Abu Dhabi and a Seychelles Cruise

Fly overnight from London or Manchester to Abu Dhabi on the shores of the Arabian Gulf.

Arrive in Abu Dhabi, the strikingly modern capital of the United Arab Emirates and transfer to your base for the next three nights, the luxurious, five-star Sheraton hotel. Rest and relax after your journey, get to know your sumptuous surroundings, take a dip in the hotel’s private lagoon or out to explore. This evening, dine at your leisure at one of the many restaurants in the hotel and the city.

Spend two days making the most of Abu Dhabi - one of the Middle East’s foremost cultural capitals. The city offers an almost inexhaustible choice of possibilities. Visit the monumental, majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or step into a vast land of luxury at the Emirates Palace hotel, ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Yas Island’s Ferrari World, discover Bedouin traditions at Breakwater Island’s reconstructed Heritage Village or head into the surrounding desert’s vast emptiness. You can even take an excursion to Dubai to explore its souks, malls and extraordinary skyline.

This morning we'll head to the airport to catch our flight into the Seychelle's main island, Mahe. From here we'll transfer to tiny capital Victoria, beautifully set against a backdrop of forested hills. Early this afternoon, board Pegasus, your welcoming, home-from-home for your island-hopping cruise. Settle into your cabin, meet your fellow passengers and, after a safety briefing from the Captain and crew, slip away from the Inter Island Quay for the short crossing to St Anne Island.

Later, with the ship at anchor, enjoy a welcome cocktail and your first dinner aboard - perhaps choosing to dine al fresco.

Awaken as Pegasus motors away from St Anne and heads across blue waters to the tiny 'Ile Rouge' (red isle) of Curieuse, uninhabited save for some 250 Giant Tortoises and extensive birdlife. In the company of the ship's on-board naturalist, enjoy a guided walk along nature trails leading through the island's mangrove forest. Return to the beach, to enjoy a barbecue prepared by the ship's chefs, before spending a lazy afternoon dipping in and out of the sea or relaxing on the idyllic, white sand. Return to Pegasus for another balmy evening spent at anchor, perhaps enjoying dinner and a nightcap on board.

This morning we'll arrive at Cousin Island, where an included excursion introduces the protected Birdlife International reserve. Established in 1968, it is now a refuge for several endangered species and a breeding ground for Hawksbill turtles, which may be encountered on several of the island's nesting beaches.

Back aboard Pegasus, enjoy lunch before crowning the day with an afternoon at Praslin Island's stunning Anse Lazio beach, a picture-perfect crescent of white sand fringed by clear blue waters. Spend time swimming, snorkelling or even diving (by arrangement at your own expense) in this holiday paradise, before enjoying another evening at anchor under the stars.

Today Pegasus heads to the island reserve of Aride, where important bird species are under the protection of the Island Conservation Society. The visit offers a glimpse of the Seychelles before the arrival of humans 250 years ago.

After a fascinating morning, re-board the ship to enjoy a relaxed lunch and head towards St Pierre Island for another opportunity to swim and snorkel in pristine waters, before a sunset cruise brings you back to Praslin Island and the dock at tiny Baie St Anne. Join in the fun of a Creole-themed evening and perhaps step ashore for a stroll, as Pegasus is tied up overnight.

Enjoy a lazy morning in Baie St Anne, or join the unforgettable optional excursion (bookable during your cruise) to UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai nature reserve - for some, the original Garden of Eden. This is a paradise for bird-lovers, who might spot Blue Pigeon or Black Parrot amongst the lush forest - which is one of only two places where the famed Coco de Mer palm grows naturally. The excursion will also include the chance to swim at Cote d'Or beach, another world-class strand of fine, white sand.

This afternoon, Pegasus slips away to another uninhabited idyll - either Felicite or Grand Soeur - for an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling or diving (payable locally), before arriving this evening off paradise isle La Digue, where you'll anchor overnight.

An optional excursion introduces the quaint island of La Digue, with its ox carts, tiny villages, nature reserve, historic coconut and vanilla plantation at L'Union Estate, and the much-photographed granite outcrops of world-famous l'Anse Source d'Argent beach. After a chance to wander the shops of the main island village, La Passe, re-board the ship for a late afternoon's cruise to Moyenne Island, opposite Mahe, and a last night at anchor.

An included tour introduces Moyenne, a national park once owned in its entirety by a Yorkshireman, who introduced the island's Giant Tortoises. Enjoy a last beach barbecue and a chance to swim or snorkel before making the short hop back to Port Victoria. Here you'll enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner, complete with live music and dancing on deck - a fitting way to end an unforgettable paradise island cruise.

Bid Pegasus farewell, transfer to the airport and catch your return flight to the UK, via Abu Dhabi, at the end of a wonderful holiday.

Arrive back in the UK.