Shore Excursions winter 2015/16

Contents AGADIR Morocco AGRA India

6

LUXOR Egypt

7

MAHE Seychelles

40 – 41 42 43 44

AMMAN Jordan

8–9

MALACCA Malaysia

AQABA Jordan

10

MANGALORE India

11

MARMAGAO India

45

12

MARRAKESH Morocco

46

BOM BOM ISLAND Sao Tome & Principe CADIZ Spain CAPE TOWN South Africa CASABLANCA Morocco CHENNAI India COCHIN India COLOMBO Sri Lanka DELHI India

13 – 16 17

MAYOTTE Comoros Islands MOSSEL BAY South Africa

47 48 – 49

18 – 19

MUMBAI India

50

20 – 21

MUSCAT Oman

51

22 – 24

PENANG Malaysia

52

25

PETRA Jordan

53

26 – 27

PHUKET Thailand

54 – 55

28

PORBANDAR India

56

29

PORT BLAIR Andaman Islands

57

FUERTEVENTURA Canary Islands

30

PORT ELIZABETH South Africa

58 – 59

FUNCHAL Madeira

31

PRAIA Cape Verde Islands

60 – 61

32

RICHARDS BAY South Africa

62 – 65

33

SALALAH Oman

34

SAO TOME Sao Tome & Principe

LA DIGUE/PRASLIN Seychelles

35

SINGAPORE

LA PALMA Canary Islands

36

TANGIER Morocco

71 – 73 74 – 77

DURBAN South Africa EL MARSA Moroccan Sahara FATEHPUR SIKRI India

GALLE Sri Lanka JAIPUR India KUDA BANDOS Maldives

37

WALVIS BAY Namibia

LUANDA Angola

38

YANGON Myanmar (Burma)

LUDERITZ Namibia

39

LAS PALMAS Canary Islands

66 67 68 – 69 70

AFRICA, INDIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA SHORE EXCURSIONS 2015/2016

"To travel in Europe is to assume a foreseen inheritance but to travel in farther Asia is to discover a novelty previously unsuspected and unimaginable."

From the dynamism of such cities as Singapore and Cape Town to the quiet serenity of the Taj Mahal and the spiritual wonder of the pagodas of Bagan in Burma, it is impossible for travellers to Africa, India and Southeast Asia not to be charmed by these exotic regions of the world.

These are also places of outstanding natural beauty: the sweeping sand dunes of Namibia and the majesty of Africa’s spectacular wildlife contrast with the desert island paradise of the Maldives and the Seychelles.

Inside this brochure you will find information and insight on all the fantastic sites that feature on your Voyages to Antiquity cruise.

3

excursions guide Your cruise includes shore excursions in most ports of call visited. Some ports offer multiple opportunities for sightseeing, and in these instances, you will have a choice of included excursions or a choice of optional excursions at an additional cost.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOUR These sightseeing programmes are outstanding but can be challenging.

Visits to archaeological and religious sites may require walking over uneven surfaces, up and down multiple steps, and getting in and out of boats, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Some passengers may decide to take a break on certain days and explore the environs around the port.

Look for the symbols above each tour description (see key opposite) to get a good idea of the level of walking that may be involved. Tour durations are approximate and, to be sure you get the most out of the excursion and

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to avoid overcrowding, the sequence of site visits and operating times may vary. The on-board staff will brief you nightly on the expected plans for the following day. All departure times and meeting points will be advised in the Daily Journal on board. Some countries require you to carry certain documents ashore and this will be advised on board at the appropriate time. Please note that we reserve the right to change, cancel or substitute an included excursion at any time.

OUR GUIDES It is one thing to see the Taj Mahal and quite another to see it in the company of a good guide who speaks your language and can share his/her knowledge and passion for history.

All of our shore excursions feature qualified English-speaking guides who seek to enlighten your visit with their expertise. It is customary to reward their service with a small gratuity per person, generally $2-$3

for the guide and $1-$2 for the driver, depending on the duration of the excursion.

KEY TO EXCURSION SYMBOLS Please note the symbols featured in each tour description:

SHOPPING From the fabrics and craftwork in the bustling markets of Southeast Asia to the sophisticated shopping available in Singapore, there is much to tempt the shopper. While these shore excursions focus on the history, culture and archaeology of the area, some offer the chance to visit local markets and shops. Voyages to Antiquity has no connection with any shopping establishment and does not assume responsibility for purchases made ashore. We also recommend insurance on anything you choose to ship home.

Moderate walking over relatively level terrain and some steps.

Medium to heavy walking indicates cobblestones, or slippery surfaces, and some stair climbing. Guests with physical limitations will want to take this into consideration.

Heavy walking for one or more hours over uneven terrain, with multiple uphill segments or where excursion features climbing in and out of local boats or small vehicles.

Lunch at local restaurant Tender Port

TRANSPORTATION Various modes of transportation are used, depending on the excursion.

Most motorcoaches are deluxe, air-conditioned vehicles unless unavailable in that port.

5

AGADIR

AGADIR morocco Taroudant AGA1

Half day

INCLUDED

Sometimes known as the “Little Marrakesh”, Taroudant is an old trading centre located in Morocco’s Souss Valley.

Surrounded by citrus groves, protected by magnificent red-mud walls and with the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas beckoning beyond, Taroudant’s situation is truly enchanting. Despite its medieval souks and squares, this is not simply a tourist destination, as Taroudant is a working market town where Berbers trade the produce of the rich and fertile Oued Souss plain.

On your drive there from the port of Agadir, keep an eye out for the tree-climbing goats

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that call this part of the world home. Upon arrival, step inside this 11th-century citadel and prepare to be hurled back in time.

Resting peacefully within its ramparts, Taroudant has avoided time’s march, retaining its traditional look and feel. Four miles of chunky walls encircle the city, pierced by five impressive gateways. Within them lie Taroudant’s most famous attractions, the daily Berber market and the Arab souk. Browse the stalls and snap up anything and everything from exotic spices to leather goods.

Please note that comfortable walking shoes are the order of the day and ladies should not wear shorts.

AGRA

AGRA india (Hotel Stay) Agra & the Taj Mahal AGR1

Half day

INCLUDED

While in Agra, enjoy guided tours of Agra Fort and the spectacular Taj Mahal, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that bear testimony to an extraordinary civilisation.

The Taj Mahal stands tribute to a great love story. One of India's great architect-rulers, Shah Jahan, lost his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, giving birth to their 15th child.

Although he had already built her palaces, his ultimate triumph would be this great, white marble mausoleum which took 22 years and 20,000 workmen to complete.

Take in the graphic purity of the elevation, the grandeur of the bulbous dome and the perspective of the pool and gardens as you reach a landmark in every traveller's life.

Continue to the Red Fort of Agra, founded

by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Behind its

forbidding red sandstone battlements are fairytale palaces that tell the tale of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century when Agra was one of India's most important cities.

Highlights of your visit include two sites built by the luxury-loving Shah Jahan: the many-pillared Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience), where the emperor sat on his throne to dispense justice, and the profuselydecorated Diwan-e-Khas where important guests were received and suitably awed.

Please note that there is a strict security check at the entrance to the Taj Mahal and no bags are allowed inside. If travelling as part of the pre-cruise land package, please note that after leaving Agra, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur. Smaller vehicles will be used for this part.

For description of sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri – please see page 29.

7

AMMAN

AMMAN jordan (Hotel Stay) Amman City Tour AMM1

Half day

INCLUDED

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is one of the great cultural centres of the Middle East and there is much here to interest the visitor. It is also a city of surprises and many of these are to be found in the area known as the Citadel. Sitting on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel al-Qala’a (about 850m above sea level), the Citadel is the site of the ancient Ammonite capital of Rabbath-Ammon.

Artefacts dating from the Bronze Age show that the hill was a fortress and/or agora (open space for commerce and politics) for thousands of years. The complex is surrounded by 1700m-long walls, which were rebuilt many times during the Bronze

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and Iron Ages, as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods.

Here you will visit the Archaeological Museum – a small museum housing an excellent collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th century – the Folkloric Museum, the remains of the Roman Temple of Hercules, the Byzantine basilica and the gate to Umayyad Palace.

Also, see the Roman theatre which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138-161AD) and can accommodate 6,000 spectators. Afterwards there will be a short tour of modern Amman.

AMMAN

Ancient Jerash AMM 2

Half day

INCLUDED

Located some 48 km (30 miles) north of the capital Amman, Jerash is known for the ruins of the Graeco-Roman city of Gerasa, and is sometimes misleadingly referred to as the "Pompeii of the Middle East", referring to its size, extent of excavation and level of preservation (though Jerash was never buried by a volcano).

Jerash became an urban centre during the 3rd century BC and a member of the federation of Greek cities known as the Decapolis ("ten cities" in Greek). Jerash prospered during the 1st century BC as a result of its position on the incense and spice trade route from the Arabian Peninsula to Syria and the Mediterranean region. Jerash was a favourite city of the Roman emporer, Hadrian, and reached its zenith in AD130, flourishing economically and socially. Jerash began to

decline in the 3rd century, later becoming a Christian city under the rule of the Byzantine empire. The Muslims took over in AD635, but the final blow to the city was dealt by Baldwin II of Jerusalem in AD1112 during the Crusades.

You will depart from Amman for the short drive to Jerash. Here you will find a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates. Enjoy a walking tour throughout this fantastic ancient city seeing all the main sites including the Temple of Artemis, Hadrian’s Arch and the Hippodrome, before returning to Amman.

9

AQABA

AQABA jordan Desert Safari to Wadi Rum AQA1

En route

INCLUDED

Wadi Rum: one of the most enchanting deserts in the world. An open space and a setting that resembles that of the moon, Wadi Rum will engulf you with its enigmatic lure and is sometimes referred to as “the Valley of the Moon”. Surrounded by steep cliffs, narrow canyons and dramatic scenery, the Wadi has been inhabited by many cultures, including the Nabataeans, since pre-historic times.

Still, Wadi Rum is perhaps best known to Westerners as the staging ground for Lawrence of Arabia’s attack on the port of Aqaba. Our tour begins with an hour’s drive to the heart of the valley where you’ll transfer to Bedouin-driven jeeps for a two-hour desert tour including a visit to Khaz Ali canyon with its petroglyphs and the spring where legend has it that T.E. Lawrence washed; the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Mountain – this stunning formation is what T.E. Lawrence titled his philosophical memoir after; plus the Desert Jebels and Inscriptions – the awe-inspiring Jebels are amazing to look at, the sandstone rock formations rise from the Wadi floor all around – some even bear ancient inscriptions and rock art.

After your tour you will continue on to Petra and check in to your hotel.

Please note that the desert safari takes place using various different models of Bedouin-driven jeeps.

Some jeeps may be more difficult to climb into than others and are not suitable for passengers with mobility limitations.

The above visit to Wadi Rum applies only to tours operating from Aqaba to Amman. Tours operating from Amman to Aqaba will include a lunch stop at, and an opportunity to swim in, the Dead Sea.

10

BOM BOM

BOM BOM ISLAND SAO TOME & PRINCIPE

Lying off the coast of Guinea on the northern shore of the island of Principe is the tiny islet of Bom Bom. With its gin-clear water, palmfringed beaches, laid-back style and magnificent birdlife, this is truly a hidden tropical gem.

Bom Bom Island is linked to the mainland of Principe by a 230-metre raised wooden walkway which stretches above the sparkling sea surrounding this remote island. At certain times of the year, visitors can be fortunate enough to see humpback whales breaching in Bom Bom’s coastal waters. Here you will spend an unforgettable day relaxing on the beaches, sipping cocktails and experiencing the remote beauty of this special place.

Also on the island are cocoa, coffee and vanilla plantations, the charming, historic town of San Antonio, and Sundi Estate, a colonial farm that was once the home of the Portuguese Royal Family. The Sundi Estate hosts a large hospital, a church, stables, coffee and cocoa roasting facilities, a mansion, sleeping quarters that once housed hundreds of workers, an old disused railway network with a steam locomotive and various other outbuildings. Sundi is also the place where, in 1919, Sir Arthur Eddington proved Einstein's relativity theory during a total eclipse.

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CADIZ

CADIZ

Spain

Jerez and Sherry Tasting CAD1

12

Half day

INCLUDED

Although there seems to be a plethora of places that lay claim to being Europe’s oldest continually inhabited settlement, Cadiz is generally considered to be the true holder of this title. Cadiz has clung to Spain’s Atlantic coast for over 4,000 years and in this time its influence has been felt far and wide. The city has long been considered a bridge between Europe and Africa and was the gateway to the Americas during the age of discovery.

the bay. You will see the Plaza España and the gardens where the famous monument of Las Cortes (Spanish Parliament) of 1812 is situated. Then you will continue to the Moorish-style Alameda de Apodaca Gardens, a reminder of their occupancy in past centuries. The cathedral with its famous towering golden domes acts as a landmark against the Cadiz skyline, and the famous composer Manuel de Falla is buried here.

The old city is immensely intriguing – a cluster of narrow streets opening on to charming small squares. The golden cupola of the cathedral looms above low white houses, and the whole place has a slightly dilapidated air. You will appreciate the atmosphere and history of Cadiz during a drive through the city from the delightful ancient seaport, passing the 18th century baroque cathedral, then around the old part of the city with its splendid views over

After this, you will drive inland to the historic town of Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez is home to dozens of sherry companies, and a visit will be made to the well-known Bodega Gonzalez Byass, which produces some of the most delicious sherry in the world. Here, the ageold process of blending is explained and then you will be invited to sample various types of the fortified wine in the unique atmosphere of the cellars.

CAPE TOWN

CAPE TOWN

SoutH africa

To the Top of Table Mountain CAP1

Half day

INCLUDED

“This is a pretty and singular town; it lies at the foot of an enormous wall (the Table Mountain), which reaches into the clouds, and makes a most imposing barrier. Cape Town is a great inn, on the great highway to the east.”

So wrote Charles Darwin in a letter to his sister Catherine describing his impressions of Cape Town in 1836 and, over 150 years later, the city still inspires a sense of wonder in the first-time visitor.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip up Table Mountain, the city’s most celebrated landmark, and a ride in the famous cable car. You will ascend from the Valley Station (363 m) up to the Mountain Station (1,060 m) in under four minutes and enjoy spectacular views of the Cape, as the floor of the car rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent. Table Mountain gets its name from the flat-topped central massif of the mountain, which viewed from the city, is surrounded by Devil’s Peak on the left, Lion’s Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground. They form a sort of amphitheatre

that encloses the city centre and some of the older suburbs.

From the summit, the natural protected area stretching from Signal Hill to Cape Point has been managed under the custodianship of the South African National Parks Board. This area has one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species in any area of its size, containing a staggering 2,285 plant species – more than the entire UK. On your way back to the ship you’ll enjoy a short orientation tour of the city of Cape Town, including the colourful and historic houses of the Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter), the Convention Centre, Adderley Street with statues of Jan van Riebeeck and Bartholomeu Diaz, the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall in Darling Street, the Dutch Reformed Church, Slave Lodge, St George’s Cathedral and the Cape Provincial government buildings.

This tour operates strictly “weather permitting”, and if the cable car is closed, a visit to the summit of Signal Hill and the South Africa Museum will be substituted. There is approx. 1 km of walking on wooden walkways at the top of Table Mountain.

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CAPE TOWN

CAPE TOWN

SoutH africa

Robben Island CAP2 Half day INCLUDED or OPTIONAL $55* For over four centuries, Robben Island has been a place of punishment for exiles and prisoners as well as a place of confinement for lepers, lunatics and the sick. Since 1960, it has become synonymous with the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

Political prisoners of the past have included Nelson Mandela and poet Dennis Brutus.

The last political prisoners were released in 1991 and on the 1st of January 1997, the Robben Island Museum opened its doors to the public with a number of the former political prisoners becoming island guides.

In 1999, Robben Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Robben Island is an outcrop of rock formed by geological processes extending over millions of years, with rising and falling sea levels changing the appearance of the island periodically. Over the past 700,000 years, there have been 12 periods of lower sea levels during which the island has been linked to the mainland. Except for the administrative buildings and prison

infrastructure, the island is primarily sand covered with limited vegetation. It is home to penguins, seals, chameleons, lizards, snakes, seabirds and a variety of buck. Robben Island hosts about 23 mammals and 132 bird species including the third largest colony of African penguins.

Walk together with your guide to the ferry terminal, located at the Nelson Mandela Gateway. After browsing through the Museum, you board the ferry that will take you across Table Bay to Robben Island. Here you’ll see the old leper colony, a Muslim shrine and a shipwreck. Also visit the lime quarry, where the former President's eyes were damaged permanently, and where personalities in the struggle were put to back-breaking labour. A walking tour through the maximum-security block is led by a former political prisoner with a visit to Nelson Mandela's former cell included.

The operation of the ferry to Robben Island is dependent on the weather and takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties.

* Depending on cruise chosen. Please see your itinerary.

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CAPE TOWN

Stellenbosch CAP3 Half day INCLUDED or OPTIONAL $55* This tour offers the perfect opportunity to experience the history, architecture and, of course, world-famous wines of Stellenbosch.

Leave Cape Town by road for the scenic drive to Stellenbosch. This broad, fertile valley on the Eerste River was named after Simon van der Stel who became the region’s first governor in 1680. Today, Stellenbosch is a major university town characterised by Cape Dutch-style architecture and streets lined by aged oak trees, some of which have been declared national monuments.

Enjoy an orientation drive through the town, then visit the Stellenbosch Museum, which comprises four different houses each from a different era of the town’s history. After this you are free to continue to explore this quaint and charming town. It is then on to one of the great wine estates where you will enjoy a tasting session and learn about the wine making process, before returning to Cape Town and Aegean Odyssey.

* Depending on cruise chosen. Please see your itinerary.

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CAPE TOWN

CAPE TOWN

SoutH africa

Cape Peninsula CAP4

Full day

OPTIONAL $110pp

This trip takes you on one of South Africa's most scenic routes to Cape Point, the most south-westerly tip of Africa. After driving through the suburbs of Green Point and Sea Point to Camps Bay, behind which are the impressive peaks of the Twelve Apostles, you travel along the Atlantic seaboard towards Hout Bay, a small fishing village with a charming harbour and the best fish and chips on the continent of Africa.

From Hout Bay, continue via the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive (provided the road is open) passing through the seaside suburb of Scarborough en route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and their differing ecosystems meet. The reserve occupies 7,750 hectacres of indigenous flora and fauna, and Cape Point with its dramatic sea cliffs – among the highest in South Africa – is the main attraction in the

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reserve. A funicular railway takes you to the top of the point, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views. From here, continue to a scenically situated restaurant for a seafood lunch.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, before travelling through the naval base of Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek. From here, you head to the colourful fishing harbour of Kalk Bay, and along Boyes Drive, which affords magnificent views of Muizenberg and False Bay. On the way back to the ship you’ll pass the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert's Mill and the famous Groote Schuur Hospital.

The road along Chapman’s Peak Drive is extremely narrow and winding and not suitable for passengers suffering from vertigo.

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morocco

Rabat

Casablanca CAS1

Half day

CASABLANCA

CASABLANCA

INCLUDED*

The history of Casablanca has been one of many political and cultural changes. At different times it has been governed by Berber, Roman, Arab, Portuguese, Spanish, French, British and Moroccan regimes. It has had an important position in the region as a port city, making it valuable to a series of conquerors during its early history. Today, Casablanca is more cosmopolitan, and more open to Western ways than other places in Morocco. Casablanca is Morocco’s economical and cultural capital: this is where money is made, where the industry is, and where the art flourish.

An orientation tour of Casablanca shows us the port, the old medina, the Place Mohammed V – a busy shopping street lined by residential blocks dating from the 1930s – United Nations Square, designed by French architect Joseph Marrast, and the League of Arab States Park. The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque. This is the second largest mosque in the world with the tallest minaret in the world.

CAS2

Half day

INCLUDED*

From Casablanca we drive to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. The colonial architecture is stunning, the palm-lined boulevards are well kept and the atmosphere is relaxed and cosmopolitan. This is a civilised and very pleasant place to visit.

The quiet medina has an authentic feel to it, some good shops and fascinating architecture.

Rabat has a long and rich history, and plenty of monuments to show for it from the Phoenician, Roman, Almohad and Merenid times. The visit will include the old medina; the picturesque Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Oudaya Gate, built during the Almohad dynasty; the well-preserved Hassan Tower and the Chellah which were built by the Merinids in the 12th and 13th centuries; the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the burial place of the present King’s father; the front of the Royal Palace; and the government district.

Please note that comfortable walking shoes are the order of the day and ladies should not wear shorts.

* In Casablanca, you have a choice of included excusions (either CAS1 or CAS2 ) as shown here.

Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

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CHENNAI

CHENNAI

india

Chennai City Highlights CHE1

Half day

INCLUDED

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai was founded by the British East India Company in 1639 and today is India’s fourth largest city with a population of over 8 million. With its Tamil culture and more laid-back attitude to visitors, Chennai is unlike any other city on the subcontinent.

Drive along the Marina, an elegant promenade, to the old Indian neighbourhood of Mylapore, one of Chennai’s most characterful districts that pre-dates colonial Madras by several hundred years. Your first stop is the San Thome Basilica built in 1504 and rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893. This Roman Catholic Church is said to house remains of St Thomas the Apostle who is said to have visited and died in the city.

With its rainbow-coloured gopuram (gateway tower), pillared pavilions and huge water tank, Kapileshwara Mylapore is an impressive example of a Tamil Nadu temple. It is dedicated to the most popular local deity, Lord Shiva and constructed in Dravidian style.

After these two holy sites it is on to a more

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secular treat at the Government Museum which is housed across several British-built buildings known as the Pantheon Complex.

The museum boasts a fine archaeological section and a superb collection of Chola art – including an impressive statue of Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer – in the Bronze Gallery.

Lastly visit Fort St George. It took the British 15 years to build this fort and it was completed in 1653 and today it houses Tamil Nadu’s Secretariat and Legislative assembly.

The fort museum has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the British (don’t miss the portrait of Clive of India), and French East India companies as well as the Raj and Muslim administrators. Next door to the Fort is St Mary’s Church, which was built by the British in 1680 and is India’s oldest surviving British church.

This excursion involves visits to temples and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

CHENNAI

Mahabalipuram CHE2

Half day

OPTIONAL $48pp

Mahabalipuram is located only 58 kms south of Chennai, and was the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom. As you wander around the town – a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site – you will see temples and carvings which are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture, and your imagination will take you back to the heyday of this 9th century dynasty. The highlights of Mahabalipuram are the Shore Temple, Relief Carving of Arjuna’s Penance, the Mandapams and the Five Rathas.

The Shore Temple, completed in around 700 AD, is the oldest structure in the town. The area around the temple is now a landscaped park and a Shiva lingam is enshrined in the central building. The site of the Five Rathas contains, not surprisingly, five rathas (chariots) that date from the 7th century.

Arjuna’s Penance is a relief carving on the face of a huge rock depicting animals, deities and other semi divine creatures along with fables from Hindu “Panchatantra”. Visit the mandapams (pillared pavilions in front of temples), featuring fine internal sculptures scattered over the main hill.

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COCHIN

COCHIN

india

Cochin City Highlights COC1

Half day

INCLUDED

Centuries of invaders, traders and rulers have shaped the culture and architecture of the Indian state of Kerala's premier city.

15th and 16th-century palaces, mosques, churches, and even an active synagogue mark the myriad periods in Cochin's history.

Begin your sightseeing with a drive to Fort Cochin, located in the historic centre, and visit the oldest European church in India, St Francis Church, where the explorer Vasco da Gama was once buried. Just outside the church, see the bamboo and teak poles of the city's often photographed Chinese fishing nets and then catch the lively action at the local Fish Market.

Head next to the Mattancherry area where the old merchant houses were once home to a flourishing Jewish community. Visit

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the charming Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555, renovated by the Dutch in 1663 and today flanked by shrines to Krishna and Shiva. Tour the Synagogue, built in 1568, with its hand-painted blue-and-white tiles from China and sparkling, oil-burning chandelier from Belgium. Afterwards, stroll along historic Jew Street, lined with spice and antique shops. The first wave of Jewish migration to Cochin dates to the 1st century BC, but long before it is said the ships of King Solomon traded here.

Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

Shoes must be removed to enter the synagogue and no items (incuding cameras) can be taken inside but can be left on the excursion coach. There is no wheelchair access in the Dutch Palace.

COCHIN

Kumbalangi Village Tour

Alleppey Backwater Cruise

COC2

COC3

Half day

OPTIONAL $75pp

Rub shoulders with the real India on this adventure combining a backwater boat trip with a taste of traditional village life.

Start with a half-hour drive to Kumbalangi, an island-village ringed by Chinese fishing nets. Here you'll board a traditional country boat for a short cruise through the area's serene backwaters. En route you'll have the chance to try your hand at such local fishing techniques as veeshu vala (fishing with conical nets), and padalu (trapping fish in coconut palm cages).

Following the scenic boat trip, take a walk through the village. There's plenty to see, as the villagers demonstrate such skills as crab catching, fish flipping, clam meat processing, coir making, mat making and net making.

Stop for refreshments and drink in the scenic beauty of the paddy fields and mangroves of this idyllic spot.

Yet another experience awaits before your return to the ship: a rickshaw ride in a local tuk-tuk through narrow village lanes to the coach parking area.

Please note that various modes of transport are used in this excursion. Life jackets will be provided on the boat ride during this excursion.

Full day

OPTIONAL $65pp*

Glide past sleepy backwater villages through a labyrinth of tropical waterways as one of India's most beautiful regions, Kerala, unfolds. Drive from the ship to Alappuzha, your gateway to this idyllic world. Here, you'll board a tourist boat to begin your adventure. Relax in shaded comfort as you drift down narrow, foliage-choked canals that suddenly, thrillingly, open to expansive green paddy fields. Get glimpses of tropical life you'd never see from the road, such as villagers bathing and washing their clothes in the river, workers harvesting coconuts and children playing beneath trees laden with papaya, mango and jackfruit.

In this labyrinth of waterways, called kayals, time seems to stand still. For centuries this extensive network of rivers, lakes and lagoons has been a means of transporting goods and people from the heartland to the coast.

Kettuvallam (traditional houseboats) still ply the waters carrying cargo and are locally built from eco-friendly materials in much the same way as they have for centuries. Following your backwater trip, transfer to Punnamada Resort for a buffet lunch. A brief orientation of Cochin concludes this delightful excursion.

Please note that the drive from the ship to Allapuzha is approximately 1.5 hours. Life jackets will be provided on the boat during this excursion. Sun protection is highly recommended.

*Please note that if optional tour COC3 is chosen, the included Cochin City Highlights cannot be taken.

However, a credit is reflected in the price of the optinal.

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COLOMBO

COLOMBO

Sri lanka

Colombo City Tour COL1

Half day

INCLUDED

Experience the astonishing blend of modern and exotic in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, a city quite unlike any other. On this tour you will drive past Dutch and British colonial-era architecture, visit the Kelaniya Temple and neoclassical National Museum, and take a look at Independence Square.

Built on the banks of the Kelani River, the Kelaniya Temple is mentioned in the Buddhist chronicle, the Mahawansa, which states that the Gautama Buddha visited the place. Then it’s on to the Colombo National Museum which is housed in a grand colonial building. The museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka’s heritage, including more than 4,000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock

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sculptures from the ancient cities, royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings and antique demon masks.

Finally, a short stop at Independence Square where this former British colony of Ceylon was given self rule in 1948, is followed by a drive past the Town Hall, President House, Pettah Bazaar, a 100-year-old Clock Tower and Colonial buildings on the way back to the ship.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule. A camera fee applies for the museum. The museum is closed on Fridays and public holidays, in which case a visit to the Janakala Kendraya handicrafts village will be substituted.

COLOMBO

Kandy & Temple of the Tooth COL2

Full day

INCLUDED*

Journey to the sacred city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of unusual beauty and the location of the temple containing a tooth of Buddha.

The scenic three-hour drive takes us out of Colombo, through small towns growing all kinds of exotic fruit, past pineapple plantations and paddy fields and up into Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. One of the day’s highlights is a stop at Peradeniya to walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. A visit to the Orchid House should not be missed!

Continue on to Kandy, founded in the 14th century and the last capital of Sri Lanka’s kings. Lunch will be served in a colonial hotel

overlooking the Kandy Lake. On the opposite side of the picturesque valley, take a guided tour of the monumental Temple of the Tooth where the sacred relic is enshrined.

During the return drive from this ancient kingdom, make a stop at a Spice Garden and learn about Sri Lanka’s ayurvedic tradition.

Please note that this excursion is very long with an approximate 3 to 3.5-hour drive each way.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

A video fee applies for the temple.

*In Colombo, in addition to the City Tour, you also have a choice of either COL2 as shown here or COL3 on page 24. Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

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COLOMBO

COLOMBO

Sri lanka

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage COL3

Full day

INCLUDED*

A two and a half hour drive through the lovely Sri Lankan countryside brings us to Pinnawela and this famous site, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to protect unweaned baby elephants found wandering in the forests.

From a nucleus of five baby elephants in 1975, the sanctuary is now home to the world’s largest herd of captive elephants.

Head first to the Oya River to watch the elephants bathing and socialising. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty – and the antics – of these majestic animals. Many of the elephants have been bred here and will stay for life. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Pinnalanda Restaurant in a picturesque location overlooking the river.

In the afternoon, see the elephants from closer-up, and maybe watch some of the older or smaller elephants being fed. Return with memories which – like an elephant – you will never forget.

Please note that the terrain is uneven and dusty and the feeding of the young and sick elephants can get very busy.

*In Colombo, in addition to the City Tour, you also have a choice of either COL2 as shown on page 23, or COL3 as shown here). Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

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DELHI

DELHI

india (Hotel Stay)

Delhi – Old and New DEL1

Full day

INCLUDED

Start or end your Golden Triangle adventure in India's sprawling, historic capital where you can see New Delhi's British Raj buildings, visit the magnificent Indo-Muslim monument of Qutub Minar and see Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

Begin your sightseeing with a tour of the victory tower known as Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing over 236-feet tall, this masterpiece of Islamic architecture was built in the early 13th century after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. At the tower's foot is India's first mosque with an iron pillar in its courtyard that has not rusted in over 2,000 years, demonstrating the skill of ancient blacksmiths. En route, admire New Delhi's broad boulevards and monuments of Empire: the President's Palace, Parliament House and India Gate designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Later, you will visit Raj Ghat or Royal Steps (a ghat means a flight of stairs leading to water). This tranquil site marked by a simple black marble slab is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his 1948 assassination by a Hindu fanatic. The area is now a park and national shrine.

Please note that if you wish to go very close to the actual memorial stone at Raj Ghat, you will be required to remove your shoes.

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DURBAN

DURBAN

SoutH africa

Pietermaritzburg & Museum DUR1

Half day

INCLUDED

Located on the south east coast, cosmopolitan Durban is South Africa’s third-largest city and recently it has undergone a major makeover. Durban's downtown area is a buzzing grid comprising grandiose colonial buildings and fascinating art deco architecture. Home to the largest concentration of people of Indian descent outside of India, Durban also boasts an unmistakeably Asian feel, with the marketplaces and streets of the Indian area replete with the sights, sounds and scents of the subcontinent.

Leaving the port of Durban, you travel inland into the beautiful hills of Kwazulu Natal, in the heart of which nestles the province’s capital city, Pietermaritzburg. The city, encompassing old world charm, country living and beautiful Victorian architecture, is now a modern South African town and home to over 600,000 people.

You’ll visit the Natal Museum, one of five national museums in South Africa, which

26

was designed by EJ Wellman in 1904.

Then continue to the historic centre of Pietermaritzburg with its legislative buildings, museums and galleries. Here at Churchill Square you’ll see City Hall – allegedly the largest red brick building in the southern hemisphere – as well as the Assembly Building and the Supreme Court. Also learn about Mahatma Ghandi’s famous incident here while viewing his bronze statue at the Square.

Next, visit Pietermaritzburg railway station.

It was here that Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off a train for riding first class in 1893.

Continue past the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds, observing the quaint Victorian country shops lining the streets, then take a scenic drive up to the magnificent viewing spot known as World’s View. Here you have a photo opportunity and a moment to experience the sights of Pietermaritzburg and the beautiful mountainous surrounds that first captured the hearts of the Voortrekkers and the early settlers.

Return to the ship in Durban.

DURBAN

Shark’s Board DUR2

Half day

OPTIONAL $38pp

Depart from the quayside along the Golden Mile. Drive along Durban’s beachfront promenade and on to Umhlanga Rocks, where you will visit the unique Shark’s Board, which is the control centre for maintenance of anti-shark measures on Durban’s bathing beaches. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about sharks through a specialist’s presentation and a shark dissection. There is a display hall with a large variety of lifelike replicas of fish, rays and sharks, including an 892kg Great White.

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) is mandated to be a global leader in bather protection against shark while minimising environmental impact, thus promoting tourism. The KwaZulu-Natal coastline is the only coastline with 38 beaches equipped with bather safety gear owned and maintained by the KwaZuluNatal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence in South Africa. The curio shop sells unusual and stylish sharkskin leather goods and shark’s teeth. Return to the quayside in Durban.

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EL MARSA

EL MARSA moroccan SaHara The Sahara Desert & Laayoune ELM1

Half day

INCLUDED

Leave the port of El Marsa by road and head for the town of Laayoune in the desert region south of Morocco’s Anti Atlas Mountains. Archaeological evidence suggests Laayoune was occupied in prehistoric times but the town itself was built by the Spanish in the 1930s as capital of it Saharan possessions.

Laayoune’s most interesting facet is its quirkiness: you can visit the colonial Spanish church where many UN workers now meet to worship, or spend an afternoon chatting with locals over a cup of mint tea. Your tour will include the massive main square at Place

28

du Mechouar and the aviary at Colline des Oiseaux. There will also be time to shop for malhafas, the colourful sari-like garments worn by Sahrawi women, visit the Spanish Church, and see the works on sale at the craft complex.

You will also visit the Souk Djemal, a bustling market area (everything useful is sold here) with a peculiar architectural style including buildings with eggshell-domed roofs that are designed to keep the houses cool in summer.

Please note that comfortable walking shoes are the order of the day and ladies should not wear shorts.

Coach transportation is the best available .

FATEHPUR SIKRI

FATEHPUR SIKRI india City of Victory FAT1

Approx. 2 hours

INCLUDED

Enter the City of Victory built in 1569 by Akbar the Great in gratitude for receiving a male heir, then abandoned 14 years later when the water supply failed.

The emperor personally supervised details of the construction and the result is an epic poem in red sandstone, briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire. Because the city was deserted for most of its existence, the buildings are well preserved without modification by later rulers. Today, this majestic ghost town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a unified architectural ensemble blending Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim traditions, providing an insightful look at the synthesising aesthetic of one of India's great emperor-architects.

Discover the glorious courtyards, audience halls, palaces and mosques that testify to 16th-century Mughal civilisation at its zenith.

Visit the Panch Mahal, reminiscent of a Buddhist temple. Stand in the Hall of Public Audience where Akbar metered out justice and women watched from the cloistered courtyard. Stand in the Pachisi Court paved with black and white to look like a giant chess board, on which Akbar once used slave girls as game pieces. When you leave you will understand why this capital without a future so awed the British when they visited in 1585.

Please note that there is a lack of shade at this site.

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FUERTEVENTURA

FUERTEVENTURA

canary iSlandS

An Inside Look at Fuerteventura FUE1

Half day

INCLUDED

During the past 20 years Fuerteventura has been famous for its sandy beaches, but now more and more people are discovering the excellent inland attractions of the island.

The wisdom of leaving behind the crowded coast will soon become apparent as you head towards the centre of the island through the unique landscape of the north to the Betancuria Mountains that are clothed in lush vegetation and fabulous flora.

The small town of Betancuria was named after Jean de Bethencourt who founded the town in 1404 and it was the first capital of the Canary Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of

30

the village before heading to Pajara, once voted the 6th prettiest village in the whole of Spain. Here the main attraction is the Church of Nuestra Senora de Regla with its interesting sculptures of the sun, snakes, panthers and birds. It is thought by some scholars to show Aztec influence.

After Pajara, there is time to visit an aloe vera plantation. Aloe vera is rich in many vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids, and for years the Canarian farmers have known the benefits of this plant and often use it as a household remedy for many aliments.

FUNCHAL

FUNCHAL madeira Scenic Drive & Winetasting

Madeira’s Botanical Gardens

FUN1

FUN2

Half day

INCLUDED

Madeira’s dramatic scenery and botanical treasures are true wonders and have inspired many visitors to the island.

Those moved to describe the island’s charms include H N Coleridge, nephew of the poet, who wrote in 1825: “I should think the situation of Madeira the most enviable on the whole earth. It ensures every European comfort with almost every tropical luxury.”

A tour of the island will help you appreciate this “enviable” situation. Head from the port to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world, where the rugged coastline and spectacular views are breathtaking. Continue to the quaint fishing village of Camara de Lobos where Sir Winston Churchill spent many of his days painting and where you will take a guided walk through the picturesque streets.

On the way back to Funchal you will stop at Pico dos Barcelos to enjoy the fantastic views over Funchal and the villages scattered over the surrounding hills of this beautiful island.

Before returning to our cruise ship, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of the various types of the renowned Madeiran product as well as more recent Madeira wines at the Old Blandy Wine Lodge.

Half day

OPTIONAL $28pp

This tour is a must for any gardener or lover of the natural beauty of plants and flowers. From the pier, you will head to the Madeira Botanical Gardens, famous for its rich and endemic flora. The 'Madeira Botanical Gardens' have become Madeira Island's most treasured and certainly most famous tourist attraction. Within an area of 80,000 square metres you will encounter a truly fascinating collection of more than 2,500 plant species.

From the gardens you can also enjoy wonderful views over the city.

After your visit, you'll travel into the heart of Funchal's old town for a guided walking tour through the quaint narrow streets to your next stop: the traditional Mercado dos Lavradores.

Built in the 1930’s, in a gracious combination of art deco and modernism, the Lavradores Market offers the very best of the Island: the freshest and exotic fruits, vegetables, luxurious flowers and plants of this “Atlantic Garden”, as the Madeira Island is often called.

At the fish market, the scabbard fish and huge tuna on display beside more common types of fish are a great attraction. Other features of the Market are the living tradition and folklore, a place where one can still find the sellers wearing traditional Madeira costumes, filled with vivid colours and a genuine sense of fun.

Your final stop will be in an embroidery factory that produces some of Madeira's famous hand-stitched embroidery. While here, you will be able to observe how this authentic embroidery is designed, printed and then carefully stitched by hand.

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GALLE

GALLE

Sri lanka

Highlights of Galle GAL1

Half day

INCLUDED

Galle is a colourful town that is shrouded in the scent of spices and littered with decaying Dutch-colonial buildings. But most of all Galle is a city of trade and art.

These two preoccupations meet at the Fort, which is crammed full of little boutique shops, cafes and hotels owned by local and foreign artists.

You will depart from the port to visit this famous Fort that was built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

The fort was one of the few structures that survived the infamous Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated Galle in December 2004.

Today, after 400 years, the Fort still looks

32

amazing thanks to reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Entering through the old gates, you will drive around the Fort and visit the rampart, which offers up spectacular views of Galle. A final visit is included at the National Maritime Museum, which is located within the grounds of Galle Fort. Housed in the Fort's Dutch warehouse, the collection here includes exhibits of marine artifacts recovered during underwater expeditions in the waters off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Some of the items recovered and on view include artillery guns, shoes, earthenware, smoking pipes, ropes, maps and other marine-related pieces.

Some of the items are believed to date back nearly 800 years.

Please note that camera fees apply in the Dutch Fort and Maritime Museum.

JAIPUR

JAIPUR india (Hotel Stay) Jaipur’s Amber Fort JAI1

Half day

INCLUDED

Combine spellbinding sites to the royal buildings in Jaipur, the rose-coloured capital of Rajasthan state, with a jeep ride to the hill-top Amber Fort, where days of blood and blade come to life. First you’ll enjoy a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, where ladies watched the world from behind delicate honeycomb screens.

Continue to the Aravalli Hills, just seven miles north of Jaipur, and ride a jeep to the Amber Fort. This honey-coloured 17thcentury fortress-palace is a place of startling beauty and grandeur. The somber exterior

belies the lavish royal apartments inside, which open onto staggering views of the gorge below. Wander the gardens and courtyards to view the glittering Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory where panels of alabaster are inlaid with coloured glass. Experience a true pleasure palace.

Please note that the visit to the Amber Fort includes a two-way jeep ride which can be difficult to get into for guests with mobility limitations. If travelling as part of the post-cruise land package, please note that after leaving Jaipur you will visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Agra – see page 29. Smaller vehicles will be used for this part.

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KUDA BANDOS

KUDA BANDOS

maldiveS

Island Experience KUD1

Half day

INCLUDED

Imagine yourself as Robinson Crusoe on this visit to an uninhabited private island with sugar-white sands, crystalclear waters and brilliant coral reefs. Tiny Kuda Bandos is one islet out of thousands in the Maldive archipelago. Tranquil scenery belies the violence that reigned here millennia ago, when volcanoes heaved before sinking beneath the sea. Today's islands lie just a few feet above the surrounding Indian Ocean, the mere tips of those sunken volcanoes.

Tender ashore to relax, swim, explore and enjoy a beach party. At just about 15 acres in

34

size, this private island has gorgeous palmfringed beaches for relaxing and swimming, while the coral reefs just offshore offer some of the area's best snorkeling. Whether you're scanning the sea for dolphins, the skies for sea birds or the waters for colourful fish, enjoy a great natural experience. You'll soon see why Maldivians believe the original settlers were a tribe of sun worshippers.

Towels will be needed. Kuda Bandos is private so local restrictions on alcohol and beachwear are not applicable. Please be aware that coral can be

very sharp.

LA DIGUE/ PRASLIN

LA DIGUE/PRASLIN SEYCHELLES

EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN Blessed with warm, azure waters and fringed by teaming coral reefs, La Digue is the very best of the Seychelles. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the Seychelles’ capital Victoria (on the country’s main island of Mahé), La Digue boasts beautiful beaches, some of the friendliest people and a relaxing atmosphere.

Alternatively, you can tender across to the second largest of the Seychelles islands,

Praslin. The island basks in tranquillity and seems unchanged since the earliest settlers stumbled across the island and claimed to have discovered the Garden of Eden.

On these islands where cars are shunned in favour of bicycles and oxcarts, the pace of life is necessarily slower, whether it’s relaxing on the beach or strolling to a restaurant for a light tropical lunch.

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LA PALMA

LA PALMA

canary iSlandS

Around La Palma LAP1

Half day

Caldera de Taburiente INCLUDED*

La Palma is one of the most verdant of the Canary Islands, offering the opportunity to experience truly unspoiled nature. From the lush forests in the north to the desert landscapes of the south and the serene pine forests of the Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente, La Palma is a naturalists dream.

From the port of Santa Cruz you will head to the village of El Paso which is situated in the Parque Nacional and surrounded by the mountains that form the Caldera de Taburiente.

The city of El Paso is situated on the mountain road connecting Los Llanos and Tazacorte with the capital and it is from this that it gets its name (El Paso or the pass). It belonged to the jurisdiction of the Valle de Aridane until 1837 when it got its independence. El Paso was given the official title of villa in 1878 and of city in 1910. Before leaving El Paso we will visit the Silk Museum. Not far from El Paso is our next stop: La Glorieta Square, a mosaic designed by the local artist Luis Morera, and built after Gaudi’s Park Güell in Barcelona.

The stunning design depicts the flora and fauna of La Palma.

In the small town of Fuencaliente you can enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. Here you will find some cafes and bars as well as an interesting 18th century church.

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LAP2

Half day

INCLUDED*

It is but a short drive to reach the Santuario Virgen de Las Nieves, the Patron Saint of the island. This 17th-century church sits in a tranquil spot surrounded by trees and gardens. Inside is a fabulously ornate interior with myriad sculptures, crystal chandeliers and the Virgin Mary surrounded by a glittering altar. This 14th-century statue is the island’s oldest religious relic and every five years it features in a grand procession through Santa Cruz.

From here the journey will take you to the viewpoint known as the Mirador de la Cumbrecita. From there you will be astonished by the amazing views over the Caldera de Taburiente, a huge crater 8km in diameter with a circumference of almost 20km, which is one of the oldest National Parks in Spain. You will enjoy a guided walking tour (approx. one hour in duration) around the crater edge.

Before returning to the pier you will call at the viewpoint of La Concepcion to appreciate the amazing views over La Palma and its harbour.

Please note that this tour includes 1 hour of hiking in a National Park.

*In La Palma, you have a choice of included excursion (either LAP1 or LAP2) as shown here.

Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

LAS PALMAS

LAS PALMAS

canary iSlandS

Highlights of Gran Canaria LAS1

Half day

INCLUDED

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago and it is known for its dramatic variations of landscape, ranging from the green and leafy north to the mountainous interior and desert south.

The flip side to these unspoiled peaks and valleys is a rugged coastline interspersed with white sandy beaches and holiday resorts.

The island’s main town is the historic and cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas.

The dramatic geological features of Gran Canaria are breathtaking as you start with a drive up to the volcanic crater of Bandama, an extinct volcano rising nearly 580 metres above sea level, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views over a unique landscape.

After a short photostop, the drive continues to the village of Teror, whose striking site on a plateau 575 metres above sea level has earned it the name of "the village in the air". Here, your guide will show you the most interesting colonial-style buildings culminating with an outside view of the basilica dedicated to the

Virgen del Pino (Virgin of the Pine), which attracts a ceaseless stream of pilgrims.

Our next stop is the town of Arucas, a district that offers important architectural and urban assets. The city centre, declared a site of historic-artistic interest, is a place that visitors must not fail to see.

The Parish Church of San Juan Bautista is the leading architectural and social monument in the city. Built entirely in Arucas stone by local master masons, it dates from 1909 and, as well as the wealth of carved stone columns, there are also some beautiful stained glass windows that are the work of Canary Island painter Cristobal Hernandez de Quintana.

The tour continues to the Casa y Jardín de la Marquesa – the Marquise’s Palace and Gardens. This is an interesting architectural and natural site that belongs to the Marquise of Arucas. The house was built in 1880 and the spacious Romantic-style gardens around the house can also be visited. You will also have the opportunity of taste the famous Banana liquor before returning to the pier.

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LUANDA

LUANDA

angola

Changing Face of Luanda LUA1

Half day

INCLUDED

Located on the west coast of Southern Africa, Angola was under colonial rule until November 11, 1975, the date when it became an independent nation. The Angolan Civil War began after the end of the war for independence from Portugal in 1975. The 27-year war was formally brought to an end in 2002, and since then Luanda has undergone a renaissance of epic proportions, driven by the natural resources that the country has in abundance – oil and diamonds.

You will witness this transformation as you leave the quayside and drive along Marginal Bay, with the commercial part of the city on one side, and views across the bay on the other. Continue past the Igreje de Senhora de Nazare – a small, beautiful church famous for its beautiful altar made of Italian rose marble.

Then visit the old Iron Palace “Palacio de Ferro” designed by the famous architect Gustav Eiffel, of Tower fame.

There will be photo stop at the Gothic-style Church of Los Remedios that was built by the Portuguese in 1719 as a chapel. Currently, Los Remedios is considered one of the most

38

beautiful and best-preserved churches of San Luis. Then visit the Angolan National Museum of Anthropology, that features an array of traditional masks along with indigenous art, sculptures, tools, weapons, jewellery, clothing and musical instruments.

Next is the Fortaleza de Sao Miguel (San Miguel Fort) built in 1576 to guard the entrance to the bay from the marauding French, Spanish and Dutch forces. It is impossible to miss the towering obelisk-like structure rising above the city – this is the mausoleum dedicated to Augostinho Neto, the first president of Angola.

After visiting this surreal edifice, drive through “Cidade Alta”, or uptown. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see the Presidential Palace, together with the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministries of Defence, Immigration, Justice and Health, and the British Embassy.

There will also be time to view the beautiful Catholic Church “Igreja de Jesus”. Before returning to the ship, the tour passes through the ‘Baixa’ district – downtown – to view the Houses of Parliament, both new and old.

LUDERITZ

LUDERITZ

namibia

Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Luderitz Walking Tour

LUD1

LUD2

Half day

INCLUDED

Kolmanskop is Namibia's most wellknown ghost town, situated in the Spergebiet or “forbidden territory”, just a few kilometers inland from Luderitz.

In 1908, the railway worker Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone amongst the sand while he was working in a railway maintenance team near Kolmanskop. His supervisor, August Stauch, was convinced it was a diamond, and when this was confirmed, the news spread like wildfire, sparking a “Diamond Rush” which caused fortune hunters to converge on the town in droves. Large, elegant houses were built and it soon resembled a German town, complete with an impressive array of amenities including a hospital, ballroom, power station, school, 2-lane skittle alley, theatre, sports hall, casino, ice factory, butchery, bakery and the first x-ray station in the southern hemisphere.

Today the ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The area creates the perfect backdrop for good photographic opportunities, and film enthusiasts may be interested to know, that in 2000, the film The King Is Alive was filmed in Kolmanskop, with the town being utilised as the film's main setting. The town was also used as one of the locations in the 1993 film, Dust Devil.

Half day

INCLUDED*

Lüderitz is an isolated town built on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay, and is located on the only part of the Namibian coast with a rocky shore. Three small islands – Penguin, Seal and Flamingo – lie within the bay. Shark Island, which was also an island, is now connected to the mainland as part of the new harbour. For nearly 400 years after Bartolomeu Dias first dropped anchor, Angra Pequena remained an obscure anchorage on the African coast. However, things changed forever after Adolf Lüderitz, a tobacco merchant from Germany, purchased the bay and adjacent land in 1883. Within months, Imperial Germany placed his acquisitions under its "protection" and proceeded to colonise this part of South West Africa.

It was renamed Lüderitzbucht (Lüderitz Bay), eventually shortened to Lüderitz, after Adolf Lüderitz was drowned at sea in 1886. A plaque in his memory is located on Shark Island. This history forms the backdrop to a two-hour guided walking tour through the town’s barren streets, passing many colonial German-style buildings, with their domes, towers and turrets. You will also pay a visit to the Luderitz Museum with its displays of local flora, history and ethnology.

Other notable buildings visited include Goerke Haus and Felsenkirche. Goerke Haus is a grand residence or "diamond palace" built in 1909, restored to its former glory. Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks) is the name given to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church built in 1912. The fine proportions of the church represent the Vertical Gothic-style, and the stained-glass windows and woodwork inside the church are very impressive. * Only available on our Christmas Cruise.

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LUXOR

LUXOR

egypt (Hotel Stay)

Karnak Temple LUX1

Half day

INCLUDED

Experience the colossal temple of Karnak, the greatest place of worship in history. Disembark this morning in Safaga and travel to Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, for an overnight stay. Sit back in your luxurious, air-conditioned motorcoach and enjoy the unfolding vistas of mountains, desert and fertile areas as your guide introduces you to the history of Upper Egypt.

Your destination is Karnak's great Temple of Amun. The magnificent hypostyle hall is a veritable forest of 134 papyrus columns that once supported a massive roof. You can still see the remains of clerestory windows, designed to create the effect of a papyrus swamp. This hall connected the outer court with the inner sanctuary, where only kings

40

and priests were permitted. On special occasions, a statue of Amun would emerge carried aloft on the shoulders of his priests.

The temple was completed by Ramses II (1279-1213BC), considered by some to be the pharaoh of the Exodus, and the site bears evidence of an even earlier temple, dating back another thousand years.

Other highlights include the Avenue of the Sphinxes, creatures combining the body of a lion and the head of a ram. The main road linking the temples at Karnak and Luxor was once lined with these fantastic creatures, each holding a statue of Ramses II between their paws. In addition, visit the open-air museum to view remains from other areas of Karnak, such as the white chapel of Sanusret I.

LUXOR

West Bank & Valley of the Kings LUX2

Half day

INCLUDED

Thebes, the city of the god Amon, was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Like Babylon and Ninevah it was considered one of the great cities of antiquity. On the opposite bank of the Nile is located the necropolis known as the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of the New Kingdom pharaohs. These rulers were obsessed with the afterlife, and the magnificence of their tombs and temples has been a source of marvel to tourists since the time of the Greek historian, Herodotus.

Visit three of the royal tombs, including King Tutankhamun's, where one of archaeology's most dramatic discovery tales comes to life.

Continue to Deir El Bahari to view the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the masterwork of Senenmut, the commoner turned royal architect. Dramatically located at the foot of a cliff, the funerary temple befits a queen who once declared herself king, and is considered one of the finest buildings in all Egypt. Certainly it is a crowning sight to this adventure before returning to Aegean Odyssey.

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MAHE

MAHE

SeycHelleS

Coral Cruise

The Wild South MAH1

Half day

INCLUDED

Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria. The island is also home to almost 90 per cent of the total population (or approximately 72,200 people) and reflects Seychelles' diverse ethnicity from African, Indian, Chinese and European populations.

With a backdrop of towering 1000m granite peaks, Mahé is an extraordinary treasure trove of flora that has evolved over centuries of splendid isolation. Rare endemic plants found nowhere else in the world adorn Mahé’s mist forests in mountain strongholds, such as the Jellyfish Tree, the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant and the Seychelles Vanilla Orchid.

First visited by the British in 1609, Mahé was then forgotten until Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742 when the gradual process of settling the island began, first by the French whose direct influence continued until 1814, and then as a British colony until Seychelles gained independence in 1976.

After transferring from the ship to Victoria you will start your guided tour of the capital: you will see its bustling market and enjoy a walk through the magical Botanical Garden. Then drive to San Soucis Mountain and the Mission Lodge. This was once the site of a school for liberated slave children built by the London Missionary Society in 1876. Today, there are just ruins to be seen at the beginning of the path to the viewing lodge. From the lodge the views out over mountain slopes, the ocean and the west coast of Mahé are fantastic.

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MAH2

Half day

OPTIONAL $98pp

Arrive at the reef barrier and view the underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat drifting over the corals. As well as learning about the history of the Ste Anne Marine Park, you can enjoy some hand fish feeding and snorkelling within the marine park. Disembark on Moyenne Island for a short visit and encounter the grand old inhabitants of the island, the 105 land tortoises you will meet roaming freely.

Due to capacity limitations this excursion may operate in both the morning and afternoon in order to accommodate all passengers signed up.

MALACCA

MALACCA

malaySia

Malacca Heritage Tour MLC1

Half day

INCLUDED

Discover the history of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, as you visit a ruined Portuguese fort, picturesque Dutch Square and St Paul's Hill with its sweeping view of the straits that gave this city its name. Malay history is said to have begun with the founding of Malacca in 1403. This once-sleepy fishing village became a stopover for traders from Asia and then Europe. Centuries of colonisation influenced the architecture and cultures.

Start your sightseeing with a drive to Dutch Square and a visit to either the 17th-century Stadthuys, once the former governor's residence that is now a History Museum or the Istana Melaka Museum. Ascend the 120 steps up St Paul's Hill for spectacular

views over the waters once plied by schooners laden with silks and spices. Visit St Paul's Church, built to honour St Francis Xavier, who brought Christianity to Malacca. At Porto de Santiago, view the remains of a Portuguese fortress whose 9-foot-thick walls once encircled the entire hill. Continue to the oldest part of Malacca to visit the Nankingstyle Cheng Hoong Teng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.

Afterwards, there'll be time to wander towards Jonker Street, an intriguing area with antique shops, craft stores and colourful restaurants.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

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MANGALORE

MANGALORE

india

City Highlights MAN1

Half day

INCLUDED

Discover the tile-roofs, cashew gardens, Hindu shrines and Catholic churches of Mangalore where Indian and Portuguese heritages intertwine. Fronted by the Arabian Sea and backed by the Western Ghat mountains, the city takes its name from the goddess Mangaladevi. For centuries this major seaport on the Malabar Coast was fought over by Nayaka princes, Mysore sultans and European powers.

Today, the area's mellow charm belies that turbulent past, but the port continues to thrive, exporting 75% of India's coffee and the bulk of its cashews. Visit a local processing plant and learn about this popular nut, brought here in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Continue to

44

the beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Gokarnath, another name for Shiva. The founder, Narayana Guru, is considered a saint for his work on behalf of India's most downtrodden, and the temple is a site of daily pilgrimage.

Finally visit St Aloysius Chapel, with its remarkable biblical frescoes and oil paintings covering virtually every square inch of the interior ceiling and walls. Created over a period of two years by the Italian artist, Brother Antonio Moscheni, this church is one of India's hidden gems.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

MARMAGAO

MARMAGAO

india

Old Goa & Latin Quarter Walk

Temples & Spices

MAR1

MAR2

Half day

INCLUDED*

Marvel at two magnificent churches of Old Goa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then enjoy a walking tour of the capital's atmospheric Latin Quarter. Some of India's most architecturally beautiful places can be found in Old Goa, your first sightseeing destination. This walled historic precinct contains an archaeological reserve of churches that were influential in spreading Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art to Asia in the 16th to 18th centuries.

Designed to awe the locals into conversion, these magnificent churches testify to the wealth of Goa when it was the capital of the Eastern Portuguese Empire. Visit St Cajetan Church, modelled on St Peter's in Rome, with its hidden crypt where in 1992 the bodies of former Portuguese governors were found in lead coffins waiting to be sent back to Lisbon.

Next, visit the 16th-century Basilica of Bom Jesus, where St Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint, is entombed in a marble mausoleum.

Continue your sightseeing with a short orientation drive through Panjim, the relaxed state capital. Enjoy a walking tour through one of the city's most charming neighbourhoods, the Fontainhas Latin Quarter built by the Portuguese. Stroll along the narrow streets past wonderful old villas and savour the tranquil essence of Goa. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

Half day

INCLUDED*

Marmagao was chosen to be the first capital of the Portuguese Empire in India and, in 1685, the construction of the fort started along with that of the main town. This tour takes you away from the city, through small towns and villages. You will see the elegant homes from the colonial period and pass brilliant green rice paddies. In the lush valleys and forests of Ponda are hidden a number of Hindu temples, built in the 17th/18th centuries.

Set on wooded hills, and surrounded by farmland, Mangueshi Temple is considered the most important Hindu temple in Goa. The complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and built in the very distinctive Goan Hindu temple style. Here you will find a seven-storey octagonal tower, full of niches where oil lamps are placed during festivals. At the entrance to the shrine is a beautifully carved wooden door. Nandi, the bull who acts as Shiva's vehicle, is present, as are guardians to deities in silver, and shrines to Parvati, Shiva's consort.

A visit to Sahakari Plantation will refresh both your body and soul. Here the fields centre on a large irrigation tank filled with lilies and watched over by bright kingfishers.

The property’s varied terrain, which includes both flat wetlands and hillsides, allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of plants and trees.

You will be provided with a guided walking tour through the spice world of black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, etc.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

*In Marmagao, you have a choice of included excursion (either MAR1 or MAR 2) as shown here.

Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

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MARRAKESH

MARRAKESH

morocco (Hotel Stay)

Marrakesh Sighseeing MAK1

Half day

INCLUDED

With its grand square bustling with snake charmers and market traders and its almost psychedelic souks, Marrakesh is a showcase for exoticism. Surrounded by the sights, sounds and aromas of the medina you can truly appreciate the allure of this North African city. Our guided tour of the old medina of Marrakesh begins with a walk through one of the most interesting quarters of Marrakesh. Here we'll stroll along labyrinthine alleyways, catching glimpses of mosques, hammams, traditional public bakeries, fondouks (old lodging houses used by the caravans) and fountains carved in wood and decorated with kuffic inscriptions.

We will visit the outstanding attractions, beginning with the 14th-century Ben Youssef Medrassa which used to be a koranic school and is noted for its extraordinary latticework interior decor. Continue to the nearby 19thcentury Menebhi palace, owned by a Moroccan vizier and built in the pure Moroccan urban style of architecture of the period. Today it houses the MusĂŠe de Marrakesh, a private museum exhibiting Moroccan art.

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From here walk through the colourful souks which are organised according to goods sold and where craftsmen can be seen practicing their traditional trades. Then we continue to the kasbah (fortress) where a stroll through it leads us to the 16th-century monument site of the Saadian Tombs. Here you can appreciate the wonderful Hispano-Mauresque architecture surrounding the burial ground of the royal family. After this it is on to the aristocratic Bahia Palace where we see a lush Moorish-style garden in the courtyard of a large palace with beautifully painted residential rooms.

Then, after walking through a maze of shaded, narrow streets you will emerge into the famous Djemma el-Fna Square, where throughout the ages local people and African caravans have gathered for entertainment, celebrations, gossip and business. Here we stop at the foot of the famous Koutoubia Minaret, one of the masterpiece works of Islamic architecture.

Please note that comfortable walking shoes are the order of the day and ladies should not wear shorts.

MAYOTTE

MAYOTTE

comoroS iSlandS

Petite Terre Discovery

South on the Perfume Trail

MAY1

MAY2

Half day

INCLUDED*

Ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros in 1843, Mayotte decided to remain a French collective when Comoros voted for independence in the 1970s. In March 2009, the islands voted overwhelmingly to become France's 101st 'departement' effective in 2011. The island is rich in natural beauty and the stunning Mayotte Lagoon is a truly spectacular natural wonder. Protected by a 160 km long barrier reef, it is considered to be the largest natural lagoon in the world. Mayotte is also blessed with miles of pristine beaches and is surrounded by coral reefs.

Your tour begins at Mamoudzou on the island of Grande Terre, from where you will take the local pedestrian ferry or “la Barge” for the fifteen-minute journey across the channel to the island of Petite Terre. After reaching Petite Terre, you will travel through the suburb of Le Rocher showing the island’s colonial past.

Next stop is a local market with its colourful displays of exotic fruits, vegetables and spices including cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and pepper. Then drive to a local village to reach the mangrove swamps and here there will be free time to admire the view of Grande Terre before continuing on a guided tour of Petite Terre. Refresh with a drink of fresh fruit juice in a local restaurant and enjoy views of the lagoon and Grande Terre. After refreshments, drive to the ferry and return to the ship.

Half day

INCLUDED*

Discover the eastern coast of Mayotte with its tropical flora, local culture and outstanding views. The first stop is Hajungua where you will enjoy a wonderful garden.

The air is full of the scent of local plants and perfumed oils are extracted from cinnamon, ylang-ylang, and other locally grown spices and plants.

Then to the pristine Musical Beach – home to a massive specimen of the Baobab tree – where you can relax on the white sand and swim in crystal clear water. Your exploration of the natural treasures of Mayotte continues over Choungui Pass with views of the lush south of the island towards the Bouéni’s Bay. After travelling along the western coast, you turn inland to visit the Botanical Garden and then stop for a drink and a performance by a group of women of local songs and dances known as “m’biwis”.

Please note that umbrellas/light jackets are recommended due to sudden tropical rainfalls.

Insect repellent is highly recommended.

Please note that umbrellas/light jackets are recommended due to sudden tropical rainfalls.

Insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. Please note that this excursion consists of a local pedestrian ferry ride.

*In Mayotte, you have a choice of included excursion (either MAY1 or MAY2) as shown here.

Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

47

MOSSEL BAY

MOSSEL BAY SoutH africa The Garden Route & Outeniqua Mountains MOS1

Half day

INCLUDED

Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. A favourite coastal and holiday destination, it has over the years developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the “District of Eden”. It was here that the first modern Europeans set foot on southern African shores – commemorated at the Da Gama Museum Complex in the town-centre.

Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Mossel Bay offers sandy beaches stretching into the horizon.

From Mossel Bay you head to George, following the coastal road up to the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. En route you will have the chance to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the famous Garden Route coastline.

Once you reach George, you turn away from the coast and climb into the Outeniqua Mountains. Here the rugged coastal landscape transforms into the starkly beautiful Karoo, with its desert-like arid climate and breath-

48

taking scenery. Cross the scenic Outeniqua Pass which was constructed between 1943 and 1951, replacing the Montagu Pass as the main route from George into the interior. It was named after the Hottentot tribe who formerly lived there.

After crossing the Outeniqua Mountains, you reach Oudtshoorn, the principal town of the Little Karoo. The Klein Karoo is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. It originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars River which meanders south from the Swartberg, providing fertile soil and water for irrigation. Crops such as lucerne, tobacco, fruit, grapes and grains grow here in abundance.

Stop for refreshments before heading back to Mossel Bay via the Robinson Pass. As you make your way over the pass, the sunscorched plains of the Little Karoo disappear and the landscape gives way to the delightful greenery of the lush Garden Route forests.

MOSSEL BAY

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Garden Route & Ostriches

MOS2

MOS3

Half day

OPTIONAL $65pp*

A fabulous morning visit to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve offers an exciting game viewing experience. The Moordkuil River, a tributary to the Little Brak River, runs through the reserve and adds to the diversity of habitats and the large number of animal species and birdlife. A rich diversity of more than 200 bird species is found within the different macro and micro eco-systems.

Botlierskop is a well-stocked, free roaming private game reserve, which provides visitors with the opportunity to view African wildlife in its natural habitat. There are currently 26 animal species and more than 1,800 animals in total on the 3,000-hectacre reserve.

Visitors have an excellent chance of experiencing close encounters with white rhino, Cape buffalo, blue wildebeest, giraffe, Cape mountain zebra, eland, giraffe, impala and lions. After the game drive, return to the Day Visitors Centre, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the elephants.

Guests will be invited to participate in an elephant feeding session.

Please note that roads are very bumpy and passengers must be able to climb in and out of 4 x 4’s. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

* Please note that if you select this tour, a credit has been allowed for in the price as the included half day tour cannot be taken.

Full day

OPTIONAL $45pp*

Drive from Mossel Bay to George, following the coastal road up to the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains.

En route you will have the chance to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the famous Garden Route coastline. Once you reach George, your journey will take you up into the Outeniqua Mountains and Oudtshoorn, the principal town of the Little Karoo. The Klein Karoo is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges.

Continue to a local ostrich farm for a tour which will explain every aspect of ostrich farming, from breeding to rearing. The tour starts in the breeding camp, with a nest of ostrich eggs. Guests will get the opportunity to test the strength of the eggs by standing on them – a great photo opportunity. During the breeding season guests get to see ostrich eggs hatching in the incubator rooms. Guests have the opportunity of sitting on an ostrich.

The tour ends with an "Ostrich Derby" where local jockeys display their riding skills. As you make your way over the pass, the sunscorched plains of the Little Karoo disappear and the landscape gives way to the delightful shade and greenery of the lush Garden Route forests. *Please note that this is a full day tour and a credit has been allowed for in the price as the included half day tour cannot be taken.

49

MUMBAI

MUMBAI

india

Mumbai City Highlights MUM1

Half day

INCLUDED

Immerse yourself in the swirling contrasts of India's economic powerhouse, home to nearly 20 million people, global corporations and the Bollywood film industry.

View the colonial heritage as you drive from the pier past such Victorian Gothic Revival landmarks as Rajabhai Clock Tower, Mumbai University, High Court, Crawford Market and the marvellous Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Stop at Dhobi Ghat to watch men flogging clothes in the stone tubs of an immense open-air manual laundry. Glimpse political India when you visit the charming residence of Mahatma Gandhi, Mani Bhawan,

50

a museum to the leader's life and work. The father of the nation lived here from 1917 to 1934, when the city was still called Bombay.

You will then ascend Malabar Hill to the Hanging Gardens for panoramas of the entire city. Continue past the Parsi Tower of Silence to enjoy a photo stop before the 262-foot-high Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea, built to mark the 1911 visit of King George V. This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

MUSCAT

MUSCAT

oman

Mystical Muscat MUS1

Half day

Dhow Cruise INCLUDED

Medieval forts, Moorish mosques and modern architecture mingle enchantingly in Muscat, the seaside capital of the Sultanate of Oman. The country's political, economic and commercial hub has a wealth of landmarks, as you'll soon see. Sightseeing highlights include a visit to the Grand Mosque, built by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. This striking example of Islamic architecture accommodates 20,000 worshippers and has an immense handmade Persian carpet in the prayer hall. Next, wander one of the oldest and most interesting markets in the Arab Gulf, the Muttrah Souq, where everything from copper bracelets to camel bone vases can be found. At the Bait al Zubair Museum, gain a richer knowledge of Omani heritage as you peruse exhibits including clothing, household items and weaponry.

Enjoy a lovely coastal drive past the charming fishing village of Sidab to the old city and Al Alam Palace, overlooking sparkling Muscat Bay. This is the official residence of Sultan Qaboos, built in 1970 on the site of an earlier palace. The modern design blends oriental and occidental styles in bright gold and blue. Nestled between two 16th-century Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani, the palace ensemble is the perfect expression of Oman's compelling contrasts.

This excursion involves a visit to a mosque and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with your arms and legs completely covered. In addition, ladies will be required to cover their heads and so scarfs should be taken. Smoking, drinking and eating are strictly prohibited in the mosque and photography is prohibited in the museums.

MUS2

Half day

OPTIONAL $TBA*

Board a traditional sailing dhow, modified for comfort, on this afternoon odyssey along the Omani coast. The triangularsailed dhows that add such an exotic touch to these waters are a testament to centuries of seamanship. In the 8th century, an Omani dhow sailed as far as Canton, China. These stalwarts of the sea are said to last from 60 to 100 years. Your sailing adventure begins with a drive to the marina, where you step aboard the wooden dhow, Lubna, and set sail. The route has been thoughtfully designed to showcase old Muscat and such landmarks as the medieval Portuguese forts, as well as modern Al Alam Palace.

Sinbad would feel at home aboard your dhow, which was built in the town of Sur, where the craft of dhow building is passed from generation to generation over the centuries. Although modern comforts and safety features were added later in Muscat, this is a ship with a true Omani ambiance, featuring such Arabic touches as stained glass windows in the central stateroom and raised floor seating outside. Relax and enjoy the hour and a half cruise, during which assorted non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Please note that there is limited shade on the dhows and so sun protection is highly recommended. *Note: the price for this optional excursion is dependent on participation and will therefore be advised on board.

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PENANG

PENANG

malaySia

Georgetown Highlights PEN1

Half day

INCLUDED

The tour begins with a drive through the streets of the city and along the ‘road of harmony’ bustling with activity. Lining this road are various places of worship – Anglican St George’s Church, the Chinese Kuan Yin Temple and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Arrive at the Penang Museum which displays a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical artifacts.

You will next visit the brightly painted Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses the 108-foot long figure of the Reclining Buddha and the Burmese Temple across the road. Continue driving along Gurney Drive, otherwise known as Persiaran Gurney. It is perhaps one of the most wellknown places in Penang. Often referred to as ‘The New Esplanade’ (to differentiate it from the original Esplanade in Georgetown), Gurney Drive is a deluge of hawker delights

52

and exciting restaurants that come alive at nighttime, giving the unique experience of dining by the sea.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life to the tranquil and green surroundings of the Botanic Garden which is 72 hectares and more than a century old. Popularly known as “Waterfall Gardens”, the park was started by the British in 1884 on the site of an old quarry. Lying in a deep valley at the feet of jungle clad hills, the gardens are bound by tropical forest and cascading streams. You may see the wild monkeys roaming freely in their natural habitat. Drive past the Old World setting of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel before returning to the pier.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

PENANG

PETRA

jordan (Hotel Stay)

Walking Tour of Petra PET1

Half day

INCLUDED

One of the great moments in travel is when you emerge from the narrow winding Siq to encounter the extraordinary rose-red city of Petra. This guided tour is entirely on foot so you can more intimately interact with this UNESCO World Heritage Site, chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Together with your guide, start your walk from the main gate to the obelisk tombs. Then continue to the Siq, the sole entrance to Petra, a long winding path between two overhanging cliffs that acts as the city's main gate.

As you proceed along this mile-long fissure, your guide will point out such details as Petra's ingenious water system where some

of the original terracotta pipes are still in place. Your first sight will be the magnificent spectacle of Al Khazneh (The Treasury), carved out of the rock by Nabataean Arabs some 2,000 years ago. You may continue along the Street of Façades taking in such sights as the amphitheatre and the Royal Court, where recent excavations have revealed a public pool and gardens.

The guides will take you to the Treasury area and from this point you will have the option of continuing on to the Street of Façades. Please note that there is an optional, one-way horse ride included in your ticket. Horse drawn carriages are available at the site entrance but passengers should be reminded that these are not recommended and are at the passenger’s own risk.

53

PHUKET

PHUKET

tHailand

Phang Nga by Longtail Boat PHU1

Full day

INCLUDED*

Follow in the path of James Bond as you navigate Phang Nga National Park where sheer limestone karsts thrust dramatically from the sea. Enjoy a briefing on this beautiful bay during the hour-and-a-half drive from Phuket. Then step aboard a traditional Thai longtail boat and let the scenery speak for itself as you skim over some of the most magnificent waters in the world. Circle the island of Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island since it appeared in The Man With The Golden Gun. Wind through mangroves and silent caves to Pan Yi Island. Stop at the Sea Gypsy Village,

a Muslim village built entirely on stilts, where you can visit a school, wander the byways, shop for pearls and glimpse a fascinating way of life. During your stay at Pan Yi Island, you will enjoy a typical Asian buffet lunch.

You will visit a local fruit and produce orchard to sample an array of tropical fruits and learn how to prepare such treats as Tom Yum Kung soup. If time permits, also stop at a showroom of Thai handicrafts and jewellery.

Please note that operation of this excursion is dependent upon weather and sea conditions. You will spend about 2.5 hours travelling by longtail boat and lifejackets will be provided on the boat.

*In Phuket, you have a choice of included excursion (either PHU1 or PHU2) as shown here.

Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign-up sheet.

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PHUKET

Phi Phi Islands PHU2

Full day

INCLUDED*

With soaring cliffs, powdery sands and crystal-clear waters, it's no wonder Thailand declared the Phi Phi Islands a National Park, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi. Don your swimsuit, hop aboard a local speedboat and head for these tropical treasures of the Andaman Sea. Your adventure starts early with a transfer from the ship to Phuket Marina. From here, it's about an hour by water to Phi Phi Le, where you'll visit stunningly beautiful Maya Bay, seen in the film The Beach. Swim or snorkel with colourful fish. Explore fjord-like Pileh Cove with its steep limestone walls. See the Viking Cave, a source of birds' nests for the famous Asian soup. Inside, rock carvings from 3,000-4,000 years ago are thought to resemble Scandinavian longboats.

For lunch, your boat pulls up to a beachside restaurant. Splash ashore where a buffet is waiting. Then surrender to an afternoon of pleasure on enchanting Bamboo Island.

Enjoy free time, snorkel amid the coral beds or sip a beer at one of the tiny bars and wonder if those Viking captains ever did drop anchor in these blissful waters.

Please note that this excursion is dependent upon weather and sea conditions. A 48km distance by speedboat (normally 60 mins) will take you to Phi Phi and lifejackets will be provided on the boat. It is recommended to come dressed for swimming upon leaving the ship and to keep cameras, videos, etc., covered in case of swells and spray. The use of snorkel equipment is included in this excursion.

55

PORBANDAR

PORBANDAR

india

Highlights of Porbandar POR1

Half day

INCLUDED

Visit the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, India's "Great Soul" and gain insights into the simple lifestyle of this coastal heritage town, once a thriving Mughal port. Travelling by tuk tuk, we head to the heart of Porbandar to visit the only temple in India dedicated to Sudama, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna. Pilgrims walk the temple's giant maze to be absolved of all sins.

We continue our exploration of Porbandar with a visit to the Kirti Mandir memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The temple stands 79 feet high, one foot for each year of Gandhi's life, and embraces six religions in its architecture.

Tour the ancestral home where Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 and lived with his wife. The original three-storied house was

56

purchased by Gandhi’s great grandfather, Shri Harjivan Raidas Gandhi in the seventeenth century, and the upper stories were added over the years. The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti Mandir, has been converted into a small museum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice.

Finally, enjoy a visit to the lively local market before returning to the ship.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

This excursion is strictly not wheelchair accessible.

andaman iSlandS

Port Blair City PBL1

Half day

PORT BLAIR

PORT BLAIR

Ross Island INCLUDED

Established by the British as a penal colony in 1789, today Port Blair is the largest town on the Andaman Islands. Surrounded by lush forest and rugged coastline, Port Blair is a vibrant mix of Indian Ocean inhabitants including Bengalis, Tamils and Burmese.

You will explore the small town visiting the Naval Marine Museum with its displays of tribal art, marine life and archaeology. The museum also has a sizable collection of shells and corals. Next, visit the Anthropological Museum which illustrates the lives of the aboriginal tribes with miniature models of the tools used by them, their dresses and photographs of their life style.

Your final stop is the Cellular Jail. The construction of this prison started in 1896 and was completed in 1906. The building had seven wings, at the center of which a tower served as the fulcrum and was used by guards to keep watch on the inmates.

The wings forked out of the tower in straight lines, much like the spokes of a bicycle wheel and a large bell was kept in the tower to raise an alarm in the eventuality of an escape or disturbance. All the prisoners were kept in isolation and subjected to a brutal work regime and the Cellular Jail is one of the murkiest chapters in the history of the colonial rule in India.

PBL2

Half day

OPTIONAL $38pp

Ross Island is about 2 km east of Port Blair and can be reached by a short boat ride from Phoenix Bay Jetty. The island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering, and is home to a large and noisy population of peacocks.

This small island was the capital of Port Blair during the British regime and it presently houses the ruins of old colonial buildings like the Ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, Government House, the main Church, the Hospital and Troop Barracks. All in a rather dilapidated condition, these buildings evoke the old British regime. You will also visit a small museum which houses old photographs of Ross during the colonial era.

This excursion consists of a local boat ride and there is strictly no wheelchair access. Camera fees apply.

Before you return to the ship, there will be a brief stop at the local market Aberdeen Bazaar where there is a good selection of local wood carvings and jewellery.

Please note that all sites are subject to camera and video fees (excluding the bazaar).

57

PORT ELIZABETH

PORT ELIZABETH

Port Elizabeth City

Addo Elephant Park PTE1

Half day

SoutH africa

INCLUDED

Leaving Port Elizabeth, you cross the Swartkops River and then turn inland to the flat valley of the Sundays River and arrive at the Addo Elephant Park after travelling about 75 km.

The Addo Elephant Park, which consists of over 51,000 hectacres of bush country, is home to over 450 elephants, which have bred from the few that remained in the area after the herd was almost wiped out by the hired game hunter Major P. J. Pretorius in the 1920s. Although it belongs to the same species as the African Elephant, the reddish Addo Elephant is smaller with more rounded ears, while the females generally have no tusks.

On a game drive through the park by coach, you will hopefully be able to encounter this rare animal, as well as a variety of other game, which was recently introduced to the reserve.

This includes lion, hyena, cheetah, zebra, eland, kudu, red hartebeest and wild dogs.

Return to the ship in Port Elizabeth.

Please note that this excursion is operated entirely by motorcoach and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

PTE2

Half day

OPTIONAL $49pp

Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa. When leaving the harbour, you will pass a 52-metre high memorial, the Campanile, built in 1923 in memory of the first British settlers who arrived in 1820. It is situated on the site where the settlers landed and contains a carillon of 23 bells. Drive along the beachfront, stopping off at Shark Rock Pier for a photo opportunity.

Next visit Bayworld, unique in Southern Africa, this is a museum embracing a natural and cultural history, combined with a herpatalogical section with various reptiles and an Oceanarium. Proceed to the Donkin Memorial, a stone pyramid erected in memory of Sir Rufane Donkin's wife Elizabeth – Port Elizabeth was named after her. It was Sir Rufane who, with 4,000 British settlers, founded the city in 1820 and became the city’s first governor. From here continue to Fort Frederick. In 1799, during the first British occupation of the Colony during the Napoleonic Wars, a stone fort was built named Fort Frederick after the Duke of York.

We pass the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Horse Memorial and St George’s Cricket Ground enroute to the quayside via the city centre.

Notable buildings you will pass include the Feather Market, the Library, the Post Office and City Hall. Finally a look at The Old Mayor's Garden and a replica of the Diaz Cross where Bartholomew Diaz and his men first landed in 1488.

Please note that this excursion (PTE2) is only available on our Game Parks of South Africa cruise.

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PORT ELIZABETH

Lalibela Private Game Reserve PTE3

Full day

OPTIONAL $85pp*

A drive of some 90 km from Port Elizabeth takes you to the fabulous Lalibela Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival at the Day Visitor’s Centre, you will transfer into 4x4 vehicles and enjoy a game drive in these open vehicles, traversing the reserve, where the wildlife roams in profusion and diversity.

The game drive brings you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from the mighty “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo, rhino) to the tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Lalibela is also home to hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope such as eland, kudu, bushbuck and wildebeest.

You will no doubt encounter a variety of wildlife on your game drive. Return to the Day Visitors’ Centre for a buffet lunch. After this exciting day, depart the reserve and return to the quayside in Port Elizabeth.

Please note that on arrival at the park you will transfer to 4 x 4’s where roads can be very bumpy.

Not recommended for passengers with neck or back problems.

* Please note that this is a full day tour and a credit has been allowed for in the price as the included half day tour cannot be taken.

This excursion (PTE3) is only available on our Game Parks of South Africa cruise.

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PRAIA

PRAIA cape verde iSlandS In and Around Praia PRA1

Half day

INCLUDED*

This tour offers a fantastic chance to learn about the history of the Cape Verde Islands in general and Santiago Island in particular as well as to “feel the flavour” of the island and its traditions. During the times of Portuguese rule, only the central plateau of the city was developed but, after independence in 1975, Praia underwent a boom.

During your tour you will see the wonderful architecture left from the colonial period and learn of the island’s fascinating history.

Landmarks in the colonial city centre include Albuquerque Square, the old city hall built in the 1920s, the Presidential Palace that dates from the end of the 19th century to house the Portuguese governor, and the Monumento de Diogo Gomes, named after the Portuguese navigator who discovered Santiago in 1460.

You will also visit the “Se Cathedral Nossa Senhora da Graça” and the colourful vegetable market.

About 10 km west of Praia is Cidade Velha (“old city”), the former capital of Cape Verde and home to some wonderful colonial era monuments. It was also a stopping point for two great navigators: Vasco de Gama in 1497 on his way to India and Christopher Columbus in 1498 on his third voyage to the Americas. Here you will visit the cliffside Fortress of S. Filipe, built in 1593 by order of Filipe I, King of Portugal and Spain.

You will also see the ruins of the seventeenth century cathedral, one of the most emblematic and impressive buildings of the colonial period. Here you will find a relic from a darker part of Cape Verde’s history. The “Pelourinho” is a pillory on the town square where slaves were chained up and displayed. On the way back to the ship you will pass by “Rua Banana” where you will be able to see the old stone houses.

*In Praia you have a choice of excursions (either PRA1 or PRA2) as shown here. Please clearly indicate your

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PRAIA

The Beauty of Santiago PRA2

Half day

INCLUDED*

This tour has been designed for you to get to know about the flora and fauna of Santiago Island and also learn about its culture. Your first visit is to the local village in S. Domingos with its art craft cooperatives.

We continue on to the beauty of the Cape Verdean “Botanical Garden” in São Jorge dos Orgãos where lush foliage and brightlycoloured flowers vie for your attention in these well-kept gardens.

Before arriving at the second largest city on Santiago Island, Assomada, there is a stop to admire some stunning views of the island.

Assomada lies at about 550m on a plateau surrounded by mountains, farmland and hills. It plays an important commercial role in the life of Santiago and features many Portuguese style-colonial buildings. The market of Assomada is one of the largest on the island of Santiago, with an enormous variety of agricultural products and crafts on display.

preference on your excursion sign up sheet. Please note that motorcoaches in Praia do not have air-conditioning.

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RICHARDS BAY

RICHARDS BAY

SoutH africa

St Lucia Boat Cruise & Walking Tour RIC1

Extended half day

INCLUDED

The town of Richards Bay lies at the sea edge of an ancient floodplain, almost halfway between Durban and Kosi Bay and it acts as a gateway to Zululand and Maputaland.

Richards Bay began its life as a makeshift harbour, set up by Sir Frederick Richards, after whom it is also named, during the Anglo-Boer War of 1879. For many years, the town was little more than a sleepy fishing town until a hydrographic survey revealed that Richards Bay had even greater development potential than Durban. However, the transformation of Richards Bay into the country’s largest harbour and the world’s largest coal terminal only happened in 1976.

Despite this, Richards Bay has some of the most spectacular wetland scenery and unspoilt beaches on the north coast of KwaZulu Natal. The Zululand Birding Route includes Richards Bay Harbour and the Game Reserve, known also as New Mouth, on its route. This part of the route covers sandbanks, mud flats, extensive mangroves, freshwater pans and forest areas and bird watchers can spot a number of rarities such as the cuckoo hawk and pygmy goose. New

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Mouth features a number of aquatic birds as well as hippos and crocodiles.

We drive north to the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in St Lucia you head out from Sunset Jetty along the walking trail where you have the possibility to see small antelope and do some birdwatching. We continue the walk down towards the boardwalk and have a look at the area where the St Lucia Estuary Mouth used to open into the ocean, and then return to Sunset Jetty.

Here you embark a boat for a leisurely twohour cruise on Lake St Lucia. The vessel goes at walking speed all along the shoreline of the St Lucia Estuary, and the enthusiastic skipper/ captain will tell you more about the hippos – the lake has the largest concentration in South Africa – and Nile crocodiles that inhabit St Lucia. This is home to about 2,000 Nile crocodiles, 800 hippos and about 526 species of birds, favourites of which are the African Fish Eagle and the Mangrove Kingfisher.

Please note that this excursion involves about 4km of walking on boards and a 2-hour boat cruise.

RICHARDS BAY

Hluhluwe Game Reserve RIC2

Full day

INCLUDED

Depart Richards Bay harbour and travel in a northerly direction to the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve.

After about a 1½ hour drive, you arrive at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi – a reserve which extends across 96,000 hectacres of wilderness.

Proclaimed a game reserve in 1895, Hluhluwe has since become well known for its small population of the rare white rhino. In addition to rhino, the reserve has a spectacular variety of bird and animal life, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthog.

The reserve preserves not only the wildlife of Zululand but also some of the indefinable charm and traditions of the natural surroundings, one of the most fascinating parts of Africa.

Enjoy your buffet lunch at Hilltop Restaurant, surrounded by beautiful scenery. After lunch, depart on another exciting game drive before returning to the ship.

Please note that you must be able to get in and out of 4x4’s and parts of the game drives can be very bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back or neck problems.

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RICHARDS BAY

RICHARDS BAY

SoutH africa

Thanda Game Reserve & Tented Camp RIC3

2 Days/1 night

This fantastic overnight expedition takes you to one of South Africa’s most exciting and luxurious game reserves.

Thanda is a spectacular private game reserve set in 14,000 hectares of indigenous bush in northern Zululand about 3 hours drive from Richards Bay. Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is a celebration of the Zulu people, their rich culture and wildlife. Here the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo and rhino) thrive.

Thanda Tented Camp comprises 14 spacious tents, each with a private sun deck and en-suite canvas bathroom. To add to the genuine bush atmosphere, the camp is non-electrified. However, it does have limited solar and battery power with a back-up generator to power the tents for a few hours each day. To deter wild animals, there is a partial electrified fence along the perimeter of Thanda Tented Camp.

OPTIONAL $498pp sharing twin $698 single On arrival at the main entrance gate, you will be met by game rangers who will transfer you to your lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles.

Check-in and relax before gathering for high tea before departing on an afternoon game drive. Sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush following your game drive with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species.

Next morning, there’s an early morning game-drive accompanied by your rangers and trackers. Return to the lodge for breakfast, after which you check-out and transfer to the main entrance where you will board your coaches for your return road transfer to Richards Bay.

Please note that these excursions (RIC 3 and RIC 4) must be booked in advance and that you must be able to get in and out of 4 x 4’s for the game drives which can be very bumpy. Not recommended for guests with neck or back problems.

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RICHARDS BAY

Phinda Private Game Reserve RIC4 2 Days/1 night

OPTIONAL $775pp sharing twin $1,150 single

Depart Richards Bay harbour and travel approximately 3 hours to Phinda Private Game Reserve which is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZuluNatal. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 17,500 hectares of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

and crimson Zulu artefacts. These stilted suites each feature luxurious en-suite bathrooms and private viewing decks. Unwind in the lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, or relax in the guest sitting areas with expansive viewing decks affording panoramic views of the game-filled plains.

Phinda Forest Lodge is a spectacular lodge set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, fusing architectural design and conservation. The creation of this awardwinning safari lodge was an exemplary exercise in building eco-sensitive structures with a light footprint (not one tree was felled during the construction). Inventively designed in Zulu Zen style, each handcrafted, glassencased suite is a combination of glass, wood and minimalist design incorporating high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics

On arrival at the main entrance gate, you will be met by game rangers who will transfer you to Phinda Lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles. Enjoy lunch, check-in to the lodge and relax. Gather for afternoon tea before departing on an afternoon game drive.

Sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush following your game drive with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Next morning begins with an early morning wakeup call followed by tea, coffee and biscuits served in the lounge area. Depart from the lodge on an early morning game drive. Return to the lodge for breakfast, after which you check-out and return to Richards bay.

Please note that the excursion to Phinda is not available on our Christmas cruise.

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SALALAH

SALALAH

oman

Scenic Salalah SAL1

Half day

INCLUDED

Beaches, blow holes and a biblical site form just a part of the fascinating mosaic in Oman's second largest city, where colourful souqs and marketplaces sit in the shadow of a grand Sultan's Palace. Start your sightseeing with a scenic drive that reveals the contrast between the city's lush vegetation and the serene landscapes of the desert.

Then head to Mughsail Beach where white sand stretches for miles. If the tide is high, you may be lucky enough to see geysers spouting from the blow holes in the limestone cliffs. Legend holds that the prophet Job is buried outside Salalah, and the next site you visit is sacred to Muslims, Christians and Jews. Job's tomb itself is simple, but the surrounding scenery is breathtaking with

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panoramas of the Qara Mountains and the Jubriah Plain.

Al Husn Palace, the summer residence of His Majesty, the Sultan of Oman is an imposing landmark with towering stone walls and teak doors. Although not open to visitors, you will be able to take photos en route to Al Husn Souq. Stroll among the vendors and colourful stalls heaped with mounds of frankincense, myrrh and incense and you'll soon see why this city was called the perfume capital of Arabia. In addition to fragrant oils, there are a variety of local artifacts like the fearsome Omani khangar daggers.

Please note that visitors are required to remove their shoes at Job’s Tomb. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

SAO TOME

SAO TOME

Sao tome & principe

Highlights of Sao Tome SAO1

Half day

INCLUDED

If you enjoy peace and quiet then you will love the island of Sao Tome. Along with Principe, Sao Tome is Africa’s second-smallest country. These two tiny volcanic bumps anchored off the Gabonese coast easily win the hearts of foreigners with their PortugueseCreole flavour and relaxed vibes. The wonderful laid-back tempo is enhanced by a wealth of natural attractions: miles of perfect palm-fringed beaches, huge swathes of emerald rainforest, soaring volcanic peaks and mellow fishing villages. The birdlife is excellent, and endemic plants (especially orchids) are plentiful. In season, turtle- and whale-watching opportunities abound.

You will start by heading to the National Museum, housed in the former St Sebastian Fortress. Dating from the late sixteenth century, the fortress is the oldest European bulding in Sao Tome and here you can

discover a little bit more about Sao Tome and Principe history. There are exhibitions dedicated to the island’s colonial period and its fight for independence.

Next we visit the village of Pantufo to watch “Danço Congo”, a mixture of dance and theatre that is a cultural landmark of Sao Tome. Then to the Cathedral, another of Sao Tome’s landmarks, followed by a walk through the city’s streets where you can admire the beautiful architecture, much of it an inheritance from the Portuguese colonial period. Finally, a stop at the local market, with its myriad varieties of colourful and exotic fruits, vegetables and fish, is an uplifting end to a special day.

Please note that this excursion involves about 90 minutes walking on uneven, possibly muddy surfaces and includes some steps.

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SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE (Hotel Stay) Spirit of Singapore SIN1

Half day

INCLUDED

Discover the many facets of this dynamic city-state where centuries-old traditions continue in the shadow of skyscrapers. Delve into Singapore's past in Chinatown where soothsayers consult cards to predict the future and the scent of exotic soups blends with the sight of arcane medicinal treatments. Visit the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, the Thian Hock Kheng Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Marvel at the elaborate faรงade of the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, where sacred cow figurines crouch on the roof and an annual fire-walking contest is held.

Stroll in the city's National Orchid Gardens, where terraces showcase the largest orchid

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display in the world: 60,000 plants, over 700 species and 2,100 hybrids including the National Flower of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim. See the city's Colonial heritage in all its splendour as you drive past Parliament House, the Supreme Court, Raffles Hotel and City Hall. Wind up over 300 ft. to the top of Mt Faber for sweeping panoramas of the city, port and islands where offshore refineries make this an important petroleum centre.

Whether you view Singapore as a dining, shopping or cultural mecca, this overview reveals there's much to explore in the Lion City.

This excursion involves a visit to a temple and you will be asked to remove your shoes. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

SINGAPORE

Singapore Night Safari

Gardens by the Bay

SIN2

SIN3

Evening

OPTIONAL $55pp

Founded in 1973, Singapore Zoo is known as one of the most beautiful zoological parks in the world. Here the animals roam freely in open and naturalistic habitats. Spread over 26 hectares, Singapore Zoo is nestled in the lush Mandai Rainforest and contains over 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

This optional tour offers a unique opportunity to join a Night Safari at Singapore Zoo, where you’ll be guided around the world’s first nocturnal zoological park. More than a thousand animals appear to roam freely in a seemingly vast habitat, from the massive Burmese Gaur (the largest of wild cattle) and the beautiful African Bongo, to the majestic Malayan Tiger and diminutive, boldly striped Banded Civet.

Discover beautiful and unusual fauna on board a silent electric tram, then explore further on foot through the jungle trails for a close encounter with wildlife. The canopy of jungle trees, some towering over 40m above the park, complements exotic ferns and palms, while other plants exude superb fragrances, all providing a dramatic backdrop for the animal residents of the Night Safari.

Half day

OPTIONAL $45pp

Covering over 100 hectares and containing vast glasshouses replicating the planet’s various habitats, Gardens by the Bay is a true horticultural wonderland.

One of the iconic buildings at the Gardens is the Flower Dome, a 1.2-hectare (3 acres) glasshouse that creates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions (e.g. parts of Australia, South America, South Africa). It is also home to a collection of plants from the world’s areas and showcases how plants have evolved to thrive in arid environments.

Enter the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist and see a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Ascend to the mountaintop in comfort by lift before descending via two walkways in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below. Learn about unique biodiversity and geology of cloud forests and the environmental threats they face within the nine unique zones in this cool-moist Conservatory.

Please note that temperatures are cool in the Cloud Forest therefore a light sweater is recommended.

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TANGIER

TANGIER morocco Tangier Highlights TAN1

Half day

INCLUDED

Situated only a short distance across the Strait of Gibraltar from the shores of Europe, Tangier is a gateway to a vastly different culure. This tour is perfect if you really want to discover more of Tangier, and explore the bustling Medina, with its tiny streets lined with shops filled with trinkets and treats.

Travelling along the promenade, you head out of Tangier along the coast to Cape Spartel Lighthouse – more than a century old it shines a warning beacon to ships at the point where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet.

Arriving back in Tangier, visit the Medina (old town) whose walls mark the line of the

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Roman defences. The Grand Mosque rises on the foundations of a temple to Neptune, and the Petit Socco covers the area of what used to be the Forum. The bustling Kasbah is situated on the highest part of the Medina in an area that has been the preserve of palaces and castles for thousands of years.

Here you will visit the Kasbah Museum, a former Sultan’s Palace and now a wonderful museum of 17th and 18th century Moroccan art. Your guide will then walk you through the Medina, Socco and the Kasbah, allowing you the opportunity to view the fruit and vegetable market and Mendoubia Park where you can explore at leisure, if you wish.

Please note that comfortable walking shoes are the order of the day and ladies should not wear shorts.

WALVIS BAY

WALVIS BAY namibia Sandwich Harbour in 4x4s WAL1

Half day

INCLUDED

Namibia’s only commercial port, Walvis Bay is situated on a wide lagoon and is home to numerous sea birds including pelicans and flamingos. Although Diaz is said to have landed here in 1487, the town was not founded until 1793 by the Cape Dutch and, two years later, it was annexed by the British.

Today, Walvis Bay is a busy harbour town of some 50,000 residents most of home are employed in the fishing industry and in the production of sea salt.

Sandwich Harbour is a part of the NamibNaukluft Park that many have heard of but very few have ever visited. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and a unique off-road driving experience. Land Rovers take you to beautiful lookouts where you can feel the isolation for which Namibia and the Skeleton Coast are so famous.

The Sandwich Harbour Lagoon is a highlight of the Sandwich Harbour area with its large natural tidal lagoon. The lagoon is completely surrounded by large sand dunes and is only

accessible by 4x4s – even this relies largely on the tides. The lagoon area is fed with fresh water seeping through the sand dunes, and contributes to the beauty and natural diversity of the area. The water plays a fundamental role, as it feeds the plants on the shores of the lagoon, which in turn stabilize the dunes, preventing them from silting up the area.

Stop along the way to enjoy refreshments and, depending on weather conditions (wind), this will either be on top of a high dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or amongst the dunes. The route homewards will test the power of the vehicles on the dunes, the highlight being the 65m high roaring dune and its amazing views, giving you exceptional viewpoints on the return to Walvis Bay. Please note that it is not always possible to reach Sandwich Harbour if the sea conditions are very rough or tides too high. Roads can be bumpy and this excursion is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems.

*In Walvis Bay, you have a choice of included excursions (either WAL1 or WAL2) as shown here and on the next page. Please clearly indicate your preference on your excursion sign up sheet.

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WALVIS BAY

WALVIS BAY namibia Moon Landscape & Swakopmund WAL2

Half day

INCLUDED

Your destination is the Namib Naukluft National Park that encompasses part of the Namib desert (considered the world’s oldest) and the Naukluft mountain range. The park covers over 19,000 square miles and is the largest game reserve in Africa. On the way you’ll pass by endless waves of sand dunes, and when you think of Africa and the desert, this is the scene that comes to mind.

As you enter the Namib Naukluft National Park, you’ll turn onto the Welwitschia Drive where the landscape becomes dotted with the extraordinary Welwitschia Mirablis plant.

Unique to Namibia, these prehistoric plants have adapted to their harsh habitat.

Resembling a large wilted lettuce, Welwitschias only produce two leaves in their lifetime and can live for over 500 years.

The locals in this area have dubbed the plant “two-leaf can’t die”. After stopping to view and discuss these amazing and resilient desert plants in their dramatic landscape, this tour continues to the ‘lunar landscape’. In this vast area of eroded valleys you can almost imagine you’re on the moon. Different species of

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lichen grow here, thanks to the sea fog, which rolls up to 20 miles inland and provides moisture for these desert-dwelling plants.

Take in the breathtaking views of the “moon” landscape before arrival in Swakopmund.

Known as Swakop in Namibia, Swakopmund is the country's biggest coastal town and a mecca for Namibians on holiday. The city's German origins are quite pronounced in the beautiful old German Colonial buildings throughout the city, making an even starker contrast for this town sitting at the edge of the Namib Desert. One artefact of the German colonisation includes an old museum/store, selling genuine artefacts from the 19th century. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town, with its many beautiful historical buildings dating back to the turn of the century and built in the Art Nouveau style.

You will also have the opportunity to browse through the “Brauhaus” Gallery, which is a small shopping arcade in the centre of town.

Please note, this excursion does not involve 4x4 vehicles.

WALVIS BAY

Dolphin & Seal Cruise

Living Desert WAL3

Half day

INCLUDED*

Despite its somewhat foreboding appearance, the Namib Desert is surprisingly rich in flora and fauna. This tour concentrates on the small living creatures which are found in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Your expert guide will search for and find creatures like the Sidewinder Adder, the Palmetto Gecko, the Sand Diving Lizard, the Namaqua Chameleon and various other little beetles, lizards and geckos which live and survive in the hot desert conditions.

From the ship you travel along the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The drive along the foot of the dunes is slow, taking precaution not to drive on the gravel plains and cause unnecessary damage.

Conservation issues and the geological structure of the desert are discussed en route.

The guide will stop frequently to look for tracks (known locally as reading the bushman paper), to determine which creatures were active the night before and wherever possible, will try to catch some of them. Guides will share their knowledge about each little desert animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. Great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home. On this tour, you will also enjoy the spectacular scenery, the feel of the silky sand beneath your feet, and have fantastic photographic opportunities.

WAL4

Half day

OPTIONAL $65pp

Take a short drive from the harbour to the jetty, where you board an open ski boat for a three-hour cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. The water here is usually very calm and abundant with bird and marine life.

The boats depart the jetty and cruise around the harbour area, from here they cut across the lagoon to the moored Russian trawlers, where “inquisitive” seals will swim up to the boats hoping for something to eat. For the more adventurous passenger, there is the opportunity to feed fish to these playful animals.

Continue to Pelican Point, where a large seal colony and schools of dolphins, which swim alongside the boats, provide entertainment.

Dolphins sighted are the Heavy Side and Bottlenose.

For bird lovers, apart from seeing many pelicans and cormorants, there are also common sightings of the White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Cape Gannet, Black Oystercatcher and more. Back at the jetty, reboard the coaches, and head back to the quayside.

This tour is strictly weather dependent. Guests are encouraged to bring a warm/windproof jacket.

Animal sightings cannot be guaranteed.

*Please note that this tour has limited capacity and is reserved for guests with walking/mobility difficulties as an alternative to WAL1 or WAL2.

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YA N G O N

YA N G O N

YANGON myanmar Yangon (Rangoon) City Tour YAN1

Half day

INCLUDED

Your visit to Myanmar’s former capital, previously called Rangoon, will include a guided tour of the 2,600-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s most spectacular monuments. This sacred Buddhist shrine contains eight strands of Gautama Buddha’s hair. Prepare for an overload of images: gold domed stupas, one with a 76-carat diamond atop its spire, prayerful pilgrims, multicoloured flags and flower offerings, and the majesty of this sacred site, described

by Kipling as “a golden mystery... a beautiful winking wonder”.

On your tour you will fully appreciate the gorgeous colonial architecture of Rangoon, circa 1920, passing the historic Strand Hotel, the bookstalls of Pansodan Street and the Sule Pagoda set in the centre of a traffic roundabout. You will also have the chance to shop for Burmese handicrafts at the famous Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, however depending on the day of the cruise call it may be operated as part of another excursion.

This excursion involves a visit to a pagoda and you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

The sightseeing in Yangon will be coordinated according to the tide times and therefore it may be split up across the days spent in Yangon – more details will be provided by the on-board tour staff.

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YA N G O N

YANGON myanmar Bago YAN2

Full day

INCLUDED

Head out of Yangon for a day of insights into Burmese life in, and en route to Bago. A 90-minute drive through rural scenery brings you to our first stop at the Kyakhat Wyne Buddhist Monastery, a charming monastery and teaching centre for 150 monks from neighbouring regions. Visit the 8th-century Shwemawdaw, or “Great Gold God” Pagoda, whose towering golden spire makes it the country’s tallest.

Lunch served in a local restaurant will give you the opportunity to try typical Burmese dishes. Continue sightseeing this afternoon with a visit to the temple of the remarkable

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180-foot long reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha, built by King Migadippa in 994.

The statue was overgrown by jungle when rediscovered by British engineers building the nearby railway.

On the drive back to the ship, there may be time to visit the moving Allied War Graves Cemetery, and make a quick stop at a Nat Tree shrine to view a type of animism unique to Myanmar.

This excursion involves a visit to a pagoda and you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

YA N G O N

Mandalay by Air

Bagan by Air YAN3

Full day

OPTIONAL* $465pp

Fly to one of the world’s wonders, the vast archaeological site at Bagan, a magnificent ensemble of 11th and 12th-century temples. Your day begins with an early start and a hour’s flight to the former capital of an ancient kingdom, the landscape still studded with over 2,200 temples.

We will visit the local market where seemingly little has changed over the centuries and vendors sit cross-legged selling the ingredients for euphoria-inducing betel quids. Highlights of the day for those interested in Buddhism will be the visits to the golden Shwezigon Pagoda and the Ananda Temple with its four colossal standing Buddhas. The 13th century Gu Byauk Gyi Temple contains remarkable frescoes showing scenes from Buddha’s life which you will see before enjoying a Burmese lunch at a local restaurant.

Bagan is the centre of the Burmese lacquerware industry and after lunch, a visit will be made to one of the many family-run workshops to observe the centuries-old art of lacquerware making. Board a late-afternoon flight to return to Yangon in time for dinner aboard Aegean Odyssey.

This excursion involves a visit to many pagodas and you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks each time. Slip-on shoes are highly recommended!

Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

YAN4

Full day

OPTIONAL* $495pp

Lying an hour’s flight north of Yangon, Mandalay is a cultural centre, Burma’s second largest city and her last royal capital. It’s worth making the early start to enable a visit to the Mahagandayon Monastery at Amarapura, one of the largest in Burma and home to over 1,400 monks. Watch the monks line up to receive their last meal of the day, eaten in silence in the middle of the morning.

The nearby U Bein bridge spans the Taungthaman Lake and was built in the mid-19th century.

Mandalay has been famed for centuries for silk production and a visit to a weaving workshop provides a fascinating glimpse into the art. Nimble-fingered young women use old-fashioned looms to produce intricate patterns for festive “longyi” or sarongs. Time to enjoy a typical Burmese lunch, then make a stop at the gate of Mandalay’s city wall within its moat to photograph Mandalay Hill. In the afternoon, a visit will be made to the Shwenandaw “Golden Palace” former monastery to view its fabulous 19th-century woodcarvings of Buddhist myths.

If time permits, a short stop at the Mahamuni pagoda, one of the most revered religious monuments in Myanmar will complete today’s tour of Mandalay before a lateafternoon return flight to Yangon, reboarding Aegean Odyssey for dinner.

This excursion involves a visit to a pagoda and you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Please dress appropriately for visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered as a general rule.

* Those who choose either of these optional tours will not be able to take the Bago excursion.

The price includes a credit for the unused tour. These tours must be pre-booked prior to travel.

Timings of optional excursions may vary due to tides.

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SHore excurSion program

terms & Conditions Itinerary Changes The cruise and tour programmes featured in this brochure are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes have to be made to the itineraries due to circumstances beyond the control of Voyages to Antiquity.

Please also note that the sequence of visits described and timings may vary to avoid crowding at any one site.

shortened holiday time, additional expenses, or any other kind of damage.

Voyages to Antiquity expressly disclaims all responsibility of any nature whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury to property or person resulting from air, rail, motorcoach or any other form of transportation other than that actually provided by the Voyages to Antiquity vessel.

Responsibility The responsibility of Voyages to Antiquity and the operator of the vessel is strictly limited according to the Terms and Conditions set forth in the Passage Contract that you receive prior to embarkation. You are urged to read the Passage Contract carefully. A sample is available to be mailed on request or can be viewed and printed from the Voyages to Antiquity website at any time. Transportation on board the ship is provided solely by the ship operator and pursuant to the Passage Contract. Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a guest for any reason.

Services provided by Independent Contractors All shoreside tours and services described in this brochure or on the website are provided by independent contractors. Voyages to Antiquity acts solely as ticketing agent for all shoreside activities and has no legal obligation or liability of any kind to guests for acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground/tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Voyages to Antiquity.

Voyages to Antiquity shall not be responsible for any act, event or omission during the time passengers are not aboard the Voyages to Antiquity vessel. Voyages to Antiquity acts only as an agent for the supplier of off-ship services such as airlines and other off-ship transportation carriers, meals, shore excursions, accommodations, air ambulance and shoreside physicians. Guests agree not to hold Voyages to Antiquity, its owners, agents or representatives liable for any loss, injury, expense or damage which results directly or indirectly from any act or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, of any third party person or firm which is to, or does, provide goods or services in connection with the trip or any available option. Without limiting the foregoing, Voyages to Antiquity shall have no liability to passengers for the quality of services at, and the condition, cleanliness or safety of a hotel, housing facility, or conveyance, or for any transportation delay, including but not limited to liability for inconvenience, 78

Guests with Special Needs The tour programmes featured in this brochure include extensive sightseeing and to fully participate each guest must be reasonably fit and have no walking difficulties. Whenever possible Voyages to Antiquity will try to accommodate guests with special needs as long as the mobility issues are not an impediment to others on the guided tours. For further details, refer to the Essential Travel Information leaflet or to that section of the Voyages to Antiquity website.

Errors & Omissions While Voyages to Antiquity makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in this brochure, its promotions and as displayed on the website, Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right not to honour any published fares that it determines were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. Voyages to Antiquity is not responsible or liable for any typographical errors, omissions or misprints.

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