Cruises depart from and return to Cairns.

Monday
Towering rainforest, giant ferns and native orchids await you on Fitzroy Island, our first destination. Stroll through an afternoon of wonder on our escorted walk along the shady paths of this canopied wilderness.

Tuesday
Frontier history and desert isles combine in a day of contrasts. Remote Cooktown is our starter. Here in 17 70 Australia's discoverer, Captain James Cook, sought refuge by the river for seven weeks, repairing his reef-ravaged barque Endeavour. A century later thousands came in search of gold and built a port town of 30,000 people. Today's visitors find a quieter place with a rich history to explore. In the afternoon we sail for Two Isles. This tiny cay ringed by white coral-sand beaches is a sanctuary for rare bird species and occasional sea turtles, and perfect for snorkelling over beachside corals.

Wednesday
Following Cook's journey north, we stop at Lizard Island. Surrounded by exceptional fringing reefs, Lizard is a jewel among Great Barrier Reef resort islands. Your only dilemma will be deciding what to do. Meander across fringes of white sand, don snorkelling gear to explore the giant clam gardens off Mrs Watson's Bay, step into a glass-bottomed boat and dawdle over acres of coral or hit the trail up Cooks Look like a true explorer.

Thursday
A sea of wonders is the only way to describe the marvels of Ribbon Reef No 5. Imagine hovering in bright clear water over staghorn, fan, sea whip, brain and boulder corals as giant potato cod, rays, reef sharks and coral trout swim below. Aboard our glass-bottomed boat, the Reef Endeavour's marine naturalist illuminates the extraordinary habitat unfolding before your eyes.

On Friday morning we reach Cairns once more.