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Road Scholar World Academy 2014: Eastern Odyssey

Program Number: 21079RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/1/2014 - 3/22/2014;
Duration: 80 nights
Location: Malaysia/Singapore/Vietnam/China/Taiwan/South Korea/Japan/Philippines/Brunei/Cambodia/Thailand/India/Sri Lanka
Price starting at: $19,996.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 227; 77 Breakfasts, 72 Lunches, 78 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In Jules Verne’s classic novel “Around the World in Eighty Days,” Phileas Fogg attempts to circumnavigate the globe on a fantastic journey that brings him to exotic lands like India, Hong Kong, China and Japan. Explore these intriguing countries — and many more — on your own great adventure: Road Scholar World Academy 2014. Experience the meeting of tradition and modernity and the juxtaposition of natural tranquility with future-facing human societies on this once-in-a-lifetime Asian odyssey.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day. Uneven terrain and stone stairs without railings will be common. Conditions can be hot and humid in some parts of the itinerary while cold in other parts.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Aboard Voyager, 11 nights; Hanoi (Vietnam), 1 night; aboard Voyager, 45 nights; Phnom Penh (Cambodia), 1 night; Siem Reap, 2 nights; Bangkok (Thailand), 1 night; aboard Voyager, 17 nights.



Days 1-2: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. / cross International Date Line


Days 3-4: Arrival Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur / embark Voyager:

Begin your voyage in the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. Visit the National Mosque, share a homemade lunch with a Malay family then take in amazing views of the skyline from the Petronas Tower observation deck.



Days 5-17: Singapore / Vietnam—Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay:

Sail down the coast of the Malay Peninsula to the city-state of Singapore, where your shore excursion includes the excellent Asian Civilisations Museum. Continue across the South China Sea to Vietnam. Discover Ho Chi Minh City, chat with university students and enjoy a day to explore independently. Journey to the Mekong Delta to find traditional villages and a floating market. Visit a Nha Trang family’s countryside home and fruit orchard. Experience Hoi An’s ancient port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Hue, the imperial seat of the Nguyen dynasty. Fly to Hanoi, the bustling capital, to discover Ho Chi Minh’s home and mausoleum and the National Fine Arts Museum. Transfer to a traditional sailing vessel to navigate among the wondrous limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. This portion of the voyage includes four days at sea. Lodging: Four-star Hanoi hotel.



Days 18-29: Hong Kong / Taiwan—Taipei City / China—Shanghai / South Korea—Seoul, Mokpo, Pusan:

Follow China’s southern coast to Hong Kong, once a British colony, now a special administrative region of China. Learn about this city’s unique origins, view the spectacular skyline from atop Victoria Peak and spend a free day exploring on your own. Continue to Taiwan, where a field trip brings you to Taipei City landmarks including the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine. Sail farther up the coast to Shanghai, where you walk in the classically beautiful Yu Garden and visit an after-school center for children. Cross the Yellow Sea to South Korea to experience Seoul’s urban mix of historic and modern, Mokpo’s outdoor sculpture park, the National Maritime Museum and Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “museum without walls” due to its many historic temples. This portion of the voyage includes three days at sea. This portion of the voyage includes three days at sea.



Days 30-44: Japan—Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Naha, Ishigaki:

Spend the next two weeks exploring the beauty and complexity of Japan. Walk among the 6,000 Asian plum trees of the Dazaifu Tenman-gu shrine on the island of Kyushu. See the vibrancy of modern Hiroshima and journey to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture to Kyoto, once the imperial capital, to visit the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle. Experience Tokyo in-depth during three days in the capital, including one free day to explore on your own. At the Toyota Museum in Nagoya glimpse the company’s technologies of the future. Learn about the active Sakura Island stratovolcano. Meet with a survivor of the atomic bomb attack in Nagasaki. On lovely Okinawa Island, discover the palace and gardens of the independent Ryukyu royal family. This portion of the voyage includes two days at sea.



Days 45-57: Taiwan—Hualien, Kaohsiung / The Philippines—Manila, Cebu / Borneo—Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei):

Sail south to Taiwan to marvel at the spectacular gorges of Taroko National Park and learn about the lives of Buddhist monks at the Fo Guang Shan monastery. Continue south to Manila, capital of the Philippines, where you explore the old walled Spanish city, learn about the World War II history of Corregidor and enjoy an independent day. Voyage to Borneo, a large island split among three countries. Take a field trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where once-captive apes are prepared to return to the wild. Discover the East Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu and view tribal artifacts at the Sabah Museum. Learn about the small, wealthy nation of Brunei and visit the magnificent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. This portion of the voyage includes four days at sea.



Days 58-70: Cambodia—Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap / Thailand—Bangkok, Phuket / Singapore / Malaysia—Port Kelang, Langkawi:

A northwesterly course brings the ship into the Gulf of Thailand. Disembark for four nights ashore in Cambodia and Thailand. Learn about Cambodia’s turbulent history and recovery after the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Fly to Siem Reap to explore the amazing temples of Angkor Wat. Next fly to Bangkok to discover the Grand Palace and ride through the “klongs” (canals) on a traditional long-tail boat. Meet up with the ship and sail down the coast to Singapore, where you learn about the unique culture of the Peranakan people. Begin your passage through the Strait of Malacca, going ashore to discover the spectacular Hindu shrines of Batu Caves. On the island of Langkawi, take an exciting cable car ride to a mountaintop. Enjoy an independent day on the Thai island of Phuket. This portion of the voyage includes four days at sea. Lodging: Phnom Penh: Four-star hotel in upscale neighborhood. Siem Reap: Stylish four-star hotel. Bangkok: Luxurious boutique hotel.



Days 71-79: India—Andaman Islands, Kochi, Goa / Sri Lanka—Colombo:

Navigate among the exotic Andaman Islands of India, going ashore in historic Port Blair, a former penal colony. A westward course takes you across the Bay of Bengal to Sri Lanka. On an expert-led field trip, walk through the colorful bazaars of Colombo’s Pettah neighborhood and visit Independence Hall. Sail to the Indian mainland and explore the Arabian Sea port of Kochi with its iconic Chinese fishing nets. Continue up the coast to Goa to discover Idalcao Palace, built for a 17th century sultan, and impressive Portuguese colonial mansions. This portion of the voyage includes five days at sea.



Days 80-81: India—Mumbai / disembark / overnight flight to the U.S.A.:

Complete your voyage in energetic Mumbai. See the Gateway of India, step into Mahatma Gandhi’s Mumbai headquarters and visit the beautiful Prince of Wales Museum. Board your return flight in the early morning and arrive home the next day.



Voyager

Sail aboard the 540-guest Voyager, Voyages of Discovery’s newest flagship.. Newly upgraded in 2012, Voyager boasts all the amenities and facilities of a large ocean liner while offering the convenience, flexibility, and intimate ambience of a small ship. It features spacious public areas, comfortable staterooms and balcony suites, a choice of open seating restaurants and al fresco dining, a variety of lounges and bars including the elegant Scott’s Lounge, a library and internet center, a swimming pool, two whirlpools, a beauty center and a gym. Voyager is your home at sea and you will be welcomed back warmly each time you return to the ship.
Meals and Lodgings
   MV Voyager
  Aboard the MV Voyager, USA 11 nights
   Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel
  Hanoi, Vietnam 1 night
   MV Voyager
  Aboard the MV Voyager, USA 45 nights
   Sunway Hotel
  Phnom Penh, Cambodia 1 night
   Tara Angkor Hotel
  Siem Reap, Cambodia 2 nights
   Majestic Grande Hotel
  Bangkok, Thailand, Thailand 1 night
   MV Voyager
  Aboard the MV Voyager, USA 16 nights
 MV Voyager
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Voyager, built by Spanish yard Union Navale le LeVante, is a spacious and well-appointed vessel offering 278 cabins, 86% of which are outside, 35 suites, 30 of which have balconies, open seating dining in three restaurants and the personal service and comfort levels that have been the hallmark of our cruises since 2003. Carrying just 550 passengers, Voyager has all the amenities and facilities of a larger liner while offering the convenience and flexibility of a small ship. She is able to visit and berth alongside where others have to pass by, yet is able to traverse the world's oceans with ease. On board, passengers will be able to relax in the comfortable public lounges, enjoy a drink in atmospheric Harry's Bar, in the sunshine on deck, at the Lido Bar. Alternatively, read a book in the well-stocked library.
  Ship Information: Owner / Operator: All Leisure Group Year Built: 1990 Builder: Union Navale de LeVante, Spain Former Names: Crown Monarch, Walrus, Jules Verne, Alexander von Humboldt Gross Tonnage: 15,271 Length: 152.5 meters (500.2 ft) Beam: 20.6 meters (67.6 ft) Passengers: 550 Crew: 215 Service Speed: 18.0 knots
  Contact info: Voyages of Discovery - North America
1800 S E 10th Avenue, Suite 205
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA
phone: 866-623-2689
web: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
  Facility amenities: Three restaurants with option for open dining Al-fresco dining (Veranda) Third restaurant within Discovery Restaurant (Explorer Grill) Two lounges - Atlantic Lounge and Vista Lounge Four bars (Vista Lounge, Harry's Bar, Pacific Lounge, Lido Bar) Card/Function room Medical Centre Internet Centre Two Shops Swimming pool Two whirlpools Beauty Centre Gym
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located opposite Hanoi Central Railway Station, Mercure Hanoi La Gare is an inviting oasis in the heart of the bustling city centre. Situated close to the Old Quarter, commercial precinct and ICE Exhibition Center, this Hanoi hotel features modern design and facilities, plus 102 spacious rooms, a French brasserie, internal courtyard and gym. Ideal for business and leisure guests, Mercure Hanoi La Gare offers easy access to Hanoi attractions including the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
  Contact info: 94 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem Dist,
Hanoi,   Vietnam
phone: +84439447766
web: www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-7049-mercure-hanoi-la-gare/index.shtml
  Facility amenities: Restaurant : 1 Bar : 1 WiFi Internet access (paying) Room(s) : 102 Non-smoking rooms : 51 Reduced mobility rooms : 1 Number of free children in parent's room : 2 Fitness centre
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: usual bath configuration
  Elevators available: Yes

 Sunway Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located next to Mount Phnom and across the street from the new U.S. Embassy, the hotel is within walking distance of all of Phnom Penh’s attractions and shops.
  Contact info: #1, Street 92, Sangkat Wat Phnom
P.O. Box 633
Phnom Penh,  12202 Cambodia
phone: +855 23 430 333
web: www.sunway.com.kh
  Room amenities: Hair dryer, air-conditioning and safety-deposit box.
  Facility amenities: Lounge, restaurant and sundeck.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Tara Angkor Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Tara Angkor is equipped with modern amenities and elegantly furnished to make your stay luxurious and enjoyable. With exceptionally warm hospitality and traditional Cambodian sincerity and kindness your stay will be something not to be forgotten.
  Contact info: Vithei Charles de Gaulle
Siem Reap,   Cambodia
phone: (+855) 63 966 661
web: www.taraangkorhotel.com/facility.php
  Facility amenities: The Tara Angkor Hotel's stylish 4 star property has cemented its status as one of the jewels in Siem Reap’s accommodation sector. Our facilities include 213 magnificent rooms and suites, two restaurants, a lobby bar, and a swimming pool with jacuzzi, fitness center and sauna.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Majestic Grande Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Majestic Grande combines contemporary décor and state-of-the-art technology with a warmth of hospitality which is uniquely Thai.
  Contact info: 12 Sukhumvit Soi 2
Bangkok,   Thailand
phone: + 66 2 262 2999
web: www.majesticgrande.com
  Room amenities: High speed wireless internet access, satellite TV, in room safe that is large enough to hold a laptop computer, phone, hairdryer, DVD Player and stereo, full bathroom amenities with shaving mirror, tea/coffeemaking facilities, minibar, refrigerator, 220 V electricity.
  Facility amenities: Laundry and dry cleaning service, outdoor swimming pool, 24 hour room service, concierge, business center, restaurant, coffee shop, bar, fitness center, sauna and jacuzzi.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Day 3 at 5pm at orientation on board the mv Voyager in Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia. Embarkation begins at 3pm. You will be staying at MV Voyager that night.
  End of Program:
Day 81 in the very early morning (12am-6am) disembark the mv Voyager in Mumbai. Flights out of Mumbai usually depart midnight or later. Disembarkation time is 9am for those with later flights. You will be staying at MV Voyager the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **IMPORTANT: REGISTERING FOR YOUR CRUISE ONLINE** Voyages of Discovery requires all guests to provide full passport details, including address and telephone number. They also require next of kin contact information in case of an emergency. This information must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure. Passengers must visit the website at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com - click on "Already Booked" then "Required Passenger Information" to enter your details. Furnished data will be provided to foreign government immigration officials and is required for on-board administration. PLEASE NOTE: Your cruise documents will not be issued prior to your online registration, and embarkation onto the ship may be denied. If you need assistance registering online, please contact our program department at 1.866.359.5966 and someone will assist you.
  Parking availability:
Driving is not recommended for this program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Aboard the MV Voyager
  Transportation to site: The MV Voyager will be docked in Port Kelang which is about an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. There will be a group transfer to the port in the early afternoon. The group flight is currently scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 12:00 noon. The group flight time is subject to change. Program-only participants who would like to take the group transfer should try to book a flight for the morning of the arrival day to arrive in time for the transfer. Final transfer details will be released in the final information packet.
  From End of Program
  Location: Aboard the MV Voyager
  Transportation from site: The MV Voyager will be docked at the Mumbai port. The group flight is currently scheduled to depart early in the morning of March 22nd and there will be a group transfer that corresponds to the group flight. Most flights leaving Mumbai depart in the early morning. Participants on the extension, will disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the group flight to Jaipur.
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart for overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(Wednesday, January 1)
   
 Depart From: Depart from home for overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Day 2: En-route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(Thursday, January 2)
   
 In Transit: Cross International dateline as you fly to Asia.

Day 3: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Transfer to board the mv Voyager
(Friday, January 3)

Note: Transfer time is approximately 1 hour.
   
 Arrive To: Arrive to Kuala Lumpur and transfer to board the MV Voyager.
 Afternoon: In the late afternoon, once on board the ship, join your group leader for your program orientation. Your group leader will be with you for the full program.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 4: Kuala Lumpur Discovery
(Saturday, January 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Visit the National Mosque, or the Masjid Negara, the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Pass the Moorish-styled Federal Court, the old Railway station which is a striking piece of Mohammedan architecture, the Tudor-styled Cricket Club and the King’s Palace. Visit the Thean Hou Temple situated in Robson Heights, which is the home to patron Goddess Thean Hou of the Hainanese community. This striking six-tiered temple is regarded as one of the biggest Chinese temples in South East Asia.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch with a Malay family at their home.
 Afternoon: Continue to the Kuala Lumpur Petronas Tower and get a bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Singapore Highlights / Asian Civilization Museum / free time
(Sunday, January 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Depart for a morning discovery of Singapore. Explore the Asian Civilization Museum which will be a great introduction to Asian history and culture. Continue on a cruise on the Singapore River to gain an overview of Singapore. End the discovery at a Chinese clan house temple. Then transfer back to the ship for lunch or chose from a selection of restaurant in Singapore.
 Lunch: Lunch on board or on your own in town.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon on your own to explore Singapore. Singapore is a great place for free time. There are several ethnic neighborhoods to explore. Suggestions will be given to you.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: At Sea / Presentation
(Monday, January 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #1: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the ships amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: At Sea / Presentation
(Tuesday, January 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #2: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the ships amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Tea with students / Ho Chi Minh City Discovery
(Wednesday, January 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #3: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Lunch: Enjoy tea with university students. Then enjoy a traditional Pho Lunch, noodle soup with vegetables and meat if desired.
 Afternoon: Discovery Ho Chi Minh City, with a visit to the History Museum, then the FITO Museum, Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum, that displays an amazing collection of 3,000 items relevant to the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine (which dates as far back as the Stone Age).
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta
(Thursday, January 9)

Note: You will be required to get in and out of small boats.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Discover the Mekong delta with a visit to the colorful Cai Be floating market. Proceed to evergreen islands among the Mekong River through a large network of meandering tributaries, crisscrossed with countless arroyos. Walk along the concrete path along the river through a local village and fruit gardens before coming to a preserved ‘Mandarin’ house. Built centuries ago, at least four generations of the same family have lived here.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a family's home.
 Afternoon: Take a stroll through the family’s fruit orchard before continuing to Tan Phong Island where you will take a local rowing boat through the canals before returning to Cai Be. Return to Saigon late this afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Free day in Ho Chi Minh City
(Friday, January 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Today is a free day in Ho Chi Minh City for you to explore on your own. Chose from an array of shore excursion from the ships' options, or chose to explore Ho Chi Minh on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on board or on your own.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #4: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: At Sea / Presentation
(Saturday, January 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #5: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Nha Trang / Home visit / Cham Temples / Free afternoon
(Sunday, January 12)

Note: Cham Temple has stairs without railings. It is an ancient ruin,
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the countryside of Nha Trang with a visit to a family’s home. Share tea and fruit with the family in their orchard. Interact with local elementary students. Then return to Nha Trang town and explore the Ponaga temple which was built in 8th century and the Xombong bridge for a photo stop.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore on your own. Nha Trang is a great little town to walk around. Visit the local market, take a walk on the beach or learn about silk embroidery.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Da Nang, Vietnam / Hoi An
(Monday, January 13)

Note: Transfer to Hoi An is 45 minutes one way. This will be a walking excursion in Hoi An. You will dinner at the Lido deck tonight.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #6: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Explore Hoi An, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Join a guided walk through the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship. Tonight's dinner will be on the Lido Deck because you will be arriving later.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Da Nang / Drive to Hue / Hue Exploration / fly to Hanoi
(Tuesday, January 14)

Note: Today will be a long day. Transfer from Da Nang to Hue is about 3.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning transfer to Hue via Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical boundary between north and south. Hue was once an outpost of the Hinduized Cham Empire, the area around Hue was conquered in the 14th century by the Viets from the north. In 1687 the Viets made Hue their capital, and continued their expansion into Cham territory. It remained the capital under the Nguyen dynasty, which had thirteen emperors, the last of whom ruled until 1945. Hue is still the intellectual capital of Vietnam with 12 schools of higher learning. It maintained its cultural identity while other cities were accumulating foreign influences. The Nguyen dynasty left an Imperial city of citadels, palaces, tombs and temples set in the peaceful countryside bordering the Perfume River. Hue today has regained its royal demeanor and is a calm, peaceful and relaxed place to visit. The remaining French colonial garden houses and villas, quiet streets, riverbanks, and outlying tombs and pagodas that escaped damage - all give Hue a unique atmosphere of tranquility.
 Lunch: Lunch in town.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Continue on a cyclo ride from ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Then transfer to the airport for flights to Hanoi.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Mercure hotel in Hanoi.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Hanoi Discovery / Transfer to board ship
(Wednesday, January 15)

Note: Transfer time from Hanoi to the ship is approximately 2.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Explore Ba Dinh square, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex is One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to on of Hanoi's many exciting new museums to learn more about this rich culture.
 Lunch: Enjoy a lunch on your own to explore local flavors.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore the old quarters of Hanoi before transferring back to the ship in Haiphong.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Haiphong / Day Cruise on Halong Bay
(Thursday, January 16)

Note: Transfer time to Halong Bay is 1.5 hours each way.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Coach to Halong Bay and board a Vietnamese Junk for a day cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, among the 3,000 spectacular limestone islands.
 Lunch: Lunch on board your Junk.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, return to Haiphong port to embark the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: At Sea / Presentation
(Friday, January 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Presentation #7: Pre-colonial culture and history.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Hong Kong / Kowloon / Hollywood Road / Victoria Peak
(Saturday, January 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Ride the historic Star Ferry across the harbor to Central District. Even after 100 years, the ferry remains an important commuter link from Kowloon to Hong Kong island. The eight-minute crossing provides spectacular 360 degree views of Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor. Famous for its antique and curio shops as well as contemporary art galleries, this area is a favorite for collectors or simply those who want to browse and imbibe a feeling of 'old Hong Kong'. At the end of Hollywood Road, Man Mo Temple is one of Hong Kong's oldest and most active.
 Lunch: Enjoy a lunch of dim sum – a Cantonese/Hong Kong ‘tea meal’ favorite. These dishes include a selection of fried and steamed dumplings, as well as various other savory items. The term for this Chinese style of eating translates as "Heart's Delight." Originally dim sum referred to the Cantonese practice of serving small dishes in teahouses.
 Afternoon: Drive to the base of Victoria Peak and take the funicular up the highest mountain on the island, where spectacular views stretch over the city’s most valued real estate, to the harbor beyond.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Hong Kong / Free Morning / History Museum / Lei Yue Mun
(Sunday, January 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Free morning on your own to relax or explore Hong Kong on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: At the dynamic Hong Kong History Museum, learn about the unique origins of this beautiful city – from the history of its original inhabitants and colonial past to its present-day status as a distinctively international port and financial center.
 Dinner: Once a small fishing village, Lei Yue Mun overlooks the eastern gate of Victoria Harbor and is enjoyed by locals as a place to relax by the harbor and enjoy special seafood dishes along with Cantonese non-seafood favorites.
 Evening: Return to the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Free Day in Hong Kong
(Monday, January 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Take this time to explore Hong Kong on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue your own exploration of Hong Kong.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship. Ship cruises this evening.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: At Sea / Presentation
(Tuesday, January 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #1: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #2: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Keelung, Taiwan / Taipei
(Wednesday, January 22)

Note: 1 hrs transfer
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Begin your exploration of Taipei with a visit to the National Palace Museum, with its antique collection amounts to nearly 700,000 pieces whose age range covers almost the entire five-thousand-old Chinese history, has made itself the greatest and priceless treasure house regarding Chinese art on earth. Among the collection, you may enjoy Chinese earthen ware like pottery, porcelain, as well as bronze, jade ware, sculpture, embroidery, calligraphy and paintings, each piece is a true curio. Continue to Martyrs’ Shrine on the slopes of the Chingshan Mountain and overseeing the Keelung River. It was built in 1969 and covers a large area. Its grand and magnificent architectural style is similar to that of the Taihe Dian Imperial Palace in Beijing, Mainland China, and symbolizes the martyrs' brave spirit. More than 8 acres of grass fields surround the structure, and protected by the neighboring mountains it breathes a serene atmosphere which even more emphasizes its solemn and stately character. The 330,000 men who sacrificed their lives to the revolution before the establishment of the Republic of China and who fell during the Sino-Japanese war and the Chinese Civil war are worshipped here. Plates of these brave and loyal martyrs have been inserted into the four walls of the main building in testimony of their heroic deeds.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: After lunch, continue exploring with a visit to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, now a landmark of Taipei City. World famous musicians (such as the great cello performer Yo Yo Ma and the great violinist Shao Lian Lin) and renowned playgroups have conducted performance here. The place is enriched with the beauty of traditional Chinese gardens. The place provides a precious plain view among the tall buildings of Taipei. Then continue to Taipei 101 for a chance to photograph this iconic landmark.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: At Sea / Presentation
(Thursday, January 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #3: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #4: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: Shanghai, China / Yu Garden / Children's Palace
(Friday, January 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore Shanghai's historic old section and the nearby Yu Garden, whose classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping.
 Lunch: Savor a delicious vegetarian meal, supervised by monks at the active Longhua Temple. This imaginative and healthy Buddhist cuisine often uses plants, vegetables, mushrooms and tofu to simulate meat and seafood dishes.
 Afternoon: Known as 'Children's Palaces', after-school centers have been established in cities all over China for the children of working parents. Children study the performing and visual arts, natural sciences, and computers. Observe young children involved in these various activities in one of Shanghai's centers.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25: Shanghai Museum / Bund
(Saturday, January 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Coach to the state-of-the-art Shanghai Museum, completed in 1996 on People’s Square, previously the site of Shanghai’s colonial horse-racing course. English language audio guides are provided, allowing you to explore China’s unparalleled collection of painting, bronzes, ceramics and sculpture at your own pace and according to your own interests.
 Lunch: Coach to Shanghai’s Xin Tian Di (‘new heaven earth’) district – a restoration project that has set a benchmark for Asia. Walk about this fashionable area; take lunch on your own in one of its many cafes or international cuisine restaurants.
 Afternoon: Strolling on the Bund, Shanghai's Huangpu River promenade, view the busy river activity and the iconic art deco and neo-classic buildings dating from the time of 'foreign concessions' in Shanghai. View, across the river, new Shanghai -- until recently undeveloped farmland and now a forest of glittering skyscrapers.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 26: At Sea / Presentations
(Sunday, January 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #5: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #6: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27: Incheon, South Korea / Coach to Seoul
(Monday, January 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Spend the day exploring Seoul. Depart for Gyeongbok Palace and the Folklore Museum. Built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, it is the most comprehensive and grandest of the 5 palaces of the period. Inside the Paces is the Folklore Museum, a showcase of the lifestyle of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon dynasty, displaying items of everyday use, funerary objects and major works of arts and replicas. Take a stroll on Isadong Street towards your lunch venue. Isadong Street located in the middle of the city, and is known as a traditional street to both locals and foreigners and represents the culture of the past and the present. It contains a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere and is a unique area of Seoul that truly represents the cultural history of the nation.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore Seoul on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28: Mokpo, South Korea
(Tuesday, January 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #7: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Explore Mokpo with visits to Mt Yudal and Nojeokbong. At the top of Mt Yudal, you will get a view of Mokpo city. Continue to visit Sculpture Park, the first outdoor sculpture exhibition in Korea located under the Ideungbawui (the rock) on Mt Yudal. The Sculpture Park has over 104 pieces of sculptures worked by 44 members of the Korean Sculpture Association are exhibited on 13 thousamd pyeong wide round. Continue to the National Marine Museum, which recover relics that were lost underwater hundreds of years ago. The exhibits are organized into 4 different themes. There is also a full-sized display of a Korean Traditional ships on the waterfront outside the museum.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29: Pusan, South Korea / Gyeongju
(Wednesday, January 29)

Note: Drive time is approximately 1 hour one way.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Depart for Gyeongju, the Museum Without Walls, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom that blossomed into a major cultural center after the Silla Dynasty that unified the Korean peninsula in AD 676. Today, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovery of the city will reveal spectacular architectural points of interests, as well as extraordinary museums and ornate temples. In Tumuli Park there are numerous burial mounds, as well as 23 of the more than 200 royal tombs found in Gyeongju. The Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb) was excavated in 1974 and yielded more than 10,000 treasures. At the National Museum, much of the Shilla heritage is on display, including artifacts such as magnificent gold crowns, and ancient pottery, Buddhist treasures and stone sculptures. A special attraction is the legendary Emille Bell--one of Asia’s largest and most resonant bronze bells, weighing 23 tons.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continue explore this place then return to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30: Fukuoka, Japan / Dazaifu Temmangu Shrine / Kyushu National Museum
(Thursday, January 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning, explore Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to 9th century scholar Sugawara no Michizane. This shrine is surrounded by 6,000 plum trees and is a place where students often come to pray before school examinations. Continue to the Kyushu National Museum, one of the four national museums in Japan. During the Nara and Heian Periods, Dazaifu was the site of a government office that dealt with diplomatic relations with mainland Asia. The museum recognizes the history of its host city by basing its exhibits on the concept of "Understanding Japanese culture from an Asian point of view."
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Fukuoka on your own. Fukuoka is close to the port with many other sites of interest for you to discover.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 31: Hiroshima, Japan / Peace Park and Museum / Istsukushima Jingu Shrine
(Friday, January 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Hiroshima is a vibrant city that belies its recent and infamous past. Transfer from the port by coach to alight at the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum. Within the grounds of the Park is the Atom Bomb Dome, the old Industry Promotion Hall. The Hall was very close to the epicenter and its smashed walls and twisted metal frame vividly recalls the blast.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, take a ferry across to Miyajima Island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, and its famed "floating" torii gate.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32: Osaka, Japan / Kyoto Discovery
(Saturday, February 1)

Note: Transfer time to Kyoto is 1.5 hours one way.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Transfer to Kyoto by coach and explore some of the cultural icons of Kyoto, starting with the Golden Pavilion. Probably the most recognizable structure in Japan, this was built by 3rd Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimitsu as a lavish retirement villa. The Ashikaga Clan overthrew the Minamoto Shogunate in Kamakura in 1336 and returned the capital to Kyoto. Continue to Nijo-jo castle, the only Shogun residence still in existence, and a chance to learn about the daily life at the Shogun’s court.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a a lecture / demonstration of Noh theatre from one of its leading Western students. A stroll through the bustling Nishiki market follows.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship. Tonights dinner might be on the Lido deck.
 Evening: Ship overnights at Osaka Port.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 33: Osaka Discovery
(Sunday, February 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning’s excursion takes you to Osaka Castle, constructed under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and considered to be the strongest and most beautiful castle in Japan.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #8: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 34: Tokyo, Japan / City Discovery
(Monday, February 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 2, Presentation #9: Ancient Cultures in Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Journey to Ryogoku and the excellent Edo-Tokyo Museum for a guided visit. The museum describes well the built environment and life from the Edo period through to post-war Tokyo. Continue to Sensoki, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo. The main was hall was first built in 645 to house a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy that had been repeatedly hauled up in fishing nets despite being thrown back into the water.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 35: Tokyo, Japan / Mount Fuji
(Tuesday, February 4)

Note: This is a 3 hour transfers one way.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Coach to the based of Mount Fuji to see this icon of Japan. Perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, the mountain is a near-mythical national symbol immortalized in countless works of art, including Hokusai's 36 Views of Mt. Fuji. Stop at the Fuji Visitor Center, where informative audiovisual displays on the geology, ecology and cultural history of Mt. Fuji make an interesting diversion before our onward journey begins. On our return, we also make a brief visit to Sengen Shrine - gateway to the easiest and, not surprisingly, most popular route to the summit of Mt Fuji. The Shrine is an ornate structure dedicated to the deity of Fuji, and was traditionally a base for Oshi, proselytising mountain guides, who accompanied pilgrims on the mountain.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Return to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 36: Tokyo, Japan / Free day on your own to explore Tokyo
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Today is left free for you to explore the many facets of Tokyo. Join one of the ships shore excursion or go off on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Tokyo
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 37: Nagoya, Japan / Toyota Factory
(Thursday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning take a visit to the Toyota Kaikan Museum, where Toyota's new models and technologies are displayed to the public and robot shows are held periodically.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Toyota Kaikan museum.
 Afternoon: Return to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 38: At Sea / Presentation
(Friday, February 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #1: Natural History
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #2: Natural History
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 39: Kagoshima, Japan
(Saturday, February 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Discover Mt Sakurajima, an active volcano that rises above Kinko Bay facing Kagoshima, frequently spewing volcanic ash and smoke into the skies. Once known as Satsuma, Kagoshima was the home of one of the most powerful samurai clans, the Shimazu. We visit Sengan-en, the clan’s beautiful gardens and the Shoko Shuseikan Museum that displays 700s year of Shimazu family history. During our excursion we will also learn about some of the most powerful people that were born here including the heroic but fatally headstrong Saigo Takamori; Heihachiro who deafeated the Russian Baltic Fleet in 1904 and was nicknamed the Nelson of the East; and St. Francis Xavier who first brought Christianity to Japan.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Rest of the afternoon is on your own to explore Kagoshima.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 40: Nagasaki, Japan / Peace Memorial Park
(Sunday, February 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the Peace memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Hear first hand from a survivor. Continue to Glover Gardens home of an expatriate Scots businessman, Thomas Glover, living in Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji, modern state, period. The gardens, which provide great views over the sea inlet, now contain period houses of other foreign traders brought here from around Nagasaki.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore Nagaski on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 41: At Sea / Presentation
(Monday, February 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #3: Natural History.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #4: Natural History.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 42: Naha, Japan
(Tuesday, February 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Discover Shuri Castle – its construction strongly influenced by Chinese architecture. Continue on to Ryukyu Okoku-mura, for displays of local folk music and dance.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Journey to the Okinawan Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum which commemorates the loss of life during the largest campaign of the Asia-Pacific War. Despite the excellent displays, perhaps the most moving aspect of the Museum is reading the accounts of those who experienced the horrors of the conflict; many have been translated into English.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 43: Naha (Okinawa), Japan
(Wednesday, February 12)

Note: You will need to purchase your own shore excursion at your own cost.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Free morning on your own to explore Okinawa island. Join a ships shore excursion or take a walk on Kokusai dori street.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #6: Natural History
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 44: Ishigaka, Japan
(Thursday, February 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Take a short ferry ride to Taketomi-jima, a perfectly preserved traditional island villlage. Wander among the old-style houses and soak up the atmosphere of the Ryukyu kingdom before returning to Ishigaki.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Ishigaki city.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 45: Hualien, Taiwan / Taroko Gorge National Park
(Friday, February 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Visit Taroko National Park Information Center. Taroko Gorge is one of the seven wonders of Asia that no traveler should miss. You will be guided along a 12-mile stretch of highway built into awesome marble cliffs high above the rushing river. Your route will take you through 38 tunnels including the Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns and the marble bridge of Motherly Devotion.& Tien Hsiung. The waterfalls characterize Taroko National Park and the most famous ones are Baiyang Waterfall, Yindai Waterfall, Changchun Waterfall, and Lushui Waterfall. Swallow Grotto and Tunnel of Nine Turns are the most impressive natural scenes in Taroko and the canyons here are the narrowest.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Hualien town.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 46: Kaoshiung, Taiwan / Fokuangshan Buddhist Monastery
(Saturday, February 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Drive to Fokuangshan Buddist Monastery and explore the main shrine, Great Budda Land. Founded by Buddhist master Shingyun in 1967, Fokuangshan is the center of Buddhism in southern Taiwan. Long before you reach the main gate to the mountain complex, the giant statues of Buddha can be seen from far off in the distance. Exhibition halls display religious artifacts. The Buddha Memorial Center is affiliated with Fokuangshan and houses the Buddha’s tooth relic presented to Venerable Master Hsing Yun by the Tibetan Lama Kunga Dorje Rinpoche, who had kept the relic in his safekeeping for 30 years. The building comprises eight pagodas in the front, a big Buddha statue in the rear, the Vulture Peak in the South, and the Jetavana Grove in the North. Next, visit the Buddist Culture Museum which was established by Master Hsing Yun in January 1983 with the idea to "bring Buddhism to people through culture." The purpose is to help the general public to familiarize themselves with Buddhism through the exhibition of Buddhist sutras and ritual instruments, and to maintain Chinese history and culture.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Monastary.
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Fokuangshan Monastary before returning to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 47: At Sea / Presentation
(Sunday, February 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #6: Natural History.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 48: Manila, Philippines
(Monday, February 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 3, Presentation #7: Natural History.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Visit Rizal park and Intramuros (the old spanish walled city, with SanAugustin church, Manila cathedral, Fort Santiago and Rizal museum). Continue to Makati, a WW2 American cemetery, for a wreath laying ceremony.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 49: Manila, Philippines / Corregidor
(Tuesday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore Corregidor is known in the world for its role in war, bravery, and history; it's strategic location was vital in the defense of Manila during World War II. It was from Corregidor that General Douglas MacArthur left for Australia.
 Lunch: Lunch on Corregidor Island.
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Corregidor. Afterwards return to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 50: Manila, Philippines / Free day on your own
(Wednesday, February 19)

Note: Cost of shore excursions are not included on this day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Today is left for you to explore Manila on your own. Choose from one of the ship's shore excursion or explore Manila independently.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own or on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue your own independent exploration.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 51: At Sea / Presentation
(Thursday, February 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #1: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #2: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 52: Cebu, Philippines
(Friday, February 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore Cebu with visits to Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo, Sto Nino Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, Taoist Temple and the Heritage Monument.
 Lunch: Lunch on board or on shore.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon for you to explore Cebu on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 53: At Sea / Presentation
(Saturday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #3: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #4: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 54: Sandakan, Borneo Malaysia
(Sunday, February 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Center. The Center helps once captive orangutans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild with the hope that one day they may return to the forest. Witness the semi-wild orangutans return to the platform provided by the Center for milk and bananas during the process of returning to the forest. Walk along a jungle trail and observe the tropical lowland rainforest. Numerous wildlife may be seen.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Sandakan on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 55: At Sea / Presentation
(Monday, February 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #5: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 56: Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
(Tuesday, February 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore Kota Kinabalu, Capital of Sabah. Stop at Signal Hill to get a lay out of the city and Atkinson Clock Tower the only remaining colonial period structure not destroyed by the allied bombings. End your visit with a stop at the Sabah Museum to look at their large collection of Tribal artifacts.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore Kota Kinabalu on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 57: Muara (Bandar Seri Begawan), Brunei
(Wednesday, February 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning, discovery Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the largest in the Far East, and considered among the most beautiful in the world. It reaches a height of 52 meters and is topped with a gold dome supported by walls of Italian marble, which also forms the mosque’s columns, arches, and towers. Continue on to the Royal Regalia museum near the city centre, which has elaborate displays of gifts received by the Sultan. Then take a guided visit of the Brunei Museum on the Kota Batu road which has an excellent display in the Islamic Art Gallery.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time in the afternoon to explore Bandar Seri Begawan.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 58: At Sea / Presentation
(Thursday, February 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #6: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 59: At Sea / Presentation
(Friday, February 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 4, Presentation #7: Lands of the South China Sea: A Chronicle of History and Modern Times.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 60: Sihanoukville, Cambodia / disembark ship / Coach to Phnom Penh
(Saturday, March 1)

Note: Transfer time is about 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Join in a village welcome ceremony as you enter Cambodia. This traditional welcome ceremony is a great introduction to the Cambodia people and culture.
 Lunch: Lunch at the village.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the Killing Fields and learn about the recent tragedy that destroyed the fabric of life in Cambodia. Continue to Tuol Sleng the interrogation center and learn about the recent Khmer History, but at the same time, see how the people are moving beyond this tragedy.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in Phnom Penh.
   
Accommodations: Sunway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 61: Phnom Penh Discovery / Fly to Siem Reap / Explore Ta Phrom
(Sunday, March 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Known once as the “Paris of the East,” discover the charming capital city of Phnom Penh. First visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda and finish the morning at the National Museum. The National Museum in Phnom Penh is the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, displaying many important Angkorian artifacts and rare pieces from later periods.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Tara Angkor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 62: Siem Reap / Sunrise at Angkor Wat / Angkor Thom
(Monday, March 3)
   
 Breakfast: Depart for an early morning visit to Angkor Wat to experience the sun rising over this magnificent architectural structure. Then return to your hotel for breakfast.
 Morning: This morning, discover the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. Contineu to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Continue to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srey, which is best viewed in the warm morning light. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. View Angkor Wat at sun set when the temple is less visited and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Tara Angkor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 63: Siem Reap / Fly to Bangkok / Bangkok Discovery
(Tuesday, March 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: This morning, explore the highlights of the Small Circuit. Start your tour with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Remainder of the morrning free for you to explore Siem Reap or more of the temples before your flight to Bangkok.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and transfer to your hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant that overlooks Wat Arun.
   
Accommodations: Majestic Grande Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 64: Bangkok / Klong Discovery
(Wednesday, March 5)

Note: You will be require to get off and on small boats.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Discover the icons of Bangkok with a visit to the Grand Palace. Join an exhilarating long tail boat ride through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok to Nonthaburi in the far north of the city, where the cityscape turns into countryside and the skyscrapers give way to teak houses, noodle shops, fruit orchards and rice fields.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Free time in the afternoon before transferring back to board the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 65: At Sea / Presentation
(Thursday, March 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #1: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 66: At Sea / Presentation
(Friday, March 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #2: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 67: Singapore / Peranakan Culture
(Saturday, March 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Spend the morning learning about the Peranakan culture, a new culture that evolved from the intermarriage between Malays and Chinese and Malays and Indians. Begin with a stop at the Peranakan Museum, here you would be able to see and understand how the Peranakan Culture evolved and started, their style of clothing, their influence in the arts and pottery and lifestyle. Continue your journey continues to the Peranakan enclave in an area called Joo Chiat. Here you are able to see the influence of the Peranakan Culture in architecture. You would have the opportunity to visit a traditional Peranakan Deli and taste some of the Peranakan delights and see some of the great embroidery works. End the morning with a pedicycle ride through the enclave of little India before for your free time for lunch and returning to the Cruise Terminal.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Singapore on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 68: Port Kelang, Malaysia / Batu Caves
(Sunday, March 9)

Note: This is a difficult day. There are 272 steps up to the cave. however there are many activities at the bottom of the stairs that one can enjoy if you cannot make the steps.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Depart for Batu Caves, the site of the annual Thaipusam festival (in January/February) when over 1.5 million devotees congregate. It comprises of three caverns and several smaller caves. It is the shrine of Lord Murugah, a Hindu deity - a flight of 272 steps lead up to the temple cave. Another cave, called the museum cave, is filled with images of deities and murals depicting scenes from the Hindu Scriptures. While climbing up, beware of the cheeky monkeys that line the way.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore Port Kelang on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 69: Langkawi, Malaysia
(Monday, March 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #3: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a 15-minute cable car ride through the rainforest and waterfalls to the peak of Gunung Mat Chincang, one of the highest mountains in Langkawi. Breathe in the cool air as you take in the bird’s eye view of Langkawi Islands and more. Explore the mountain top with stunning vistas of waterfalls amidst tropical rainforests.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 70: Phuket, Thailand / Free Day for you to choose your own shore excursion
(Tuesday, March 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Due to varing interest, Phuket is a port that is left for you to choose your own shore excursions. The ship has many options for you to choose from, or you can also just spend a day on the beach.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue your own independent exploration of Phuket.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 71: At Sea / Presentation
(Wednesday, March 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #4: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 72: Port Blair, Andaman Islands
(Thursday, March 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the capital Port Blair with its old penal colony. Discover the islands’ exotic flora and fauna, or stroll along the meandering coastline where palm trees sway to the rhythm of the seas.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Free time for you to explore Port Blair.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 73: At Sea / Presentation
(Friday, March 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #5: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 74: At Sea / Presentation
(Saturday, March 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #6: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 75: Colombo, Sri Lanka / Colombo Discovery
(Sunday, March 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Join a walking discovery of Pettah. Pettah is a neighborhood in Colombo, located east of the City centre Fort. The Pettah neighborhood is famous for its open air bazaars and markets. Walk east of Fort and arrive at Pettah, probably the most vibrant and colorful parts of the city. Pettah is also of the most ethnically mixed parts of the city and the streets are dotted with several interesting Mosques, Hindu Kovils, Churches and Buddhist Temples. The beautiful, red and white candy-striped, Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is a popular tourist destination.
 Lunch: Lunch in town.
 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.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 76: At Sea / Presentation
(Monday, March 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #7: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 77: Cochin, India / City Discovery / Family Hosted Lunch
(Tuesday, March 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning, explore Cochin with visits to the Mattanchery Palace, Chinese Fishing nets, St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue and the antique market.
 Lunch: Family hosted lunch on shore.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon for you to explore Old Fort Cochin.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 78: At Sea / Presentation
(Wednesday, March 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your on board lecturer. Theme 5, Presentation #8: Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 79: Marmagoa (Goa), India
(Thursday, March 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the sites of Goa with visits to the Idalcao Palace, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (Main Church), and Braganza Institute. Contineu to Panjim and enjoy an orientation drive past the old mansions showcasing Portuguese architecture.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Join your group leader and the rest of your group for a program wrap-up to cruise.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: MV Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 80: Mumbai / City Discovery / Early morning flight
(Friday, March 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore this city highlights. Drive by the “Gateway of India” built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary at the Delhi Durbar held in 1911. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum, has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics. Carefully presereved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it, is worth visiting in Mumbai. Continue to Mani Bhawan where Gandhiani Bhavan is the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It's a pretty, two-storied structure that now houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo exhibition of the Mahatma's life, and well preserved memorabilia, including an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhiji used to use.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or on your own in town.
 Afternoon: Free time this afternoon to explore Mumbai.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Late evening flight home for those returning home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 81: En route / Arrival home
(Saturday, March 22)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive back to North America.

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Bangkok, Thailand A Stroll Through Chinatown
One of the best ways to experience the true flavor of a city is to walk its streets. Discover Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the most densely populated, richly ethnic neighborhoods in the city. Walk at your own pace through narrow lanes, peer into the doorways of apothecary shops with their medical herbs and natural cures. Take the opportunity to watch fresh Chinese delicacies being prepared and served while the aromatic fragrance of spice and herbs saturates the air. Pay special attention to the “funeral shops,” where they sell paper models of worldly items that ensure the deceased will have the complete comforts of home on the journey to the afterward. Wonder at the intricate architecture of ancient Chinese Temples, perhaps even donating some coins to the temple “burial society,” a charity devoted to recovering the bodies of unfortunate road accident victims.
  Suan Pakkad Palace
Suan Pakkad was built by Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nakhon Sawan, who moved five traditional Thai houses from Chiang Mai in 1952. The cabbage garden was turned into one of Bangkok’s finest landscaped gardens and is calm in a uniquely Eastern way. The princess was one of the country’s most dedicated art collectors, and the house has been turned into a museum displaying objects such as perfume bottles, betel nut boxes and musical instruments. Antiques including an exquisite Buddha head from Ayutthaya, Khmer statues and European prints of old Siam. Located Prayatahi Road.
  Vimanmek Palace
The Palace is a magnificent, golden, teakwood residence of King Chulalongkorn that houses numerous exhibits, including antiques furniture, glassware, porcelain and many other items of historic interest. Located on Ratchavithee Road.
  Wat Pho
The temple was originally built in the 16th century and covers twenty acres. One of its pavilions houses a 150-feet long reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also home to Thailand’s most famous school of massage. (See listing). Respectful dress required: Shorts, flipflops and bare shoulders are not permitted inside the temple complex and you should be prepared to take off shoes to enter temples. Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission fee of 20 baht. For additional information, visit www.watpho.com
  Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School
In the eastern end of the Wat Pho complex is the country’s most famous school of massage. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is a good idea to start your exploration of Wat Pho here before the line becomes too long. A 60-minute, full body massage costs approximately 300 baht ($8 U.S.) and is done fully dressed. A set of cotton clothing is provided for the 60-minute herbal massage that costs 400 baht ($10 U.S.). For additional information, visit www.watpho.com
  Wat Phra Kaeo
Home of the Emerald Buddha and located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is the most sacred and the most beautiful of Thailand’s temples. Open daily 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Admission 200 baht ($5 U.S.). The dress code is very strict: No shorts, no bare shoulders, no slippers or sandals. For additional information, visit thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangrai/prakeo/index.html
  Phnom Penh Central Market
One of the largest and busiest markets in Phnom Penh, the market was built in 1937 by French architects. This market is a good place to purchase silk scarves, silverware, gems and antiques.
  National Library
Located near Wat Phnom, this graceful building, another example of French colonial architecture, was built in 1924 and set in floral gardens. It was sacked by the Khmer Rouge and turned into a stable.
  Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung)
This popular market has a more varied selection of souvenirs, curios and silks than the Central Market. It also has a good selection of CDs, videos, fabric, electronic goods and the city's best source of objets d'art. Items for sale include wooden and stone carvings, various ritual objects, silverware, and old Indochinese notes and coins, antiquities, Cambodian and Chinese silk and clothing.
  Sisowath Quay
Sisowath Quay is an attractive boulevard running along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap, fronted by a pleasant park. The built-up side of the street houses cafés and shops and the better class of bars, and is extremely popular with tourists and expatriate Westerners. The esplanade along the river is equally popular with Cambodians, who come here in the cool of the evening to enjoy the quasi-carnival atmosphere. It begins at the riverfront park opposite the Palace and is perhaps best experienced in the early evening.
  Siem Reap Akira's Land Mine Museum
During the Khmer Rouge period, Akira's parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge and he was raised by them. Later, he worked for the Vietnamese army and the U.N. force. Now he is removing land mines. The museum houses a huge volume of the land mines removed by him, unexploded bomb shells and photos. Volunteers who lost arms or legs guide you around this museum. TEL: 012-598951. Free.
  Tonle Sap
The Tonle Sap is the largest fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia. Its size changes five-fold from dry season to the end of the rainy season. The lake is home to a number of floating villages; half-day tours can be arranged through the hotel.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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