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Asia Shore Excursions - private trips in the Far East
Far East Shore excursionsAn 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 ship’s 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 ...

Cruise to ChinaWe'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 cruiseBangkok 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.
Thailand Cruise shore excursion
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.

Vietnam shore excursionsHo 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.

Cruise to VietnamHO 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 Day TrpHong 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.

Hong Kong cruiseNew 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 Shore ExcursionBali Indonesia Shore Excursions








Contact Himalayan International Tours Email: tours@himalayantours.com (800) 421-8975

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Bombay shore excursionsMumbai 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.

China to Alaska cruiseShanghai: 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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