Sultry South East & Australia

Enjoy Australasia’s most coveted destinations. Beginning with an overnight in Singapore, travel via two sea days to the temples and beaches of Bali. A day in Komodo – to see those eponymous dragons is next, followed by two days at sea. Australia’s Darwin will hove into view next before another two days of Silver Muse’s fabled onboard luxury. Your last port, Thursday Island – TI to locals or Kawrareg in Waiben dialect – is the ultimate Aussie retreat.

Your fly, tour and cruise package includes:

• $1000 flight credit per person
• 3 night Singapore Explorer guided holiday by Trafalgar
• Includes arrival transfer from Singapore airport to hotel
• Breakfast daily, all transport and must see sightseeing
• 14 night Singapore to Cairns cruise onboard Silver Muse
• Includes gourmet restaurant dining, beverages in-suite and throughout the ship
• Butler service, unlimited free wifi plus more
• Onboard entertainment and complimentary transport into town
• Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise
• 3 nights accommodation in Cairns
• Private transfer from hotel to Cairns airport

***Rate is based on twin share for travel 5 to 25 November 2023***

Singapore Explorer

Day 1: Welcome to Singapore
Embark on an exotic sojourn to the stylish island nation of Singapore - a multi-cultural business hub and ever-expanding green city. On arrival at Singapore Changi Airport you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay (3 nights)

Day 2: See the Sights of Singapore
Launch your city tour at the Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore in 1819 in search of a new trading port for the British East India Company. Stroll through the heart of Singapore, admiring the landmarks that reveal the city’s colonial heritage, including the former Parliament House, the Victoria Theatre, originally built as the Town Hall in 1862, and the Old Supreme Court Building. Dive Into Culture next with visits to Chinatown and Little India, delving into their rich traditions and savouring the exotic smells, sights and sound that emanate from its bustling streets and shopfronts. Your final stop today will be to the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens where you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through the National Orchid Garden featuring a sprawling display of 60,000 orchids. This evening perhaps consider joining our Optional Night Safari.

Day 3: Explore Singapore
There are few things more important to the local Singaporeans than food and you’ll discover this as you Dive Into Culture and spend the morning sampling the city’s culinary delights that reflect its multi-cultural influences, including Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. Rub shoulders with the locals at Geylang Serai market, which lies at the heart of the Malay community. Here you can indulge in all-time Singaporean favourites like Roti Prata and Thosai taken with a frothy glass of Teh Tarik. Continue to the Joo Chiat and Katong enclave where you will visit a Peranakan-style shophouse showcasing a display of local delicacies as well as artefacts, nyonya attire, bags and beaded slippers. The shop is run by family members who are committed to preserving the Peranakan heritage through their culinary and handicraft skills. Food sampling of Peranakan delicacies with Chinese tea will be provided. This evening consider joining our ‘Night Out at Marina Bay’ Optional Experience to enjoy the Rhapsody of Lights Show at Gardens by the Bay and views of Singapore from the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck.

Day 4: On to Your Next Excursion
Your guided holiday has come to and end, time to join your cruise onboard Silver Muse.

Singapore to Cairns Cruise

Day 1 & 2: Singapore
Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens' skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean - and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city's neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up - nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs - and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay - a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples - like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore's cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city's eponymous gin-soaked cocktail - a Singapore Sling.
Included excursions: Arts & Feng Shui of the Orient > Gardens By The Bay & Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands > The Way We Live in Singapore > Singapore On Your Own Exploration
Optional excursions: Lakeside Gardens & Urban Farming > Singapore Local Experience > Private Peranakan Lifestyle Tour > Silver Shore Privato: Private Car & Guide (Half or Full Day)

Day 3 & 4: Indulge At Sea
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Day 5 & 6: Benoa, Bali
Island of the Gods, Land of a thousand temples or the World’s last paradise. As superlative as these monikers may sound, they do not do justice to the actual reality of the island. Verdant mountains with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another and captivating people that will leave even the most seasoned traveller humbled. If you’re looking for a Garden of Eden that really does have it everything, Bali ticks all the boxes. The rich and diverse culture of the island is what sets Bali apart from Indonesia’s (many) other tropical paradises. The country’s estimated 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, with their daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit are testament to the gentleness of the islander’s belief. Then there is the vibrant arts and crafts scene, notably in Ubud in the centre of the island, but prolific everywhere. Ideal souvenirs to bring back range from gorgeous silver jewellery to intricate wood carvings. Additionally, do try to see a traditional dance if possible, particularly if accompanied to local gamelan music. No one could mention Bali without mentioning the food. Dishes range from elaborate meals to street food bites, but all are without exception ambrosia. Do not miss out on tasting a succulent chicken satay, betutu (apparently the King’s favourite meal) and sambal matah. But whatever you decide to discover, you can be assured of a taste sensation that will remain with you long after you have returned home.
Included excursions: Ubud On Your Own Exploration > Bali Terraces & Mountain Scenes > Balinese Arts & Crafts > Life on the Edge of Ubud > Panoramic Bali with Luwak Coffee Tasting
Optional excursions: Balinese Style Wellness Journey > Magical Temples & Orchid Gardens > The Essence of Balinese Cuisine > Bali Quad Bike Discovery > An Evening at the Royal Palace > In the Spirit of Bali > Beach Resort Escape > Village Life & Traditional Farming > Silver Shore Privato: Private Car & Guide (Half or Full Day)

Day 7: Komodo Island
Komodo, the volcanic island of giant lizards, lies 515 kilometres east of Bali. Komodo is 40 kilometres long and 19 kilometres wide; its parched hills ascend to a height of 2,410 feet. Komodo is home to a community of some 2000 people who make their living primarily from fishing. The island is the centrepiece of the Komodo National Park, where you will find the most tangible legacy left behind from the Jurassic Era. Komodo Island was little-known and the Komodo dragons were only a myth until the giant lizards were scientifically described in 1912 . Extinct almost everywhere else, the island attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Komodo dragon’s great bulk and weight are its most unique characteristics; even hatchlings average 51 centimetres in length. The adult male can reach 3 metres and weigh up to 150 kilos. Females attain only two-thirds of this size, and lay up to 30 eggs at a time. With their saw-like teeth, these fierce creatures are able to rip apart a deer, goat or wild pig. The animals have an uncanny sense of smell, and are considered among the world's most intelligent reptiles. They are quite agile over short distances, and can move swiftly to capture their prey. The Indonesian Directorate of Nature Conservation (PPA) administers Komodo National Park. Park Rangers must escort all visitors; independent exploration of the park is not permitted.
Included excursion: Komodo - Dragon's Lair

Day 8 & 9: Indulge At Sea

Day 10: Darwin
"Australia's capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honour of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavours, colourful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia's gateway to the Top End. Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue. The sunshine and famous tropical pink sunsets mean many visitors naturally gravitate to the city's soft sands to relax at spots like pretty Mindil Beach, as evening approaches. The adjoining market is filled with souvenirs and crafts stands and is the perfect great place to enjoy some fiery Asian flavours. Stroll the stalls, grab some food, and crack open an ice-frosted beer as the sunset show begins. It may be remote, but Darwin found itself on the front line during the Pacific War, as the Japanese air force unloaded their bombs onto the city in 1942. This relaxed unassuming city has a deeply resilient backbone, however, and you can explore the museums to learn more of the war's impact on Darwin, as well as the devastating effects of one of Australia's worst natural disasters, Cyclone Tracy in 1973."
Included excursions: Jumping Crocodile Cruise > Darwin in WWII > Darwin Heritage Walk > Territory Wildlife Park > Darwin Explorer
Optional excursions: Indigenous Litchfield > Kakadu National Park in a Day > Silver Shore Privato: Private Car & Guide (Half or Full Day)

Day 11 & 12: Indulge At Sea

Day 13: Thursday Island
TI to locals or Kawrareg in Waiben dialect – is the ultimate Aussie retreat. Grab a cold beer, find a spot on a wooden pub deck overlooking turquoise blue seas and contemplate the remote beauty of the island. Whilst certainly not the biggest of the Torres Strait Islands, it is the most populated. That is not to say it’s a bustling metropolis. At last count, there were fewer than 3,000 residents for its 3.5 km2. The Torres Strait Islands is a 274-strong archipelago found scattered between the coasts of mainland Oz and Papua New Guinea. The origin of the name is unknown; what is certain however is that Captain Owen Stanley named neighbouring islands Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday when he visited in 1848, so it is a safe assumption that he named Thursday too. Thursday and Friday’s names were swapped about 8 years later so they appeared in weekday order. Budding explorers should note that Monday, Saturday and Sunday have yet to be found, so perhaps this could be your lucky day. The island enjoyed a lucrative pearl and shell trade until WWII, and many Japanese pearl divers became residents. This worked out well for the islanders; Thursday Island was mercifully left alone by during the extensive WWII bombings, probably because it was thought that there were Japanese nationals still living there (there weren’t). Superb and pristine example of the island’s heritage still stand, and can be seen in the Green Hill Fort, the Thursday Island Customs House and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Included excursions: Green Hill Fort Discovery
Optional excursions: Heroes of Horn Island > Tip of Australia Scenic Flight

Day 14: Indulge At Sea

Day 15: Cairns
Warmly welcoming you to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a treasure trove of rich tropical beauty and incredible sea life. Swathes of rainforest spread out to the north, where you can soar over the canopy in a cable car, before looking down over narrow channels of water plummeting down gorges and crocodile-filled waterways. The diverse lands of the Atherton Tableland lie to the west, but it's the crystal-clear waters - and life-filled reefs - of Cairns' remarkable underwater world that draws universal adulation. Priding itself as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, explore Cairns' constellation of colour, as you dive into the world's largest and most spectacular underwater universe. Cairns is huddled in amongst abundant swathes of rainforests, which give way to glorious crescents of golden beach. Kuranda - with its scenic railway and heritage market stalls - waits to be discovered, cloaked within the depths of the rainforest. Learn of the indigenous people of North Queensland during cultural performances, and hear the throaty reverberations of digeridoos, as you hear eternal stories handed down through time, from generation to generation. Back in Cairns, there's always time for a coffee or a beer, or a feast on fresh oysters with glasses of Cairns' white wines – boldly flavoured with mango and banana notes.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest Inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22 June 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.