Jake - young, gay and party-loving - lets the offer of a free trip accompanying an unknown older woman to Italy lure him away from the London scene. At first Jake and Eva do not hit it off. But as the holiday continues a spiky friendship starts to grow between the couple.

Zanzibar today, and as it was 40 years ago: seen through the eyes of two women who meet there. Francesca has come hoping for new experience after the break-up of an affair, Carla to revive memories of a long-past, never-spoken of love. Both find what they're seeking, and become friends.