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.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

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.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

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 Minerva

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 Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: There are no toilets on the boats (you will be on board for approximate 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 Minerva

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 Minerva

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 Minerva

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 Minerva

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

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

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 Minerva

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 sail the Arabian Sea.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

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 Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: 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.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Notes: 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: Relax on board the ship or continue to explore Muscat on your own (if time allows)

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Free time in Muscat to explore the city on your own, or join one of the ship's excursions. Transfers between the ship and Mutrah Souk will be provided for those who wish to explore independently. This morning your Indian group leader will disembark.

Morning: Free day to explore Muscat on your own.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Continue exploring the city on your own. This afternoon, participants joining the program for the second half will embark the ship with your Egyptian study leader, who will lead the second half of the program from Muscat to Jordan.

Afternoon: Continue exploring Muscat on your own.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Admittance to the Fort may be denied to those wearing shorts (either sex) and to those whose shoulders are uncovered. Toilet facilities at the fort are limited and basic . There are 135 steps in the fort complex. This tour will operate subject to a special opening of the fort.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Nakhl Fort: Drive to Nakhl, the headquarters of the ancient Yaruba tribe - a small group directly descended from the early Arab immigrants from Yemen - and discover the restored massive ochre fort set high on a rocky outcrop in the center of the village, overlooking extensive date plantations.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Your after noon is free to continue to explore the port, or relax on board the ship.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a morning lecture.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on on board the ship as you sail the Arabian sea.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Admittance to Job's Tomb may be denied to those who are wearing shorts (either sex) and to those whose shoulders are uncovered, ladies may also be required to cover their heads. As all visitors are required to remove their shoes when walking around the outside of the tomb you may wish to bring a pair of socks. Basic toilets are available at Al Balid and Job's Tomb.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Free time on board as you sail towards Salalah, Oman.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Continue sailing towards Salalah.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Admittance to Job's Tomb may be denied to those who are wearing shorts (either sex) and to those whose shoulders are uncovered, ladies may also be required to cover their heads. As all visitors are required to remove their shoes when walking around the outside of the tomb you may wish to bring a pair of socks. Basic toilets are available at Al Balid and Job's Tomb.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Sights of Salalah: Explore western Dhofar combining scenic drives and visits to the main sites around Salalah. Visit Job's Tomb, a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims, Christians and Jews. This simple tomb is housed in a small domed building on Jebel Izzin. Enjoy the panoramic views over the striking Qata Mountains and Jubriah plain. Closer to Salalah, a visit to the Al Balid Archeological Museum will give an insight to the once thriving frankincense trade and the opportunity to view some of the frankincense trees that give rise to this prosperous trade.

Lunch: On board the ship

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

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a morning lecture

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you sail the Arabian sea.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a morning lecture.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you sail the Arabian sea.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a morning lecture.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you sail towards Massawa, Eritrea.

Dinner: On board the ship

Evening: Ship arrives in Massawa late this evening

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Tourism is in its very early stages in Massawa. You will witness the economic and structural problems of the town with many buildings in need of repair. Tourist infrastructure is in its very early stages - transport and the level of guiding are not geared toward western expectations. Nevertheless we hope that you will enjoy this unique opportunity to gain an authentic and revealing insight into the life in this region of the Red Sea.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Massawa City Discovery: Discover the Eritrean port town of Massawa, strategically located on the shores of the Red Sea and the largest deep water port on the Red Sea. The town has, for centuries, attracted the attention of traders and empires, the architecture reflecting periods of Arabic settlement, Ottoman rule, Italian colonisation, and Ethiopian rule prior to Independence. Massawa has suffered greatly from earthquakes and further damage was inflicted during fierce fighting in World War II and, more recently, the long Eritrean War of Independence which ended in 1991. The field trip will include a sightseeing drive through the old town near the port where you will see the Arab influence of coral buildings and ornate, decorative doorways. Located on a series of islands, you will also visit Taulud Island where more western and Ottoman architecture can be viewed. Here the main sights are the Old Railway Station, St. Mariam Cathedral, the 1920 Banco d'Italia as well as the formerly magnificent Imperial Palace and the impressive Tank Monument commemorating the end of the War of Independence. You will visit the Regional Museum with exhibits on the Red Sea, Archaeology as well as the Colonial era and Eritrean life. There will also be the opportunity to visit a salt factory.

Lunch: On board the ship

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

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a morning lecture.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you sail the Red Sea

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Join your study leader for a morning lecture.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship as you sail towards Safaga, Egypt

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Photography is not permitted in the tombs. Sunglasses, sunhats and sunscreen are strongly recommended. This excursion is scheduled to depart at approximately 6:30 am.

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Valley of the Kings: Drive across the desert to Luxor for your first visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, and view its stunning columns. Continue for lunch before crossing to the west bank of the Nile to visit the dramatic Valley of the Kings, where you can visit three tombs independently. You will also enjoy a short visit to the Ramesseum and a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon. NOTE: All coaches traveling to/from Luxor are required to travel in convoy with a police escort. The convoy may be stopped at checkpoints enroute and these stops may vary in length. As guiding is not permitted in the tombs, guides will giveyou explanations outside and you will visit the tombs independently. Entry to the Tomb of Tutankhamun costs approximately $20 USD per person. This charge is not included in this excursion and is payable locally if you wish to visit the tomb independently.

Lunch: Lunch will be served at a hotel on the east bank.

Afternoon: Return through the desert to Safaga.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Desert Drive: Undertaken in 4WD vehicles, this exciting excursion reveals views of the southern Sinai desert, the Straits of Tiran and the coast of Saudi Arabia. An hour’s drive will bring you to the Nabak National Park where you can see the mangrove forest – the most northerly in the world – and enjoy a short visit to the National Park Visitor Centre. Continue your desert drive, enjoying dramatic views of the desert’s mountains and wadis; a stop will also be made to sample traditional tea and bread in a Bedouin camp.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Glass Bottomed Boat Trip: Dirve to a local hotel to join your glass bottomed boat from which you can discover the fantastic reefs and exotic marine life that flourish in the clear waters of the red sea. Notes: You will need to walk across the beach, and along a floating jetty (which is wobbly - no handrail) to jion the glass-bottomed boats. The boat trip will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Wadi Rum: Drive into the heart of Jordan to see extraordinarily shaped mountains rising out of the rose-red desert. There’ll be a photo stop en route at the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – a dramatic formation of hills – before driving into the Wadi to see the Nabataean rock carvings and Lawrence’s Well. Later you can enjoy refreshments at a Bedouin camp before returning to Aqaba.

Lunch: On board the ship

Afternoon: Relax on board the ship, or explore the port on your own. The ship will be in port overnight.

Dinner: On board the ship

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board the ship

Morning: Disembark the ship for flights returning to North America. If you are continuing on to the Petra extension, you will transfer by coach to Petra.

Meals Included: Breakfast