19-night India, Seychelles & Africa Cruise

FULL DAY MARVELS OF MUMBAI

FULL DAY
MARVELS OF MUMBAI
 
Proceed to Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark –an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure. You will make a stop here for photographs.
 
See the highlights of the city from the comfort of your minivan as you set off for a tour of Mumbai city. Your tour begins with the Gateway of India (PLEASE STOP FOR A WHILE SO THE GUEST CAN TAKE PHOTO), the city's most famous landmark - an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure.
 
Continue through Marine Drive, Mumbai's seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. This hill is Mumbai's ritziest neighborhood. Popular since the 18th century because of its forested slopes, fresh sea breezes and panoramic views, merchants and colonial governors built many mansions and bungalows on its hillsides.
 
Your drive includes a look at a most remarkable railway station. Inspired by St. Pancras Station in London, the Victoria Terminus was built during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee year. It is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets in a style that was described by journalist James Cameron as "Victorian-Gothic-Saracenic-Italianate-Oriental-St.  Pancras-Baroque". The first train in India left from this station in April 1853; today half a million commuters use the station every day.
 
Depart to Church Gate Station and spend some time watching the dabba-wallahs, the members of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association. Every day 4,000 of them deliver fresh, home-cooked food from 100,000 suburban kitchens to offices in the downtown area. Each lunch is prepared by a loving wife or mother, and packed into a set of stackable aluminum boxes. The meals are carried to their hungry recipients dangling from shoulder-poles and bicycle handlebars, and stacked on decorated handcarts. Tins are rarely, if ever, lost, and always find their way home again to be washed up for the next day’s lunch.
 
Even if you are not possessed of an interest in other people’s dirty laundry, you’ll be fascinated by the dhobi ghats, your next stop. Each morning washing from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. The next day, after being aired, pressed, folded and wrapped, the bundles are returned from whence they came. The secret that keeps the operation running smoothly is the coded symbol that each dhobi-wallah places on every item. Invisible to the untrained eye, this mark ensures that nothing will be lost. Stop here for photos that you’ll never be able to duplicate anywhere else.
 
Proceed for Taj Mahal Hotel for Lunch on direct payment basis.
 
You will continue to The Prince of Wales Museum, crowned by a white Mughal-style dome, the finest work done by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India.
 
Return to pier.
 
 

HALF DAY MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI

HALF DAY
MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI
 
Explore the history, art and people of Mumbai and India during this informative half-day visit to the area's finest museums and galleries.

Depart from pier for the drive to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi's Bombay residence between 1917 and 1934. Mani Bhawan is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. It contains a research library of more than 20,000 volumes, and a series of tiny dioramas depicting his life story in an interesting fashion. The walls are covered with photos of historic events and noteworthy people.

Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, easily recognized by its unique white Mughal-style dome. The museum is the finest work by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India. It houses interesting displays of jade work, antique weapons, Indian paintings, illustrated manuscripts, exquisite miniatures, and clay and terracotta figures from the 3rd century B.C. Adjacent to Prince of Wales Museum, you will find the Jehangir Art Gallery. Mumbai's best-known venue for contemporary art, Jehangir is home to five small galleries displaying changing exhibits of 20^th century arts and crafts from around the world.

Return to pier.
 

FULL DAY THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA

FULL DAY
THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA
 
More than a thousand years ago, Hindu craftsmen carved columns and sculptures out of a series of caves located on an island off the shores of Mumbai, creating a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Portuguese named the island Elephanta, after the large statue of an elephant they found near the spot where they docked their ships. Come and discover the unique beauty and intriguing tales of these temple caves with today’s memorable excursion.
 
Travel by minivan vehicle to the Gateway of India, the city’s most recognized landmark. Built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, the archway was originally conceived as an entry point for people arriving on steamers from England. Today, the gateway serves as a launching point for your own exploration of the Elephanta Temple.
 
Boarding a motor boat, enjoy the approximately one hour and thirty minutes cruise to the Elephanta landing. From the jetty you have the option of either taking the mini train or walking approximately 15 minutes to the base of the long stairway which leads to the top of the hill, where the caves are located. As you enter, you will see a magnificent sculpture of Shiva as Nataraj, showing an enraptured expression as he removes the veil of ignorance. The most outstanding sculpture is a bust of Trimurti—the three-faced Shiva representing the Hindu trinity, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. In other panels, Shiva is depicted in service to humanity as he brings the River Ganges to Earth, and at his most fearsome as he crushes the demon of Andhaka. Later, board the motor boat for return cruise to the Gateway.

Re-board your vehicle for the transfer back to your ship.
 
 

FULL DAY THE VICTORIAN PAST

Experience the highlights of this fascinating city, with its Western monuments and Eastern sensibilities.

Begin your tour with photo stop at the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

Next visit, The Church of St John the Evangelist better known as Afghan Church in South Mumbai, built by the British to commemorate the dead of the disastrous First Afghan War of 1838. The church is located in Navy Nagar in the Colaba area of Mumbai. Besides British soldiers it also commemorates different Indian regiments, such as the Bombay Army, the Madras Army, and Ranjit Singh's army from Lahore.

Drive along Marine Drive-Mumbai’s seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill, Mumbai’s ritziest neighborhood. At the top of hill are the Hanging Gardens, laid out in 1881. Here, an assortment of hedges, trimmed into animal shapes. The gardens also offer a superb view of the bustling city centre in the distance.

You then proceed to Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum) one of the oldest museums in Mumbai. It was established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. The museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai.

You then visit, Crawford Market - one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city. The market is situated near to Victoria Terminus railway station. The market houses a wholesale fruit, vegetable and poultry market.

Finally, visit and savor a relaxing lunch while exploring the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which dates back to the 1500s before returning back to the ship.
 

Mumbai: 9 hours

Mumbai, 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 set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.

You will first explore the Fort area of Mumbai – Kala Ghoda, literally Black Horse – a neighborhood in South Mumbai. The crescent-shaped precinct is the city’s premier art district. You will drive past a large number of the city’s heritage buildings, full of museums, art galleries and educational institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (previously called the Prince of Wales Museum) and The Arts Trust.
 
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934.  The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.  
 
Stop for a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before you return to the port area.

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
 

Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 6 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 set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.
 
Your first stop will be to take pictures at Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to this city. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ or “washerfolks’ place”, is the world's largest outdoor laundry, and where Mumbai's traditional washer-folk - or dhobis - provide a wonderful service, collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly pressed, all for a very small fee.
 
Drive to Churchgate Station where you get the opportunity to see the famed ‘dabbawallas’ or ‘lunch box carriers’ in action.  The Mumbai dabbawallas are international figures now, thanks to Forbes Global. The Forbes story details the efficiency with which they deliver the dabbas or lunch pails of their customers. Around 5,000 dabbawallas collect and deliver 175,000 lunches every day and take the empty boxes back. Their operation has a six sigma rating which implies less than 3.4 errors in every million transactions. This is the same rating that has made companies like Motorola and GE world famous for their quality!
 
Later you will visit Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, a structure steeped in Indian history and culture. Built in Renaissance revival style in 1872 as the Victoria & Albert Museum, it contains 3,500-plus objects centering on Mumbai’s history. This landmark building was renovated in 2008.
 
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before you continue on your tour.
 
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934.  The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.  
 
You will then return to the port area.
 

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 current 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

Zanzibar, full day city/spice tour - 8 hours

Spend the day in Stone Town - a city renowned for its culture, architecture, cuisine and so much more.

Highlights:

• The tour covers the main sights of the town: the city market, the Anglican Church built in 1874, House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace Museum, Ithnasheri Dispensary, a spice plantation and the Persian baths at Kidichi
• A great introduction to the history of Zanzibar and its culture

Zanzibar: half day spice tour - 4 hours

Enjoy a half day tour of a spice plantations in Zanzibar - The great variety of spices and plants grown is used in food flavouring and preparation, cosmetics, dyes and traditional medicines.

Highlights:

• The highlights include a visit to the Maruhubi Ruins, a spice plantation and thereafter a visit to the Persian baths at Kidichi, built by the first Sultan for his Persian wife

• A fun way to learn about spices such as nutmeg, clove, vanilla, cinnamon and their uses in medicine, cosmetics and cooking.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour operates: half day

Wheelchair accessible: No

Physical Activity level: Moderate

Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided tour, entrance fees, meals

Not Included: gratuities

Zanzibar: Stone Town Tour - 4 hours

Enjoy a half day tour of  Stone Town, the historical, cultural and architectural capital of Zanzibar Island.

Highlights:

• The tour covers the main sights of Stone Town: the city market, the Anglican Church and the slave chambers, House of Wonders, the Sultan Palace Museum and the Ithnasheri Dispensary.
• Offers an introduction to Zanzibar's captivating history, unique heritage and distinctive architecture that includes narrow streets, colonial monuments and ornately carved and studded doors.

Zanzibar: Jozani Forest - 3.5 hours

Explore Zanzibar's Jozani Forest Reserve the only National Park in Zanzibar, with this half day tour.

Highlights:

• The rare Red Colobus Monkey, endemic to Zanzibar
• A wildlife encounter by the beach

Zanzibar: Full Day Nungwi and Beach - 7 hours

Spend the day catching the sun's rays by the beach in Nungwi.

Highlights:
The main sights of the tour the Mkokotoni Fish Market - the first actual town of Zanzibar, an afternoon at Nungwi beach and a visit to the dhow builders of Zanzibar. 

Tour duration: 7 hours

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation to/from port and meals

Not included: gratuities

Zanzibar: Sultan Panorama - 4 hours

Learn about the Sultans who ruled Zanzibar from the 1800s to the 1960s with this half day tour of Zanzibar.

Highlights:

• The tour covers the main sights of the Sultan Era including: City Market (formerly Sultana market), Anglican Church and Slave Chambers, the Sultan's Palace Museum where the last sultan ruled from before the revolution in 1964 and  Kizimbani village
• A great insight into the history of the sultans and Zanzibar

Zanzibar: Snorkelling with Safari Blue - 6.5 hours

Swim, snorkel or just simply relax as you sip a fresh coconut drink at the Pange sandbank.

Highlights:

• A guided snorkelling session
• Ride in a traditional wooden dhow to Pange sandbank

Mombasa Island Tour - 6 hours

Highlights:

• Visit Old Town and Dhow Port
• Akamba wood carvers
• Mackinnon Market
• Hindu Temple
• Famous arch of giant elephant tusks
• Fort Jesus Museum

• Transfers to/from the port

• Meals

Mombasa: Tamarind Dhow Cruise & Dinner - 3 hours

Highlights:

• Nyali Bridge
• Tudor Creek
• Gourmet dinner & dance under the evening sky

• Transfers to the Tamarind Jetty from the port
• Dinner

Mombasa: Dhow Adventure - 8 hours

Highlights:

• Sail by an Arab dhow out to sea
• Local food preparations
• Visit to the aquariam and serpentarium
• Makonde wood carvers
• Mtwapa Creek

• Transfers to/from the  port
• Barbeque lunch

Mombasa: Wasini and Kisite Dhow, South Coast - 8 hours

Highlights:

• Snorkel in the coral gardens at Kisite National Marine Park
• Guided walk to Wasini Village
• Visit the Shimoni caves

• Park fees into Kisite National Marine Park
• Guided walk
• Transfers to/from the port
• Lunch

Kenya: Tsavo East National Park - 8 hours

Highlights:

• Large herd of elephants at Kenya's largest national park
• Aruba Dam -  a great game viewing destination

• Transportation to/from Port
• Lunch at Voi Safari Lodge
• Park entry fee

Kenyan Music & Dance through the Ages - 8 hours

Spend the day with the talented musicians at SwahiliPot Hub, a non-profit organization that focuses on unleashing potential through youth-led programs and providing a collaborative space for co-working, networking and learning.

The Crafts of Kenya - 4.5 hours

Discover the vibrant arts and crafts scene in Mombasa with a fascinating half-day tour that starts at the Akamba Wood Crafters where talented artisans create stunning hand-crafted wooden sculptures and crafts. Next venture to the Bombolulu Center, a remarkable institution empowering individuals with disabilities create jewellery and beautiful woodwork.
Enjoy lunch at Tamarind Restaurant.