Mumbai, India - Far East Cruises

Amidst a bustling city of modern buildings and skyscrapers, Mumbai still has pockets that retain their old world charm.

Enjoy a walking tour of Banganga, a sacred water tank surrounded by 400-year-old temples. Part of an ancient temple complex, the water is believed to come from the Ganges. On occasions, thousands of people turn up to take a ritual swim. In the narrow streets, you will find the local barber, cobbler, blacksmith and residents of the area going about their daily lives.

The next stop on this ‘lifestyle-tour’ is a residential area called Kotachiwadi, cocooned amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. A community of Christians live here and they have preserved their heritage homes and culture. In the alleys, you will see their private chapel and their picturesque houses, built in typical Portuguese style with carved balconies and small gardens

Finally, you will have the unique opportunity to sample local life, by visiting a local home where home-made refreshments will be served, giving you the chance to look around or chat to the residents about their life.

Note: This tour involves numerous steps, uneven ground and approximately one hour’s walking. Flat, comfortable, enclosed shoes, water, sunscreen and a sunhat are recommended.

Elephanta Island’s caves are home to magnificent sculptures of Hindu deities carved from solid rock.

After a short drive to the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most famous landmark, you will board a motor launch for the hour-long trip to Elephanta Island.

Elephanta Island was named after the statue of an elephant was found near the landing area of the island. The caves date from the 8th century and house remarkable statues in bas-reliefs that unfold a story carved in stone. The guides will bring to life the panels as they elucidate stories from Indian mythology. The carvings centre on the life of Lord Shiva, The Destroyer, but the most impressive panel is that of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva: The Creator, The Preserver and The Destroyer.

After your fascinating insight into the Hindu religion, the boat will return you to Mumbai, where your coach transfer will be waiting.

Note: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking on rough, rocky slopes and uneven ground with over 120 steps to climb. The steps are not steep and they are interspersed with landings, however the tour is quite strenuous. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended and a sunhat and sunscreen should be worn. Video cameras are not permitted inside the caves and there is a charge for the use of video photography outside the caves.

A leisurely tour with a cultural dance performance – a great way to see the city, without the walking.

In the heart of the city, you will find some of the most beautiful buildings dating from the British period. A leisurely drive takes you along Marine Drive, a seafront promenade, past the Old Town Hall and the Mumbai University, dominated by the famous Rajabai Clock Tower. Past these landmarks, the High Court comes into view, topped with the statues of Justice and Mercy and then you will see the highlight of all the buildings from the Victorian era - the Victoria Terminus Station. This neo-Gothic building boasts flying buttresses, friezes and stained glass.

A short stop will be made to take a photograph of the famous Gateway of India. Built to commemorate King George V’s visit to India in 1911, it is situated opposite the Taj Mahal Hotel. The Hotel was built in 1903 and is an architectural marvel, bringing together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles (exterior only).

The highlight will be the cultural dance performance held in the National Centre for Performing Arts. Enjoy the colours and sounds of the five different dances, each representing a different Indian State. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Note: All sightseeing is conducted from the coach, with the exception of the photograph stop. The National Centre for Performing Arts is wheelchair accessible.

A walking tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture, architecture and heritage of this historic city.

As you travel to the Fort area of Mumbai you will pass many architecturally impressive buildings, including the General Post Office; Victoria Terminus; Municipal Corporation Building; St Xavier's College and St Thomas Cathedral.

Enjoy a brief visit inside St Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai’s first Anglican church, before beginning your historic walking tour. As you stroll through parts of the Heritage Precinct, your guide will regale you with stories and facts about this bustling city. You will see and learn all about the many buildings and monuments that contribute to the special history of Mumbai. These include the ornate Flora Fountain, the gothic style Mumbai University and High Court buildings. View the unusual façades of the David Sasson Library, Jehangir Art Gallery and the Prince of Wales Museum, with its carved features and elaborate brackets.

Absorb the local culture around you as the horns blare out from the passing traffic and spicy aromas waft from the food stalls. Watch the locals rushing about their daily activities and the ladies with their colourful clothing. As you reach the waterfront, you will notice the imposing Gateway of India. This famous monument, erected to commemorate the visit of King George V, combines both Hindu and Muslim architecture. You will have time to take a photograph before boarding the coach for your journey back to the ship.

Note: There will be approximately 1½ hours of walking over some uneven ground. Flat, comfortable, enclosed shoes, water, sunscreen and a sun hat are recommended.

Enjoy a visit to Gandhi’s former residence and the Prince of Wales Museum before browsing the shops and stalls for an unusual gift.

Begin your tour with a visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s former Mumbai residence, Mani Bhavan. The building has been maintained as a memorial to Gandhi and contains a vast amount of fascinating material, including a model exhibit detailing major events in his life, photographs, books and letters he wrote to Hitler. You will see his simple room containing the spinning wheel he used to spin yarn, and make the traditional Indian cloth, which he used for clothing.

The Prince of Wales Museum was built to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. The building is primarily built in the indo-saracenic style of architecture but also incorporates elements of other styles such as Mughal, Maratha and Jain. The museum houses around 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from overseas which are categorized into three main sections: art, archaeology and natural history.

Enjoy a brief photograph stop at the Gateway of India, before stopping for free time on Colaba Causeway. Colaba has a range of shops, restaurants and market stalls selling souvenirs, leather goods, shoes, jewellery, handicrafts and clothing. There is plenty to tempt you whether you prefer the air-conditioned comfort of the larger shops or bartering with the locals on the stalls.

Note: There will be approximately one hours of free time in Colaba. Mani Bhavan has two floors with a total of 40 steep steps. Approximately 45 minutes is spent at the Prince of Wales Museum. There is a fee to photograph (INR200) or video (INR1000) in the museum. Comfortable footwear, water and a sun hat are recommended.

Immerse yourself in the local culture as you view the distinctive landmarks, savour the Indian cuisine and shop for an unusual gift.

This comprehensive tour of Mumbai begins at the Asiatic Library (Old Town Hall) and from here you will be able to see the beautiful monuments and buildings up close as you stroll through the bustling streets. A stop will be made at St Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai’s first Anglican Church, built in 1718. Absorb the atmosphere as you pass by buildings of different architectural styles including the ornamentally exquisite Flora Fountain, the gothic style High Court and the impressive Mumbai University with its decorative Rajabai Clock Tower.

A short drive through the Fort area will bring you to the Municipal Corporation Building, the Central Telegraph Office and the majestic gothic style Victoria Terminus Station. You will have the opportunity to visit the interior of this historic station, where India’s first train departed in 1853.

A delicious Indian luncheon will be served at a restaurant, before visiting Mani Bhavan, the old Mumbai residence of Gandhi. This two-storied structure now contains a reference library, a photographic exhibition and other pieces of well preserved memorabilia, including Gandhi’s spinning wheel.

Before returning to the ship, there will be a photo stop at the regal Gateway of India and some free time to explore Colaba Causeway. This area has a range of shops and market stalls where you can browse for a bargain or simply soak up the sights and sounds of this interesting city.

Note: There is approximately one hour’s walking on the tour over slightly uneven ground. There are 160 steps in the Victoria Terminus. Comfortable, enclosed footwear, water and a sun hat are recommended.

Take a whistle-stop tour of Mumbai and Delhi before exploring the delights of Kathmandu and some of Nepal’s most revered sites.

DAY 1 - MUMBAI & DELHI
Enjoy a tour of Mumbai’s highlights, starting with the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark. Pass by the Victoria Terminus, a remarkable railway station, inspired by St Pancras Station in London. As you wend your way along Marine Drive you’ll see the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hills. Visit Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s Bombay base between 1917 and 1934. It is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. En route to the airport, pass by the incredible dhobi ghats open air laundry. During your flight to Delhi, you’ll be offered a light snack. On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Taj Palace Hotel with a drive through ‘Lutyen’s Delhi’, an architectural combination of British and Indian influence. Travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, followed by a drive down Rajpath, past the Presidential House. Dinner will be served at the Hotel.

DAY 2 – TRAVEL TO KATHMANDU
Following breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. The country of Nepal is probably best known as home to Mount Everest, situated between India and Tibet. The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Nepal is showcased in its bustling capital, Kathmandu. Located within a circular valley surrounded by a crown of forest covered hills, south of the Great Himalayas, Kathmandu sits at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Successive dynasties have left their mark in the form of palaces and temples, sculptures and carvings found throughout the valley. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the Hyatt Regency Hotel where you will be spending three nights. You will have free time in the afternoon to relax and acclimatise before dinner is served at a local restaurant.


DAY 3 – KATHMANDU
After breakfast, begin your exploration of this Shangri-La of the East. Your tour takes you through Kathmandu's narrow streets, ancient wooden palaces and crowded bazaars, always packed with goods of every description and bustling with locals and tourists alike. Visit the Durbar Square, this meeting place is very much the centre of old Kathmandu featuring many fascinating temples and shrines. Continue to Swayambhunath, the 2000 year old Buddhist Stupa. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles from all sides of the valley. The approach to the Stupa is lined with elevated prayer wheels, which can be rotated in passing while making a wish. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Luncheon will be served at your Hotel. In the afternoon, visit Patan, one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. You will also see Patan Durbar, which houses a bronze collection and other 16th century temples. In the evening, dinner will be served at the Hotel.

DAY 4 – TEMPLES & VIEWS
Enjoy breakfast before you set off to explore further afield. Visit Bodhnath, one of the largest stupa’s of its kind in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions, keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Your next stop will be Pashupatinath Temple, a World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. Pashupatinath, situated amidst lush greenery on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, stands as a symbol of unity bringing the different sects of Hinduism under a single fold. Continue to Nagarkot, which is one of the most scenic places in Bhaktapur, renowned for its spectacular views. Situated at a height of 2,195 metres, Nagarkot offers wonderful panoramic views of the valley and is one of the best places to view Mount Everest and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Luncheon will be served at this scenic location. Visit Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur, which means the "city of devotees". After returning to the Hotel in Kathmandu to freshen up, enjoy a traditional Nepalese meal at a restaurant, along with a local dance performance.

DAY 5 – RETURN TO DUBAI
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Doha. You’ll connect onto a flight to Dubai which will include a light snack luncheon. On arrival you will be met by local agents and will transfer to Queen Victoria in time for dinner. The ship remains in port overnight allowing you to explore the city of Dubai as you wish the following day.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close on 14th December 2012. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = BOM804A, Single = BOM805A). Prices shown on your record of shore excursions are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made after bookings close will incur a 100% cancellation fee. This tour will depart Mumbai on 3rd April and return in Dubai on 7th April. Please check your embarkation/disembarkation dates carefully before booking this overland. Flight times and further details will be advised on board and the hotels listed are subject to change. Be prepared for very early morning starts, lengthy days, climatic changes and delays at airports. This is an inclusive excursion programme. No refunds will be given for any unused portion.

The fare includes: transport by coach, economy class air tickets, sightseeing and entrances as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation. Two glasses of house wine or a bottle of local beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included with meals.

The fare does not include: items of a personal nature, other than stated above, such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, medical fees and travel insurance. Those wishing to order alternative beverages to those listed above will be charged separately. Visas are not included.

Visas: All guests must purchase an Indian visa prior to embarking Queen Victoria. Nepalese visas can be purchased in advance in your home country or on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Those wishing to obtain a visa on arrival must bring a photocopy of their passport, complete an application form, supply two passport photographs and pay a fee of $25 per person. Please check visa requirements for United Arab Emirates in advance of your voyage.

What to pack: please remember your passport and any medication you require. Luggage limit is one case per person with a maximum weight of 20kg. You are advised to wear modest attire during your time in India.

Shopping: opportunities for shopping will be included depending on schedule timings. Any shopping stops offered will be optional.

See Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks and become acquainted with this city of contrasts.

Enjoy a visit to the former Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi, Mani Bhavan. It is now a museum and memorial to Gandhi. The room he slept in has remained unchanged and still contains his bed and many of his personal possessions.

Continuing along Marine Drive, Mumbai’s seaside promenade, you will visit the Krishna Temple (ISCKON). This epicentre of spiritual activity has been modelled after the temples of Vrindavan and accommodates over 140 monks. Afterwards, you’ll stop at the Hanging Gardens, for some excellent views of the city. On leaving the Hanging Gardens you will hear about the unusual Parsi traditions as you pass the Parsi Towers of Silence.

En route, stop at the Dhobi Ghat. This fascinating open-air laundry employs hundreds of workers, who have devised their own system to code the laundry to ensure nothing is lost.

As you drive through Mumbai you will pass by monuments built during the British era, including the High Court; Crawford Market; Mumbai University and the Victoria Terminus Station before stopping at the famous Gateway of India, an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911.

Your tour ends with a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, which contains a wealth of paintings, jewellery and artefacts collected from many different eras including the British reign.

Note: Mani Bhavan has two floors each with 20 steep steps. Approximately 45 minutes is spent at the Prince of Wales Museum. There is a fee to photograph (INR200) or video (INR1000) in the museum. Comfortable, non-slip footwear, water and a sunhat are recommended.

Take a whistle-stop tour of Mumbai and Delhi before exploring the delights of Kathmandu and some of Nepal’s most revered sites.

DAY 1 - MUMBAI & DELHI
Enjoy a tour of Mumbai’s highlights, starting with the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark. Pass by the Victoria Terminus, a remarkable railway station, inspired by St Pancras Station in London. As you wend your way along Marine Drive you’ll see the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hills. Visit Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s Bombay base between 1917 and 1934. It is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. En route to the airport, pass by the incredible dhobi ghats open air laundry. During your flight to Delhi, you’ll be offered a light snack. On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Taj Palace Hotel with a drive through ‘Lutyen’s Delhi’, an architectural combination of British and Indian influence. Travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, followed by a drive down Rajpath, past the Presidential House. Dinner will be served at the Hotel.

DAY 2 – TRAVEL TO KATHMANDU
Following breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. The country of Nepal is probably best known as home to Mount Everest, situated between India and Tibet. The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Nepal is showcased in its bustling capital, Kathmandu. Located within a circular valley surrounded by a crown of forest covered hills, south of the Great Himalayas, Kathmandu sits at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Successive dynasties have left their mark in the form of palaces and temples, sculptures and carvings found throughout the valley. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the Hyatt Regency Hotel where you will be spending three nights. You will have free time in the afternoon to relax and acclimatise before dinner is served at a local restaurant.


DAY 3 – KATHMANDU
After breakfast, begin your exploration of this Shangri-La of the East. Your tour takes you through Kathmandu's narrow streets, ancient wooden palaces and crowded bazaars, always packed with goods of every description and bustling with locals and tourists alike. Visit the Durbar Square, this meeting place is very much the centre of old Kathmandu featuring many fascinating temples and shrines. Continue to Swayambhunath, the 2000 year old Buddhist Stupa. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles from all sides of the valley. The approach to the Stupa is lined with elevated prayer wheels, which can be rotated in passing while making a wish. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Luncheon will be served at your Hotel. In the afternoon, visit Patan, one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. You will also see Patan Durbar, which houses a bronze collection and other 16th century temples. In the evening, dinner will be served at the Hotel.

DAY 4 – TEMPLES & VIEWS
Enjoy breakfast before you set off to explore further afield. Visit Bodhnath, one of the largest stupa’s of its kind in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions, keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Your next stop will be Pashupatinath Temple, a World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. Pashupatinath, situated amidst lush greenery on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, stands as a symbol of unity bringing the different sects of Hinduism under a single fold. Continue to Nagarkot, which is one of the most scenic places in Bhaktapur, renowned for its spectacular views. Situated at a height of 2,195 metres, Nagarkot offers wonderful panoramic views of the valley and is one of the best places to view Mount Everest and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Luncheon will be served at this scenic location. Visit Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur, which means the "city of devotees". After returning to the Hotel in Kathmandu to freshen up, enjoy a traditional Nepalese meal at a restaurant, along with a local dance performance.

DAY 5 – RETURN TO DUBAI
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Doha. You’ll connect onto a flight to Dubai which will include a light snack luncheon. On arrival you will be met by local agents and will transfer to Queen Victoria in time for dinner. The ship remains in port overnight allowing you to explore the city of Dubai as you wish the following day.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close on 14th December 2012. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = BOM804A, Single = BOM805A). Prices shown on your record of shore excursions are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made after bookings close will incur a 100% cancellation fee. This tour will depart Mumbai on 3rd April and return in Dubai on 7th April. Please check your embarkation/disembarkation dates carefully before booking this overland. Flight times and further details will be advised on board and the hotels listed are subject to change. Be prepared for very early morning starts, lengthy days, climatic changes and delays at airports. This is an inclusive excursion programme. No refunds will be given for any unused portion.

The fare includes: transport by coach, economy class air tickets, sightseeing and entrances as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation. Two glasses of house wine or a bottle of local beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included with meals.

The fare does not include: items of a personal nature, other than stated above, such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, medical fees and travel insurance. Those wishing to order alternative beverages to those listed above will be charged separately. Visas are not included.

Visas: All guests must purchase an Indian visa prior to embarking Queen Victoria. Nepalese visas can be purchased in advance in your home country or on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Those wishing to obtain a visa on arrival must bring a photocopy of their passport, complete an application form, supply two passport photographs and pay a fee of $25 per person. Please check visa requirements for United Arab Emirates in advance of your voyage.

What to pack: please remember your passport and any medication you require. Luggage limit is one case per person with a maximum weight of 20kg. You are advised to wear modest attire during your time in India.

Shopping: opportunities for shopping will be included depending on schedule timings. Any shopping stops offered will be optional.