Daily Departures

  This complete Zanzibar Island Vacation combines comprehensive touring of fascinating Stone Town with the unmatched splendor of an east coast beach.

Zanzibar was a closed society for a very long time, and it's relatively recently that the island began welcoming tourists. Today, the island's incomparable east coast has blossomed with some of the most outstanding resorts and spas on earth, matching the beauty and naturalness of the incredibly pristine white sand beaches on which they're located. During the European vacation season (June - August), one or more charter aircraft arrive daily with tourists headed exclusively to the beach.

But Stone Town should not be missed. This is the most historic of all East African cities, for it was from here that the Sultans of Zanzibar controlled most of the east coast of the continent for centuries. The town itself still has structures built in the 13th and 14th centuries. The friendly and automobile-free center of the city is a maize of fascinating stone streets with many small shops, homes and businesses. Today Zanzibar is attracting young artists from around the world, and it's not only its famous city market that has treasures -- both antiquities and modern -- for sale.

The prices include:** Meals as detailed in brackets following each day's description below; ** Private transfers and sightseeing with a private guide; ** All VAT and other government taxes; ** Comprehensive pre-trip material with discount coupons for travel gear and equipment. Additional expenses not included: - Meals not included; - All beverages; - Optional beach activities like diving; - Requisite visas and other travel preparations like inoculations; - Tipping.

Contact EWT for the best international air fares and for recommendations on how to use your frequent flyer miles.

On arrival you'll be personally met and privately transferred from the Zanzibar airport across the island to the fabulous eastern beaches. Dinner and overnight at the Breezes Beach Resort.  [ - -d]

The east coast beaches of Zanzibar rival the best beaches on earth, endless white sand with only a few lovely resorts on a 20-mile stretch. The coral reef extends the entire length of the island and is huge, about a half-mile wide. When the tide is out, you can explore a multitude of tide pools with all their deep sea wonders. When the tide is in, the surfing is outstanding. The resort offers a wide range of sporting activities, including registered PADI diving. Meals and overnight at the Breezes Beach Resort.  [b- -d]

The Indian Ocean is warm water year-round, and perfect for swimming. The strong monsoon winds allow for excellent sailing, deep sea fishing and paragliding as well. But many who frequent these luxury resorts... do nothing! Meals and overnight at the Breezes Beach Resort.  [b- -d]

After breakfast at the beach you'll be collected and taken to Stone Town's finest hotel, the Zanzibar Serena Inn. In the afternoon you'll be taken on a tour of the fascinating little spice farms that are the principal source of Zanzibar's economy. You'll learn how many different spices are grown and harvested, including cinnamon, maize, coriander, nutmeg and most importantly, cloves. Zanzibar is second only to Indonesia in the production of cloves and it remains a capital offense to smuggle them. Return to the city for an independent evening. The narrow stone streets and lantern lighted promenades along the beach are very much like the were a millennium ago when Zanzibar was ruled by the Omani sultans. Enjoy fabulous dining at any of a number of restaurants while the monsoon breezes waft along the beach and the Muslim prayers are sung from the nearest mosque.  [b- - ]

This morning you'll be taken on a privately guided tour of Stone Town. There is no place more historic in all of East Africa than Stone Town. Built more than 1000 years ago by Arab sultans exploiting the ivory and slave trade of the interior, Zanzibar was the seat of the sultan who controlled the Arab society and commerce of all of East Africa. Chinese pottery from the 1300s is still found here; Damask silk from the 1600s; ancient weapons and gun powder from the 1800s. America's first ambassador to Africa was sent by President Lincoln to Zanzibar in 1864, and it was here that Livingstone effectively ended the slave trade. On today's tour you'll see many of these historical wonders, including the Great Palace of the old Sultan, Livingstone's house, the old slave market and the current bustling and colorful market that draws consumers from all over East Africa. The afternoon is free. Overnight at the Zanzibar Serena Inn.  [b- - ]

After breakfast you'll be privately transferred to the airport for your departure.  [ - -d]

END OF EWT SERVICES