Mumbai City Sights - BEST SELLER
See Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks and become acquainted with this city of contrasts.
See Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks and become acquainted with this city of contrasts.
This tour shows you many of the city’s landmarks, including Mumbai University, the Rajabai Clock Tower, High Court Building, the Parsi Towers of Silence and Victoria Terminus, to name but a few.
You’ll travel along Marine Drive to the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, where you can enjoy an excellent view of the city. Next is a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry where local people come to wash their clothes in troughs – despite the advent of the modern washing machine.
Visit Mani Bhavan, the place where Mahatma Gandhi once lived. This simple, 2-storey building, now a museum, displays a series of small dioramas and photographs, which recount the Mahatma’s life story. At the city’s most famous temple, Jain Temple, you will marvel at the ornate sculptures and paintings.
Your tour ends with a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, where you can see one of the world’s largest collections of Indian paintings, followed by a brief photo stop at the famous Gateway of India.
Unexplored Mumbai - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Amidst a bustling city of modern buildings and skyscrapers, Mumbai still has pockets that retain their old world charm.
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’ll find the local barber and blacksmith, together with the residents 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’ve managed to preserve their traditional homes and culture. In the narrow streets, you’ll see their picturesque houses, built in typical Portuguese style with carved balconies and small gardens.
In the Kotachiwadi area, you’ll stop at a local home. Tea and refreshments will be offered and this unique visit will allow you to view the interior of the house and to meet the local residents to discover more of their way of life.
The Buddhist Trail
Follow the ‘Buddhist Trail’ and discover the Kanheri Caves, one of the largest groups of Buddhist Caves in western India.
Follow the ‘Buddhist Trail’ and discover the Kanheri Caves, one of the largest groups of Buddhist Caves in western India.
Of the many Buddhist sites in the state of Maharashtra, the Kanheri Caves in Borivali National Park are the closest to Mumbai. The drive will take approximately 1½ hours, via Marine Drive and Mahim Bay. A comfort and refreshment stop will be made at a hotel en route.
Kanheri Caves are located in a remote corner of the Park. Built between the 2nd and 9th century BC, the Caves belonged to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. During this Hinayana Buddhist period, the Buddha was not worshipped in ‘human form’ but by symbols, namely feet, lotus flower and chakra. These Caves are mostly ‘viharas’, which were the residential quarters of the monks. Prayer meetings were held in the open air. A few of the main, easily accessible, caves will be visited.
Back in Mumbai, a short photo stop will be made at one of Mumbai’s major landmarks, the Gateway of India.
Panoramic Mumbai
A panoramic tour with a classical dance performance and refreshments – a great way to see the city, without the walking.
A panoramic tour with a classical dance performance and refreshments – a great way to see the city, without the walking.
In the heart of the city, you’ll find some of the most beautiful buildings dating from the British period. A panoramic 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’ll see the highlight of all the buildings from the Victorian era - the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, formerly the Victoria Railway Terminus. This neo-Gothic building boasts flying buttresses, friezes and stained glass.
A short stop will be made for you to take a snapshot 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).
Your final stop will be at the Mayfair Banqueting Rooms, where you’ll witness a classical dance performance comprising of 5 dances, representing 5 different Indian States. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show whilst light refreshments are served.
Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island’s caves are home to magnificent sculptures of Hindu deities carved from solid rock.
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’ll 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.
Highlights of Mumbai - BEST SELLER (Applies to Aurora only)
See Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks and become acquainted with this city of contrasts.
See Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks and become acquainted with this city of contrasts.
This tour shows you many of the city’s landmarks, including Mumbai University, the Rajabai Clock Tower, High Court Building, the Parsi Towers of Silence and Victoria Terminus, to name but a few.
You’ll travel along Marine Drive to the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, where you can enjoy an excellent view of the city. Your next highlight is a photo-stop at Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry where local people come to wash their clothes in troughs – despite the advent of the modern washing machine.
Visit Mani Bhavan, the place where Mahatma Gandhi once lived. This simple, 2-storey building, now a museum, displays a series of small dioramas and photographs, which recount the Mahatma’s life story. At the city’s most famous temple, Jain Temple, you will marvel at the ornate sculptures and paintings.
Find out more about Mumbai’s history at the Bhaudaji Lad Museum, known as the Victoria and Albert Museum, and see delicate ivories, finely wrought silver and copperware. Your tour ends with a brief photo-stop at the famous Gateway of India.
Heritage Walk
A walking tour is the perfect way to get a feel for the architecture and heritage of this historic city.
A walking tour is the perfect way to get a feel for the architecture and heritage of this historic city.
Step back in time with a guide who will take you on a walking tour through parts of the Heritage Precinct, pointing out buildings that contribute to the special history of Mumbai. The old Fort district of the city covers a large area and part of the tour will be done by coach. You’ll drive past the General Post Office, the Victoria Terminus, the Municipal Corporation building, St Xavier's College and on towards the Western Railways Headquarters to St Thomas Cathedral. After a short visit inside the Cathedral, the city’s first Anglican church, you’ll begin your walk.
Early morning is one of the best times to walk through parts of the Heritage Precinct. Your guide will tell you all about the significant landmarks, including Flora Fountain, Mumbai University and the High Court Buildings. Take in the façades of the David Sasson Library, Jehangir Art Gallery and the Prince of Wales Museum, with its elaborate brackets and carved features.
Your walk ends with a photo stop at the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most famous landmark and you will return to the ship by coach.
The Taj Mahal - ONCE IN A LIFETIME (Double Accommodation)
A once-in-a-lifetime tour to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking sights, the fabled Taj Mahal.
A once-in-a-lifetime tour to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking sights, the fabled Taj Mahal.
DAY 1 – (includes dinner. Overnight Jaipur)
Disembark the ship at lunchtime and enjoy a panoramic tour of Mumbai before your 1½-hour-long flight to Jaipur. After check-in, dinner will be served in your hotel and the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
DAY 2 – (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Agra)
Your first stop in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is the mesmerizing City Palace, a dazzling show-piece of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Then, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built on a grand scale and way beyond its time. After lunch, set off on a 5-hour coach journey to Agra, the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries. Dinner will be served in your hotel.
DAY 3 – (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Delhi)
As the sun rises you will visit the Taj Mahal - Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love. Experience its splendour and beauty graced by the rays of the rising sun. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to a breathtaking first impression as you pass through the arch of the entrance gateway. Back at the hotel, enjoy breakfast and then visit the magnificent Agra Fort situated on the bend of the River Yamuna. Lunch will be served in Agra before your 5-hour drive to Delhi with a comfort stop en route. Dinner will be served in your hotel.
DAY 4 – (includes breakfast)
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival, transfer directly to the port to rejoin your ship.
Duration:
4 days, 3 nights
The Taj Mahal - ONCE IN A LIFETIME (Single Accommodation)
A once-in-a-lifetime tour to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking sights, the fabled Taj Mahal.
A once-in-a-lifetime tour to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking sights, the fabled Taj Mahal.
DAY 1 – (includes dinner. Overnight Jaipur)
Disembark the ship at lunchtime and enjoy a panoramic tour of Mumbai before your 1½-hour-long flight to Jaipur. After check-in, dinner will be served in your hotel and the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
DAY 2 – (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Agra)
Your first stop in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is the mesmerizing City Palace, a dazzling show-piece of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Then, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built on a grand scale and way beyond its time. After lunch, set off on a 5-hour coach journey to Agra, the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries. Dinner will be served in your hotel.
DAY 3 – (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Delhi)
As the sun rises you will visit the Taj Mahal - Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love. Experience its splendour and beauty graced by the rays of the rising sun. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to a breathtaking first impression as you pass through the arch of the entrance gateway. Back at the hotel, enjoy breakfast and then visit the magnificent Agra Fort situated on the bend of the River Yamuna. Lunch will be served in Agra before your 5-hour drive to Delhi with a comfort stop en route. Dinner will be served in your hotel.
DAY 4 – (includes breakfast)
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival, transfer directly to the port to rejoin your ship.
Duration:
4 days, 3 nights