Ocean Cruises: Indian Mosaic Tour & Cruise 609(GT) India, Sri Lanka, Maldives 10 Feb-2 Mar 2024, 20 days Fares from �5345 Cruise 609 India, Sri Lanka, Maldives 15 Feb-2 Mar 2024, 15 days Fares from �3950	Fares Cabin Grade: Price per adult (�):   609GT 609 Owner's Suite 9245 7850 Suite 8830 7435 Deluxe 7790 6395 Superior 7165 5770 Standard two bed: twin occupancy A Deck outside 6645 5250 A Deck outside aft 6435 5040 B Deck outside 6230 4835 B Deck outside aft 5915 4520 A Deck inside 5500 4105 B Deck inside 5345 3950 Standard two bed: single occupancy A Deck outside 9025 7350 A Deck outside aft 8731 7056 B Deck outside 8444 6769 B Deck outside aft 8003 6328 A Deck inside 7012 5337 B Deck inside 6810 5135 Minerva deck plans for location of cabins SPEAKER'S CORNER: Canon Peter Ball Canon Emeritus of St Paul's Cathedral, his talks will explore the history and practices of religions across the vast sub-continent of India as we cruise from Chennai to Sri Lanka and the west coast. Dr Robert Bradnock Senior Lecturer in Geography at the School of Oriental and African studies, he is a frequent broadcaster on South Asian current affairs. Interested in the cultural and historic developments of the region and the links that bring them together, he will also speak on current political developments and on environmental changes. Patrick French Writer and biographer specialising in the colonial and modern history of South and Central Asia. His talks will range from the decline and fall of the British Indian Empire to the politics, religion and culture in India today including modern Indian literature. Ann Peerless Lecturer for NADFAS, former senior lecturer in Art and has worked for continuing education and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Travelled extensively in the area studying art and architecture, craft and cultures with special emphasis on Hindu and Buddhist influences, which will be reflected in her talks.
Savour an idyllic coastal cruise around India from Chennai to Mumbai via beautiful Sri Lanka and sundrenched Male. On this unforgettable journey of contrasts you can shop for silks and spices in lively markets, see superb examples of Indian and colonial architecture and, while travelling in comfort, discover facets of India's dazzling culture.
609(GT) Tour & Cruise Pre-Cruise Tour: Golden Triangle of India Sun 10 Feb    London - Delhi 'Tour & Cruise' passengers fly from London to Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace Hotel. Mon 11 Feb    Delhi Tour New Delhi this afternoon including India Gate and the government buildings. Tue 12 Feb    Delhi - Agra Today you take an early morning train to Agra and visit the magical Taj Mahal and immense Agra Fort. Wed 13 Feb    Agra - Fatehpur Sikri Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal palace, with elaborately carved features and peaceful courtyards. Overnight in Jaipur. Thu 14 Feb    Amber View the Palace of the Winds en route to Amber - the fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Fri 15 Feb    Jaipur - Delhi Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying to Delhi. Sat 16 Feb    Delhi - Chennai (Madras) A morning's sightseeing of Old Delhi including the Red Fort, before flying to Chennai early evening to join Minerva.   609 Cruise Itinerary Fri 15 Feb-Sat 16 Feb    London - Chennai (Madras) 'Cruise Only' passengers fly from London to Chennai to join Minerva. Sun 17 Feb    Chennai (Madras) Your visits in Chennai include Fort St George, with its excellent collection of Raj memorabilia, and the intricately sculpted shore temple at Mahabalipuram. There is also a full-day supplementary excursion to the holy city of Kanchipuram. Mon 18 Feb    Pondicherry * Minerva arrives at lunchtime in the charming former capital of French India. Experience the French colonial influence on our city tour and see the ashram at Auroville. Tue 19 Feb    At Sea Take the opportunity to explore your floating county-house hotel during a day at sea as we sail towards Sri Lanka. Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner this evening. Wed 20 Feb    Galle Spend the morning in Galle, believed to be the Tarshish of Biblical times, where King Solomon obtained gems, spices and peacocks. Wander around the sleepy Portuguese town at leisure or escape to beautiful Unawatuna Beach. Thu 21 Feb    Colombo (for Kandy) Travel through verdant tropical scenery to the hill-station of Kandy, with its much venerated Temple of the Tooth, stopping at Pinnawela to see the renowned Elephant Orphanage. For a more leisurely option, you may prefer to escape to one of the island's beautiful beaches. Fri 22 Feb    At Sea Immerse yourself in a good book from Minerva's well-stocked Library, or listen to our Guest Speakers as they introduce you to the sights to come. Sat 23 Feb    Male * You arrive early in the Maldives where you can explore the intriguing capital Male, seat of the ruling dynasties since before the 12th century, or just while away the time on a pristine beach and see the spectacular sea life for which the islands are so famous. Sun 24 Feb    At Sea Take a dip in the pool or try a gentle tone-up in the gymnasium as Minerva cruises towards India. Mon 25 Feb    Kochi (Cochin) Arrive early in Kochi, stunningly located between the Arabian Sea and backwaters. Here you can see the oldest European built church in India and the synagogue of the Jewish community. This afternoon take a cruise through the magical green backwaters. Tue 26 Feb    Mangalore An afternoon call at the sleepy port of Mangalore, famous for the export of coffee and cashew nuts. Explore the town or travel inland through lush green countryside to see some of the fine Jain Temples. Wed 27 Feb    Goa A full day in the former Portuguese colony of Goa. There are visits to the lively Panjim market, the remains of the old Portuguese capital and its Hindu temples as well as the opportunity to relax on a nearby beach. Thu 28 Feb    At Sea - Mumbai (Bombay) Reflect on your Indian experiences while lazing by the pool or listening to our Guest Speakers. As Minerva arrives in Mumbai early evening, take the opportunity to dine ashore. Fri 1 Mar    Mumbai (Bombay) Our sightseeing of this intriguing city includes the magnificent sweep of Marine Drive and the excellent Prince of Wales Museum. In the afternoon travel by local boats to Elephanta Island, or explore the rock-cut Kanheri Caves. Sat 2 Mar Arrive in London after an overnight flight. * Land by ship's boat or local tender

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

• Relax on some of the most exotically beautiful beaches in the world - Galle in Sri Lanka, Male in the Maldives and fabulous Goa

• Dream among Kerala's sleepy backwaters from Kochi, stroll around the shore temple at Mahabalipuram and be thrilled by the buzz of Mumbai