CroisiEurope, Europe's largest river cruise company, offers an exotic itinerary through India between Madras, Sri Lanka and Mumbai aboard its new ocean-going vessel, La Belle des Océans, lasting 11 days and departing on January 11, 2020.
CroisiEurope's Belle des Océans offers its passengers this fabulous itinerary on a full-board featuring refined local cuisine , drinks included with meals and at the bar, and a professional entertainment team with onboard lectures to enhance both the destinations and the sailing experience. This luxurious yet comfortable vessel boasts 60 spacious suites and can accommodate up to 120 passengers, allowing them to fully enjoy the exotic landscapes during an 11-day itinerary through the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, visiting incredible destinations:
- Madras, the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu in India, is known for the richness of its religious architecture, with the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Thomas, built by the Portuguese, which houses the tomb of St. Thomas, or the impressive Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva, as well as the archaeological site of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
- Trincomalee, a port on Sri Lanka's east coast, played a vital role in the history of international maritime trade. The city is the main center of Tamil culture, home to the Koneswaram Temple, the Temple of a Thousand Pillars, the most revered temple on the island and dedicated to...
- Colombo, Sri Lanka's economic capital, has been known since the 8th century by Arab, Persian, and Chinese traders and was a hub on the spice route. An optional visit to the fortified city of Galle is available, with its fort and granite fortifications that seem to protect the narrow streets lined with beautiful colorful houses once used by Dutch merchants trading spices.
- Cochin, located in the state of Kerala in India, a city occupied by the Portuguese, English, Dutch and French throughout history, with alleyways that breathe a totally European atmosphere, with the Church of St. Francis, which for a time housed the tomb of Vasco da Gama, in addition to its large lagoon along the Malabar coast among lush vegetation, rice paddies and coconut trees.
- Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, center of Christian influence in India and Asia in the 16th century, with its collection of churches and convents named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus or the convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as its spectacular endless beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
- Mumbai, India's most populous city and economic capital, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis full of contrasts, boasting landmarks such as India Gate, the Taj Mahal, the monumental Victorian train station, the university, the clock tower, and the museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian independence and the nation. Alternatively, there's the option of visiting Elephanta Island, famous for its "City of Caves," an archaeological complex dedicated to Shiva. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it bears witness to India's rich past with its five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves carved directly into the mountainside, accompanied by its masterpiece: a monumental, seven-meter-high sculpture depicting Shiva in his three aspects: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer.
CroisiEurope offers a wide range of excursions on this itinerary, allowing guests to discover exotic destinations. These excursions, which can be booked in advance through the travel agency, include visits to the archaeological site of Mahabalipuram, the fortified cities of Galle and Colombo, as well as the city of Kochi and the Kerala Backwaters, among others. The company also offers the option of booking transfers for added passenger convenience.
