Itinerary
Day 1 : Cochin/INDIA
The lush Kerala region is the proverbial land of incense and myrrh, from which the world has sought its exotic spices since ancient times. The aromas of ginger, cloves, cardamom, cumin and other key ingredients of Indian curries fill the air. Not far from Mattancheri Palace, with its mythological murals, is a Jewish colony dating back to 1000 A.D. Don't miss the 16th century synagogue with hand-painted floor tiles from China. A visit to the St. Francis church reveals the tomb of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Guests may also tour the "Mattancheri" or Dutch Palace, which houses some of India's finest Hindu frescoes and ceremonial costumes.
Day 2 : At Sea
Day 3 : Galle/SRI LANKA
Day 4 : Hambantota/SRI LANKA
Day 5 : At Sea
Day 6 : At Sea
Day 7 : Port Blair/INDIA
Day 8 : At Sea
Day 9 : Belawan/SUMATRA
Belawan is the port of Medan, and gateway to the wonderful Lake Toba region in the highlands of northern Sumatra. It is a stunningly scenic area of lush rain forests, canyons, waterfalls and active volcanoes. The Toba Batak who live in this isolated area were once among the fiercest tribes in Sumatra. Visit the mountain retreat of Prapat on the shores of Lake Toba, actually a volcanic crater. Today Prapat is considered the pleasure spot of the Medan wealthy and jumping-off point for the ferries to Samosir Island, homeland of the Toba Batak.
Day 10 : Belawan/SUMATRA
Belawan is the port of Medan, and gateway to the wonderful Lake Toba region in the highlands of northern Sumatra. It is a stunningly scenic area of lush rain forests, canyons, waterfalls and active volcanoes. The Toba Batak who live in this isolated area were once among the fiercest tribes in Sumatra. Visit the mountain retreat of Prapat on the shores of Lake Toba, actually a volcanic crater. Today Prapat is considered the pleasure spot of the Medan wealthy and jumping-off point for the ferries to Samosir Island, homeland of the Toba Batak.
Day 11 : At Sea
Day 12 : Singapore
One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.