Month: January 2020

Backwaters cruise (half day)

Port Cochin • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Sightseeing, Tasting • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 6 • Shore excursion code

Description

This is an opportunity not to be missed if you want to discover effortlessly the natural beauty of the backwaters of Kerala, sailing calmly along the waters of the lagoon, perhaps with a nice cool drink in hand.

What we will see

• Alappuzha
• Cruise on a houseboat
• The region’s lagoon, lakes and canals

What we will do

• After leaving Kochi, we travel by coach to Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, dubbed the Venice of the East thanks to its beautiful lagoon.
• Once we arrive, we board a houseboat, a genuine “floating house” with a comfortable bedroom, bathroom, fully furnished lounge and balcony at the bow and a tailor-made kitchen at the stern.
• The team, made up of the cook, the captain and the helmsman, will greet us with a cold drink.
• We sail along the region’s lagoon, lakes and narrow canals on a timeless journey to discover the local way of life in the nearby districts.

What you need to know

• The coach transfer from Kochi to Alappuzha will take around an hour and a half.
• The cruise will last approximately 2 hours.
• The excursion duration may vary depending on traffic conditions.
• You are advised to have a substantial breakfast as we will not return to the ship until the afternoon.
• The boats’ capacity can vary according to availability and the number of bookings. Passengers will be embarked depending on the boat capacity.
• Adverse traffic conditions could alter the duration of the excursion. The streets may not be tarred.
• Do not forget to bring insect repellent.
• This excursion is not recommended to guests with mobility problems.

 

Kerala culture: Kumbalangi village tour

Port Cochin • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Sightseeing, Nature excursion, Entertainment, Meal included • Price Adults € • Duration in ours 6.5 • Shore excursion code

Description

An excursion designed for those who love to discover new and fascinating cultures, which will make us live the experience of a delicious cruise along the waters of Kumbalangi and then it will take us to discover the traditions of this quiet and peaceful village, where the inhabitants’ survival depends only on the nature.

What we will see

• Cruise to discover local fishing techniques
• Village of Kumbalangi
• Everyday village activities
• Lunch with local specialities
• Chinese fishing nets
• Kolkali performance
• Rickshaw ride
• Shopping at Mattancherry
• Spectacular countryside with backwaters and fish farms

What we will do

• We travel from the port to the village of Kumbalangi, the starting point for our enchanting cruise, which offers an opportunity to observe the various local fishing techniques including veesuvala and padal.
• After leaving the boat we head for the village, where we are divided into small groups to watch the locals going about their day to day business: catching crabs and fish, preparing coconut milk punch, processing shellfish and coconut fibres, weaving rugs and oola madayal (special coconut leaves woven to create a roof covering), and making fishing nets.
• For lunch we enjoy local specialities in an open-air area with a view of the Chinese fishing nets resting on the surface of the water. We can see the way these nets are used and how the fishing system known as papu mari works.
• Such an exciting day would not be complete without a Kolkali performance, a traditional dance in which the dancers move in a circle, singing and dancing and tapping each other with sticks.
• And that is not all: after the performance we enjoy a brief rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of the village
• Our trip has come to an end and we return to Kochi, travelling through spectacular countryside with backwaters and fish farms on either side of the road.

What you need to know

• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• Adverse traffic conditions could alter the duration of the excursion. The streets may not be tarred.
• This excursion is not recommended to guests with mobility problems.
• The trip to Kumbalangi will take place on boat and will last approximately 1h.
• Do not forget to bring insect repellent.?

Highlights of cochin

Port Cochin • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Cultural • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 4 • Shore excursion code

Description

A wonderful opportunity to visit the magical Cochin, this fishing city that attracts visitors with its small islands, the different art centers and architecture with the nuances of European and Chinese origin.

What we will see

• Fort Kochi
• St. Francis Church
• Chinese fishing nets
• Local fish market
• Santa Cruz Basilica (panoramic)
• Mattancherry
• Dutch Palace
• Jew Street
• Synagogue

What we will do

• Our visit to Kochi begins in the district where the first settlers were Portuguese: Fort Kochi, home to various vestiges of the colonial era such as St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, built by the Portuguese.
• We then visit many more fascinating attractions, including the Chinese fishing nets, a powerful symbol of the centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast and the famous local fish market where locals eat freshly caught fish that has just been cooked.
• We then go on to visit Santa Cruz Basilica whose foundations were laid in 1505, again by the Portuguese.
• Arriving at the Mattancherry district we can admire the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. The building is renowned for the frescoes featuring scenes from the Ramayana and the Puranas legends linked to Hindu gods.
• Another community that has left its mark on this city is the Jewish community, which has a street named in its honour. Here we admire the typical houses and the shops of various kinds, from grocers to antiques shops. At the end of the street is the Synagogue, the oldest in the entire Commonwealth. It was built in 1568 and is famous for its hand-painted blue Cantonese majolica tiles.

What you need to know

• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended.
• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• Adverse traffic conditions could alter the duration of the excursion. The streets may not be tarred.
• This excursion is not recommended to guests with mobility problems.
• In case of events or religious celebrations the visit of church or monuments will be done only by outside.
• If closed, the Dutch Palace will be replaced by the Indo Portuguese Museum in Fort Cochin.

 

SUNSHINE IN GOA

Port Mormugao • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Swimming, Meal included • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 6 • Shore excursion code

Description

Sea and sand are the main attraction in Goa, which boasts miles of sandy beaches and facilities for tourists.

What we will see 

Beach

What we will do

• We leave the port and take a short ride to a wonderful beach that offers the utmost comfort.
• We will be completely free for a few hours to thoroughly relax by the sea. Or we can simply flop onto a sun lounger and feel the warmth of the sun’s rays on our skin.

What you need to know

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• The tour does not feature a guide but an English-speaking local escort.
• The beach is not equipped.

Experience Goa and Beach

 

Port Mormugao • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Swimming, Cultural, Meal included • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 7.5 • Shore excursion code

Description

A unique chance to get to know Goa ain all its aspects: first we discover its most historical and cultural side, among the churches and temples of the old Goa, and then we relax on the beach.

What we will see

• Se Cathedral
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Nageshi Temple
• Beach

What we will do

• We leave the port by coach and head to Goa, where we will have the chance to broaden our knowledge of Indian philosophy and religion.
• We start by visiting two important churches in Old Goa, which are testament not only to its colonial past but also to the city’s grandeur and wealth during the period of Portuguese rule: firstly, Se Cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint Catherine and is one of the largest in the city, secondly, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is home to the remains of Saint Francis Xavier. These are kept in a marble mausoleum and displayed to the public once every ten years.
• After visiting the churches, we head to the famous Shri Nageshi Temple, which is dedicated to the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. It clearly retains the Hindu style that was at its peak in the 18th century.
• And now for some relaxation! We head to the Beach Hotel where we can make the most of a delicious buffet and then relax with a swim in the pool, head to the beach or simply lie back and soak up the sun!

What you need to know

• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended: shoulder and knee must be covered.
• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• Sun loungers will be provided by the hotel depending on availability.
• The beach is not equipped.
• You need to be able to swim and be physically fit to take part in this excursion.
• Shoes must be removed and socks must be worn to visit the temple.
• It is not permitted to take photos or videos inside the temple.
• In case of events or religious celebrations the visit of church or monuments will be done only by outside.

The culture and flavours of goa and a tour of the plantations

Port Mormugao • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Sightseeing, Cultural, Meal included • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 6 • Shore cursion code

Description

Goa is synonymous with the sand and sea, but it also conceals a cultural side which we mustn’t overlook. So why not discover the numerous places of historic and religious interest, the secrets of the spice plantations and the local flavours.

What we will see

• Se Cathedral
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Shri Nageshi Temple
• Spice plantation
• Traditional lunch

What we will do

• Our excursion will start with a visit to two churches: the first is one of the largest churches in the city, Se Cathedral – dedicated to Saint Catherine – and the second is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is home to the remains of Saint Francis Xavier. These are kept in a marble mausoleum and displayed to the public once every ten years.
• After visiting the churches, we will head to the Shri Nageshi temple, an 18th-century temple with its own unique, classic elegance. It is dedicated to Shiva.
• At this point, there is something truly unique in store for us as we discover the secrets of spice cultivation at the Spice plantations and enjoy a traditional lunch after the tour.

What you need to know

• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended: shoulder and knee must be covered.
• Shoes must be removed and socks must be worn to visit the temple.
• It is not permitted to take photos or videos inside the temple.
• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• This excursion is not recommended to guests with mobility problems.
• In case of events or religious celebrations the visit of church or monuments will be done only by outside.
• Due to road works along the route the return of the excursion could be delayed.

Old Goa and the capital, Panjim

Port Mormugao • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Cultural, Shopping • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 5.5 • Shore excursion code

Description

Goa is mostly famous for its stunning beaches but there is also a side to it offering great historic and cultural interest. We will find it in Old Goa where we can admire the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the capital, Panjim, which still retains traces of Portuguese architecture.

What we will see

• Shantadurga Hindu Temple
• Se Cathedral
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Fontainhas Latin quarter
• Panjim

What we will do

• Our excursion to the old part of Goa starts with a visit to the Shantadurga Hindu temple, which gives off a serene aura with its brown, white and peach exterior.
• Then we will visit two churches: firstly, Se Cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint Catherine and is one of the largest in the city, secondly, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is home to the remains of Saint Francis Xavier. These are kept in a marble mausoleum and displayed to the public once every ten years.
• After we have visited the churches, we enjoy a pleasant stroll through the Latin quarter of Fontainhas – with its distinctively Portuguese charm – where we can admire the church and the old Portuguese-style houses.
• Finally, we head to the capital Panjim, where we can admire the old houses with the pretty balconies and blinds so typical of Portuguese Goa. We can also enjoy some free time to do some shopping there before returning to the ship.

What you need to know

• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended: shoulder and knee must be covered.
• Shoes must be removed and socks must be worn to visit the temple.
• It is not permitted to take photos or videos inside the temple.
• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• This excursion is not recommended to guests with mobility problems.
• In case of events or religious celebrations the visit of church or monuments will be done only by outside.?

OVERLAND FROM MUMBAI TO MUMBAI, VISIT TAJ MAHAL (Double Room)

Port Bombay/Mumbai • Level of difficulties Difficult • Type Sightseeing, Jeep 4-Wheel-Drive ATV, Cultural, Shopping, Meal included • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 33 Hrs • Shore excursion code

Description


A unique opportunity to spend a day in the heart of the Indian subcontinent, to discover the wonders of this fascinating country. We admire the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, we see the local way of living and savor the best of local cuisine. Additionally, we stay in some of the most luxurious hotels in India.

What we will see

• Panoramic tour of Mumbai
• Moghlai dinner
• Agra: Taj Mahal
• Photostop at Agra Fort

What we will do

• After a panoramic tour of Mumbai we travel to New Delhi by plane, where a luxurious hotel awaits us.
• We transfer to Agra by bus.
• The evening has a delightful surprise in store for us: a Moghlai dinner served at the hotel.
• The next day we visit the monument that every tourist in the world should see at least once in their life: the Taj Mahal , universally renowned as a jewel of Islamic art and one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
• We leave Agra and head for Delhi by coach with a photo stop at the 16th century ruins of Agra Fort , a UNESCO world Heritage site, which encircles the Imperial city of the Mogul emperors with 2 km of red sandstone walls.
• After we proceed to the airport.
• We leave Delhi and take a flight to Mumbai

What you need to know

• This tour is for guests with flights after 11 pm.
• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• In order to take part in this excursion it is necessary to have your passport with you, together with a tourist visa to enter India as required when boarding the vessel.
• During the visit to the Taj Mahal you will be provided with shoe covers to wear over your normal footwear.
• Sharp objects, cigarette lighters, video cameras and large bags are not permitted inside the Taj Mahal.
• Light meals will be served during the flights and train journeys.
• Should it be necessary to pay for the right to use cameras and/or video equipment, this is not included in the price of the excursion and must be paid in local currency (the tour guide can help you if you need to change currency).
• This excursion is conducted mainly on foot, it is therefore recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

Good morning Mumbai

Port Bombay/Mumbai • Level of difficulties Moderate • Type Sightseeing, Cultural • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 3.5 Hrs. • Shore excursion code

Description

This tour, at the daybreak, will give you a deep insight into the morning life of Mumbai. You will have an amazing experience during a ride in the local train – the lifeline of Mumbai, the visit of the bustling wholesale flower and vegetable market, and a visit to the ISKON temple to witness and participate in the vibrant morning prayer ritual – ‘Arti’.

What we will see

• Train ride in the local train
• flower and vegetable market
• ISKON temple to witness and participate in the vibrant morning prayer ritual

What we will do

• Early hours of the day are a rendezvous with the surreal Mumbai. This mercurial character of the city, when observed in the wee hours of the morning is quite unique in that you experience the underbelly of this magnificent city and understand what makes it tick. To know Mumbai, experience a local train journey is a must and will introduce you to the true Mumbaikar culture.
• You will board the train from Church Gate for Dadar station where you would also get to see how multi-lingual newspapers are assorted and distributed with 100% accuracy.
• Our next stop will be the flower market. Flowers are an integral part of Indian way of life. In fact, in most Indian homes, the day start with lighting of traditional lamps and worshiping with flowers. Flowers are brought to Dadar wholesale market from various parts of the state.
• At the vegetable and fruit market, truckloads of vegetables and fruits, arrive from various sources across the state, are downloaded and are moved by head loads and hand crafts. You can see customers haggle and bargain for the best deal.
• Our last stop will then be taken at ISKON temple (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) where you can follow the morning ‘Arti’ (religious ritual with lamps and music). The atmosphere is so vibrant and electrifying that you will feel elevated to a higher plane and would get tempted to join the rituals and dance. In fact, the temple management encourages interested visitors to join the ritual and dances, which many do happily.

What you need to know

• The tour will start around 5.30 am from the pier, you will have the chance to join breakfast on board after the tour, as well to join tours departing during the day.
• Please check with our Tour Office on board our several offers and the related departure times.

 

Half-day city tour of Mumbai Half-day city tour of Mumbai
Half-day city tour of Mumbai

Port Bombay/Mumbai • Level of difficulties Easy • Type Sightseeing, Cultural • Price Adults € • Duration in hours 5 Hrs. • Shore excursion code

Description

The ideal excursion for those who wish to embark on a journey into the heart of Mumbai and explore the places that are fundamental for an understand this fascinating city.

What we will see

• Panoramic tour by bus, passing by: Asiatic Society Library, Marina Drive, Parsi Towers of Silence, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, University of Mumbai, Prince of Wales Museum
• Girgaum Iskcon Temple
• Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park
• Dhobi Gat (photo stop)
• Mani Bhavan Museum
• St. Thomas Cathedral
• Gateway of India (photo stop)

What we will do

• We leave the port by coach and head for the Girgaum Iskcon Temple, passing by a few of the city's main attractions: The Asiatic Society Library, once home to the city hall, and the Marina Drive coastal road, also known as the "Queen's Necklace" because of its street lights that look like a pearl necklace when lit up at night.
• After viewing the sumptuous temple, we visit the Hanging gardens and the Kamla Nehru park from where we can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
• We pass the Parsi Towers of Silence, a sacred place for the Parsi community and therefore inaccessible to other people and we observe the Dhobi Gat, an open-air washhouse still used today by locals despite the advent of washing machines.
• We visit the Mani Bhavan Museum, which was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, when he lived in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934.
• We then return to our coach and head for the St. Thomas Cathedral. Along the journey we can watch the interesting sights of the business quarters in the south of the city with several monuments dating back to the British colonial era including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus once known as the Victoria Terminus, the University of Mumbai, the Supreme Court Building and the Prince of Wales Museum, an imposing and unusual building topped with a magnificent white dome.
• Before returning to the port stop briefly to take photographs of the symbol of the city: the Gateway of India.

What you need to know

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Dress code that is appropriate for the places of worship to be visited is recommended.
• In order to take photos or film videos within the Prince of Wales Museum, you must purchase the necessary tickets.

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