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Asia Shore
Excursions - private trips in the Far East
An added bonus of booking an Asian cruise
with Himalayan International Tours is that we are Asia experts, and have some
very interesting private and small group shore excursions, and and pre and post
tours ib the Far East.
Asia shore excursions for Princess Asia cruises. We have
shore excursions in Bangkok, port tours in
Vietnam, and day trips in Mumbai and other Asian ports.
Cruise Shore Excursions & Private Guided Tours for all
cruise lines in Thailand, India,
Singapore. Day Tours for everyone Burma. Private
guided tours in moat Asian ports for all travelers who want their own, private
tour and for all around Asia cruise ships in major ports. Have only a few hours
to spend and want to cover the highlights or a special itinerary? Enjoy your
private car tour or shore excursion in Bangkok, Hong
Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and more. We will
pick you up at your hotel or cruise ship and return you in time for your
sailing. Please give us your ship name, arrival and departure times from port.
Travel by chauffeured car, limousine or minibus. If you don't see exactly what
you want here, please ask. We are experts at planning unusual itineraries.
Elite cruise terminal private trips at competitive prices.
Lynott Tours' shore excursion prices are considerably lower than those offered
at ships excursion desks for private excursions and even competitive with
those for group bus tours. Conducted in English, our shore excursions, operated
by sedans and minibuses, enjoy unrestricted access to city centers, carrying
passengers directly to monuments and sites. No tiring, uncomfortable walks from
and to distant parking places. Advance bookings at museums and sites ensure
admission ahead of time consuming ticket lines.
Many cruise lines claim that if you do not book your shore
excursions with them, they will leave without you. We have NEVER had a client
left behind on one of our shore excursions!
Customized itineraries are available for cruise passengers from
- Princess Cruises - Diamond Princess, Ocean Princess
- Seabourn, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Sojourn
- Royal Caribbean
- Holland America
- Oceania
- Silversea, Silver Cloud
- Cunard Queen
- Azamara Cruises, Azamara Journey
- Crystal Cruises, Crystal Symphony
- Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Constellation, Eclipse
- Costa
- NCL
- and more ...
We're the Hong
Kong and Singapore Shore Excursion experts. We Have It All !
What's included in our PRIVATE tours of Asian
ports:
- UP TO 8 hour tours.
- Minicoach tours with driver/guide (1 person), just for your group of any
size
- Admission fees
- Value-Added Tax (V.A.T.) and service charges.
PRIVATE TOURS - JUST FOR YOUR GROUP
USD rates per person INCLUDING ADMISSION FEES.
Bangkok Shore Excursions:
Grand Palace, Wat
Trimitr, Wat Pra Keo & Cruise BANGKOK FROM Laem Chabang port
Experience Bangkok by land and water. Visit Wat Trimitr and see
its massive gold Buddha statue. Explore the Grand Palace, once home to Thai
kings, on a guided walking tour. Visit Wat Pra Keo and view its beautiful
Emerald Buddha, carved from pale green jasper. See the Temple of Dawn on a
leisurely river cruise. Wat Trimitr - Better known as the Temple of the Golden
Buddha, it houses the world's largest statue of the Buddha, carved in the
Sukothai style from solid gold. The Buddha was covered in plaster to protect it
from invading armies in the 18th century and was then "rediscovered"
in 1955. Wat Pra Keo - Known as the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, this is
one of Buddhism's most magnificent monasteries and one of the most celebrated
sites in all Thailand. At the heart of the monastery is a Buddha carved from a
single piece of emerald-green jasper, perched atop a gilded pedestal. Grand
Palace - Now reserved for royal ceremonies and state occasions, the palace
complex was once the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Beautifully situated
on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the palace's major buildings are topped
by glittering spires with soaring finials and are decorated with gilt and
colored-glass mosaics. Your visit to the palace features a one-hour guided
walking tour of the grounds.
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YOUR CHAO
PHRAYA RIVER CRUISE Bangkok has long been hailed as the "Venice of the
East." Board your riverboat for a leisurely cruise along the Chao Phraya
River and down the canals of the city's Thonburi district. Cruise past Wat
Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn. This wat on the west bank of the Chao
Phraya once served as the Royal Chapel. Your cruise also takes in Phra Prang, a
260 foot high pagoda decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of
multi-colored porcelain. A lunch buffet featuring a range of international
dishes is served at a restaurant along the Chao Phraya River. Board your
motorcoach at the pier for the approximately 2 1/2 hour drive to Bangkok.
Travel through tropical countryside, passing tapioca fields, rice paddies,
coconut palms, and rural towns and villages. Arriving in Bangkok, you pass
Chinatown and the local wholesale flower market en route to the Emerald Buddha
Temple. After your visit, continue on to the Grand Palace. (Your visit to the
Grand Palace involves walking for approximately one hour through open
courtyards, exposed to the hot sun and humidity.) After your palace tour, walk
a short distance to the Chao Phraya River to board your riverboat.
SPECIAL
NOTES The drive between Laem Chabang and Bangkok is approximately 2 1/2-hours
each way.
Jim
Thompson House & Vimanmek Royal Mansion
Get off
the beaten track to discover the real Bangkok. Visit the Vimanmek Royal
Mansion, the largest golden teakwood building in the world. Tour the Jim
Thompson House Museum with its collection of Jataka painting and Ming
porcelain. See a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional Thai lunch
buffet. WHAT YOU VISIT Jim Thompson House - Born in America, Jim Thompson was
an architect and avid collector of Southeast Asian antiques and art. Thompson
moved to Thailand after World War II, where he devoted himself to reviving
traditional silk weaving. Thompson built his house by combining six teak
buildings, each building representing a facet of traditional Thai architecture.
Today, one of the finest museums in the country, Jim Thompson House boasts
extensive collections of 19th century Jataka paintings and Ming porcelain, as
well as the 6th century Dvaravati Torso, one of the oldest Buddha images in
Southeast Asia. Vimanmek Royal Mansion - The largest golden teakwood building
in the world, the mansion was commissioned by King Rama V in 1900 and was
completed in 1901. The palace exterior resembles a Victorian mansion while its
interior décor features traditional Thai elements. Your one-hour tour
visits the state apartments, royal bedrooms, throne room and bathrooms.
SHOPPING There will be some free time to browse for souvenirs, local
handicrafts, Thai silk, and jewelry.
COOKING
CLASS AND LUNCH Visit a local restaurant for a culinary lesson of a few
traditional Thai regional cuisine. Your cooking lesson is followed by lunch
featuring many of the same dishes that were made by you. Lunch includes a soft
drink, additional beverages may be purchased at the restaurant.
WHAT YOU
SEE ALONG THE WAY Board your motorcoach at the pier for the approximately 2 1/2
hour drive to Bangkok. Travel through the tropical countryside, passing tapioca
fields, rice paddies, coconut palms, and rural towns and villages. In Bangkok,
your route passes the city's financial and business districts en route to
Vimanmek Royal Mansion. SPECIAL NOTES The drive between Laem Chabang and
Bangkok is approximately 2 1/2-hours each way.
KO SAMAUI SHORE
EXCURSION
Temple Of
The Big Buddha & Elephant Trek Experience Thai culture Ko Samui-style at
Island Safari cultural theme park. Watch monkeys trained to harvest coconuts.
Ride an elephant through the island rainforest and explore the island's most
important Buddhist temple. WHAT YOU VISIT Island Safari - Experience a taste of
Thai culture Ko Samui-style. Ride an elephant on an approximately 30 minute
trek through the local plantation. Travel through coconut groves to a mountain
belvedere for stunning island views. Attend an entertaining performance that
features monkeys harvesting coconuts and working with elephants. Temple of the
Big Buddha - Situated on small, rocky Fan Island, the wat has become a major
meditation center for local residents and foreign visitors. The temple center
piece is a massive, 39 foot high seated Buddha erected in 1972. SHOPPING Browse
the local gift stalls at Big Buddha Temple. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Board
your air-conditioned motorcoach and set-off on the approximately 45 minute
drive to Big Buddha Temple. The landscape of Ko Samui's coastal plain includes
small villages, and rubber and coconut plantations. SPECIAL NOTES Passengers at
Big Buddha Temple are required to climb a number of stairs. Wear conservative
attire when visiting sacred sites. Clothing must cover the shoulders, arms, and
knees. Footwear must be removed before entering temple halls.
Singapore Shore
ExcursionsHighlights Of Singapore Experience the
"Crossroads of Asia" from fashionable Orchard Road to Chinatown.
Explore the National Orchid Garden located within the Singapore Botanic
Gardens, home to over 12,000 orchids. Visit Sri Mariamman, the city's oldest
Hindu temple. Take in the views from Mt. Faber and enjoy the option of
remaining in town for additional sightseeing and shopping. WHAT YOU VISIT
Chinatown - Modern high-rises tower over Chinatown's old streets and alleys.
Explore the maze of awning-draped shops and market stalls on foot. Sri
Mariamman Temple - Built in 1827 by early settlers from India, Sri Mariamman is
thought to be the oldest Hindu temple in the city. National Orchid Garden at
Singapore Botanic Gardens - Admire the world's largest collection of orchids
displayed in their full splendor. The National Orchid Garden houses over 1,000
species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. See the "dignitaries" such as
Margaret Thatcher, Nelson Mandela, Laura Bush and Princess Diana in the VIP
(Very Important Plants) Garden. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Mount Faber - The
second-highest point in Singapore provides panoramic views of the harbor,
Sentosa Island and the downtown district. SHOPPING Choose from a wide selection
of orchid-related sourvenirs from the shop at the National Orchid Garden. WHAT
YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Board your air-conditioned motorcoach and travel along
Orchard Road through the heart of Singapore's shopping and hotel district.
Enroute, pass the Istana (Presidential Residence), the world-famous Raffles
Hotel, Parliament House and Shenton Way, the "Wall Street of Southeast
Asia." At the end of the tour, you may remain in town to explore on your
own. However, you are then responsible for your own return to the ship. SPECIAL
NOTES Proper attire at Sri Mariamman Temple requires clothing that covers
shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering the temple; lockers
are available at an additional cost. There is an additional fee for taking
photographs at the temple.
Singapore Botanical Gardens Tour & Shopping Join
a specialist nature guide for a walk through the 129-acre Botanical Gardens.
The gardens are home to over 12,000 orchids. After refreshments, enjoy free
time to experience the world class shopping in Singapore's famous Orchard Road.
WHAT YOU VISIT Singapore Botanical Garden - A specialist nature guide leads
this walking tour of the 129 acre gardens, which combines both primary jungle
and manicured gardens. Learn about the history of raising orchids in Southeast
Asia with exhibits from over 1,000 species and 2,100 hybrids. Discover where
the first rubber trees were planted in Southeast Asia, which later became a
major generator of income for these countries. National Orchid Garden at
Singapore Botanic Gardens - Admire the world's largest collection of orchids
displayed in their full splendor. The National Orchid Garden houses over 1,000
species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. See the "dignitaries" such as
Margaret Thatcher, Nelson Mandela, Laura Bush and Princess Diana in the VIP
(Very Important Plants) Garden. Orchard Road - Singapore's most famous hotel
and shopping district. "Orchard" as it is commonly called, is a
symbol of Singapore's economic power and even for those not intersted in
shopping, the area is worth visiting just to see the modern architecture. You
will have approximately 1 1/2 hours of free time here to explore. REFRESHMENTS
Morning tea or coffee is served picnic-style within the garden compound. WHAT
YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Transfer from the ship to the Botanical Gardens by
air-conditioned motorcoach. After your visit of the gardens, your motorcoach
will drop you off for free time around Orchard Road before returning you to the
ship. Passengers wishing to remain will be responsible for their return journey
to the ship.
Ho Chi Min City Saigon Vietnam Shore
Excursions
NA TRAM Cham Tower, River Cruise & Rural Village
Explore the ancient Cham Towers overlooking the Cai River. Take a leisurely
river cruise past a traditional fishing village. Visit a clay oven workshop and
a traditional rural village. Ponagar Cham Towers - The Champa Kingdom
flourished for over a thousand years. This tower complex overlooking the Cai
River is perhaps the best preserved of all Cham sites. Dedicated to the goddess
Uroja, the central tower features a black stone sculpture of the deity. Local
villagers still bring offerings of flowers and incense to her shrine. Cai River
Cruise - Board a local boat for a cruise along the Cai River. Pass coconut
groves and a traditional fishing village. See fishermen at work on their nets
and boats. The cruise continues to the riverside clay-oven workshop and the
rural village, where you rejoin your motorcoach. Clay Oven Workshop - Visit a
family that produces clay ovens, used by the country people of Khanh Hoa
Province. Every year, families mark the onset of Tet, the Lunar New Year, by
smashing their clay ovens. Rural Village - Stroll through a traditional rural
village for a close-up look at how people live and work. During your visit,
enjoy a coconut beverage and sample a selection of fresh tropical fruits that
may include mangoes, pineapples, rambutans (a spiny red fruit), watermelons,
and bananas. Board your motorcoach at the pier and drive along the palm-lined
beachfront. Pass the airport, built by the Americans during the Viet Nam War.
Continue past the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese hero who fought against
the 13th century Mongol invasion. Continue through downtown enjoying views of
the remaining French colonial architecture. Cross the Cai River en route to
Ponagar. Rejoin your motorcoach at the rural village following your rirver
cruise.
Ponagar Cham Tower, Long Son Pagoda & Embroidery
Take in Nha Trang's scenic highlights. Visit the Cham Tower Complex overlooking
the Cao River. Tour the Buddhist shrine at Long Son Pagoda. Discover the
ancient art of Vietnamese picture embroidery during a stop at a local workshop.
Embroidery subjects range from scenes of daily life to Vietnamese gods and
myths. Ponagar Cham Tower - The Champa Kingdom flourished for over a thousand
years. This tower complex overlooking the Cai River is perhaps the best
preserved of all Cham sites. Dedicated to the goddess Uroja, the central tower
features a black stone sculpture of the deity. Local villagers still bring
offerings of flowers and incense to her shrine. Hon Chong Promontory - This
small, rocky peninsula juts out into the South China Sea and offers fine views
of the bay, the coast and the offshore islands. Long Son Pagoda - Dragon-shaped
balustrades flank the entrance to the pagoda. The sanctuary is decorated with
murals and images of the Buddha. Behind the pagoda sits an enormous white
Buddha built in 1965. The Buddha commemorates those monks who protested the
abuses of the Diem regime by setting themselves aflame. Silk Embroidery
Workshop - Observe the ancient Vietnamese art of picture embroidery at a local
workshop. Silk embroideries illustrate subjects ranging from scenes of everyday
life to myths. Walk across Xom Bong Bridge and pause for a photograph of the
local fishing village with its gaily painted boats. A short stop at a local
center will be made so that you are able to browse for souvenirs and enjoy a
cultural performance. Board your motorcoach at the pier. Travel past a small
fishing village and cross the Cai River en route to Ponagar and the Cham Tower.
Continue on to Hon Chong Promontory and Long Son Pagoda. Returning to Nha
Trang, drive through the downtown district, enjoying views of the cathedral,
small shops, and the few remaining French colonial-era buildings.
HO CHI MINH CITY The
Mekong Delta The delta is a vast maze of canals and islands. Journey to My
Tho to explore this fascinating area on a narrated cruise. Stop at an island
garden and sample tropical fruits. Visit a traditional Delta home. Tour a
coconut candy factory. Enjoy a lunch of Delta-style dishes. Don a straw hat for
a sampan ride down tranquil canals. Delta Cruise - Board a motor launch for a
cruise along the winding canals that comprise much of the Mekong Delta. The
canals teem with river traffic ranging from dugout canoes and barges to
houseboats and ferries. Many of the wooden boats have an unusual
"eye" painted on their bows to frighten evil spirits. Sampan Ride -
Board a four-person sampan for an approximately 30 minute journey through the
small canals of My Tho island boarded by gardens, orchards and coconut trees.
Traditional Home - Learn Vietnamese traditions and Delta customs as you visit a
traditional delta house and view its altar, the kitchen, and living areas.
Often three generations of one family reside in a single home. Sample an
assortment of fresh fruits during your stay. Coconut Candy Factory - Tour a
candy-making house and learn the secrets of candy production. Vietnamese
coconut candy comes in many styles including: with peanuts, with durian fruit,
and with sesame. Local Entertainment - During your walk through the village, be
entertained by boys and girls singing traditional Vietnamese folk songs. The
musical accompaniment includes a one-stringed instrument called a dan bau.
Tropical Fruit Plantation - My Tho is famous for its tropical fruit plantations
producing longans, grapefruits, jackfruits, bananas and mangoes.
History Museum, Temple & Reunification Hall
Explore the National History Museum and watch a performance of Vietnamese
water puppets. Visit historic Thien Hau Temple in the city's Chinatown. Tour
Reunification Hall - the old Presidential Palace. Enjoy a Vietnamese-style
lunch and see skilled artisans at work on a stop at the Minh Phuong Lacquer
Factory. National History Museum - The collection traces the cultural history
of Vietnam with exhibits that feature stone and bronze artifacts, Champa art,
ceramics and traditional costumes. The National Museum Theater offers a
performance of water puppets, a unique Vietnamese art form. Sea Goddess Temple
- Located in the city's Chinatown, the temple is home to the Sea Goddess who
travels on the clouds rescuing seafarers from storms and shipwrecks.
Reunification Hall - The former Presidential Palace is now a museum and
exhibition center. Rex Hotel - The site of the U.S. military's weekly updates
on progress in the war in Vietnam, the infamous "Friday Night
Follies." A buffet lunch with Vietnamese and Western dishes is served in a
restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Minh Phuong Lacquer Factory -
Lacquerware is one of Vietnam's most popular exports. Take in a brief
demonstration of the lacquering process and shop for lacquerware ranging from
small boxes to large pieces of furniture. Board motorcoaches for the
approximately two hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. The route follows the Saigon
River to the rich Mekong Delta, passing through a landscape of small villages,
paddies, and oil and rubber trees. In Ho Chi Minh City, you drive past the
Botanical and Zoological Gardens, Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Colonial
Post Office, and Ho Chi Minh Park. The drive to the Sea Goddess Temple travels
through Chinatown and the vast Binh Tay Market.
Hong Kong Shore
Excursions
Victoria Peak, Aberdeen & Harbor Cruise Travel to the summit of
Victoria Peak for panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbor and the
Kowloon Peninsula. Visit Aberdeen home to the island's water people. Lunch
aboard one of Hong Kong's famous floating restaurants. See the sights on a
narrated harbor cruise. Shop in Hong Kong's fabled Stanley Market. YOUR HARBOR
CRUISE From the ship, board your motorcoach for the short drive through the
Cross Harbour Tunnel to Hong Kong Island and Central Pier. Here you will board
your ferry, which features an air-conditioned lower deck with seating and an
open-air upper deck. Your narrator provides continuous commentary as you cruise
to Hong Kong's Eastern Harbour, passing the Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay and
North Point waterfronts. Soft drinks are served during the cruise. WHAT YOU
VISIT Aberdeen - This picturesque village is home to thousands of "water
people" who live aboard their junks and sampans. Board a sampan for a
short ride among the many boats in the harbor. Victoria Peak - Board the tram
for the approximately 8 minute ride to the top of Victoria Peak, 1,805 feet
above sea level. Take in panoramic views of the island, harbor and Kowloon
Peninsula. SHOPPING There will be approximately 45 minutes of free time to
browse and shop at Stanley Market, one of the world's great bazaars. Your tour
also visits a local jewelry factory where you observe expert craftsmen at work.
LUNCH During your visit to Aberdeen, a lunch of Chinese specialties will be
served aboard one of the famous floating restaurants. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE
WAY Board your motorcoach, and drive to Victoria Peak, traveling a winding
mountain road. Continue down Wongneichong Gap Road, enjoying views of Happy
Valley and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Your route takes in Repulse Bay, the
island's most popular beach resort, before arriving at Ocean Terminal for your
harbor cruise.
New Territories Tai Fu Tai, Samtung Uk Museum &
Yuenyuen Institute Explore the heritage and history of Hong Kong's rural
New Territories. Visit Tai Fu Tai, a traditional clan leader's mansion in Fan
Tin village. Explore the folk collection at the Sam Tung UK Museum. The Yuen
Yuen Institute is a religious shrine modeled on Beijing's Temple of Heaven.
WHAT YOU VISIT Sam Tung UK Museum - The Sam Tung Uk Museum is a 200 year old
walled village that was declared a historical monument in 1981 and restored.
Occupying an area of 2,000 square meters, the symmetrical layout of the village
resembles a chessboard with an entrance hall, an assembly hall and an ancestral
hall at the central axis. With four individual houses in the middle, the
village is completely walled in by rows of houses at the two sides and the
back. Yuen Yuen Institute - A more traditional Chinese sight and experience, is
the Yuen Yuen Institute that promises an enjoyable surprise. The Institute was
founded in 1950 and occupies 10 acres in the tranquil, beautiful environment of
Sam Dip Tam. Includes a replica of Beijing's magnificent Temple of Heaven (Tian
Tan). The Hall of Rocks Collection features rocks with interesting natural
shapes, including those of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Tai Fu Tai -
The opulent stately home built in 1865 by a scholar of the Man clan, Man
Chune-luen, who was bestowed the title of Tai Fu (Mandarin) by the Qing
Imperial government. Lavish plaster moldings and auspicious Chinese
woodcarvings adorn its regal interior, this is one of the most beautifully
decorated buildings in the New Territories. PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES 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. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Board
your motorcoach and travel to the New Territories. The NT is rich in contrasts:
rolling woodlands and modern new towns, duck farms and wildlife reserves, sandy
bays and ornate temples, bustling markets and isolated hamlets, scenic mountain
paths and dramatic modern highways. SPECIAL NOTES Tour order may vary.
Bali Indonesia Shore
Excursions
Contact Himalayan International Tours
Email: tours@himalayantours.com
(800) 421-8975
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mumbai
Bombay Shore ExcursionsMUMBAI BOMBAY Jewish Chronicles
Mumbai's Jewish community can trace its origins back 2,000 years! Gain insight
into this long history on a visit to three historic synagogues. Then explore
ORT India, the primary support center for Mumbai's Jewish community. WHAT YOU
VISIT Shaar-ha-Rahamim - Built in 1796 by Samaji Hassaji Divekar or Samuel
Ezekiel Divekar, an officer in the British army, who was imprisoned by Tipu
Sultan and released on a plea from the sultan's mother. Originally named the
"Gate of Mercy," the Synagogue celebrated its centenary in the year
1896, and on that occasion, it was renamed Shaar-Ha-Rahamim. Magen David -
Reputed to be the largest in Asia, the synagogue is built in the spacious style
of Victorian architecture. The building is fronted by pillars and a clock tower
and the interior is in the style of the Baghdad synagogue, with the
"tebah" for the hazan and the "hekhal" for the sifrei
torah, along with a spacious ladies' gallery. Knesseth Eliyahu - Popularly
known as the Fort Synagogue and acclaimed as the most beautiful in the city,
Jacob Sasson built the synagogue in 1884 in memory of his father, Eliyahoo
Sassoon, founder of E.D. Sassoon and Company. The interior boasts decorated
pillars, the "tebah" and a fine "hekhal" flanked by carved
marble and surmounted by a magnificent stained glass arch rising to the high
ceiling. ORT India - Also known as the Organization for Educational Resources
and Technological Training, ORT is the primary support organization nourishing
Jewish life in Mumbai. Here you can see a school and kosher bakery, as well as
a short documentary on the 19th century philanthropist David Sassoon. PHOTO
OPPORTUNITY Gateway of India - A legacy of the Raj, the stone archway was built
to commemorate the imperial visit of King George V in 1911. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG
THE WAY Your drive through the city takes you past the Prince of Wales Museum,
Mumbai High Court, Rajabiai Clock Tower, Flora Fountain, Crawford Market,
Chowpatti Beach, Mahalaxmi Temple and the Race Course. SPECIAL NOTES This tour
will not operate on Saturdays as the synagogues are closed. There is a fee for
video and photography inside Shaar-ha-Rahamim. Passengers should wear
conservative clothing which covers the shoulders and knees when visiting the
synagogues.
Cochin India
Shore ExcursionsCochin City Sights Explore Fort Cochin, site of the
oldest European church in India. Tour St. Francis Church and the
Indo-Portuguese Museum. Visit Mattancheri, the old Jewish quarter that is home
to the Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. WHAT YOU VISIT St. Francis Church - Fort
Cochin, the oldest European community in India, is the site of St. Francis
Church, built by Franciscan friars in 1510. Indo-Portuguese Museum - The museum
protects exhibits covering the rich Portuguese heritage of the area. The
collection includes Christian-Portuguese art pieces, including paintings,
gilded wood sculptures and silverwares. Dutch Palace - Built by the Portuguese,
but remodeled by the Dutch, the palace boasts stunning murals that illustrate
the Ramayana and Puranic legends. The Palace also features a collection of
clothing worn by the Rajas of Cochin. PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Chinese Fishing Nets
- The graceful cantilevered fishing nets festooning the harbor were introduced
in the 14th century by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Jewish
Synagogue - Dating from 1568, the synagogue features hand-painted Cantonese
floor tiles and intricately inscribed copper plaques. SHOPPING Enjoy a brief
amount of time for souvenir and spice shopping along the streets outside the
Jewish Synagogue. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Board your motorcoach and travel
to Fort Cochin, passing Chinese-style fishing nets. Fort Cochin's buildings
range from the 500 year old Church of St. Francis to Tudor-style homes built by
later English merchants. Afterwards, travel south to Mattancheri, the old
Jewish quarter. SPECIAL NOTES The Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays,
Saturdays and Jewish holidays, therefore, a visit to the Indo-Portuguese Museum
will be substituted. On Friday, the Dutch Palace is closed. Photography is not
permitted in the Dutch Palace. Video cameras are not permitted in St. Francis
Church and the Jewish Synagogue. Motorcoaches are air-conditioned.
The Magical Byways Of Kerala Travel to Alleppey, the
center of Kerala's coir industry. Board a motorlaunch and cruise the scenic
canals of Kerala, often hailed as the "Venice of the East." YOUR BOAT
CRUISE Board your motorcoach after the drive to the town of Alleppey.
Surrounded by coconut plantations, Alleppey, also known as the "Venice of
the East," is the center of Kerala's coir industry. Board your motorlaunch
and cruise the tree-lined lagoon and waterways to Kumarakom on the eastern
shore of Vembanad Lake. PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Chinese Fishing Nets - The graceful
cantilevered fishing nets festooning the harbor were introduced in the 14th
century by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Fort Cochin - The
Portuguese built the fort as part of their pursuit of the fabled spice trade of
the Indies. It is the oldest European settlement in India. LUNCH Enjoy a table
d'hote lunch after your boat cruise. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY From the pier,
drive to the town of Alleppey for your boat cruise and a glimpse into the lives
of the locals who live along the canals. After lunch, board your motorcoach for
an orientation drive of the Fort Cochin area before returning to the ship.
SPECIAL NOTES The motorlaunches are not air-conditioned with lower and upper
decks.
Contact Himalayan International Tours
Email: tours@himalayantours.com
(800) 421-8975
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Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia shore Excursions
Highlights Of Kuala Lumpur Experience Kuala Lumpur
on a narrated drive about town. Tour the National Museum with its exhibits on
Malaysian art, culture and history. See the fabled Royal Selangor Club, Jamek
Mosque - the city's oldest mosque, and a host of sights ranging from Victorian
era buildings to Merdeka Square and the Railway Station. WHAT YOU VISIT
National Museum - Incorporating traditional Malay architecture, the museum
houses exhibits on Malaysia's history, arts, crafts, weapons, currency and
wildlife. PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Royal Selangor Club - Behind its Tudor
façade, this colonial-era club has hosted the likes of W. Somerset
Maugham and other luminaries of the Empire. Jamek Mosque - Situated at the
confluence of the Gombak and Klang Rivers, where the early settlement of Kuala
Lumpur began, this is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Blue Mosque - The
largest mosque in Southeast Asia with the tallest minarets in the world can
accommodate up to 16,000 worshippers. National Monument - An imposing bronze
sculpture commemorates Malaysia's heroes of World War II. Railway Station -
Completed in 1911, the station is a superb example of the Edwardian era,
Moorish-influenced colonial architecture found in Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square
- Independence was declared in 1957 at this square in the heart of the city.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Your drive into Kuala Lumpur takes you past palm
plantations and through KL's new industrial districts. You pass the old
Moorish-style Railroad Station, Petronas Towers and the National Mosque.
SPECIAL NOTES It is an approximately 90-minute drive from Port Kelang to Kuala
Lumpur. Photography is not allowed at the National Museum.
Klang Heritage & Home Visit For a true Malaysian
experience, visit Klang, the former capital of Selangor State. Explore its
fascinating Little India district. View the Alam Shah Palace and the Blue
Mosque - the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Visit a traditional Malaysian
home for conversation over cakes and coffee. WHAT YOU VISIT Klang - The former
capital of the state of Selangor has become a major industrial town. It is also
the site of the Blue Mosque and the former Royal Palace. Little India -
Experience the sights and sounds of one of Klang's oldest districts. Shop for
exotic Indian spices or buy a garland of fresh flowers in one of the shops.
YOUR HOME VISIT Meet a typical Malay family in their home and be treated to
coffee or tea served with small cakes. An interpreter is on hand to assist the
flow of conversation. PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Blue Mosque - The largest mosque in
Southeast Asia with the tallest minarets in the world can accommodate up to
16,000 worshippers. Royal Palace - The Alam Shah Palace was the residence of
the former Sultan of Selangor. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY Your drive from Port
Kelang crosses a rural landscape dotted with palm trees and small villages.
SPECIAL NOTES Shoes must be removed before entering the home of your Malay
family.
Phuket Elephant Ride & Phuket Highlights
Excursion Highlights: Cashew Nut Factory, rubber tapping
demonstration, Wat Chalong Temple and elephant ride. Activity Level Moderate
Adventure Walking Type Moderate Age Appropriateness All Ages Duration
Approximately 4 hours Price $51 Experience a somewhat unorthodox mode of
transportation, at least by Western standards, with this delightful excursion
to an elephant camp for a ride on one of these gentle creatures. Today's
adventure also includes a visit to the Cashew Nut Factory and Wat Chalong
Temple. Your air-conditioned motor coach first takes you to the Cashew Nut
Factory. Here, observe the complicated task of processing cashew nuts, from
harvesting to extraction. Skilled workers will demonstrate how mouthwatering
snacks and sweets are created from this delicious nut. Following your
interesting factory exploration, continue to Wat Chalong Temple. The island's
most sacred Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong has been long revered for its
enshrined bronze images of three notable monks. It is also the largest and most
ornate of Phuket's 29 Buddhist monasteries. At the conclusion of your temple
visit, enjoy the drive to the elephant camp. Delight in a show displaying the
talents of adorable baby elephants. Then, mount your own adult elephant for a
30-minute trek through the tropical forest. After your elephant trek, you will
have the opportunity to witness a demonstration of rubber-tapping. After being
extracted from rubber trees, the rubber is processed for the many convenient
uses we employ every day. En route to your ship, pause at a local shop for a
chance to take home some special souvenirs.
Yangon
The Golden Glory of Yangon Excursion Highlights Shwedagon
Pagoda, Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddah, Karaweik Royal Barge, Maha Bandoola
Park, Sule Pagoda, Yangon City Orientation and Bogyoke Market. Activity Level
Moderate Adventure Walking Air-conditioned motor coaches and guides wait to
escort you into this thrilling city, filled with ancient palaces and golden
pagodas, approximately one hour away. Your visit to Yangon begins most
appropriately with the world-renowned Shwedagon Pagoda. Over 2,500 years old,
the pagoda's spire soars a massive 326 feet into the air. Glistening gold
plates adorn the structure whose dome is topped with over 6,500 diamonds,
rubies and other precious stones. This stunning stupa attracts pilgrims from
all over the world. Continue to Chauk Htat Gyi, where you will witness one of
the largest reclining Buddha images in the world. Enjoy light refreshments at
Karaweik Hall perfectly situated on Royal Lake. Pause at the Karaweik Royal
Barge moored in Royal Lake for refreshments before continuing on. Your visit of
the Maha Bandoola Park and the Sule Pagoda are followed by a short visit to the
Bogyoke Market, also called Scott Market, where food, clothes, handcrafts and
gems are sold to eager buyers. Your fascinating sightseeing overview will
conclude at the pier and your Crystal ship.
Contact Himalayan International Tours
Email: tours@himalayantours.com
(800) 421-8975
Port Kuching
Malaysia Orang Utans, Rainforest & Longhouse Port:
Kuching, Malaysia This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or
those who utilise a wheelchair. The orang-utan feeding time is 9 a.m. daily. Do
not make loud noises during the rainforest walk. Please avoid wearing red
clothing, as the colour excites the orang-utans. If you encounter them, do not
touch; respect the Orang Utans' space and don't make eye contact with them.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Local currency is recommended for
purchasing souvenirs. You must ask for permission to photograph the longhouse
residents. Please do not enter a resident's home at the longhouse communal area
unless invited to do so. Explore the unique culture, traditions and wildlife of
Malaysia during this memorable excursion to the Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary
and a Bidayuh longhouse. Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary Depart the pier for the
approximately 45-minute drive to the Semenggoh Orang Utan Centre. Located
approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres) from Kuching, this wildlife
rehabilitation centre became the first forest reserve in Sarawak when 1,980
acres of jungle was set aside by Rajah Vyner Brooke in 1920. Upon arrival at
the entrance to the centre, switch to a shuttle van for the ride to the
tropical forest. Next, take a guided walking tour through the tropical forest
en route to the Orang Utan feeding platform; feeding of the Orang Utans takes
place at 9:00 a.m. During your visit, you may spot other wildlife in the
sanctuary. Bidayuh Longhouse Afterwards, re-board your coach for the drive to a
Bidayuh longhouse, home to over 100 former head-hunters from the Bidayuh ethnic
group, also known as the 'Land Dayaks'. The longhouse has unique architectural
and cultural features in which bamboo bridges connect one housing complex to
another, thereby sharing a common veranda. While exploring the longhouse,
observe the Bidayuh go about their daily chores and lifestyle. Following your
visit, commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier
Contact Himalayan International Tours
Email: tours@himalayantours.com
(800) 421-8975
We have shore excursions in these ports:
Bangkok Suggestion: A drive outside the city to the rural Floating
Market at Damnoen Saduak where fresh fruit and produce and all varieties of
household Goods are sold at bargains, from small boats and floating
platforms
Singapore Suggestion: Today visit the city's multi-cultural sights,
drive along the water front past Raffles Place and the Supreme Court to China
Town, where we take a walking tour of this colorful section, plus a visit to
Hindu Temple, continue on to Mt. Faber, the highest point, to observe the
panoramic view of the city and harbor and the Botanical Gardens.
Saigon Ho Chi Min City Today's half-day walking tour of Saigon's
historic landmarks including the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral,
former Presidential Palace, the City Opera and the City Hall.
Shanghai: Sightseeng Shanghai's
highlights: the Shanghai Museum, features vast historic collections, Children's
Palace or Urban Planning Center, Yu Garden and the Old Town, the city's
colonial European past at The Bund, the modern Xintiandi, and a renowned
Shanghai silk carpet factory.
Bangkok Pre Tour Available
Chiang
Mai & the Golden Triangle 4 Day Tour
Beijing Post Tour Available. Please ask.
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Contact Himalayan
International Tours Email: tours@himalayantours.com
(800) 421-8975
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