Start your day with a boat ride to Prison Island, just 30 minutes from Stone Town. Known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, brought from the Seychelles in 1919, the island is a great spot for snorkeling and soaking up the sun. It also served as a quarantine station during colonial times, and although a prison was built there in the 1890s, it was never used.

Afterwards, return to Stone Town for a guided exploration of this UNESCO-listed cultural gem. Visit the lively Old Market, divided into areas for spices, fresh produce, meat, and fish. Highlights of the tour include the House of Wonders, Tippu Tip’s House, the Old Fort, and Africa House. As you wander the narrow lanes, admire the ornate wooden doors and carved balconies that reflect the town's unique Swahili-Arab influence. Optional visits include the Palace Museum, the Old Dispensary, and the Former Slave Market.