46-night Panama Canal Passage & Pacific Crossing Cruise

HALF DAY EXPLORING OLD KOCHI

Leave from pier for a panoramic drive along Mahatma Gandhi Road ending with a stop at the local market, known as the Broadway. A walk through, this local market in the new town of Ernakulum, is an enriching experience. A surprise lurks at every corner and whether you like it or not, you are propelled forward in a sea of people, brightly coloured baubles and warm, comforting smells.
 
Photo stop at Shiva Temple.
 
St. George's Forane Church, locally known as Edapally Church is a Catholic pilgrimage church in Edapally Kochi, India. Asia's largest shrine to Saint George, about five million people visit it every year.
The church is thought to have been founded in 593 AD. It is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Kerala, after the seven churches founded by Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Marth Mariam). In 1080, a new church was built adjacent to the old church. A nine-day festival is celebrated annually as part of the Feast of Saint George. The church, also a destination for non-Christians, attracts offerings of gold, chicken, and eggs.
Gaze at the ancient Chinese fishing nets that line the shores of Fort Cochin.
 
You’ll be fascinated by the Dhobi Khana, your next stop. Each morning washing from all over Kochi is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. Stop here for photos that you’ll never be able to duplicate anywhere else.
 
 

HALF DAY HERITAGE TRAIL - A WALK THROUGH KOCHI

The best way to discover a new place is on foot; explore the streets of historic Fort Cochin and learn more about this town that is brimming with tales of maritime traders, who made Cochin the first European township in India.
 
A brief stop will be made at the Chinese fishing nets & St. Francis Church one of the area’s famous landmarks. These nets are set up on bamboo poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea. This is a unique symbol of the centuries-old influence on this coastline.
 
Princess Street is one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi. The bungalows built in the European style and the other buildings of colonial architecture lining both sides of the street make it pretty as a picture.
    
The buildings here, with bronze stucco walls and peeling plaster, house antique stores, cigar shops, provisional stores, curio shops, kiosks, cafes, restaurants, art galleries and so on.  Some are being used as homestays for tourists.

For the best view of the street, head for the Loafer’s Corner, a popular meeting place at the confluence of Princess Street, Peter Celli Street and Bastion Street.
 
The plain, squat walls that surround the two-storey Mattancherry or “Dutch Palace”, do not offer a particularly appealing invitation, but you will be delighted once inside. Its wooden interior is decorated with a remarkable series of murals. In the royal bedroom alone are 45 paintings illustrating the Ramayana every inch of space covered with rich colour, and painstaking detail. There is also an interesting collection of Dutch maps of old Kochi, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
 
Next. The Jew Town surrounding area called Jew Town is a fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses, and spice auction rooms. Signs for N.X. Jacob’s tailor shop, and the offices of J.E. Cohen serve as reminders of a once thriving community now consisting of about seven families. You’ll have a chance to stroll here before returning to your ship.
 
Return back to pier
 

Kochi, Shore Excursion - 4 hours

You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure)
Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will head to the historic town of Mattancherry. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two stories high and is built in the traditional Kerala style of “nalukattu” (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made of richly-carved wood, there are beautiful murals on display here depicting scenes from the Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Hindu legends. The Palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal Palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.

You will next visit the Jewish Synagogue. One of the oldest in India, it is set in the Jewish Quarter, commonly known as “Jew Town”.  The area is famous for its aromatic spice market and its antique shops.  The interior of the Synagogue is decorated with 18^th century blue ceramic Cantonese tiles, hand painted and each one different!
 
You will end your tour at the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450 AD indicating trading ties with China.
 
You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the port to board your ship.

Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide, Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee, Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes

Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified), Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted separately.

* Terms and conditions apply

Kochi, Shore Excursion - 8 hours

Hong Kong Heritage Tour - 4.5 hours - Hong Kong

Highlights:

• Start with a visit to Tsang Tai Uk also known as Shan Ha Wai "Walled Village at the Mountain's Foot", is a Hakka walled village and one of the best-preserved. Shan Ha Wai gained its current name Tsang Tai Uk from locals when it housed displaced families after the Second World War.
• A photo stop will be made at the Lo Wai Walled Village, the first walled village built by the Tang clan. The site was also declared a monument in 1997. Nearby is the Tang's Ancestral Hall, built in the 16th century, for clan rituals & ancestor worship.
• Make a wish at Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, a big banyan tree that is popular among local villagers who come to burn joss sticks and make wishes under it.
• Next is a visit to a spectacular Tang dynasty-style Buddhist temple the Chi Lin Nunnery. This Buddhist nunnery is stunning with its monastery complex having been renovated as a piece of Tang dynasty architecture. The grand and elegant complex will surely become one of China's great cultural attractions in the years to come. 

• Donation to Tsang Tai Uk
• Bottled Water
• English-speaking guide
• Round-trip private transfers from Cruise Terminal

• Meals other than specified as included
• Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurant, etc
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

Hong Kong Highlights Tour with Lunch – 6 hours - Hong Kong

Highlights:

• Cross Victoria Harbour, one of Hong Kong’s greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at no matter how many times they visit the city using the famous Star Ferry
• Enjoy a ride on the World's steepest funicular railway, the Peak Tram!
• Take a sampan ride into the typhoon shelter for a close-up view of waterborne life.
• Feast on a traditional Dim Sum Lunch
• Visit Stanley, a popular market town on the sunny south side of Hong Kong Island

• One way Star ferry ticket
• One way peak tram ticket
• 15-minute Sampan ride
• Chinese Dim Sum lunch with Chinese Tea
• Bottled Water
• English-speaking guide
• Round-trip private transfers from Cruise Terminal

• Meals other than specified as included
• Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurant, etc
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

Treasures of Kowloon (private tour) - 4 hours - Hong Kong

Highlights:

• Visit a Qing Dynasty fort – The Kowloon Walled City Park
• Visit one of Hong Kong’s most popular temples, Wong Tai Sin, which specializes in fortune-telling.
• Explore the Tang dynasty-style Buddhist temple, the Chi Lin Nunnery. This Buddhist nunnery is stunning with its monastery complex

• Private vehicle on hire
• English speaking guide
• 1 x bottled water per person
• Round-trip private transfers from Cruise Terminal
• Minimum 2 persons required for the tour

• Meals other than specified as included
• Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurant, etc.
• Personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

Macau Excursion – 8 hours - Hong Kong

Highlights:

• Visit the famous A-Ma Temple. It is located on the south-western tip of the Macao peninsula overlooking Barra Square and the seashore. 
• Explore the historic heart of Macau including St. Paul's Ruins and Senado Square.
• Summit the Macau Tower, where you can gaze out over Taipa and Coloane, look for Macau's landmarks and historical sites or try to spot Hong Kong's outlying islands.

• Round trip TurboJet Economy ferry ticket from Macau to Hong Kong and Macau to Hong Kong
• Entrance to Macau Tower
• Bottled Water
• English speaking guide
• Round trip private transfers in Macau
• Round-trip private transfers from Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong

• Meals other than specified as included
• Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurant, etc
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

Hong Kong - Full Day Macau Tour by jetfoil (10 Hours)

Highlights:

• Visit Statue of Kum Iam, dedicated to Kum Iam, the Goddess of Mercy. It is 20 meters tall and made of bronze. The construction cost was MOP 30 million.
• Visit Macau Tower, 338 meters high and ranked the 11th highest in the world.
• Continue to Temple of A-Ma, was built 400 years ago in homage to a girl who saved seamen's lives. Macau was later named by the Portuguese settlers in mid-16th Century.
• Ruins of Sao Paulo - An imposing facade is all that is left of a church built by Italian and Japanese Jesuit priests in 1602.
• A short visit in one of the famous casinos

• Local English Speaking Guide
• Ground transportation Seat-In-Coach
• Lunch
• 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person
• Sightseeing including admission fees according to itinerary. 

• Personal Expenses, Tipping

Hong Kong Island Tour (4 hours)

Half day tour to Hong Kong Island

Highlights

• Sheung Wan Dried Food & Herbal Market
• Man Mo Temple
• Peak Tram ride (share-basis)
• Sampan ride at Aberdeen Fishing Village

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water & entrance fees during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Hong Kong: Kowloon Market Tour (4 hours)

Half day tour to Markets in Kowloon

Highlights

• Flower Market
• Fish Market (where can try some local food, e.g. signature milk tea, egg tart, pineapple bun on client's own account)
• Jade Market

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water & entrance fees during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

 Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Hong Kong: New Territories Tour (4 hours)

Half day tour to the New Territories in Hong Kong
(Not operated on Tuesdays)

Highlights

• Sam Tung Uk Hakka Walled Village Museum
• Tai Fu Tai Ancestral Family Clan House

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water & entrance fees during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Hong Kong: Lantau Island Tour (5 hours)

Half day tour to Lantau Island in Hong Kong

Highlights

• Ngong Ping Cable Car ride (share-basis)
• Ngong Ping Village - "Walking with Buddha"
• Po Lin Monastery
• Giant Buddha

 Tour Duration: 5 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water & entrance fees during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

 Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Hong Kong: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Commerce a vehicle/driver/guide at disposal for 4 consecutive hours
 

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals and entrance fee
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Hong Kong Island Tour (8 hours)

Full day tour on Hong Kong Island

Highlights

• Sheung Wan Dried Food & Herbal Market
• Man Mo Temple
• Peak Tram ride (share-basis)
• Sampan ride at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter
• Dim Sum lunch reservation (on client's own account)
• Repulse Bay
• Stanley Market

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Hong Kong: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

Commence a vehicle / driver / guide at disposal for 8 consecutive hours

 

Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
 
Inclusions:

• Transportation is by private vehicle (Mercedes Benz S-350) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
• Local bottled water during sightseeing
• Gratuity to the guide & driver
• Service voucher

Not Included:

• Any cruise arrangements
• Any meals and entrance fee
• Travel insurance
• Any visa 

Lamma Island Tour - 8.5 hours