) this vibrant and dynamic urban centre is truly a city on the world’s stage of commerce and ecology. Sleek skyscrapers are surrounded by pristine nature. Soberanía National Park protects a bounty of flora and fauna minutes from downtown. Casco Antiguo, the cobblestoned colonial centre, is a lovely labyrinth of churches, palaces, and plazas lined with cafes and the best champagne rooftop bars in the city. A UNESCO creative hub for gastronomy, it is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene led by world-class chefs. An incredible cultural crossroads sure to connect you to the uncommon.

Framed by two oceans connected by the singular Panama Canal (the 7th Wonder of the Modern World) this vibrant and dynamic urban centre is truly a city on the world’s stage of commerce and ecology. Sleek skyscrapers are surrounded by pristine nature. Soberanía National Park protects a bounty of flora and fauna minutes from downtown. Casco Antiguo, the cobblestoned colonial centre, is a lovely labyrinth of churches, palaces, and plazas lined with cafes and the best champagne rooftop bars in the city. A UNESCO creative hub for gastronomy, it is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene led by world-class chefs. An incredible cultural crossroads sure to connect you to the uncommon.

Sparkle in this jewel of the Caribbean; the cultured and very colourful Cartagena. Saunter or ride by Segway through a maze of cobbled streets for historic architecture, bougainvillea-dripping plazas, old churches and chic eateries where you’ll discover a blend of Caribbean cool and Colombian sophistication. Learn new cooking techniques with a personal chef, birdwatch at the National Aviary, visit botanical gardens, take a cycle tour or head to Turbaco. Roam offshore to Islas Del Rosario for magnificent beaches and snorkelling through colourful coral reefs. And as the sun sets over the ancient city walls, prepare for an intoxicating nightlife scene – in no time you’ll be sipping moreish mojitos, nodding to reggaeton and – once really in the spirit – gyrating to the salsa.

Embrace a slice of Europe immersed in Caribbean heat. Wander through Scharlooweg’s pastel colonial architecture, delightful museums and a thriving art scene. Roam glorious beaches with hidden caves, snorkel with turtles and dive through spectacular reefs. Learn how to cook Creole cuisine, walk the town’s sun-kissed waterways, explore the prickly Hato Plains and then re-hydrate in ripe aloe plantations. As the heat of the day subsides, drop into trendy eclectic lounges, where friendly locals welcome and the legendary blue curacao cocktail awaits.

Walk into a techo-colour dream of sorbet-hued buildings in Oranjestad, where a Papiamento Indian past mingles with the trendy Dutch present. Slide into a submarine and descend along coral-crusted walls to see the magnificence of the ocean depths. Marvel at a landscape rugged and wild with wind-bent Divi Divi trees, kilometres of powder-white beaches and sandy deserts where cacti thrive under a luminescent sun. And don’t miss the Natural Bridge, formed by waves crashing on coral rock. Aruba is an island blessed.

Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach – backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana – the heartbeat of this great city – where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.

Wander into the reality of a serene Bahamian dream. Alluring, exclusive and eco-friendly, an escape to this island marine reserve is possibly the world’s most coveted invite. Slowly snorkel, gently paddle board or glide over aquamarine waters by boat. Wonder at marine life and nature in its natural habitat, visit the marina, lighthouse, lagoon and pastel-hued buildings. Recline for a beachside massage, settle into a lazy lunch, sip endless rum cocktails and sink into powdery white sands cooled by the soothing sways of palm leaves. If paradise was packaged, this island might be the finest gift.

Wake up to be part of a city that never sleeps. Fly by helicopter over the Manhattan Skyline for flawless images of the Statue of Liberty, neon-lit Times Square, sprawling Central Park, the skyscraping Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Picasso, Pollock and others at the Museum of Modern Art. Then create your own kitsch masterpiece from a blank canvas at a painting party in Havana’s emporium. Pay your respects and honour gallant heroes at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum mission. Listen to backstage stories in the Broadway theatre district, shop in the East Village, eat streetside hotdogs, sip cocktails in elegant bars, take in a show. And as evening falls, take a walk with your loved one over Brooklyn Bridge. Big, bold and brash – there’s a lot to bite off in the Big Apple.

Wake up to be part of a city that never sleeps. Fly by helicopter over the Manhattan Skyline for flawless images of the Statue of Liberty, neon-lit Times Square, sprawling Central Park, the skyscraping Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Picasso, Pollock and others at the Museum of Modern Art. Then create your own kitsch masterpiece from a blank canvas at a painting party in Havana’s emporium. Pay your respects and honour gallant heroes at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum mission. Listen to backstage stories in the Broadway theatre district, shop in the East Village, eat streetside hotdogs, sip cocktails in elegant bars, take in a show. And as evening falls, take a walk with your loved one over Brooklyn Bridge. Big, bold and brash – there’s a lot to bite off in the Big Apple.

Picture a charming little island awash in peaceful pastels, and Bermuda – with its heavenly pink-sand beaches and endless turquoise ocean – can’t be far off. Explore the beautiful shallow reefs that have played a key role in Atlantic maritime history, the shipwrecks here casting Bermuda and its 300 coral atolls as one of the world’s best diving destinations; or seek Bermuda’s superlative ocean-fronted fairways, surrounded by sun-bathed swaying palms and rich birdsong. Wander back through time amid the winding streets, colourful houses and pillar-box red phonebooths in whimsically British St George’s and Hamilton, and then leap back into the here-and-now art galleries, restaurants and boutiques tapping into the island’s breezy, blue-chip scene.

The gothic facade of Igreja de São Sebastião and the gilded carvings of Igreja de São José are a man-made prelude to the natural wonders of São Miguel, Mother Nature’s incubator. Venture into the village of Furnas and its volcanic caldera, flecked with steaming geysers and mineral-rich springs shrouded in Azorean cloud forest and misty waterfalls. Then delve into the sublime world of Sete Cidades, an epic landscape of crater lakes and pine-covered slopes, where the lost city of Atlantis lies submerged.

The gothic facade of Igreja de São Sebastião and the gilded carvings of Igreja de São José are a man-made prelude to the natural wonders of São Miguel, Mother Nature’s incubator. Venture into the village of Furnas and its volcanic caldera, flecked with steaming geysers and mineral-rich springs shrouded in Azorean cloud forest and misty waterfalls. Then delve into the sublime world of Sete Cidades, an epic landscape of crater lakes and pine-covered slopes, where the lost city of Atlantis lies submerged.

Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city’s strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which – like fado – you’ll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.

Enjoy the rich buzz of Lisbon. Dip into the city’s strong architectural, cultural and historical connections. Wander charming-cobbled streets, colourful buildings, the river Sado and endless nature. Pilgrimage to Fatima, tour hilly villages, learn Portuguese cooking techniques and listen to the Lisbon blues. Slip to charming Cascais for quieter energy and golden beaches. And as you bathe in the captivating light, enjoy plates of petiscos which – like fado – you’ll soon discover is vibrant, warm and most appealing.

Go back in time – where cobbled streets clatter with horse drawn carriages, culture and history seeps through this Spanish city’s soul. Enjoy locally produced tapas and admire the form of iconic Andalusian horses. Drift into tasting tours at sherry wineries in Jerez, then step out to twirl the flamenco. Explore Seville’s architectural marvels; baroque churches, palaces, gothic cathedrals, aristocratic mansions and medieval buildings. With no less than three Unesco World Heritage sites to visit, you’ll feel truly inspired by what Cadiz has to offer.

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.