WORLD CRUISE SEGMENT - Amazing Asia. Astonishing Asia ......This tour requires a moderate amount of...

SilverseaCruises|SilverWhisper|Voyage4006

WORLDCRUISESEGMENT-AmazingAsia.AstonishingAsia.UnbelievableAsia.Theadjectivessayitall.Forthisiswheremankindtrulybegan.It’swherethemodernandancientworldsvieforfirstplace,whereadventuresbeginandwherespiritualityis

infusedineverydaylife.Baskonunclaimedislands,getlostinthesublimelandscapeandshineinthejewelofIndia’scrown.Aclassapart,thisisacontinentthatissuperlativeineverysense.

PHUKETThailand

Thursday09Apr

6ExcursionsinPHUKET

ThephilosophybehindThaicuisineisthatitisthemedicineforhealthandlongevity.Thaidishesaredesignedtobalanceallofthebodyelementsandfeedthemonalllevelswithsatisfyingtastesandaromasthatarevisuallyappealing,withcolorfultextures.HerbsandspicesarethemainingredientsinThaicuisine.ThisclassisrecommendedasagreatintroductiontotheartandsciencetoenhanceaneasyunderstandingtoThaiCuisine.

BlueElephantRestaurant

DepartfromshipviavanforanapproximatelyhalfhourscenicjourneytotheBlueElephantRestaurantinPhuketTown.Awelcomedrinkisservedtorefreshyoubeforegoingtothefreshmarket.Afteravisittothefreshmarket,youwillbebacktotheBlueElephantforaThaiCookingClasswhichwillbeconsistof4differentdishes,theyareastarter,asoup,amaindishandanaccompanydish.Allofyourcookingdisheswillbeservedasyourlunch.Afterlunch,youwillbebacktakenbacktotheship.

Thistourrequiresamoderateamountofwalkingapproximately15stepsupanddowntothesecondflooroftheFreshMarket.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityorthosewhoutiliseawheelchair.Lightweight,comfortableclothing,flat,closed-toewalkingshoesandsunprotectionarerecommended.Guestsundertheageof15arenotpermittedtoparticipateinthistour.Localcurrencyorcreditcardrequiredforanypurchases.

code:HKT-E

1-CookThaiStyleatBlueElephant

DepartfromshiptofreshmarketinPhuketTown.Freshmarketispackedwithingredientsofallkinds,pre-madefoods,andrestaurantstalls.Youwillfindfruitsoftheseasoninabundance,widevarietyofpopularsouthernThaiingredients.

Next,drivetoVanichFarm,asprawlingareaoflandnearPhuketTown,createdtoshowcasetraditionalThaifarmingpractices,includingtheplantingprocessandgrowingstagesofsweetcornfarming.Itisdesignedtobeaculturallearningcentreforallthingsagricultural.Amongtheoutdoorlearningexperiencesavailablearetheopportunitiestoharvestyourownvegetables,givingyouarealsenseofthejourneyfromlandtotable.YouwilllearnthebenefitsofThaiherbswhichareingredientsofThaidishes,hand-pickthevegetablesandherbs.FollowingtheCookingClassandlunch(Menu:Greencurrywithchicken,Stirfriedchickenwithbasilleaves,PadThaifriednoodleThaistyle),youwillbebacktotheship.

Majorpointsofinterestseenonthisexcursionmayinclude:

·SeelocallifeandlearningredientofThaifoodatfreshmarket

·Cookingclassattheorganicfarm

code:HKT-P

2-OrganicFarm&CookingClassExperience

Explorethesplendidnaturalbeauty,landmarksandhistoryofPhuketduringahalf-daysightseeingtourofthiscolorfulisland.

ChalongTemple

Departthepierforapproximately30-minutedrive.VisitChalongTemple,Phuket'slargestandmostsacredBuddhisttemple.Inside,seeitsrenownedshrine,whichhaslongbeenreveredforitsmouldedbronzeimagesofthreerespectedmonks.

Next,yourdrivecontinuestothewestcoast,PassbytheKaronBeachandPatongBeach.AbriefvisitismadeforPhotoofPatongBeach.

Afterwards,arefreshmentismadeinalocalrestaurantwithseaview.

PhuketTownOrientation

Learnabouttheislandanditscolorfulhistoryfromyourguideasyoupassbyvillages,century-oldSino-Portuguesemansions,,thelocalfreshmarket,theTinDredgermonument,andtheChineseShrineatSapanHin,PublicParkintown.

Yourtourconcludeswitha20-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:HKT-A

3-PanoramicPhuket

ExplorePhuketatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

DepartthepierwithyourdriverandEnglish-speakingguideinanair-conditionedvananddiscoverthecityandsurroundingareasatyourownpace.Yourexclusivetourconcludesbackatthepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourisnon-refundableifcancelledwithin48hourspriortoarrivalintheport.Actualvehicletypevariesdependingonavailability.GuidesareEnglish-speaking.Participationislimitedto6guestspervan.Theprice,exclusiveofmeals,entrancefeesandgratuities,ispervehicle.Therefore,whenmakingyourreservation,pleaseindicatethenumberofvehicles,notthenumberofguests.Onlyonepersoninthepartyneedstoreservethisprogramme.PleaseseetheShoreConciergeOfficeonboardtheshiptoarrangeyourindividualitinerary.

code:HKT-Y

4-SilverShorePrivato:PrivateVan&Guide(FullDay)

ExplorePhuketatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

DepartthepierwithyourdriverandEnglish-speakingguideinanair-conditionedvananddiscoverthecityandsurroundingareasatyourownpace.Yourexclusivetourconcludesbackatthepier.

Thistourisnon-refundableifcancelledwithin48hourspriortoarrivalintheport.Actualvehicletypevariesdependingonavailability.Participationislimitedto6guestspervan.Theprice,exclusiveofmeals,entrancefeesandgratuities,ispervehicle.Therefore,whenmakingyourreservation,pleaseindicatethenumberofvehicles,notthenumberofguests.Onlyonepersoninthepartyneedstoreservethisprogramme.PleaseseetheShoreConciergeOfficeonboardtheshiptoarrangeyourindividualitinerary.

code:HKT-X

5-SilverShorePrivato:PrivateVan&Guide(HalfDay)

Experiencethetraditions,flavoursandperformingartsofThailandduringthisunforgettable,half-dayexcursiontoSiamNiramit.

ThaiVillageoftheFourRegions

Departthepierforthescenic,approximately40-minutedrivetotheThaiVillageoftheFourRegions.NestledadjacenttoasmallpondalongsidetheSiamNiramitTheatre,theThaiVillageoftheFourRegionsoffersafascinatingglimpseofthetraditionallifestyles,artsandcraftsofruralThailand.

SiamNiramitandThaiShow

Followingyourvisittothisthemedvillage,proceedtothetheatreforanunforgettableandentertainingthree-actshowfeaturingover100performers,lavishcostumesandstunningsetdesigns.Enhancedspecialeffectsandtheworld'smostadvancedtechnologyareusedtoproduceaveryrealistic,stimulatingandinspiringexperience.OfspecialnoteisActII,whichoffersauniquelookathowtheThaipeopleconceivetheconceptofheavenandhell.

Whileheavenissobeautifulwithdivasandangels(literally)flyingaround,hellisquitescaryindeed.Watchasdrinkersareforcedtoimbibefromacauldronofboilingwater,andadultererscompelledtoclimbhorriblyspikythorntrees.Thestagesetupandspecialeffectsalonearespectacularandveryrealistic,withamazingcostumes.Attheconclusionofthisunforgettableexperience,re-boardyourcoachandcommencetheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:HKT-Q

6-ThaiPerformanceatSiamNiramit

PHUKETThailand

Friday10Apr

1ExcursionsinPHUKET

Explorethesplendidnaturalbeauty,landmarksandhistoryofPhuketduringahalf-daysightseeingtourofthiscolorfulisland.

ChalongTemple

Departthepierforapproximately30-minutedrive.VisitChalongTemple,Phuket'slargestandmostsacredBuddhisttemple.Inside,seeitsrenownedshrine,whichhaslongbeenreveredforitsmouldedbronzeimagesofthreerespectedmonks.

Next,yourdrivecontinuestothewestcoast,PassbytheKaronBeachandPatongBeach.AbriefvisitismadeforPhotoofPatongBeach.

Afterwards,arefreshmentismadeinalocalrestaurantwithseaview.

PhuketTownOrientation

Learnabouttheislandanditscolorfulhistoryfromyourguideasyoupassbyvillages,century-oldSino-Portuguesemansions,,thelocalfreshmarket,theTinDredgermonument,andtheChineseShrineatSapanHin,PublicParkintown.

Yourtourconcludeswitha20-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:HKT-A

1-PanoramicPhuket

COLOMBOSriLanka

Monday13Apr

11ExcursionsinCOLOMBO

Savourtheexquisiteflavours,legendarylagooncrabsandseafoodofSriLankainanhistoricalsettingduringthispalate-pleasing,half-dayexcursiontotheMinistryofCrab.

Colombo,PettahBazaar,OldParliament,ClockTower,Temple,Mosque,ColonialBuildings,Park

Yourtourbeginswithascenic,approximatelyone-hoursightseeingdrivethroughColombo.Alongtheway,passbythecommercialdistrictofthecity,PettahBazaararea,OldParliament,century-oldclocktower,atemple,mosque,andColonialbuildings.TheviewsaremorepeacefulwhendrivingpastViharaMahadeviPark;formerlyknownas'VictoriaPark',ithassincebeenrenamedforaSinhalesequeen.Acrossthestreetistheimposing,neo-ClassicalTownHall.

DutchHospitalShoppingPrecinct,MinistryofCrabRestaurant

YoursightseeingdriveendsattheDutchHospitalShoppingPrecinct,oneofColombo'soldestUNESCOWorldHeritageSites.BuiltbytheDutchin1677asahospital,thesiteformerlyhousedtheColomboApothecariesandservedastheColomboFortPoliceStation,amongotherthings.Today,thenewly-refurbishedDutchHospitalShoppingComplexservesasahigh-endshoppingcomplex.YourdinnerthiseveninghasbeenarrangedattherenownedMinistryofCrabrestaurant,whichishousedinthesehistoricalsurroundings.

SeafoodDinner,LagoonCrabs,KingPrawns,Clams,Oysters

BrainchildofChefDharshanMunidasa,hostoftheformer'CulinaryJourneys'TVshow,andincollaborationwithfoodiesandformerSriLankancricketerfriendsMahelaJayawardenaandKumarSangakkara,thishighly-acclaimedrestaurantisacelebrationofSriLankanheritageandcuisinethatpayshomagetofreshanddiverselocalproduce.CreatedasaculinaryhomecomingofSriLanka'slegendarylagooncrab,theMinistryofCrabalsocelebratesSriLanka'sfineseafood,fromamazingkingprawnsfoundintheriversrunningacrosstheisland,tofreshclamsandoystersfromthelagoons.Forksandknivesareoptional,asspecialisedcrabutensilshelpprythesucculentmeatfromitsshell,anddigginginwithyourhandsispermissible.Afterdinner,yourtourconcludeswithashortdrivebacktothepier.

code:CMB-I

1-AnEveningatMinistryofCrab

ExperiencethediverseculturalandarchitecturalinfluencesofColomboduringapicturesque,half-dayexcursionthroughthisfascinatingSriLankancapitalandportcity.

Colombo,PettahBazaarandFort,OldGovernmentBuildings,ViharaMahadeviPark,TownHall

Yourtourbeginswithascenic,approximately75-minutedrivethroughthecommercialdistrictofthecityandPettahBazaararea,andpastthePettahFortandoldgovernmentbuildings.TheviewsaremorepeacefulasyoudrivepastViharaMahadeviPark,nowrenamedforaSinhalesequeen.ItwasnamedVictoriaParkwhenitwascreatedbytheBritishasabotanicalgardenfortropicalspecies.Acrossthestreetistheimposing,Neo-classicalTownHall.

CinnamonGardens,University,ColonialMansions,IndependenceSquare,GangaramayaTemple

AformercinnamonplantationisnowtheupscaleresidentialdistrictofCinnamonGardens.Here,youcanalsoseetheUniversityandmostoftheembassies,locatedinColonialmansionslininglovely,shadedavenues.Drivealongsomeofthesestreets,andenjoytheireleganceandserenity.Fromhere,proceedforaphotostopatIndependenceSquare,thendelvedeeperintothelocalcultureduringavisittothebustlingGangaramayaTemple,thenicestandmostintimateBuddhisttempleinallofColombo.

GalleFaceGreenandHotel,ColomboClub,TajSamudra,HighTea,LiveBand

Next,drivealongtheGalleFaceGreen,aformerhauntformembersofColombo'shighsociety.Thisbeautifulareaisnestledintheforegroundoftheneo-ClassicalfacadesoftheColomboClubandGalleFaceHotel.Today,therearejoggerswhotalkpoliticsandbusinessastheyrun,andkite-flyerstryingtocatchabreeze.YourlaststopisattheTajSamudraHotel.Uponarrival,proceedforHighTeaaccompaniedbythesoundsofaliveCalypsoband.Leavingthehotel,yourtourconcludeswithashortdrivebacktothepier.

code:CMB-K

2-ColomboHighlightswithHighTea&LiveMusic

Learnaboutandobservethecare,feedingandconservationoftheelephantsofPinnaweladuringthismemorablefull-daytourtothePinnawelaElephantOrphanage.

Departthepierforashort15-minutedrivetotheColomboRailwayStation.Onarrival,boardthetrainfortheapproximate2-hourridetoRambukanaRailwayStationwhereyourcoachwillbewaitingfortheshorttransfertothePinnawelaElephantOrphanage.Restassured,theshortjourneyiswellworthit!Duringtheride,takeinthescenicbeautyofthelush,greenSriLankancountrysidefromthegrandeurofyourair-conditionedtraincar.

PinnawelaElephantOrphanage

ThePinnawelaElephantOrphanagewascreatedtocareforbabyelephantsfoundabandonedororphaned.Today,approximately80animalsarecaredfor,fed,studiedandtrainedbytheSriLankanWildlifeAuthority.Onceacclimatedtoalifestyleincaptivity,theelephantsareunabletocareforthemselvesinthewild.Asaresult,theygrowupandreproduceintheprotectionofthereserve,andverysmallbabiesmaybespottedamongsttheever-growingfamily.

ElephantCare,Bathing&Feeding

Duringyourvisit,thestaffexplainsanddemonstratesthecareaffordedtothesemagnificentanimals,aswellastheon-goingbattlefortheconservationoftheirnativehabitats.Ifyourtimingisright,youcanobservethestaffhelpingtheelephantstaketheirdailybathinthenearbyriver.YourvisitincludesarelaxinglunchatthePinnalandaRiverViewrestaurant,followedbyanopportunitytowatchtheelephantsbeingfed.

Attheconclusionofyourvisit,boardyourcoachfortheapproximate3.5hourdrivebacktothepier.Acomfortstopwillbemadeen-route.

Pleasenote:Thistourrequiresanextensiveamountofwalkingforapproximately530yards(484metres)overunevensurfacesand40stepsattheColomboRailwayStation,60stepsattheRambukkanaRailwayStation,8stepsatthePinnalandaRiverViewRestaurantand50stepsatthePinnawelaElephantOrphanage.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityorthosewhoutiliseawheelchair.Vehiclesusedarethebestavailableinthecity;theyarenotofthesamestandardsasvehiclesfoundinWesterncountries.Guestsareadvisedtowearlightweight,comfortableclothingwithflat,closed-toewalkingshoes,andbringsunprotectionfromtheship.Expectcrowdsatthesitesvisited.Thetrainisair-conditionedandthePinnalandaRiverViewrestaurantisair-cooled.ElephantsatPinnawelaarenotfully-tamed;guestsshouldavoidproximitywiththeanimals.Totaltimespentattheorphanageisapproximately1.25hours,and1-hourforlunch.

code:CMB-B

3-ElephantsofPinnawela

Explorethemedievalhistory,abundantwaterways,andfloraandfaunaofSriLankaduringthispanoramic,full-dayexcursiontoGalle.

Colombo,Galle,TraditionalStiltFishermen

Yourtourbeginswithascenic,approximatelytwo-hourdrivetoGalle.FormerlyknownasGimhathiththa,Galledatesfromtheearly-16thcentury,andwasoncethemainseaportoftheislandofSriLanka,fromwhichKingSolomontradedinivory,peacocksandothervaluables.Uponarrival,catchaglimpseofoneofSriLanka'siconicscenes,thetraditionalstiltfishermenofthesoutherncoast.

GalleFort,OldGates,Rampart,DutchChurch,FreeTimeinGalle,ShoppingandExploring

Next,drivetotheGalleFort,anUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.Enterthroughtheoldgates,explorethewalledcityon-footandwalkontheramparts,whichofferaspectacularviewofGalle.OriginallybuiltbythePortuguese,theGalleFortisoneofthebest-preservedexamplesof17th-centuryColonialfortificationsintheworld.Afterward,avisitismadetotheDutchChurch.Builtin1755,thechurchisanexcellentmodelofDutch-Colonialarchitecture,andtheoldestProtestantChurchstillinuseinSriLanka.Itsinteriorfeaturesabout20heavily-embossedandengravedgravestones,anorganloftwithalovelysemi-circularbalustrade,andthepulpit'senormouscanopy.Followingyourtour,somefreetimeismadetoexplorethesurroundingarea,andbrowsethelocalshopsofferingavarietyofantiques,jewelleryandhandicrafts.

Lunch,MaduGangaRiverCruise,FloraandFauna,LocalLifestyles,OldSriLankanTemple

AfterlunchattheAamariGalleHotel,drivetotheBalapitiyaBoatCentre.Uponarrival,embarkasmallboatforariversafaricruiseontheMaduGangaRiver.Traversedozensofmangroveforestedislets,andaneco-reservethatisabreedinggroundformanyendangeredspeciesoffloraandfauna.Abird-lover'sparadise,thiswetlandfeatures46speciesofbirds,including14aquaticvarieties.Alongtheway,lookforwatermonitors,kingfishers,eagles,monkeys,andcolourfulbutterflies.Inaddition,observethetraditionallifestylesofSriLankans,suchasfishing,prawn-tapping,coir-making,cinnamon-farming,andcoconutleaf-weaving.Abriefstopisalsomadeata200-yearoldSriLankantemple.Followingyourriversafari,yourtourconcludeswithanapproximatelytwo-hourdrivebacktothepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourinvolvesanextensiveamountofwalkingforapproximatelyonemile(about1.6kilometres),attimesoverunevenandnaturalsurfaces,withafewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoachandembark/disembarktheboat,twostepsattheDutchChurch,20stepsatAmariGalleand20stepsduringMaduRiverSafari.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestspronetomotionsickness,guestswithlimitedmobilityandguestswhoutiliseawheelchair.Guestsareadvisedtowearlightweight,comfortableclothingwithflat,closed-toewalkingshoes,andbringsunprotectionandlocalcurrencyfromtheshipforpurchases.Properattireisrequiredtoenterreligioussites;shortsandbareshouldersarenotpermitted.Shoesmustberemovedpriortoenteringthetemples;wesuggestbringingalongapairofthicksocks,becausethepavementmaybehot.Guestsmustbeatleast18yearsoldtobeservedalcoholicbeverages.Thecoachesandboatsutilisedarethebest-availableinthearea,butmaynotbeuptothestandardsofthosefoundonotherexcursions.Thedrivingtimebetweenthepierandsitesvisitedisapproximately2.5hoursineachdirection.Expectcrowdsandtrafficatthesitesvisited.Dependingontrafficandparkingconditions,itmaybenecessarytocrossbusystreetsatsomesites.Guestsareadvisedtofollowtheirguidesatalltimesduringthistour.Lifejacketsareprovidedfortherivercruise.Photography/videographyinsidethesanctumsanctorumofthetempleisprohibited.Thetoursequencemayvary.

4-Galle'sGems-TheFort&MaduRiver

code:CMB-J

Kandy,thecharminghillcapital,liesinthemidstofhillsintheKandyplateau,1525feet(465metresabovesealevel.Steepedinhistory,thefocalpointistheDaladaMaligawa,orTempleoftheTooth,wheretheSacredToothRelicofLordBuddhaisenshrined.AsSriLanka'sculturalcentreandsacredcity,KandywasdeclaredaWorldHeritageSitein1988.Auniquewaytomakethetripinonedayisofferedbyprivateairtaxi,acharteredseaplane.

KandybySeaplane

Duration:8.5hours

Departsfrom:Colombo

Re-joinship:Colombo

Reserve:Atleast60dayspriortosailing

ThistourrequiresadvancebookingthroughSilverseaReservationsnolaterthan60dayspriortothesaildate.Requestsreceivedafterthisdatemaybeaccommodatedonaspace-availablebasis.Paymentinfullisdueattimeoffinalpayment.Bookingsmadewithin120daysofsailingrequirefullpaymentwithinsevendaysofbookingorsooner,asspecifiedbySilversea.

Thistourisnon-transferableandnon-refundableforanyreasonwithin60daysofsailing.Aminimumnumberofparticipantsisrequiredtooperatethisprogram.Ticketsareavailableinlimitedquantities,andparticipationcannotbeguaranteedforthoseguestsnotbookingwellinadvance.Cancellationfee,unlessotherwiseadvised,60-0dayspriortothevoyagesailingdate:100%oftheprogramfareperpersonisdue.

AvailyourselfofthisuniqueopportunityofflyingbyprivateairtaxiintothemidstoftheKandyplateau,siteofthecharminghillcapitalofKandy.ConsideredtobethejewelofSriLanka,thetownliesbetweenhillsatanaltitudeof1525feet(465metres).Steepedinhistory,KandywasthelastcapitaloftheSinhalesemonarchy.ItsmostfamousattractionistheTempleoftheTooth,hometoasacredrelicofLordBuddha.

Departtheshipanddrivetoatake-offpointforyourairtaxi.Here,boardthecharteredseaplaneforaflightofapproximately30minutestotheVictoria/PollgollaReservoir.Duringtheflightatanaltitudeof1500to2000feet(450to600metres)youwillbeabletoenjoybreathtakingaerialviews.AfterdeplaningatVictoria/PollgollaReservoir,yourtripcontinuesbyroadtoPeradeniyaBotanicalGarden.

VisitthePeradeniyaBotanicalGardensoriginallybuiltforthepleasureofSinhalesequeensinthe14thcentury.Beautifullymanicured,withhugetreesandbrightbougainvillea,itcontainsawidevarietyoftropicalandtemperateflora,4,000speciesinall.Thereisalsoaspicegardenwithcenturiesoldnutmegtrees,cinnamon,cardamoms,vanillaandclovetrees,amedicinalherbgardenwithplantsusedinAyervedicmedicine,andanorchidhousewhichhouses450hybridspecies.

5-KandybySeaplane

ProceedfurthertoKandycity.Nestledinavalleysurroundedbyhillsanddensejungleborderingthecity'sgardens,Kandyenjoysaregallocation,withabeautifulartificiallakeandapagodainitscenter.

ThemajorhighlightofthedaywillbeyourvisittotheTempleoftheTooth.BuilttohousethispreciousrelicoftheBuddha,whichisenshrinedinaninnerchamber,thetempleisaworkofartinitself.Animpressivestonerampartenclosestheshrine,whichstandstwostoreyshighonaplatforminthecentreofthecourtyard.Theuppergalleryisconnectedtothefirstfloorofthetemplebyasmallbridge.There,behindagiltrailing,thegoldenreliquaryrestsonasilvertable.Itcontainsanestofsixboxes-thefamoustoothlieswithinthesmallestone.Ritualprayersbythemonksareaccompaniedbybeatingdrums,trumpetsandhypnoticchants.

LeavingtheTempleoftheTooth,proceedtoEarl'sRegencyHotelandenjoylunch,includingtwobeveragesofyourchoice-domesticbeer,housewine,orsoftdrinks.

Followinglunch,drivebacktoVictoria/PollgollaReservoirwhereyourcharteredseaplanestandsreadytoflyyoubacktoColombo.Thenconcludethismemorableexperiencewiththe60-minutetransfertothepier.

ProgrammeIncludes:

Oneforward&backflightto&fromKandybycharteredseaplane

Onelunch(drinksincluded)

Allsightseeing,transfersandentrancefeesasperitinerary

NotIncluded:

Visa,anymealsanddrinksnotspecifiedabove,gratuitiestodriversandtourguides,laundry,telephonecalls,cancellationinsurance,andotherpersonalitems.

code:CMB-SPE1

Colombo,capitalandmajorportofSriLanka,isafascinatingcitythatlinksthepastwiththepresent.ItstangiblehistoryisauniquemixofrelicsofPortuguese,DutchandEnglishsettlement,blendedwithIndianinfluences.

Colombosightseeing

Departtheport,pastthecommercialdistrictofthecity,andthroughthePettahbazaararea.TheviewsaremorepeacefulwhendrivingpastViharaMahadeviPark,nowrenamedforaSinhalesequeen.ItwascalledVictoriaParkwhenitwascreatedbytheBritishasabotanicalgardenfortropicalspecies.Acrossthestreetistheimposingneo-classicalTownHall.

AformercinnamonplantationisnowtheupscaleresidentialdistrictofCinnamonGardens,withtheUniversityandmostembassiesincolonialmansionslininglovely,shadedavenues.Cruisethroughsomeofthesestreetsandenjoytheireleganceandserenity.

OnGalleFaceGreenColombohighsocietyoncestrolled,toseeandbeseenbythosewhomattered,againstthebackdropoftheneo-classicalfacadesoftheColomboClubandtheGalleFaceHotel.Todaytherearejoggerswhotalkpoliticsandbusinessastheyrun,andtheremaybekiteflyerstryingtocatchabreeze.Thehotelisstillthere,asithasbeensince1864,enjoyingtheoceanfrontview,andstilllayingclaimtoitspositionasthefirsthotelinAsia.

ShoppingComplexandHigh-Tea

EndyourdriveatoneofColombo'soldestheritagesite,nowrefurbishedintoahigh-endshoppingcomplex-theDutchHospitalShoppingPrecinct.You'llhavesometimeatleisuretoexploreforsouvenirs.

Beforereturningtothepierandtheship,makeonelaststopatthelegendaryGalleFaceHotelforhigh-tea.

code:CMB-H

6-SightsofColombowithHighTea

ExploreColomboatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

DepartthepierwithyourEnglish-speakingguideinanair-conditionedcaranddiscoverthecityareasatyourownpace.Yourexclusivetourconcludesbackatthepier.

code:CMB-W

7-SilverShorePrivato:PrivateCar&Guide(Full-Day)

ExploreColomboatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:CMB-V

8-SilverShorePrivato:PrivateCar&Guide(Half-Day)

ExploreColomboatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

DepartthepierwithyourEnglish-speakingguideinanair-conditionedvananddiscoverthecityareasatyourownpace.Yourexclusivetourconcludesbackatthepier.

code:CMB-Y

9-SilverShorePrivato:PrivateVan&Guide(Full-Day)

ExploreColomboatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customizeyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:CMB-X

10-SilverShorePrivato:PrivateVan&Guide(Half-Day)

Explorethereligious,culturalandartisticinfluencesofSriLankaduringthismemorable,half-dayvisittotheKelaniyaTemple,withashoppingstopinColombo.

ScenicDrive&KelaniyaTemple

Departthepierforthescenic,approximately45-minutedriveintothecountryside,andavisittoKelaniya.Uponarrival,proceedforavisittotheKelaniyaTemple,anactiveBuddhisttemplepurportedlybuiltonasitevisitedbytheBuddhaover2,000yearsago.Heissaidtohavepreachedhisdoctrinetoagatheringofserpentkingshere.Today,worshipperscometolaysprigsoflotusflowersaroundthegreatwhite'dagoba',lightoillampsandsprinklethebaseoftheTreeofEnlightenmentwithpurifiedwater.

Duringyourvisit,marvelatthetemple'sfinedrawings,lovelyfrescoes,fascinating,geometricallypatternedceilings,andthreeimportantimagesofBuddha;twoseatedandonereclining.Adorningtheouterwallsaremorelight-heartedworks,includingrowsofwhimsicaldwarfsandelephantsinbas-relief.

ShoppingInColombo

Followingyourvisit,re-boardyourcoachandreturntoColomboforanopportunitytodosomeshopping.Colomboisrenownedforitspreciousandsemipreciousstones;sapphires,starrubies,topaz,garnets,citrine,andmorecanbefoundatthegemsandjewelleryoutlet.Generallytwovenuesarevisited,ahandicraftstoreandajewellers.

Browsefortea,woodcarvings,brass,silverware,batiks,andsouvenirsbeforecommencingtheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:CMB-C

11-TheTempleofKelaniya&Shopping

COLOMBOSriLanka

Tuesday14Apr

4ExcursionsinCOLOMBO

ExplorethereligiousandculturalhistoryofColomboduringahalf-daysightseeingexcursionthroughthishistoriccapitalandmajorportcity.

ScenicColomboCity

Departthepierforthescenic,approximately75-minutedrivethroughthecity'scommercialdistrictandPettahBazaararea.Alongtheway,passbythePettahFort,oldgovernmentbuildingsandVictoriaPark,or'ViharaMahadeviPark',abotanicalgardenfortropicalspecies.Acrossthestreetistheimposing,Neo-classicalTownHall.AvisitismadetoCinnamonGardens,aformercinnamonplantationturnedupscaleresidentialdistrict.Here,seetheUniversityandmostoftheembassiesinColonialmansionsliningthelovely,shadedavenues.

NationalMuseum

Next,avisitismadetoNationalMuseum.Uponarrivalatthiselegant,white,colonnadedbuilding,viewascaryandfascinatingmaskcollection,agalleryfilledwithoutstandingHinduandBuddhistbronzes,acollectionoftheregaliaoftheKingofKandyandmore.Someoftheimagesaremobiletoenableritualprocessionsaroundthetempleorthroughthestreetsofthetown.(AvideocamerafeeofUSD$18.00,attimeofprinting,isrequiredtobepaiddirectlytotheMuseum.)

GalleFaceGreen&GangaramaTemple

Leavingthemuseum,re-boardyourcoachanddrivetoGalleFaceGreen.AformerhauntofColombohighsociety,GalleFaceGreenissituatedintheforegroundoftheNeo-classicalfacadesoftheColomboClubandtheGalleFaceHotel.Afterarefreshmentstopatalocalhotel,proceedforavisittotheGangaramaTemple,thenicestandmostintimateofColombo'sBuddhisttemples.

Afterwards,commencetheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourrequiresamoderateamountofwalkingforapproximately200yards(about183metres),withafewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoach,30stepsattheNationalMuseum,10stepsatGalleFaceHoteland10stepsattheGangaramaTemple.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityorthosewhoutiliseawheelchair.Vehiclesusedarethebestavailableinthecity;theyarenotofthesamestandardsasvehiclesfoundinWesterncountries.Sunprotectionisrecommended.Properattireisrequiredtovisitthesacredsites;shortsandshortskirtsarenotpermitted,andwomenmusthavetheirshoulderscovered.Shoesmustberemovedpriortoenteringthetemples.Wesuggestbringingalongathickpairofsocksbecausethepavementmaybehot.Expectcrowdsatthesitesvisited.GuestsshouldcarrysomelocalcurrencyforcamerafeesattheNationalMuseum.

1-Life&LoreinColombo

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ExploreColomboatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

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ExploreColomboatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customizeyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

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Explorethereligious,culturalandartisticinfluencesofSriLankaduringthismemorable,half-dayvisittotheKelaniyaTemple,withashoppingstopinColombo.

ScenicDrive&KelaniyaTemple

Departthepierforthescenic,approximately45-minutedriveintothecountryside,andavisittoKelaniya.Uponarrival,proceedforavisittotheKelaniyaTemple,anactiveBuddhisttemplepurportedlybuiltonasitevisitedbytheBuddhaover2,000yearsago.Heissaidtohavepreachedhisdoctrinetoagatheringofserpentkingshere.Today,worshipperscometolaysprigsoflotusflowersaroundthegreatwhite'dagoba',lightoillampsandsprinklethebaseoftheTreeofEnlightenmentwithpurifiedwater.

Duringyourvisit,marvelatthetemple'sfinedrawings,lovelyfrescoes,fascinating,geometricallypatternedceilings,andthreeimportantimagesofBuddha;twoseatedandonereclining.Adorningtheouterwallsaremorelight-heartedworks,includingrowsofwhimsicaldwarfsandelephantsinbas-relief.

ShoppingInColombo

Followingyourvisit,re-boardyourcoachandreturntoColomboforanopportunitytodosomeshopping.Colomboisrenownedforitspreciousandsemipreciousstones;sapphires,starrubies,topaz,garnets,citrine,andmorecanbefoundatthegemsandjewelleryoutlet.Generallytwovenuesarevisited,ahandicraftstoreandajewellers.

Browsefortea,woodcarvings,brass,silverware,batiks,andsouvenirsbeforecommencingtheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

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4-TheTempleofKelaniya&Shopping

COCHINIndia

Wednesday15Apr

14ExcursionsinCOCHIN

Experiencethepristinenaturalbeauty,teemingwatersandlocallifestyleofruralKeraladuringthismemorableexcursiontoKumbalanghiandKallancherryIsland.

Kumbalanghi

Departthepierfortheapproximately30-minutedrivewesttowardsKumbalanghi,asmall,six-square-mile(15.5-square-kilometre)island-villagesurroundedbybackwatersandlushgreenpaddyfields.Anabundanceofmangrovesseparateslandfromwater,andprovidesabreedinggroundforprawns,crabs,oystersandsmallfish.AringofChinesefishingnetsencirclingKumbalanghibearswitnesstoitsrichaquaticlife.

BackwaterRidetoKallancherryIsland

UponarrivalattheKumbalanghiBridge,leaveyourvehicle,walkacrosstothejettyandembarkyourawaitingboat.RidethroughthebackwatersenroutetoKallancherryIsland,andseefishermanplyingthewatersenroute.Afterdisembarkingyourboatattheisland,youareservedarefreshingwelcomedrink.

KallancherryIslandWalkingTour

Next,explorevillagelifeduringaguidedwalkingtour.Viewweaversatworkoncoir,watchlocalladiesweavecoconutleaves,andseehowtraditionalChinesefishingnetsoperatethroughasystemofweightsandlevers.Youcanalsoobserveladiesmoveinarowand'grope'forfishwiththeirbarehands.Thevillageisalsohometoacrabfarm,whereyoucantryyourhandatcatchingacrab.

Followingyourvisit,embarkamotorisedrickshawfortheridebacktoyourcoach,thencommencetheapproximately30-minuteridebacktothepier.

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1-AGlimpseofRuralKerala

ExperienceCochin,oldandnew,duringthishalf-daysightseeingtourofthepicturesqueandhistoriccity.

Ernakulam

Departthepierforthescenic,approximately30-minutedrivetoErnakulam.Uponarrival,takeasightseeingtourofthecity,whosearchitecturedepictsitsculturaldiversityandinfluences.Seethecolourfulmarkets,shopsandtemplesliningMahatmaGandhiRoad,themainthoroughfare.Alongtheway,photostopsaremadeatvariouslandmarks,includingtheTempleofLordShiva.YoursightseeingdrivethroughErnakulamendsatFortCochin.

HistoricCochin

Duringaguidedwalkingtourofthishistoricarea,notetheChinesefishingnetsnearthetipofFortCochin.Thesefixed,cantileveredcontraptionsaremainlyusedathightideandoperatedviaasystemofcounterweights.AstopisthenmadeatSt.FrancisChurch,whichisadornedwithlovelyfloortilesliningthemainaisle.Largeswingingclothfans,orpunkahs,aresuspendedabovethecongregationandmanuallyoperatedfromoutsidethechurch.

DavidHall

YourtourconcludeswithastopatDavidHall.AsurvivinglegacyofDutchcolonialruleintheseparts,DavidHallisapartofthreehousesbuiltbytheDutchEastIndiaCompanyinthelate-17thcentury.Thebuildinghassincebeenrenovatedandconvertedintoanartgallery.DuringarefreshmentstopatDavidHall'scafé,youcanbrowsethroughtheartgallery.Dependinguponthecurrentexhibits,someartworkmaybeavailableforsale.

Followingyourvisit,commencetheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

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2-CochinataGlance

ExperienceCochinlikealocalviapublictransportationduringthispicturesque,half-dayexcursionviacoach,tuktuk,trainandon-foot.

Cochin,Ferry-RidetoEmakulam,CitySkyline,VembanadLake

Yourtourbeginswithashortdrivetotheboatjetty.Uponarrival,embarkaferryfortheshortridetoEmakulam.Enjoythequaintcharmofyourride;apleasantseabreeze,theskylineofthemainland,floatingseaweed,frolickingseagulls,andthegorgeousVembanadLakearesuretoenchantyou.ThoughmostoftheislandsdottedaroundCochinareaccessibleviaroadsnow,therewasatimewhentheycouldbereachedonlybyboat.Frequentferrieswhichweretheonlymodeofpublictransportuntilafewdecadesback;today,theystilltravelbetweenthemainlandandvariousislands,andalsobetweentheislands.

TukTukRides,BroadwayMarketWalkingTour,MetroTrain-Ride

UponarrivalatEmakulam,disembarktheferryandboardatuktukforascenic,fun-filledridetothenearbyBroadwayMarket.Here,aguidedstrollthroughthecity'soldestandbusiestshoppingstreetsisamongthehighlightsoftheday.Contrarytoitsname,thisnarrowstreetattractslocalsforitsbestbuysonapparel,householditems,spicesandmanyotheritemsavailableforsale.Followingyourvisit,re-boardyourtuktukandheadtothelocalMetroTrainStation.Uponarrival,boardalocalMetroTrain,thecity'smostrecently-acquiredmodeofpublictransportation,fortheshortridetotheKeralaMuseum.

KeralaMuseum,Tableaus,Dioramas,GalleryofContemporaryIndianArt

DuringyourguidedwalkingtouroftheKeralaMuseum,exploreKerala'srichpastthroughtableausand36dioramas,whichtellthestoriesofthepeopleandeventsthatchangedthefortunesofthislushland.TheKeralaMuseumalsohousesamodernartgallery.TheGalleryofContemporaryIndianArt,whichfeatures230worksbysomeofIndia'sleadingartists,providesaninsightintotheevolutionofmodernartinIndia.Asmallcollectionofminiaturepaintingscanbefoundhere,too.HavingexperiencedKerala'ssights,sounds,coloursandpast,yourtourconcludeswithanapproximately45-minutedrivebacktothepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourinvolvesanextensiveamountofwalkingforapproximately1.2miles(about1.9kilometres),attimesoveruneven,wetandslipperysurfaces,withafewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoachandtuk-tuk,embark/disembarktheboatandboard/de-boardthetrain,withtenstepsattheboatjetties,35stepsatMetroStationand60stepsattheKeralaMuseum.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityandguestswhoutiliseawheelchair.Guestsareadvisedtowearlightweight,comfortableclothingwithflat,closed-toewalkingshoes,andbringsunprotectionandlocalcurrencyforpurchasesfromtheship.Guestsmustbeatleast18yearsoldtobeservedalcoholicbeverages.Thecoachesutilisedarethebest-availableinthearea,butmaynotbeuptothestandardsofthosefoundonotherexcursions.Guestswillbetravellingbypublictransport;thelocalferryandtuk-tuksareextremelybasicandair-cooled,themetrotrainstationsarebasicandhygienestandardsarenotthesameaswesterncountries.Expectcrowdsandtrafficatthesitesvisited.Dependingontrafficandparkingconditions,itmaybenecessarytocrossbusystreetsatsomesites.Photography/videographyisprohibitedatthelocalMetroTrainStationandGalleryofContemporaryIndianArtattheKeralaMuseum.Guestsareadvisedtofollowtheirguidesatalltimesduringthistour.Thetoursequencemayvary.Spaceonthistourisextremelylimited;wesuggestyoubookwellinadvancetoavoiddisappointment.

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3-ExploreCochinTheLocalWay

Experiencethesplendidbeauty,cultureandtraditionsofCochinduringthisscenicharbourcruise,andamemorableKathakaliperformanceattheTajMalabarHotel.

CochinHarbourCruise

DepartthepierforthebrieftransfertotheboatjettyoftheTajMalabarHotel,thenembarkasmallboatforapicturesqueridethroughthewatersofthecity.TheextensivenetworkofriversandcanalslacetogetherthroughthecoastandinteriorsouthofCochin.Forcenturies,thesecanalshaveprovidedasafeandefficientmeansoftransportationforgoodsandpeoplemovingbetweentheheartlandandtheporttownsalongthecoast.

GlidealongshimmeringwaterwayspasttheGunduandVypeenislands.Alongtheway,seethelarge,traditionalChinesefishingnetsthatlinetheshoreofFortCochinandareprobablythesingle-mostfamiliarimageofKerala.Theycantileverovertheharbour,andoperatebyasystemofweightsandlevers.Thenets,onwoodenframes,areraisedperiodicallytocheckthecatch.ObserveruralKeralalifestylesasyourboatdriftspastoldharbourbuildingsandprivatehomes.Followingyourcruise,returntothejettyanddisembarkyourboat.

KathakaliPerformance

Next,viewaKathakaliperformanceaccompaniedbylightrefreshments.Oneoftheworld'soldestformsoftheatre;Kathakalioriginatedintheareaofsouth-westernIndianowknownasthestateofKerala.DuringKathakali,actorsdepictcharactersfromtheepicsRamayanaandMahabharata.TheKathakalidanceperformanceisverydramatic,andenactedwithelaboratemasksandcostumes.

Thisdelightfuloutingconcludeswithabriefdrivebacktothepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourrequiresaminimalamountofwalking,withfourstepstonegotiateattheTajMalabarHotel,afewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoachandembark/disembarktheboat.Careshouldbetakenwhenembarking/disembarkingtheboats;guestsmustbeagileandhavegoodbalancetoparticipate.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswhoutiliseawheelchair.Whilethecoacheswillbeair-conditioned,thereisnoartificialcoolingonthemotorboats.Wearlightweight,comfortableclothingwithflat,rubber-soledshoes,andbringsunprotectionandinsectrepellentfromtheship.

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4-HarbourCruise&KathakaliDance

Explorethesplendidhistory,architectureandlocallifestylesofKeraladuringthisscenic,half-dayexcursiontocolourfulCochin.

Cochin

Departthepierfortheshortdrivetothelocalmarket.Enroute,marvelatthebeautyoftropicalCochin,anhistoricportcitynestledbetweentheArabianSeaanditsbackwaters,andspreadacrosscoconut-coveredislandsandheadlands.Cochin'suniquehistoryofforeigninfluenceisreflectedinavarietyofarchitecturalstyles,includingfineColonialhousesbuiltbywealthyBritishtraders,Dutchcottageswithsplitfarmhousedoors,andnarrowstreetswheredwellingshidebehindyellowwalls.

Ernakulam,LocalMarketandDhobiKhana

YourdrivecontinuesthroughthecityofErnakulamanddrivealongMahatmaGandhiRoad,themainthoroughfarefilledwithmarkets,shopsandtemples.Uponarrivalatthebustlinglocalmarket,takeaguidedstrollpastcolourfulshopsaboundingwithfragrant,exoticspicessuchbetelnuts,ginger,peppercorns,cinnamon,andcardamom.Fromhere,re-boardyourcoachandheadtotheDhobiKhana,orlocallaundry,forafascinatinglookatlocallifeinthispartoftheworld,thencontinueonforavisittothe'DutchPalace'locatedintheMattancherryarea.

DutchPalace,JewTownandGingerHouseRestaurant

Theplain,squatwallssurroundingthistwo-storeystructurebelieadelightfulwoodeninterioradornedwitharemarkableseriesofmurals.IntheRoyalBedroomaloneare45paintingsillustratingtheRamayana;everyinchofspaceiscoveredwithrichcolour,andpainstakingdetail.Inaddition,viewaninterestingcollectionofDutchmapsofOldCochin,coronationrobesbelongingtothemaharajas,royalpalanquins,weapons,andfurniture.Afterward,somefreetimeismadeavailabletoexplorethesurroundingarea,JewTown.Here,seeafascinatingblendofantiqueshops,warehouses,spiceauctionrooms,andotherlandmarksthatserveasareminderofthisonce-thrivingJewishcommunity.Followingarefreshmentstop,re-boardyourcoachandcommencetheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourinvolvesamoderateamountofwalkingforapproximately0.94miles(about1.5kilometres),attimesoverunevensurfaces,withafewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoach,fivestepsattheDhobiKhana,sixstepsattheGingerHouserestaurant,and15stepsattheDutchPalace.WalkinginJewTownisatthediscretionofeachguest.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityandguestswhoutiliseawheelchair.Lightweight,comfortableclothingwithflat,closed-toewalkingshoesandsunprotectionarerecommended.Anticipatecrowdsandwaitingtimesatthesitesvisited.Wethankyouforyourpatience.Keepyourbelongingsclose-at-hand.PhotographyisprohibitedinsidetheDutchPalace.Spaceonthistourisextremelylimited;wesuggestyoubookwellinadvancetoavoiddisappointment.

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5-HuesofCochin

EmbracethespectacularnaturalbeautyofAlappuzhainauniquenewwayduringthisscenichouseboatridealongtheKeralabackwaters,withlunchattheMarariBeachResort.

ScenicDrivetoAlappuzha

DepartCochinforthescenic,approximately1.45-hourdrivetoAlappuzha.Enroutepassthrougharuralriverineexpanseofverdantcoconutgrovesandricepaddies,oneofIndia'smostbeautifulandserenelandscapes.InMalayalam,thelanguageofKerala,thisregionisknownasKuttanad,thelandoftheshortpeople.Thisreferenceisattributedtothefactthatthefarmersareoftenseenworkingknee-deepinthepaddyfields.

KeralaBackwatersHouseboatRide

Alappuzha,previouslycalledAlleppey,isnestledamidstathicktangleoflushtropicalwaterways.Uponarrival,embarkahouseboatandbeginyouridyllicjourneythroughmajesticforestsandpalm-shadedbackwatersofthecityandsurroundings.Thisextensivenetworkofrivers,lakes,canalsandlagoonslacetogetherthecoastandinteriorsouthofCochin.Forcenturies,thesecanalshaveprovidedasafeandefficientmeansoftransportationforgoodsandpeoplemovingbetweentheheartlandandtheporttownsalongthecoast.

Asyouglidealongshimmeringwaterwayslinedwithdensetropicalvegetation,observeruralKeralalifestylesyouwouldneverseefromtheroad.Yoursurroundingsrangefromnarrowcanalslinedwiththickgreenerytoopenvistasofbrilliantgreenpaddyfields.Papaya,mango,jackfruitandcassavagrowalongpalm-linedbanks.Alongtheway,seecoconutharvestingand'coir'factories,alongwithchurches,mosques,templesandnativebirdspecies.Villagersbatheandwashtheirclothes,andsometimestheirbuffaloes,atthewater'sedge.

AfteryourcruiseyouwillreturntoCochinbyroad,stoppingalongthewayatMarariBeachResortenrouteforlunchandsomeleisuretimeinthetropics.Theresortispropertybuiltinthestyleofatraditionalfishingvillage,withthatchedvillasthatfitperfectlyintothesurroundings.Twenty-fiveacresofcoconutpalmgrovesleaddowntoavastandunspoiledexpanseofwhitesandbeach.

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6-KeralaBackwatersHouseboatCruisewithLunch

ExperiencetheuniqueflavoursofKeraladuringthismemorable,half-daycookingexcursionwithlunchatthehomeofrenownedculinaryinstructorNimmyPaul.

Cochin,Kerala

Departthepierforthescenic,approximately30-minutedrivetothehomeofrenownedculinaryinstructorNimmyPaul.AuthorofKitchensofKerala,shehasbeenteachingtraditionalKeralacookingforthepast15years.NimmyisfamousinIndia,theU.S.andEurope,andwastheonlyamateurfromamongnearly60chefsfromAsiaandIndiatobeinvitedtotheseventh-annualWorldsof

FlavourInternationalConferenceandFestivalinCalifornia.ShehasgarneredaccoladesfromR.W.AppleofTheNewYorkTimesandGregDrescheroftheCulinaryInstituteofAmerica,aswellascookbookauthorsMayaKaimalandLindaBladholm,andJamesBeardAward-winnersFredandLindaGriffith.

LocalHomeofNimmyPaul,CookingDemonstration,LunchorDinner

Uponarrivalatherlocalhome,meetNimmyandbeginyourinsightful,instructionalcookingdemonstration.LearnabouttheworldofKeralacuisine,andthevegetables,meat,seafood,curries,andspicesutilisedinitspreparation.Next,NimmyteachesyouthebasicsofpreparingKeralacuisinewitheasy-to-followrecipes.Followinghercookingdemonstration,youareservedabuffetlunchordinnerconsistingoftheentreesshehasprepared.Yourmealisaccompaniedbymineralwater(stillorsparkling),softdrinks,coffeeortea.Attheconclusionofyourvisit,re-boardyourcoachandcommencetheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

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7-KeralaCurriesandSpices

ExploreCochinatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customizeyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

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ExploreCochinatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customizeyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

Pleasenote:Thistourisnon-refundableifcancelledwithin96hourspriortoarrivalintheport.Actualvehicletypevariesdependingonavailability.Participationislimitedto2guestspercar.Theprice,exclusiveofmeals,entrancefeesandgratuities,ispervehicle.Therefore,whenmakingyourreservation,pleaseindicatethenumberofvehicles,notthenumberofguests.Onlyonepersoninthepartyneedstoreservethisprogram.PleaseseetheShoreConciergeOfficeonboardtheshiptoarrangeyourindividualitinerary.

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ExploreCochinatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customizeyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

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ExploreCochinatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customizeyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

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Discoverauniqueblendofdiversecultures,traditionsandarchitectureduringthisscenic,half-daysightseeingexcursiontoCochin.

FortCochin&St.FrancisChurch

Departthepierfortheapproximately30-minutedrivetoFortCochin.LocatedinarelativelysmallareaalongthesouthernpeninsulaofthetropicalMalabarCoast,theolderpartsofFortCochinarehometoaneclecticblendofMedievalPortuguesechurches,Dutchbuildings,andEnglishcountryvillages.NotetheChinesefishingnetsnearthetipofFortCochin.Thesefixed,cantileveredcontraptionsaremainlyusedathightideandoperatedviaasystemofcounterweights.

Next,avisitismadetotheSt.FrancisChurch.Alsoknownasthe'ChurchofSouthIndia'itisCochin'soldestEuropean-builtchurch.AtombstoneinsidethechurchmarkstheplacewhereVascodaGamawasinterredin1524.HisremainswerelatertransferredtoLisbon.

DutchPalace&JewishTown

Fromhere,proceedforavisittotheDutchPalace,builtasagiftfortheChochinRajahinthelate-17thcentury.Theupperroomsdisplayfinemuralsanditemsoncefoundinthemaharajah'shousehold.

YourtourconcludeswithavisittotheJewishTown.Thisarea,locatednexttotheRoyalPalaceinMattancherry,waspresentedtotheJewsbytheRajaofKochi.

Duringyourvisit,somefreetimeismadeavailabletobrowsethefascinatingmixofantiqueandspecialityshops,oldhouses,warehousesandspiceauctionroomsbeforecommencingtheapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

Pleasenote:Thistourrequiresamoderateamountofwalkingforapproximately700yards(about640metres)alongflatstreetsandpaths,withafewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoach,twostepsattheSt.FrancisChurchand15stepsattheDutchPalace.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityorthosewhoutiliseawheelchair.TheDutchPalaceisnotair-conditioned,andphotographyisnotpermittedhere.AttheSt.FrancisChurch,visitorsmustremovetheirshoespriortowalkingdownthecentraltiledaisle.IfmassistakingplaceatSt.FrancisChurch,yourguidecannotprovidenarrationinside.Wearlightweight,comfortableclothingcoveringthekneesandshoulders,andbringsunprotectionandlocalcurrencyforpurchasesmadeduringthevisittoJewTown.Leavejewelleryandallvaluableson-board.Expectcrowdsatthesitesvisited.

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12-TheCulturesofCochin

YourjourneytodaytakesyouthroughthestoryoftheCochinRoyalFamily.

CochinRoyalFamily,HillPalace

OneamongstthreemajorroyaldynastiesofKerala,theCochinRoyalFamilyplayedasignificantroleinshapingKerala'shistory,bothpastandpresent.YourbaseforthislearningistheHillPalace-oncethelastseatofpoweroftheKingsofKochi,itisnowKerala'sfirstheritagemuseum.Constructedin1865,itwastheofficialresidenceoftheerstwhilerulers.BuiltintraditionalKerala-style,whichismorerestrainedthanpalacesinnorthernIndia,itcomprisesof49buildingswith52acresofterracedlandsurroundingit.

ResidentialQuarters

Asyouwalkpastmurals,paintings,sculptures,manuscriptsandbelongingsoftheroyalfamilyyouranecdotistwillregaleyouwithfascinatingtalesassociatedwiththem.Thistrailwillexploretheoriginoftheroyals,riseandfallintheirfortunesunderEuropeansandtheireventualmergerwiththeIndianUnion.LearnabouttheirroleindevelopingthemoderncityofKochiandtheircontributionsinthefieldofart,culture,language,educationandmedicine.Asit'stakingplaceinanyothercitydeep-rootedinheritage,you'lllearnoftheunfortunateandalarmingpaceatwhichboththeroyalfamilyandthecityarelosingtheirheritage.

FamilyPrivateResidence,Refreshment

Movenexttotheresidentialquartersoftheroyalfamily.Radiatingaroundthefamilytempleitshowcasessomeofthebestintraditionalandcolonialarchitecture.Yourtrailendswithavisittotheextremelymodestprivateresidenceofsomeofthepresent-daymembers.Enjoyaninformalinteractionandsomelightrefreshmentswiththem.

Pleasenote:Thistourinvolvesanextensiveamountofwalkingforapproximately0.94miles(about1.5kilometres),attimesoverunevensurfaces,withafewstepstonegotiatetogeton/offthecoach,120stepsatHillPalaceMuseum,20stepsatfamilyresidence.WalkinginJewTownisatthediscretionofeachguest.Thistourisnotsuitableforguestswithlimitedmobilityandguestswhoutiliseawheelchair.Lightweight,comfortableclothingwithflat,closed-toewalkingshoesandsunprotectionarerecommended.Anticipatecrowdsandwaitingtimesatthesitesvisited.Wethankyouforyourpatience.Keepyourbelongingsclose-at-hand.PhotographyisprohibitedinsidetheHillPalaceMuseum.Shoes,handbags,camerasandmobilephonesareprohibitedinsideHillPalaceMuseum.Guestswillbeprovidedalockeratthemuseumentrancefortheirbelongings.Thetourwillbeledbyanexpertonthesubjectandnotalicensedguide.Spaceonthistourisextremelylimited;wesuggestyoubookwellinadvancetoavoiddisappointment.

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13-TracingtheKochiDynasty

ExperiencethetraditionsandflavoursofCochinduringthisimmersiveWorldCruiseCollectionsightseeingexcursion.

Cochin,FortCochin,ChineseFishingNets,KalaripayattuPerformance

Newly-designedespeciallyforourvaluedWorldCruiseguests,yourWorldCruiseCollectiontourbeginswithadrivetoFortCochin.Uponarrival,takeaguidedwalkingtourofthishistoricarea,notetheChinesefishingnetsnearthetipofFortCochin.Thesefixed,cantileveredcontraptionsaremainlyusedathightideandoperatedviaasystemofcounterweights.VisitnexttheSt.FrancisChurch,whichisadornedwithlovelyfloortilesliningthemainaisle.Largeswingingclothfans,orpunkahs,aresuspendedabovethecongregationandmanuallyoperatedfromoutsidethechurch.

ProceedtothevenueforaKalaripayattuperformance.ItisbelievedthatinSanskrit,theword'Khaloorika'denotesaplacewhereweaponstrainingispracticed.Itisfromthistermthattheword'Kalari'cameintouseinMalayalamtomeananinstitution(gymnasium,dojo,etc.)forimpartingknowledgeof,andtrainingin,martialarts.The'Kalari'wasthefirsteducationalcentreinKerala.Fromearlytimesuntilthemiddleofthe20thcentury,itwastheplaceforalltypesofeducation,and,afterthetemple,themostimportantestablishmentanywhereinKerala.

MopilahLunch

FollowingtheKalaripayattuperformance,proceedtotheTajMalabarhotelforyourthemedMopilahlunchwithIndianbeer,wineandrefreshments.Mopilah'sareMuslimsfromtheMalabarregionofKerala,andrenownedfortheirfood.Afterlunch,anapproximately10-minuteridetakesyoubacktothepier.

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14-WorldCruiseCollection:SpectacularKalaripayatuPerformance&ThemedMopilahLunch

MUMBAIIndia

Friday17Apr

12ExcursionsinMUMBAI

ExperiencethespectacularcityofMumbaiatnightduringthispanoramic,half-daysightseeingexcursionwithdinner.

GatewayofIndia&ChowpattyBeach

Departthepierforascenic,approximately75-minutesightseeingdrivethroughMumbai.Alongtheway,passbyawidearrayofbeautifully-litmonuments.Seethecity'smostfamouslandmark,theGatewayofIndia,anIndo-Saracenicarchwaybuiltin1911tocommemoratethevisitofKingGeorgeVandQueenMary.ContinuealongMumbai'sseasidepromenade,MarineDrive,aneight-lanehighwaywithawidepavement.ItsgracefulcurvesweepsfromtheskyscrapersatNarimanPointtothefootofMalabarHill.Asthesunsetsandthecityisilluminated,itbecomesaglitteringnecklaceofamillionlights.AtthenorthernendofthedriveisChowpattyBeach,aMumbaiinstitutionthatcomestolifeatnight.

VictoriaTerminus

Next,passbytheVictoriaTerminus,arailwaystationbuiltduringQueenVictoria'sGoldenJubileeyearandinspiredbySt.PancrasStationinLondon.Itisanextraordinaryconglomerationofdomes,spires,Corinthiancolumnsandminarets.ThefirsttraininIndiadepartedfromthisstationinApril1853;today,ahalf-millioncommutersusethestationeveryday.

TheOberoiMumbai&Dinner

Followingyoursightseeingdrive,proceedforatraditionalIndiandinneratZiya,theIndianspecialtyrestaurantinsidetheluxuriousOberoiHotel..ThisspecialistmodernIndianrestaurant,boastsmenusbytheMichelinstarchefVineetBhatia.Afterdinner,re-boardyourcoachandcommencetheshortdrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-G

1-AnEnchantedEveninginMumbai

ExperiencethehighlightsofMumbaiduringascenic,half-dayorientationtourofthisfascinatingcity.

GatewayofIndiaandPrinceofWalesMuseum

DepartthepierforthebriefdrivetotheGatewayofIndia.Thecity'smostfamouslandmark,thisIndo-Saracenicarchwaywasbuiltin1911tocommemoratethevisitofKingGeorgeVandQueenMary.

Afteraphotostophere,visitthePrinceofWalesMuseum,whichiscrownedbyawhiteMughal-styledome.Uponarrival,viewjadework,weaponsfromtheMughalEmpire,clayandterracottafiguresfromthe3rdcenturyB.C.,Greek-influenced4th-and5th-centuryheadsandfigures,superbIndianpaintings,illustratedmanuscripts,andexquisiteminiatures.

MarineDriveandManiBhavan

Next,proceedalongMarineDrive,Mumbai'sseasidepromenade.ItsgracefulcurvesweepsfromtheskyscrapersatNarimanPointtothefootofMalabarHill.AtthenorthernendisthelivelyChowpattyBeach,aMumbaiinstitution.Fromhere,avisitismadetoManiBhavan,Gandhi'sBombaybasebetween1917and1934.NowapermanentmuseumandmemorialtotheMahatma,ManiBhavancontainsaresearchlibraryofmorethan20,000volumes,alongwithpersonalartefacts,photosandletters.Gandhi'ssittingroom/bedroomispreservedbehindglass.

DhobiGhatandVictoriaTerminus

YourtourcontinueswithaphotostopatDhobiGhat,animpressiveoperationwheretonsofclothingfromalloverMumbaiarelaundered,pressedandbundledbeforebeingreturnedtotheirowners.Duringthe40-minutedrivebacktothepier,passbytheVictoriaTerminus,aremarkablerailwaystationbuiltduringtheyearofQueenVictoria'sGoldenJubilee.InspiredbySt.PancrasStationinLondon,theVictoriaTerminusfeaturesimpressivedomes,spires,Corinthiancolumnsandminarets,andservesahalf-millioncommutersdaily.

code:BOM-B

2-MarvelsofMumbai

SeethehighlightsofMumbaifromthecomfortofyourcoachduringthis2.5hourpanoramicsightseeingtourofthisbustlingcity.

GatewayofIndiaandMarineDrive

DepartthepierforapanoramicsightseeingtourofMumbaiCity.BeginwithadrivepasttheGatewayofIndia.Thecity'smostfamouslandmark,thisIndo-Saracenicarchwaywasbuiltin1911tocommemoratethevisitofKingGeorgeVandQueenMary.Fromhere,proceedalongMarineDrive,Mumbai'sseasidepromenade.ItsgracefulcurvesweepsfromtheskyscrapersatNarimanPointtothefootofMalabarHill,Mumbai'sritziestneighbourhood.

MalabarHill,JainTemple&VictoriaTerminus

Sincethe18thcentury,MalabarHill'sforestedslopes,freshseabreezeandpanoramicviewshaveattractedwealthydenizenswhoresidehereinmansions,bungalowsandluxuryhigh-riseapartmentblocks.AlsoonthehillistheJainTemple,builtofmarbleanddedicatedtoAdinath,thefirstofthetwenty-fourJainprophets,orthirthankars.

Continuingon,passbytheVictoriaTerminus,aremarkablerailwaystationbuiltduringtheyearofQueenVictoria'sGoldenJubilee.InspiredbySt.PancrasStationinLondon,theVictoriaTerminusfeaturesimpressivedomes,spires,Corinthiancolumnsandminarets,andservesahalf-millioncommutersdaily.

TheTajMahalPalace&TowerHotel

EnjoysomeleisuretimeattheTajMahalPalaceHotelbeforeyourreturndrivetotheship.

code:BOM-A

3-MumbaiPanorama

ExploretheevolutionofMumbai'slongstandingJewishheritageduringthismemorable,half-daysynagogueexcursionthroughthecity.

GatewayofIndiaandKenesethEliyahooSynagogue

Departthepierforthescenic,approximate30-minutedrivetotheKenesethEliyahooSynagogue.Enroute,passbytheGatewayofIndia.Thecity'smostfamouslandmark,thisIndo-Saracenicarchwaywasbuiltin1911tocommemoratethevisitofKingGeorgeVandQueenMary.YourfirststopisattheKenesethEliyahooSynagogue,alsoknownas'FortSynagogue'.Builtin1884bySirJacobSassoon,thissplendidstructurefeaturesinteriorwithdecoratedpillars,magnificentstainedglassandcarvedwoodendoors.Onthesecondfloorisaspaciouswomen'sgallery.

DavidSassoonLibraryandMagenDavidSynagogue

Next,re-boardyourcoachandcontinuepasttheDavidSassoonLibrary.OneofthelargestlibrariesinMumbai,thisimpressive,Gothic-stylebuildingwasconstructedin1847.Fromhere,proceedforavisittotheMagenDavidSynagogue.CommissionedbytheSassoonfamilyin1861,MagenDavidwasthefirstBaghdadisynagogueconstructedinMumbaiandthelargestsynagogueinAsia.Thistall,imposing,Gothic-styleedificehasfourfrontalpillarsandtowersoveralloftheotherbuildingsinthecomplex.

TipherethSynagogueandInstituteOfScience

YourtourconcludeswithavisittothehistoricTipherethSynagogue,whichwasbuiltin1886.Duringtheapproximate45-minutedrivebacktothepier,passbytheInstituteofScience,betterknownasthe'RoyalInstituteofScience'.SirGeorgeWittetdesignedthebuildingin1925,anditsconstructionfundedbySirJacobSassoon.Thisfacilityisworld-renownedasacentreforeducationandresearch.

Arriveatthepier,wheretheshipawaits.

code:BOM-E

4-Mumbai'sJewishHeritage

ExploretheHindureligionanditsinfluencesindepthduringthisscenicandinformative,half-daytourofthetemplesofMumbai.

FlowerMarket

Departthepierforavisittoabustlinglocalflowermarket.Uponarrival,experienceanabundanceofcolourfulflowersandthecacophonyofsellersandbuyers.Thistemporarymarketcomesaliveasearlyas4a.m.anddisappearsby9a.m.Orangeandredmarigolds,whitechampaandpinklotusesareallsoldhere.Duringyourvisit,pickagarlandofyourowntobeofferedtothegodsattheShriSiddhivinayakTemple.

ShriSiddhivinayakTemple

Next,re-boardyourcoachandproceedforavisittothehistoricShriSiddhivinayakTemple,whichisdedicatedtoLordGanesh,theelephant-headedgod.InsideisafigureofGaneshthatisvisiblefromanypointwithinthetemple.OneofHinduism'smostpopulargods,Ganeshisreveredastheremoverofobstacles,andhisnameisinvokedbeforeeveryundertaking.TheimageofGaneshisoftenplacedabovegateways,andinshopsandhouses.

ISCKONTemple

YourtourconcludeswithavisittotheHareRamaHareKrishnaTemple,anISKCONtemple.DedicatedtoLordKrishna,thesetemplesareatributetoSrilaParabhupada'sperseverancetospreadtheKrishnaconsciousness.ISKCONcomprisesmorethan400templesworldwide,40ruralcommunitiesandover100vegetarianrestaurants.Italsoconductsspecialprojectsthroughouttheworld,including'FoodforLife',theonlyfreevegetarianreliefprogrammeintheworld.

Followingyourvisit,re-boardyourcoachfortheapproximate30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-C

5-Mumbai'sTemples

Newly-designedespeciallyforourfemaleguests,yourtourtodaygivesyoutheuniquechancetoexperienceanIndianpre-weddingfunction.AnIndianweddingisnosmallmatter!Preparationsgoonformonths,andtheweddingitselffordays.

LocalResidence,CeremonyPreparation

Departfromthepierforashortdrivetoyourspeciallocation.TodayyouwillexperienceaMehendiceremony-apre-weddingfunctionespeciallyarrangedatalocalresidence.GuestsareencouragedtodressinIndianattire,astheytaketheirpartsasweddingguests.Silksareeswillbemadeavailablefortheoccasion.Indianweddingslaymuchemphasisonritualsandcustoms-apre-weddingMehendiceremonyreflectsthesame.

HennaPainting,IndianJewellery,Pre-WeddingMehendiCeremony

Consideredoneofthe'SolahShringar'-sixteenadornmentsofthebride,usageofMehendi(henna)goesbeyondcosmeticpurposes.Duetoitscoolingproperties,scientificallyitissupposedtocalmthebride'snerveswhenappliedtoherhandsandfeet.Essentiallyorganizedbythebride'sandgroom'sfamiliesseparately,itwasonceuponatime,aprivateaffairwhichtookplaceinthepresenceoffriends,relativesandfamilymembers.Withchangingtimes,itisoftencelebratedtogetherbybothfamiliesonalargerscalewithgreatpompandshow,dependingonindividualchoice.Beingoneofthemoreexcitingpre-weddingceremoniesnoweddingthesedaysisimaginedwithoutit.Accordingtotheritual,thebridedoesnotstepoutofthehouseafterthisceremonyuntiltheweddingitself,henceitisgenerallyheldadaypriortoit.

IndianVegetarianLunchwithLiveFolkMusic&Dance

Enjoythisrecreatedfestivitywithhennaartists,IndianBANGLES,livefolkmusicwithdancewhiletastinganhomemadeIndianVegetarianLunch.Followingyourspecialexperienceyourtourconcludeswithanapproximately20-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-L

6-PreludetoanIndianWedding

ExperiencethescenicbeautyandlandmarksofMumbaiinauniquenewwayduringafull-day,excursionthroughthisbustlingcity.

TrainRide&DhobiGhat

DepartthepierforthebriefdrivetoChurchGateStation,thenboardalocaltrainfortheridetoMahalakshmiStation.Uponarrival,walktothelocallaundry,DhobiGhat,animpressiveoperationwheretonsofclothingfromalloverMumbaiarelaundered,pressedandbundledbeforebeingreturnedtotheirowners.AfteraphotostopatDhobiGhat,drivepasttheHajiAliShrineandtheracecourseenroutetoKhotachiwadi.

Khotachiwadi

Situatedintheheartofthecity,thisurbanvillagefeaturesaneclecticblendofnewhomesand18th-centuryPortuguesehouses.Duringyourguidedwalkingtour,avisitismadetoanoldrestoredhomebelongingtoalocalresident.Inside,viewacollectionofantiquesandexemplaryexamplesoftraditionalteakfurniture.Fromhere,re-boardyourcoachanddrivetotheCrawfordMarket.

CrawfordMarket&TheTajMahalPalaceHotel

AblendofFlemishandNormanarchitecture,themarkethasabas-reliefaboveitsmainentranceandafriezedesignedbyLockyardKipling,fatherofthefamousRudyardKipling;theKipling's'cottagestillstandsinthemarket.CrawfordMarketlookslikesomethingoutofVictorianLondon,withitssweetsmellofhay,mountainsoffreshfruitsandvegetables,anda50-foot-high(15-metre-high)sky-litawning.Leavingthemarket,proceedforabuffetlunchatthehistoricTajMahalPalaceHotel.

ManiBhavan

Afterlunch,avisitismadetoManiBhavan,Gandhi'sBombaybasebetween1917and1934.ItisnowapermanentmuseumandmemorialtotheMahatma.Thewallsarecoveredwithphotosofhistoriceventsandnoteworthypeopleandthereareanumberofpersonalartefacts-includingalettertoHitleraskinghimnottogotowar,andcorrespondencewithRoosevelt,Tolstoy,andEinstein.Gandhi'ssittingroom/bedroomispreservedbehindglass.

Followingyourvisit,re-boardthecoachforthebriefdrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-D

7-ShadesofMumbai

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:BOM-W

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:BOM-V

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

Pleasenote:Thistourisnon-refundableifcancelledwithin96hourspriortoarrivalintheport.Actualvehicletypevariesdependingonavailability.Participationislimitedto6guestspervan.Theprice,exclusiveofmeals,entrancefeesandgratuities,ispervehicle.Therefore,whenmakingyourreservation,pleaseindicatethenumberofvehicles,notthenumberofguests.Onlyonepersoninthepartyneedstoreservethisprogram.PleaseseetheShoreConciergeOfficeonboardtheshiptoarrangeyourindividualitinerary.

code:BOM-Y

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:BOM-X

ExploretwodiverseandinterestingperspectivesofartinMumbaiduringthispicturesque,half-dayWorldCruiseCollection

excursion.

Mumbai,KarfulePetrolFillingStation,ArtDecoHistory

Newly-designedespeciallyforourvaluedWorldCruiseguests,yourWorldCruiseCollectiontourbeginswithashortdrivetotheKarfulePetrolFillingStation.Uponarrival,yourarchitect/expertintroducesyoutotherich,ArtDecohistoryofMumbai,reputedforhavingthesecond-highestnumberofArtDecobuildingsafterMiami,Florida.Thisimportantarchitecturalstylebeganinthemid-1930s,takenupbyIndianswhowereattainingeconomicparitywiththeBritish.First-generationIndianarchitectsweredrawntoitsfuturisticandmodernlook.TheavailabilityofnewbuildingtechnologiesandmaterialscontributedtoanenvironmentforArtDecotoflourish.

GuidedWalkingTour,ScenicDrive,ArtDecoBuildings,OvalMaidan,MarineDrive

AguidedwalkingtouroffersadeeperinsightintoMumbai'sArtDecomovementwhilstviewingsomefineexamplesandiconicbuildings,fromtheOvalMaidantoMarineDrive.Fromtheresidentialstructures,officesandhospitalstothesingle-screenmovietheatresandreligiousspaces,ArtDecoisomnipresentinthiscity,withover200buildings.Followingyourtour,re-boardyourcoachandheadforaphotostopattheByramjeeWadiaClockTower.Leavingtheclocktower,continueontotheEmpressCourt,thentakeaguidedstrollaroundtheOvalMaidanandMarineDrive,viewingArtDecobuildingsenroute.Afterward,re-boardyourcoachanddrivepastsomeclassicArtDecogems.

VisittotheHomeofHemaShroff,TextileChatwithTea,Shopping,Shawls,Scarves

Next,exploreadifferentperspectiveofartinMumbaiduringavisittothehomeofHemaShroff,aself-taughthandicraftsartist.Uponarrival,HematakesyouthroughthehistoryoftextilesinIndiawhilstrecountingherjourneyandloveoftextilesoveracupoftea.Youcanevenpurchasethebeautifulexamplesofshawlsandscarvesfromhercollection.Followingyourvisit,yourWorldCruise

Collectiontourconcludeswithanapproximately30-minutedrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-K

12-WorldCruiseCollection:MumbaithroughtheEyesofanArtDecoArchitect&aTextileDesigner

MUMBAIIndia

Saturday18Apr

11ExcursionsinMUMBAI

Braceyourselfforaninterestingdayouting-anexperienceyouwon'tbeabletoduplicateanywhereelse!SpendyourdaywithMumbai'ssuperheroes-theDabbawalas,membersoftheMumbaiTiffinBoxSuppliersAssociation.Everyday5,000ofthemdeliverfresh,home-cookedfoodfrom200,000suburbankitchenstoofficesinthedowntownarea.Eachlunchispreparedbyalovingwifeormother,andpackedintoasetofstackablealuminiumboxes.Themealsarecarriedtotheirhungryrecipientsdanglingfromshoulder-polesandbicyclehandlebars,andstackedondecoratedhandcarts.Tinsarerarely,ifever,lost,andalwaysfindtheirwayhomeagaintobewashedupforthenextday'slunch.

Youwillshadowoneofthesesuperheroestoday.Pickupatiffinfromalocalhomefordelivery;helpsorttiffins;walktoarailwaystationandbravealocaltrainwhereyougetthechancetointeractwithsomeothermembersoftheassociation;sortagainandpickanddeliverfreshly-cookedhomefoodalongwithsomesmiles.

Afteraday'shardworkandhavinglearnttricksofthetrade,atiffinlunchawaitsyouattheTajMahalPalaceHotel!

code:BOM-I

1-AJauntwithMumbai'sSuperheroes-Dabbawalas

code:BOM-B

2-MarvelsofMumbai

ThistourisfordisembarkingguestswhowishtogotoChhatrapatiShivajiInternationalAirportwithflightsafter5pm.

YourtourcontinueswithaphotostopatDhobiGhat,animpressiveoperationwheretonsofclothingfromalloverMumbaiarelaundered,pressedandbundledbeforebeingreturnedtotheirowners.PassbytheVictoriaTerminus,aremarkablerailwaystationbuiltduringtheyearofQueenVictoria'sGoldenJubilee.InspiredbySt.PancrasStationinLondon,theVictoriaTerminusfeaturesimpressivedomes,spires,Corinthiancolumnsandminarets,andservesahalf-millioncommutersdaily.

Re-boardyourvehiclefortheapproximate1.5hourdrivetotheChhatrapatiShivajiInternationalAirport.

code:BOM-B1

3-MarvelsofMumbaiwithAirportTransfer-EarlyFlight

ThistourisfordisembarkingguestswhowishtogotoTheOberoi/TridentNarimanPoint/TheTajMahalPalace&TowerHotels.

Re-boardyourvehiclefortheapproximate40-minutedrivetotheTheOberoi/TridentNarimanPoint/TheTajMahal&TowerHotels.

code:BOM-B2

4-MarvelsofMumbaiwithHotelTransfer

SeethehighlightsofMumbaifromthecomfortofyourcoachduringthis2.5hourpanoramicsightseeingtourofthisbustlingcity.

GatewayofIndiaandMarineDrive

DepartthepierforapanoramicsightseeingtourofMumbaiCity.BeginwithadrivepasttheGatewayofIndia.Thecity'smostfamouslandmark,thisIndo-Saracenicarchwaywasbuiltin1911tocommemoratethevisitofKingGeorgeVandQueenMary.Fromhere,proceedalongMarineDrive,Mumbai'sseasidepromenade.ItsgracefulcurvesweepsfromtheskyscrapersatNarimanPointtothefootofMalabarHill,Mumbai'sritziestneighbourhood.

MalabarHill,JainTemple&VictoriaTerminus

Sincethe18thcentury,MalabarHill'sforestedslopes,freshseabreezeandpanoramicviewshaveattractedwealthydenizenswhoresidehereinmansions,bungalowsandluxuryhigh-riseapartmentblocks.AlsoonthehillistheJainTemple,builtofmarbleanddedicatedtoAdinath,thefirstofthetwenty-fourJainprophets,orthirthankars.

Continuingon,passbytheVictoriaTerminus,aremarkablerailwaystationbuiltduringtheyearofQueenVictoria'sGoldenJubilee.InspiredbySt.PancrasStationinLondon,theVictoriaTerminusfeaturesimpressivedomes,spires,Corinthiancolumnsandminarets,andservesahalf-millioncommutersdaily.

TheTajMahalPalace&TowerHotel

EnjoysomeleisuretimeattheTajMahalPalaceHotelbeforeyourreturndrivetotheship.

code:BOM-A

5-MumbaiPanorama

Awakentoaburstofcolour,spiritualcalmandthesplendidsightsofMumbaiduringthishalf-day,early-morningsightseeingexcursion.

FlowerMarket

Departthepierfortheearly-morningdrivetoalocalflowermarket,whilsttheroadsofMumbaiarepeacefulandquiet.Uponarrival,seeacavalcadeoffresh,colourfulflowers,andhearthecacophonyofsellersandbuyers.Thistemporarymarketcomesaliveasearlyas4a.m.,anddisappearsby9a.m.Flowersareeverywhere;orangeandredmarigoldsheapedontarpaulinsandsoldbyweight,whitechampaintinybasketsandsoldbythenumber,anddelicately-wrappedpinklotusesinbroadleavestobeofferedtothegods.Duringyourvisit,pickagarlandtobeofferedbyyouatthenextstop,oneoftheISKCONtemplesortheHaraRamaHareKrishnaTemple.

ISKCONorHaraRamaKrisnaTemple

DedicatedtoLordKrishna,theworld-renownedISKCONtemplesrepresentatributetoSrilaParabhupada'sperseverancetospreadtheKrishnaconsciousness.ISKCONiscomprisedofmorethan400templesworldwide,40ruralcommunitiesandover100vegetarianrestaurants.Italsoconductsspecialprojectsthroughouttheworld,suchas'FoodforLife',theonlyfreevegetarianreliefprogramintheworld.Afterattendinganearly-morningprayerceremony,re-boardyourcoachandcontinueontotheSassoonDocks.

SassoonDocks,FishMarket,TajMahalPalaceHotelandBreakfast

TheSassoonDocksareamongtheoldestdocksinMumbai,andanotherlocalsightbest-seenduringtheearlyhoursoftheday.BuiltonreclaimedlandbyDavidSassoonandcompletedin1905,thedocksnowplayhosttolocalfishingfleets,alongwithoneofMumbai'slargestandmostfamousfishmarkets.Observeaseaofpeople,heapsoffishandshellfish,localfishermenbringingintheircatches,andthelocalfisherwomenvyingtosellandauctionthem.LeavingtheSassoonDocks,re-boardyourcoachandproceedforbreakfastattheiconicTajMahalPalaceHotel.Afterbreakfast,re-boardyourcoachandcommencetheshortdrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-H

6-MumbaiatDawn

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:BOM-W

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatecar.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:BOM-V

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourfull-day(8-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

Pleasenote:Thistourisnon-refundableifcancelledwithin96hourspriortoarrivalintheport.Actualvehicletypevariesdependingonavailability.Participationislimitedto6guestspervan.Theprice,exclusiveofmeals,entrancefeesandgratuities,ispervehicle.Therefore,whenmakingyourreservation,pleaseindicatethenumberofvehicles,notthenumberofguests.Onlyonepersoninthepartyneedstoreservethisprogram.PleaseseetheShoreConciergeOfficeonboardtheshiptoarrangeyourindividualitinerary.

code:BOM-Y

ExploreMumbaiatyourleisureduringyourhalf-day(4-Hour)sightseeingtourviaprivatevan.Customiseyourownitineraryorchoosetoseeanoverviewofthearea'shighlights.

code:BOM-X

ExploretheculturaldiversityandheritageofMumbaiduringanimmersive,full-dayexcursionthroughthishistoriccity.

Mumbai,FishingVillage,KolisPeople

Yourtourbeginswithascenic,approximately45-minutedrivetoafishingvillage.Uponarrival,yourlocalexpertdiscussestheoriginalinhabitantsofMumbai,theKolis.Duringaguidedstrollthroughthevillage,gainauniqueinsightintothelifeandtimeoftheKolis,thewaytheyruntheirbusinesses,andtheircustomsandbeliefs.

Matharpacady,PortugueseHousesandHeritage

Next,re-boardyourcoachandcontinueontothesmallhamletofMatharpacady,whichislocatedinthemiddleofthecityanddatesbackapproximately200years.Uponarrival,takeaguidedwalkingtour.Alongtheway,passbyhousesthatreflecttherichPortugueseheritageofthisoutlying,yetelitesuburbononeofBombay'soldestislands.NurturedandpopulatedbytheEastIndiancommunity,learnaboutthehistoryandstruggleofthisunique,heritage-statushamletundertheconstantthreatofredevelopment.

LunchattheTrishnaRestaurant,ColonialMumbai,HistoricSites,DiverseArchitecturalStyles

LeavingMatharpacady,proceedforlunchatTrishna,aMumbaiinstitutionandlocalseafoodrestaurantservingupthefreshcatch-of-the-day.Afterlunch,re-boardyourcoachandheadtoColonialMumbai,whichismorepopularwithtouristsandfeaturesUNESCOWorldHeritageSites.Whilstdrivingandstrollingthroughthisprecinct,learnaboutthecontributionoftheBritishtothedevelopmentofthecityanditsricharchitecturalheritageofGothic,Victorian,ArtDeco,Indo-Saracenicandcontemporary-stylebuildings.Followingyourvisit,yourtourconcludeswithashortdrivebacktothepier.

code:BOM-J

11-StoryofMumbai

WORLD CRUISE SEGMENT - Amazing Asia. Astonishing Asia ......This tour requires a moderate amount of...

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