Silversea Luxury Cruises A MORMUGAO (Goa)

Spend your day today relaxing at the Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. A pristine white sand beach and 45 acres of landscaped gardens form the beautiful backdrop at this Goan resort built in a charming Indo-Portuguese village style.

Enjoy a cool welcome drink! Sip a cool drink by the meandering pool or on the white sands of Arossim Beach. Or if you desire revel in a revitalizing and luxurious spa experience at Sereno Spa at your own expense.

A sumptuous buffet lunch awaits you before you head back to the pier!

Once the capital of Portuguese Goa, the Old Town remains the spiritual heart of the territory and is renowned for its baroque churches and convents, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourists come from all over to admire the imposing façades and gilt altars of beautifully preserved churches; pilgrims come to see the tomb of St. Francis Xavier in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

This tour provides an introduction to Old Goa and Panjim.

From Marmugao port, a 50-minute drive brings you to Old Goa, where your first stop is at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Whilst the church is a fine example of Jesuit architecture with its heavily decorated interior, Bom Jesus is visited mainly for the precious relic it contains. Here worshipers or the simply curious can view the body of Saint Francis Xavier. The remains of the renowned 16th-century missionary are enshrined in a dazzling silver casket. The surrounding chapel, constructed of marble and jasper, was the gift of one of the last Medici. The elaborate tomb is an ironic final resting place for a man who ardently refused such splendour throughout his life.

Se Cathedral

Also known as St. Catherine's Cathedral, the Se was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worth of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific." It is still larger than any church in Portugal. Its exterior is in Tuscan style, with one remaining tower containing the "Golden Bell", which was rung during the Inquisition to announce the public torture and burning of suspected heretics. The gilded, ornate main alter is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria; paintings depict scenes from her life and martyrdom.

Church of St. Cajetan

Not far away is the Church of St. Cajetan, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome. Behind its neo-classical façade is an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992.

On your way back to the port, your drive takes you through the Panjim city area, Goa's bustling capital.

You will need your imagination to envision the tangle of twisting streets, plazas and ochre villas of the old city, but what remains is a wealth of exceptionally impressive churches and convents, all UNESCO world heritage sites.

Old Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Catherine's Cathedral

Your first stop is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. While noted for its size and style, the Bom Jesus is visited mainly for the precious relic it contains. Here worshipers, or the simply curious, may view the body of Saint Francis Xavier (d.1562), which lies partially exposed in a dazzling silver casket. Unfortunately St. Francis' corpse has not rested entirely in peace; bits of it have been removed by relic hunters. One devotee is said to have bitten off a toe. In 1614 part of the right arm was dispatched to the Pope in Rome, where it allegedly wrote its name on a piece of paper, and parts of a hand were sent to Christians in Japan in 1619.

The Se, or St. Catherine's Cathedral, was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Its exterior is in Tuscan style, with one remaining tower containing the "Golden Bell", which rang during the Inquisition to announce the public torture and burning of suspected heretics. The vast interior is Corinthian, with enormous pillars dividing the nave, and 15 chapels arranged around the walls. The gilded main altar is stunningly ornate. An altar to St. Anne contains the relics of the "Blessed Martyrs of Cuncolim", who died as a result of their ill-advised mission to convert the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Sighseeing through villages, Goddess of Peace Temple

Travel away from the city and the Portuguese influence. Pass through small towns and villages, and feast your eyes on large elegant homes and brilliant green rice paddies. In the lush valleys and forests of Ponda are hidden a number of Hindu temples, built in the 17th and 18th centuries by those who attempting to practice their traditional religion away from the prying eyes and persecution of the Portuguese.

Visit a temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga, also known as the Goddess of Peace. Considered one of the most important and the largest in Goa, the original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564 but the idol of the Goddess was taken away to safety and subsequently brought to its present abode. Constructed in 1738 A.D., it is an unusual temple with a pagoda like structure and a roof made up of long slabs of stone. The impressive idol of the Goddess dominates the temple.

Spice farm and local lunch

Spices are an ever-present part of Indian life - they are essential in flavouring the distinctive regional cuisines and if you keep your eyes open you will see their bright colors reflected in the ladies' saris, and decorative textiles everywhere.

To find out where they come from you will pay a most enjoyable visit to a spice plantation. Take a guided walk through the trees see what you can identify, smell, taste, and learn about the myriad spices for which India is renowned. And what place could be more perfect for a meal? Enjoy lunch here where everything is fresh and fragrant. Don't worry, the simple, tasty food will be spiced for Western tastes, and the preparation of each will be explained. After lunch you will return to the port and your ship.

Discover the beautifully preserved heritage of Goa and the old world charm of Portuguese-style mansions in the Latin Quarters; a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade, set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm, at the Goa Chitra Museum.

Depart the pier for an approximate 60-minute drive to Margao, also known as the commercial capital of Goa. Having preserved its rich historical past and diverse cultural heritage, feel the old world charm with Portuguese-style mansions dotting the landscape.

Latin Quarters

Walk through the 'Latin Quarters' - narrow streets, Portuguese-style lively painted old villas and red-tiled roofs with overhanging balconies. Laid out on reclaimed land at the base of a hillside Altinho with natural springs, it was given the name Fontainhas (fountains in Porto). Apart from the architecture, you will notice the Mediterranean influence in the signs and cobbled streets as you walk along. You will walk past the Holy Spirit Church in the old market square - originally built by the Jesuit missionaries in 1564, it is a fine example of Indian Baroque style architecture.

Goa Chitra Museum

Your next stop is the Goa Chitra Museum, an ethnographical museum. Founded by Victor Hugo Gomes, it has a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade, set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm. Showcasing more than 4000 artefacts it is a reflection of various civilizations, their lifestyles, crafts art and folklore. On exhibit, you will find objects like time-worn modes of transport - carts, carriages, palanquin; old tools used by various craftsmen - carpenters, goldsmiths, cobblers, barbers, blacksmith; ancient weights and scales. The structure of the museum blends modern technology with traditional materials and elements such as wood, stone, doors, windows, pillars and railings that were salvaged by the designer from more than 300 traditional houses that were being demolished.

At the conclusion of the tour reboard you coach for the approximate 60-minute drive back to the pier.

Travel away from the city and the Portuguese influence with its many churches. Pass through small towns and villages, and feast your eyes on large elegant homes and brilliant green rice paddies. In the lush valleys and forests of Ponda are hidden a number of Hindu temples, built in the 17th and 18th centuries by those who attempting to practice their traditional religion away from the prying eyes and persecution of the Portuguese.

Goa sightseeing and Goddess of Peace Temple

Visit a temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga, also known as the Goddess of Peace. Considered one of the most important and the largest in Goa, the original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564 but the idol of the Goddess was taken away to safety and subsequently brought to its present abode. Constructed in 1738 A.D., it is an unusual temple with a pagoda like structure and a roof made up of long slabs of stone. The impressive idol of the Goddess dominates the temple.

Spice Plantation and lunch

Following your visit, a 30-minute drive takes you to a spice plantation for an introduction to Goa's cherished spices. They are an ever present part of daily life and essential in flavouring the distinctive regional cuisine.

Spices are an ever-present part of Indian life - they are essential in flavouring the distinctive regional cuisines and if you keep your eyes open you will see their bright colors reflected in the ladies' saris, and decorative textiles everywhere.

To find out where they come from you will pay a most enjoyable visit to a spice plantation. Take a guided walk through the trees see what you can identify, smell, taste, and learn about the myriad spices for which India is renowned. And what place could be more perfect for a meal? Enjoy lunch here where everything is fresh and fragrant. Don't worry, the simple, tasty food will be spiced for Western tastes, and the preparation of each will be explained.

After lunch, conclude this delightful outing with the drive back to the port at Marmugao and the ship.

You will need your imagination to envision the tangle of twisting streets, plazas and ochre villas of the old city, but what remains is a wealth of exceptionally impressive churches and convents, all UNESCO world heritage sites.

Old Goa, Basilica Bom Jesus

Your first stop, after approximately 1 hour drive, is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a fine example of Jesuit architecture, and perhaps the richest of the churches, with its heavily decorated yet admirably proportioned interior. Here worshipers, or the simply curious, may view the body of Saint Francis Xavier (d.1562), which lies partially exposed in a dazzling silver casket. Its surrounding chapel, constructed of marble and jasper, was a gift of one of the last Medicis.

St. Catherine's Cathedral, Church of St. Cajetan

The Se, or St. Catherine's Cathedral, was commissioned to be a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is still larger than any church in Portugal.

It is not far to the Church of St. Cajetan, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome. Its neo classical facade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon.

Village of Merces, local family residence, high tea In the village of Merces is the ancestral home of the Oliviera de Fernandes family. The Fernandes family have been living here since the house was built 250 years ago, acting as village heads until Goa officially joined the Indian Republic. Your hosts today are the 6th generation of occupants.

Experience true Goan hospitality as the family welcome you. A local band will strike up a serenade as a late morning tea of tasty Goan snacks is laid out for your enjoyment. Feel free to browse among the antiques in the living room. The furniture is 300 years old and solid wood.

On your way back to the ship you drive through the Panjim city area, Goa's bustling capital. The total drive back to the pier takes approximately 1 hour.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Mormugao at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Taj Mahal, Agra & New Delhi

Duration: 4 Days/ 3 Nights

Departs from: Mormugao

Re-join ship: Cochin

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Guests must be in possession of Indian visa obtained prior to joining the cruise. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Indian Rupee; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

A visit to India's treasured sites evokes images of erstwhile royalty and legendary tales of love and valour. There are few places in the world that compare with the mesmerising Taj Mahal and the awe-inspiring Agra Fort. These outstanding attractions are amongst the 'jewels in the crown', drawing thousands of visitors each year from all over the globe. From the magnificent and timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal to the massive Agra Fort, and the architecturally avant garde Humayun's Tomb guests are able to enjoy a treasure trove of unforgettable sights that will enthrall even the most jaded traveller. Your programme ends in Cochin.

DAY ONE - Goa /Delhi

Depart the ship at noon and transfer to Goa airport for a scheduled flight to Delhi of just approximately 2.75 hours in length. Lunch will be served on board the flight. Upon arrival you will be transferred to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Oberoi New Delhi.

DAY TWO - Delhi/Agra

After breakfast, commence your journey to Agra, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours with a rest stop en route.

Welcome to Agra! As the capital of the Mughal dynasties in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra also was the repository of many of the Mughals most famous monuments. The city has long astonished visitors with sites that date back to the Mughal empire.

Proceed directly to Agra Fort, the town's second important attraction after the Taj Mahal. The massive fort contains within its 1.5 mile-long (2.5 km-long), red sandstone walls the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises fairy-tale palaces and audience halls. Founded in the 16th century, the vast complex experienced many additions by subsequent rulers. Here Shah Jehan was held captive by his son and spent his days gazing out from his room towards the Taj Mahal across the river.

Proceed to your hotel for lunch followed by some time to settle in.

The Taj Mahal - Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love awaits you, where you will remain until sunset! This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to the breathtaking first impression as you pass through the arch of the entrance gateway. Emperor Shah Jehan, fifth of the great Mughals was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (jewel of the palace). She died at the age of 39 giving birth to her fourteenth child. He resolved to build his wife a memorial surpassing anything the world had ever seen in beauty and, it must be admitted, wild extravagance. Twenty thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy were put into action to construct this unrivalled masterpiece. The rays of the setting sun make this monument a wonder to behold!

Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.

DAY THREE - Agra/Delhi

An awe-inspiring sight awaits you early this morning - a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal from across the river (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The Emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in Agra Fort, where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Shah Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal are now both buried in the underground chamber of the Taj Mahal.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast, set-off on your return journey to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and proceed to your hotel The Oberoi New Delhi for check-in and lunch.

After lunch embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive through "Lutyens' Delhi", commissioned in 1911 and inaugurated as recently as 1931. This magnificently planned area of Delhi is an architectural combination of British and Indian architecture. Travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, followed by a drive down Rajpath, past the Presidential House.

Visit Humayun's Tomb - a magnificent monument built in red sandstone by Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. Her design was way ahead of its times and is the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later!

Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Oberoi New Delhi.

DAY FOUR - Delhi/Cochin

A very early morning transfer to the airport has been arranged, for your flight to Cochin. Breakfast will be served on board.

On arrival, your awaiting coaches will transfer you to the pier. Re-join your ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and tuk tuk, board/de-board the airplane and embark/disembark the boat, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests prone to airsickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, a weatherproof jacket, medication, a camera, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the temples; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Hats and shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of heavy socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Photography and videography might be prohibited at some sites. Hotels, restaurants, coaches, guides, and equipment are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Avoid bringing valuables (such as jewellery or large amounts of cash) on this tour. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Airlines baggage limitation is 15 kgs (only one piece of luggage is permissble) for checked in luggage and 7 kgs for hand luggage. Liquids and sharp items are not permitted in hand luggage. It is advisbale to carry liquid medicines alongwith their medical prescription.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• One-night stay in a Premier Room at the Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• Scheduled flights: Goa/Delhi Delhi/Cochin (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
• Three breakfasts, two lunches, one in-flight lunch and three dinners (drinks included)
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Visa, any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.