In Transit: Flights depart from various US gateways

Arrive To: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Afternoon: Flights arrive in Colombo in the late afternoon/early evening. Join your group leader and fellow participants for introductions and brief program orientation.

Dinner: Late welcome dinner at the hotel

Lodging: Hotel Galle Face

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Lecture: Check out from the hotel & proceed to a nearby conference hall closer to for the lecture on "The conflict between LTTE and the government and the way forward". The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an intermittent insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (the LTTE, also known as the Tamil Tigers), a separatist militant organisation which fought to create an independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam in the north and the east of the island. After a 26-year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, bringing the civil war to an end. Following the lecture, set out to discover Colombo with visits to the following places: historic Fort and bustling Pettah, Cinnamon Gardens and Galle Face Green, the Hindu Temple at Sea Street – a street lined with goldsmith's shops – the Dutch Church at Wolfendaal, dating back to 1749, the historic Davatagaha Mosque, Independence Hall, B.M.I.C.H, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square and the National Museum.

Lunch: Lunch on your own

Afternoon: After lunch proceed to visit Bandaranaike Memorial International and see the replica of Avukana Buddha. Also visit Independence Hall, and the Independence Square and National Museum. Embark the MV Minerva for 28 nights. When you board the Minerva for the first time you will have your photograph taken; this forms part of the on board security system. You will also have to undergo security checks which involve passing through a security archway and having your belongings x-rayed. After completing check-in formalities you will be shown to your cabin. Your cabin keys will be in your cabin.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Note: Hats must be removed before entering the temple. Admittance to the temple may be denied to those wearing shorts (either sex) and to those whose shoulders are uncovered (shorts sleeves are accpetable).

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Free time to explore the port on your own, or relax on board the ship.

Lunch: Lunch on board the ship

Afternoon: Kelaniya Temple: Discover this fascinating modern temple – after the Temple of the Tooth the most visited Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka - decorated with frescoes telling stories of the Lord Buddha, Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and Kelaniya Temple history. Other highlights include ceiling paintings in the main hall, Buddha images, and rows of comical dwarfs and elephants, copied from Polonnaruwa’s Tivanka Image House. Later enjoy some free time in Kelaniya, a centre of traditional Sinhalese pottery. The ship is scheduled to depart Colombo at 19:00. Please note that a muster drill will be held on board prior to sailing.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Admittance to the temple may be denied to those wearing shorts (either sex) and to those whose shoulders are uncovered. Shoes must be removed before entering the temples (we recommend bringing a pair of socks). Cameras and videos are permitted at Christ Church and the Temples for a small charge payable directly to the local guide. The order of visits may vary.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Pallayamkottai and Tirunelveli: In Palayamkottai, the headquarters of the Church Missionary Society, visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and Christ Church- built for the British in 1846. Continue to the market town of Tirunelveli, one of the oldest Christian centers in Tamil Nadu, where St. Francis Xavier began his ministry in the late 16th century. Here you can explore Krishnapuram Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with its beautiful pillars and life size sculptures. A comfort stop will be made at a local hotel for refreshments before you journey back to the ship.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board as ship sets sail for Kochi, India

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Basic toilet facilities are available. Photography is not permitted inside the Dutch Palace; video cameras are not permitted inside St Francis Church

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a presentation on Indian History: Examine the various periods in Indian History so that you can better understand the significance of some of the sites visited during the program.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Discover colorful old Kochi. See the historic Fort Cochin area, including St. Francis Church - the first church built by Europeans in India, the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets - introduced by traders from the court of Kubla Khan, and the fish market. Continue to the Mattancherry district where other highlights will include a visit to the 16th century Dutch Palace, a visit to the Indo Portuguese Museum and a walk along Jewish Street.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: There are no toilets on the boats (you will be on board for approximately 2 hours). This trip involves emarking and disembarking small boats and is not recommended for those who are disabled or have difficulty walking.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Drive to Allepy (1.5 hrs) to board a boat for a delightful cruise along the peaceful and wonderfully picturesque backwaters of Kerala. As you glide through the network of narrow canals and wide lakes you will see numerous unspoilt villages and, at close hand, many traditional activities which are so typical of this region's way of life. A photo stop will be made at the Chinese fishing nets before your return to Minerva.

Lunch: A boxed lunch from the ship will be provided

Afternoon: Make your way back to the ship in the port of Kochi.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your Study Leader for an exclusive Road Scholar lecture on the Religions and Mythology in India.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you sail the Indian Ocean.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Shoes must be removed before entering the temples, so we recommend bringing a pair of socks. Admittance to the temples may be denied to those wearing shorts/skirts above the knee and to those whose shoulders are uncovered (either sex).

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Free time in port to explore on your own, or relax on board the ship

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Temple and Spices: Visit the Shri Manguesghi Temple dedicated to Lord Mangueshghi, an incarnation of Shiva. One of Goa's largest temples, it was constructed in the 18th century and is adjacent to the Deepastambha, a seven story octagonal lamp tower. You can also enjoy a visit to the Savoi spice plantation, a well established plantation using organic methods. A walk through shady paths will reveal the different spices such as black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon as well as fruits in their natural environment. Learn about the production, preparations of curries and fruit juices as well as how the by products are used in local crafts.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: This excursion involves a steep climb of some 120 steps; some sedan chairs are available for those who do not wish to walk (at an additional fee). There are toilets on Elephanta Island. Video filming is permitted of the exterior of the caves only for a small fee. Still cameras and flash are permitted inside, but tripods are prohibited. Sunhats, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Morning at leisure

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Elephanta Island: Disembark early and drive to the Gateway of India and board launches to cross to Elephanta Island, named after a huge elephant statue that once stood near the shore. A climb will bring you to the impressive caves where you'll see remarkable bas-reliefs carved entirely from a single piece of stone and panels depicting the Hindu deity, Shiva, in symbolic guises.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of visits may vary.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Unexplored Mumbai:Stroll through an ancient temple complex where, in the narro streets, you will find the local barber, cobbler, blacksmith and residents of the area going about their daily life. Visit to the Bangenga, a sacred lake surrounded by 400 year old temples and modern skyscrapers. In the midst of the bustling city of Girguam is cocooned Khotachi wadi, the residential area belonging to the coastal community of Christians from Maharashtra and Goa who have preserved their heritage homes and culture. In the narrow streets are the picturesque houses built in typical Portuguese style with carved balconies and small gardens. Stop for tea at a local home and enjoy a chance to interact with the residents.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: After lunch you will have free time to explore the port on your own, or relax on board the ship.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Admittance to the temples may be denied to those wearing shorts/skirts above the knee and to those whose shoulders are uncovered. As the streets are extremely narrow in the city, coaches will park on the main road and you will have to walk to the temples and sites. Shoes must be removed before entering the temples and Kirti Mandir, so you may wish to bring a pair of socks. There are steep narrow flights of steps to climb in order to reach the different levels of Kirti Mandir.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Porbandar City Tour: Experience the "Real India" and discover Kirti Mandir, the birthplace and family home of Mahatma Gandhi. You will also visit Sudama Mandir - a temple dedicated to Sudama, friend of Lord Krishna, with idols said to date back 5,000 years. Between Kirti Mandir and Sudama Mandir enjoy a local tuk tuk ride and enjoy street life. There will also be the opportunity to see the local street market. Please note: There might be a wait for the tuk tuk ride. The ride lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Free time to explore the port or relax on board the ship.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your Study Leader for an exclusive Road Scholar lecture on the societal facets of Indian culture, such as the caste system, arranged marriages and the sacred cow.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you cruise the Arabian Sea.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Lecture: Political trends in India from 1945 till date: Transfer of power (Independence), Partition, royal families, political parties, current situation.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you cruise the Arabian sea towards the United Arab Emirates.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Free time to explore the port on your own, or relax on board the ship

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Fujairah Heritage: With the Hajar Mountains providing a backdrop explore the main cultural sights of the only emirate on the Arabian Sea. Drive to the Old Quarter, with it's medieval fort, and visit the Fujairah Museum housing archeological finds from the region as well as collections of traditional costumes and tribal artifacts. Continue to the Heritage Village, a recreation of a traditional village where you can see typical dwellings and discover how the palm was essential to daily life. Continuing south, make a short stop to Khor Kalba, a large mangrove swamp and important conservation area. You will also visit 19th century Bait Al Sheikh Saeed, the private residence of the ruler's representative.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Photography is not permitted at the museum, nor during the drive through the embassy area. There is a 200-300m walk to view the Sultan's Palace and also to the entrance of the Grand Mosque. Ladies will be required to cover their heads (including their hair) to visit the mosque and must also cover their arms (to the wrists) and legs (to their ankles). Men will not be permitted to wear shorts for the mosque visit. Dress codes are strictly enforced. You will need to remove your shoes

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Muscat City Discovery: Muscat has been described as a port unlike any other in the Arab world, enchanting visitors with its distinctive trading areas and beautiful Corniche, set against a mountainous backdrop. Enjoy visiting the Al Alam Palace area of Muscat, viewing Sultan Qaboos' official residence, a striking example of modern Arabic architecture, and the famous medieval Portuguese twin forts. Also enjoy a visit to the Grand Mosque built by the Sultan as a gift to the nation. The main prayer hall has exquisite, rich decoration whilst the floor is covered by a magnificent Persian carpet, said to be the largest in the world. You will also visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a private collection showcasing excellent artifacts from Omani heritage including jewelry, weapons, traditional clothing and manuscripts. The coach will drop you off at the Fortress Tower and Twin Forts, Mirani and Al Jalali. From here enjoy a walk through the grounds of the Sultan's Palace before returning to Minerva.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Your afternoon is free to explore on your own or relax on board the ship.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minvera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home. Flights depart early in the A.M.