Upon your arrival, you check into your hotel – the Zanzibar Serena Inn – overlooking the sea in the historic Stone Town. The hotel is an expertly converted multi-story former Chinese doctor’s residence and telecommunications office. It has been described as being a premier hotel worthy of a rich sultan – and fittingly enough, it is the property of the Aga Khan. A low tiled fountain is in the center the gracious lobby, glowing under a chandelier and brass and glass lighting fixtures. Charm abounds in the old Zanzibari chests, sitting area, and flooring of large terra-cotta tiles crisscrossed with small white, blue and green tiles.

The day-by-day description of our journeys is quite detailed because we want you to see exactly what you will be experiencing each day. Your à la carte dinner this evening is served in this delightful inn with romantic views of the harbor. (D)

After a breakfast including a terrific selection of freshly baked pastries, you begin your tour of the city. You walk through the marketplace, with its exotic sights and smells, and visit the Zanzibar Museum with exhibits of the history of the island, and the Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the old slave market.

In the afternoon, you tour the ancient Jozani Forest to catch a glimpse of the rare red colobus monkey. Dinner this evening is at the hotel in the charming dining room, with stained glass shading the room with colored light. The à la carte menu features locally caught seafood and fresh vegetables. (B,L,D)

This morning, you drive outside town through lush scenery on a "spice tour" which includes visits to spice and fruit plantations; you see how jack fruit, papaya, cinnamon, cardamom and the island’s famous cloves are grown. Afterward, driving to the northern part of the island, fish purchased in the village of Mkokotoni is grilled for lunch at the beach near Nungwe.

You have dinner with your companions at the hotel overlooking the dhows sailing by the dining room window. (B,L,D)

You have time this morning to shop for souvenirs in Stone Town or relax at the hotel beside the fish fountains and the oceanview pool. Later, you are escorted to the airport for your flight. (B)