Mangalore, India

One of the best-known structures in the world, Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal will awe your senses and forever capture your heart. Considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is a glistening mass of white marble and semi-precious stones set amid impeccably landscaped grounds. This program includes the opportunity to visit three UNESCO world heritage sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri; all of which are legacies from Mughal times.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with scooters, Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

See further below for important entry requirements for Sri Lanka where this program ends.

Day 1

Insignia arrives Mangalore port at 7:00 a.m.

After clearing immigration and Customs, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi where you will spend the night.

Lunch served aloft.

Upon arrival into Delhi, transfer to the nearby Oberoi Gurgaon or similar hotel where dinner will be included.

Overnight at Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel or similar

NOTE: Guests must have a valid Indian Visa.

Day 2

After breakfast, check out and drive to Agra via the new Yamuna Expressway with vistas of India’s vast rural farming countryside.

Agra’s story or glory began with the arrival of the Mughals, who made it a great centre of learning, art, commerce and culture. With its cosmopolitan bazaars and strategic location on the river Jamuna, Agra was altogether a worthy setting for the focus of an empire. This ‘city of the past’ has impressive World Heritage sites and traditional artisan workshops.

Upon arrival in Agra check-in to the renowned Oberoi Amarvilas hotel with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Voted as the top three hotels of the world, its classical architecture is complemented by elaborate mughul gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. Every room has a frontal view of the Taj Mahal.

After lunch and the afternoon is at leisure.

Later, visit the Taj Mahal - the ivory gate which all dreams pass. A lacy white grandeur, perhaps the most perfect architectural monument accomplished. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail which is really astounding. At sunset, the monument appears to change its hue, tinted by the glow of the setting sun.

Return to your hotel where prior to dinner you will be treated to a short cultural show featuring the classical dance form of Kathak. This royal courtroom dance arose from the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures during the Mughal era. It is characterized by rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, mime and gestures that are a dramatic representation of themes from Persian poetry synthesized with Hindu mythology.

Overnight at Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel or similar

Day 3

Depart to revisit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, as the early rays of the sun cast upon the pearl-white tomb. Coffee, tea, juices and rolls are served in the lobby prior to your departure.

After breakfast back at the hotel, you will have the option of driving into the Indian countryside to visit Fatehpur Sikri or visiting Agra Fort.

• Drive into the Indian countryside to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone former capital of the Mughal empire. According to legend, Emperor Akbar having no male heir made a pilgrimage to the town of Sikri to seek blessing from the revered saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. The saint assured Akbar he would have three sons and when his prophecy was fulfilled, the overwhelmed king built a city here. Akbar was politically astute and remarkably broadminded for his time, successfully addressing the Hindu-Moslem divide by marrying a Hindu princess and also combining their distinctive architectural styles finely exampled at this World Heritage Site. The city lived between 1571 and 1585 and then became a ghost town, abandoned possibly due to complexities with the water systems.

• See World Heritage Agra Fort, credited to Emperor Akbar, India’s great visionary. Astonishing palaces, mosques, and audience halls contained within its massive walls of red sandstone are embellished by an artistic fusion of Hindu and Islamic traditions.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

Afternoon options following lunch include:

• A visit the Agra Fort as described above

• Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the old city, the first Mughal structure pioneering the extensive use

of `pietra dura’, the inlay work of marble, so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the Taj, but the more human scale has its own attraction, and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite.

• At the hotel, Agra’s leading astrologer will be available for consultation. Appointments for an analysis of your personal horoscope can be made at the Oceania Cruises Hospitality desk as you arrive at the hotel.

• There are options to browse shops such as Kohinoor, jewelers to the mughal court, featured in National Geographic. Old emerald necklaces, enamel jewelry and embroidery form part of their private collection. The Marble Inlay factories steeped in this decorative art culture are also a specialty of Agra.

Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel in Agra or similar

Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Delhi where lunch is arranged at the nearby JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity hotel.

Later, transfer to the International airport. On arrival, receive boarding passes and proceed through security, Immigration and Customs prior to boarding a flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Supper served aloft.

Arrive in Colombo, complete all arrival formalities before transferring to the Courtyard by Marriott.

Dinner and overnight at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel or similar

Day 5

After breakfast, drive around 3 ½ hours to Hambantota and rejoin the Insignia.

Note: see further below for Sri Lankan Visa information.

Land Program Step by Step

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once flight details are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

7:00 am Insignia arrives alongside at Mangalore port

10:00am After completing disembarking procedures, transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi

11:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

1:30pm Depart Mangalore (flight details TBA and subject to change)

4:05pm Arrive Delhi and transfer to the Oberoi Gurgaon

5:30pm Arrive and check-in

7:30pm Dinner

Overnight at the Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel or similar

Day 2

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel.

9:00am Depart for Agra via the Yamuna Expressway

1:00pm Arrive Agra and check-in to the Oberoi Amarvilas

1:30-3:30pm Lunch and leisure time

4:00pm Visit the Taj Mahal for a sunset experience

7:00pm Classical Kathak dance performance at the hotel followed by dinner

Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra or similar hotel

Day 3

5:15am Tea, coffee, juices and rolls served in the lobby

5:45am Depart for the Taj Mahal

6:15–7:30am Sunrise visit of the monument

8:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:30–12:30 Visit Fatehpur Sikri or Agra Fort

12:30–2pm Lunch at the hotel

2:30pm–5:30pm Visit Agra Fort or Itmad-Ud-Daulah or shuttle to the markets or appointment with the local Astrologer

From 7:00pm Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel in Agra or similar

Day 4

7:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Drive back to Delhi where lunch is arranged at the nearby JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity

1:00–3:00pm Lunch

3:30pm Arrive at the airport, complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

6:35pm Depart Delhi for Colombo (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Refreshments & supper served aloft

10:10pm Arrive Colombo, complete arrival formalities before transferring to your hotel

11:45pm Arrive and check-in

Dinner can be had at the coffee shop or via room service

Overnight in Courtyard by Marriott Hotel or similar

Day 5

7:00 am Breakfast at the hotel

9:00 am Drive to Hambantota

12:30 pm Arrive Hambantota and proceed to the pier to reboard the Insignia

5:00 pm Ship sails

Expected Weather:

Days are expected to be sunny and warm with temperatures between 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F).

What to Bring:

Casual, weather-appropriate wear for the day. Also, bring sun block, hats, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. As the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, certain religious customs must be observed. As a token of respect, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering. Ladies should avoid wearing tank tops or any top with spaghetti straps, as well as short shorts. Knee-length shorts are acceptable for men and women.

Currency:

Indian Rupees in India & Sri Lanakan Rupees in Sri Lanka….however US Dollars are widely accepted

Electricity:

The electric voltage in India is 220 – 240 volts.

We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if necessary

Proposed Aircraft type (subject to change):

Indigo Airlines – Airbus A 320

Sri Lankan Airlines – Airbus 320/Boeing 757

Luggage information:

For the flights on this program, guests are permitted to check in a maximum of 1 suitcase not to weigh more than 15kg (33 lbs). One carry on is permitted with a maximum weight of 7 kgs (15 lbs). Any luggage exceeding this amount will be subject to fees payable by the guest directly to the airline at the time of check-in.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights in India (as per Airline regulations):

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least 1 month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

NOTE: Guests brining a scooter will need to advise our Reservations team in advance. Specific details regarding the scooter will be required (as advised to us by the Indian airlines) including model, model number, a photo, maximum speed, ground clearance, turning radius, overall length & width of the base, seat type, weight, battery weight, battery requirements, maximum range per charge, battery charger information, battery type (detachable or not), maximum weight capacity, color.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A valid passport is required. Guests must also bring their vaccination card.

It is essential to have a valid Indian Visa prior to the start of the trip.

Guests will have to apply for a valid Sri Lankan ETA Visa in advance of this trip since the group will arrive by air from India and not sea. Flights are not permitted to enter Sri Lanka without everyone on board having this ETA.

Guests should apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via www.eta.gov.lk - Visitors are strongly recommended to apply for such visa at least one week prior to the arrival date and carry the approved reference, which they will receive individually via e-mail. Is is better to carry a hard copy of that confirmation as a backup, just in case, if the relevant electronic device is not working on arrival at Sri Lankan airport due to some reason (e.g. low battery, no connection, etc.) and to avoid the waiting time at the country border in getting the visa stamped on the passport.

Note: Please check with your local Sri Lankan Embassy for any further details regarding entrance for your nationality.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Accommodation:

The Oberoi Gurgaon

443, Udyog Vihar, Phase V, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122 016

Phone: +91 124 483 1234

Agra:

Oberoi Amarvilas

Taj East Gate Road, Agra 282001, India

Phone: +91 562 2231515

Colombo

Courtyard by Marriott

Colombo City Centre 137 Muttiah Road Colombo, Sri Lanka – 00200

Phone: +(94 11)-7734400

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program

Program Includes:

• 1 night at the Oberoi Gurgaon, Delhi or similar hotel (Deluxe Room)

• 2 nights at the Oberoi Amarvilas or similar hotel (Premier Room)

• 1 night at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo or similar hotel (Superior Room)

• All meals inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water, sodas

• Transfers and tours in luxury coaches

• English-speaking guides and tour manager throughout

• Unlimited water on the coaches

• Entrance fees as per the itinerary

• Camera and video fees where required.

• Kathak dance performance

• Economy class flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed.

Program does not include:

• Any meals or beverages not listed above

• Gratuities to drivers, guide and tour director

• Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

• Excess or overweight luggage fees

• Any visa fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

Fly to Aurangabad to explore India’s most extraordinary cave temples carved out of sheer rock—the caves of Ajanta, where Buddhist monks once lived, and the Ellora Caves, which three different religious groups occupied.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

Due to the amount of walking, at times on uneven surfaces, this program is not recommended for anyone with walking difficulty or if a cane, walker or wheelchair are used.

Day 1 – May 5, 2024

After disembarking the ship in Mangalore, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Aurangabad via Mumbai. Your bags will be transported to the airport in a separate baggage van for an advance check-in. Refreshments will be served aloft and while connecting in Mumbai, a boxed lunch will be provided at the airport.

Upon arrival into Aurangabad, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening. Dinner is included.

Day 2 – May 6, 2024

After breakfast at your hotel, you drive into the picturesque hills to the north and visit the Ellora Caves. This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site contains 34 Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves cut into volcanic lava cliffs.

The once-abandoned, more than 2,000-year-old caves lie near an ancient trade route and are believed to be the work of priests and craftsmen who used the route. The carvings, ornamentation and frescoes inside tell the stories of how these three religions evolved.

The most marvelous cave temple is Kailash. The world’s largest monolithic sculpture, it was sculpted out of a rock by 7,000 laborers over a 150-year period. The story of its construction is inscribed on the copper plate grant of King Krishna I, under whose patronage the temple was carved. Architecturally and sculpturally, art historians consider this to be the finest cave temple in the world.

Following your exploration of the Ellora Caves, you will return to the hotel for lunch and some time at leisure.

In the afternoon visit the revered Bibi Ka Maqbara tomb, known as the Black Taj because it is so similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Also visit a Himroo weaving workshop, where fine shawls, sarees and textiles are produced. Himroo merchandise was originally woven with pure gold and silver threads for royal families.

Upon returning to the hotel, dinner in included.

Day 3 – May 7, 2024

After breakfast, drive into the countryside towards the Ajanta Caves. In the early 19th Century, a group of British officers accidentally came upon these caves, which were buried under debris and screened by foliage. The first of these caves was hollowed out from the site of the cliff in the 2nd century B.C.

Strung out in a sweeping horseshoe shape in an inner fold of the hills, the caves were a secluded retreat for Buddhist monastic orders and yet offered easy access to the trade routes that swung past here to the coast. With little more than hammers and chisels, the monks painstakingly and slowly created underground shrines, chapels and monasteries, where they lived, taught and carried out ritual performances. The 30 caves of Ajanta, some unfinished, span a period of 800 years and contain numerous images of the Buddha.

A packed lunch prepared by your hotel is served before returning to the hotel.

The evening is at leisure with an option to revisit the Aurangabad town.

Dinner is included at your hotel

A note on walking and steps:

Ajanta Caves are carved into the side of a hill range. From the bottom, it takes 105 steps to get to the top which is typically an easy climb for anyone without walking difficulty. Once at the top, there is a gradual walk from one cave to the next. For guests with difficulties, our local operator can arrange Palanquins (a conveyance usually for one person that consists of an enclosed litter borne on the shoulders of men by means of poles) up and down as well as from one cave to the next, if necessary.

Ellora Caves are on ground level over a spread-out area. Battery buses shuttle between caves. The only place where a climb is encountered is at the Kailash Temple where there are easy steps however once again those with walking difficulties can be carried up and down.

Day 4 – May 8, 2024

Coffee, tea and juices are served in the lobby prior to transferring to the airport for an early morning flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival at airport, receive your boarding passes and proceed through security.

Breakfast will be served on the flight.

Arriving in Mumbai, you will be met and transferred to the pier with an overview of the city en-route.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1 - times are subject to change based on actual flight details once confirmed. Below is a sample itinerary

8:30am Disembark the ship in Mangalore

9:15am After clearing immigration and custom formalities, transfer to the airport

9:45am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

11:40am Flight Mangalore to Mumbai (flight details TBA and subject to change). Refreshments served aloft

1:15pm Arrive Mumbai and connect to a flight for Aurangabad (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Lunch box served at Mumbai airport

3:40pm Flight departs Mumbai

4:45pm Arrive Aurangabad and transfer to your hotel

5:45pm Arrive at the hotel and check-in

From 7:30pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Taj Vivanta or similar hotel

Day 2

From 7:00am Breakfast is served at your hotel

8:30am Proceed to the Ellora Caves

9:30am Arrive and visit the Cave

12:30pm Return to the hotel

1:30pm Arrive at the hotel for a late lunch

1:30pm Lunch and leisure time

4:00pm Sightseeing tour of Aurangabad city including Bibi-ka-Maqbara (the Black Taj and the Himroo Weaving workshop

6:30pm Return to the hotel

7:30pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Taj Vivanta or similar hotel

Day 3

From 7:00am Breakfast is served at your hotel

9:00am Drive to the Ajanta Caves

12:00pm Arrive and visit the Caves

2:00pm Packed lunch is served before returning to the hotel

6:00pm Arrive back at your hotel

From 7:00pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Taj Vivanta or similar hotel

Day 4 - times are subject to change based on actual flight details once confirmed. Below is a sample itinerary

5:15am Tea, coffee and juices are served in the lobby

6:00am Transfer to the airport

6:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

8:00am Depart Aurangabad for Mumbai (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Breakfast is served aloft

8:50am Arrive in Mumbai and transfer to the pier with an overview of the city en-route

1:00pm Approximate arrival at the pier to re-board your ship

Expected Weather:

Days are sunny and hot with temperatures between 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F).

What to Bring:

Casual wear for the day. Sun block, hat, shades and comfortable walking shoes are important.

At the Caves, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering.

Currency:

US Dollars are widely accepted.

Electricity:

220 – 240 volts. Hotel rooms are equipped with converters however we recommend brining your own international travel adaptor for electric devices just in case.

Luggage:

Light luggage would be most suited for this trip.

A maximum of 1 checked suitcase per person is permitted free of charge (15 kg or 33 lbs) and one carry-on (7 kg or 15 lbs). Anything over this allowance will be subject to fees imposed by the airline and payable by guests at check in for each flight.

Airline & type of aircraft (subject to change):

Indigo Airlines – Airbus A320 – All Economy

Air India – Airbus A319 – All Economy

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Although not recommended, guests brining a scooter will need to advise our Reservations team in advance. Specific details regarding the scooter will be required (as advised to us by the Indian airlines) including model, model number, a photo, maximum speed, ground clearance, turning radius, overall length & width of the base, seat type, weight, battery weight, battery requirements, maximum range per charge, battery charger information, battery type (detachable or not), maximum weight capacity, color.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required as well as an Indian Visa

Please check with your local embassy for any special visa requirements for your nationality

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.

Accommodation:

Taj Vivanta Aurangabad

8 N 12, CIDCO, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Marg, Rauza Bagh, Aurangabad, Maharashtra - 431003

Phone: +91 240 6613737

*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes:

•3 nights at the Taj Vivanta in a Deluxe Delight Room

•All meals with dinner and lunch inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water, sodas

•Packed lunch during the excursion to Ajanta Caves

•Transfers and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary using an air-conditioned deluxe bus

•Unlimited mineral water will be provided in the bus at all times

•Economy class flights Mangalore - Mumbai – Aurangabad – Mumbai (direct flights not guaranteed)

•Entrance fees and camera charges at the monuments

•Accompanying local Tour Manager throughout the program

Not Included:

•Gratuities to drives, guides and tour manager

•Indian Visa fee

•Any meals or beverages not listed in the itinerary

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Excess or overweight luggage fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

Explore the key attractions in and around Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, many of them World Heritage Sites, including temples, royal cities and other architectural treasures.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Due to the amount of walking at times over uneven ground, this program is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or those who require the use of a walker or wheelchair.

See further below for important entry requirements for Sri Lanka where this program ends.

Day 1

Insignia arrives Mangalore port at 7:00 a.m.

After clearing immigration and customs, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangalore to connect to Kathmandu.

Lunch is arranged at a nearby airport hotel.

Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks, the tiny kingdom of Nepal is ringed by the Himalayas. It is a land of contrasts, harboring a wealth of Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. Nepal’s colorful capital city Kathmandu reflects 2,000 years of peaceful co-existence and exudes a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, which is distinctly Nepalese in character.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be helped with visa issuance and baggage collection.

NOTE: Please have on hand 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa. Your tour manager will collect this from you in flight. This visa is included in the cost of the program.

You will then have a short transfer to the Dwarika’s Hotel. Described as a “living, breathing museum, displaying Nepal’s best craftsmanship from the 13th century,” the hotel rooms and public areas reflect medieval architectural traditions. Every brick is handmade, every piece of wood original and centuries old.

Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards, one for the city of Bhaktapur and the other for the Dwarika’s Hotel, where you will spend the next three nights.

Dinner and overnight at the Dwarika’s Kathmandu Hotel or similar

NOTE: Guests must have a valid multiple entry Indian Visa.

Day 2

Tea/coffee, bread rolls served in the lobby prior to transferring to the airport for a flight-seeing excursion, soaring over glacier-clad, cloud-shrouded peaks and other landscapes around Mount Everest. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast enjoy some time at leisure in this hotel’s resplendent surrounding after the early morning activity. Then before noon, proceed to Patan, one of three royal cities in the valley. Commissioned by India’s great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century, this World Heritage Site within four stupas is known as the City of Fine Arts.

The temples around the main square are impressive as is the Patan Museum, which is housed within a picturesque palace setting. In an international campaign by UNESCO for safeguarding monuments in Kathmandu Valley, the Austrian government joined hands with Nepal to restore and preserve Patan.

Lunch is at the Pan Asian restaurant.

Newari architectural style blossomed in the form of temples, palaces, residences and squares between the 12th and 18th centuries, representing a timelessness in Nepalese architecture and its definitive characteristics, often guided by religious and socio-cultural norms.

You will enjoy a cup of tea in a 150-year-old restored Newari home. Its ground level is for daily activities and storage, while the floors above contain living spaces and bedrooms. The top floor serves as the family shrine and cooking and dining area.

You will see Patan’s Living Goddess, who typically acknowledges greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Known as kumaris, Nepal’s living goddesses live in seclusion and rarely speak in public.

After a private audience with the goddess, it’s onto the Singing Bowl workshops. According to the oral traditions, singing bowls were brought to Nepal from India in the 8th century along with Buddha’s teachings. The Nepalese were expert bronze makers which allowed them to perfect these bowls which are commonly used as a tool for meditation. The beautiful rich tones the bowls produce are thought to help achieve a state of deep relaxation.

There’s time for individual exploration before returning to the Dwarika’s for some leisure time.

In the evening depart for Thamel - Kathmandu’s hip street. Pulsating Thamel has become a world address for international trekkers, mountaineers and curio shoppers looking for a bargain. Being in the heart of Kathmandu, this bazaar feels like the Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, California. It's full of one to two star hotels and numerous big/small restaurants and lodges catering to a vast category of tourists. Transfer to Sam’s One Tree Café a local favorite for drinks and dinner.

Overnight at the Dwarika’s Kathmandu Hotel or similar

Day 3

After breakfast, drive to the World Heritage city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur. Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur, also known as the City of Devotees, is revered for its medieval art and architecture. As you meander around Durbar Square, you will see the 55 Window Palace and Nyatapola temple, considered to be the finest example of Pagoda-style architecture.

Following lunch at Kathmandu’s popular Chez Caroline Restaurant, you will return to the hotel and enjoy the resplendent surroundings.

In the evening, visit the great Stupa at Bodhnath, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Constructed in the 14th century, the stupa is built on an octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels. We also visit Thangka Painting Studio, which renowned artist Lok Chitrakar founded. The sacred art form of Thangkas is a visual interpretation of Buddhist and Hindu philosophies that date from before the 7th Century C.E. Bodhnath is also a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal, where you will visit a monastery and interact with a senior monk.

Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples and a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the god Shiva. Situated within a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple features a pagoda style, a gilded roof and a richly carved silver door.

After watching the Aarti prayer offering ceremony at the temple, you will return to the hotel for dinner and the overnight.

Dinner and overnight at the Dwarika’s Kathmandu Hotel or similar

Day 4

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival into Delhi, you will pass through immigration, collect bags, complete customs and transfer to the nearby JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity where lunch is arranged.

Later, transfer back to the airport.

On arrival, receive boarding passes and proceed through security, Immigration and Customs prior to boarding a flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Supper served aloft.

Arrive in Colombo, complete all arrival formalities before transferring to the Courtyard by Marriott.

Dinner and overnight at Courtyard by Marriott or similar

Day 5

After breakfast, drive around 3 ½ hours to Hambantota and rejoin the Insignia.

Note: see further below for Sri Lankan Visa information.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once flights are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1 – Tuesday - March 11, 2025

7:00am Insignia arrives alongside at Mangalore port

8:00am After completing disembarking procedures, transfer to the airport for the flight to

Bangalore

9:00 am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

11:05am Depart Mangalore(flight details TBA subject to change)

12:15pm Flight arrives Bangalore. Lunch is arranged at an airport hotel

6:00pm Depart Bangalore(flight details TBA subject to change)

9:15pm Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at immigration, assistance with visa issuance

(1 passport photo) customs and transfer to nearby Dwarika’s Hotel

Refreshments served aloft

10:30 pm Arrive at Dwarika’s and check-in

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Dwarika’s or similar

Day 2

5:30am Tea /Coffee served in the lobby before transferring to the airport

6:00 am Transfer to the domestic terminal

6:15am Arrive, receive boarding passes and proceed to security before boarding the aircraft

6:45am Depart on an hour’s flightseeing (weather permitting) to the Everest Region, featuring Mt. Everest and other legendry Himalayan peaks

7:45am Return to Kathmandu Airport and transfer back to Dwarikas

8:15am Breakfast in the Toran Restaurant

10:30am Transfer to Patan

11:15am Visit Patan; its Museum, Main Square and ancient temples, private Newari House, Living

Goddess and the Singing Bowl workshop

1:00pm Lunch is at the Pan Asian restaurant

2:30pm Free time for individual exploration

3:30pm Gather and transfer back to the Dwarika’s for some leisure time

5:30pm Transfer to Thamel and walk around with our guide

6:30pm Transfer to Kathmandu’s Main Avenue

7:30pm Drinks and dinner at Sam’s One Tree Café

9:00pm Return to Dwarikas for the overnight

Overnight at the Dwarika’s or similar

Day 3

7:00am on Breakfast in the Dwarikas Courtyard

9:30am Proceed to visit Bhadgaon City (Bhaktapur) and later walk around its Durbar Square to

see the Palace of 55 windows and Nyatapola temple

12:30pm Lunch at the Chez Caroline restaurant

2:00pm Return to the hotel for some leisure time

3:30pm Depart for Bodhnath Stupa

3:45pm Arrive and visit Bodhnath Stupa

5:00pm Visit the nearby Tibetan Monastery and Thangka Painting School, followed by time for individual exploration

5:45pm Depart Bodhnath for Pashupatinath temple

6:15pm Visit Pashupatinath and witness the Aarti Ceremony (Evening Prayer Ritual).

7:00pm Return to the hotel for dinner

Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar

Day 4

6:30 am Breakfast at the hotel.

8:00 am Checkout, settle extras and transfer to the International Airport for the flight to Delhi.

8:30 am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes, before proceeding to immigration and security

11:10 am Flight departs for Delhi (flight details TBA subject to change). Light refreshments served

aloft.

12:40 pm Arrive Delhi and pass through immigration and customs.

Lunch is arranged nearby JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity

3:30 pm Transfer back to the airport

3:45pm Arrive at the airport, complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

6:35pm Depart Delhi for Colombo by Sri Lankan Airlines flight # UL 196 (subject to change)

Supper served aloft

10:10pm Arrive Colombo, complete arrival formalities before transferring to your hotel

11:45 pm Arrive and check-in

Dinner can be had at the coffee shop or via room service.

Overnight in at Courtyard by Marriott or similar

Day 5

7:00am on Breakfast at the hotel

9:00am Drive to Hambantota

12:30pm Arrive Hambantota and proceed to the pier to reboard the Insignia

5:00pm Ship sails

Expected Weather:

Days are expected to be warm and sunny and evenings pleasant. The average daytime temperatures are around 25°C or 77°F whereas the minimum temperatures are about 20°C or 68°F. However, the early mornings and evenings can sometimes get a bit chilly so it’s best to carry a light sweater or jacket.

What to Bring:

Casual clothing through the trip along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunblock, swimwear, and insect repellent. Early mornings and late evenings can sometimes get a bit chilly so it’s advisable to carry a light sweater or jacket for this possibility.

Currency:

Indian Rupees in India and Sri Lanakan Rupees in Sri Lanka….however US Dollars are widely accepted

Electricity:

Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs.

However, the rooms are fitted with necessary adaptors

Possible Aircraft types (all subject to change):

Indigo Airlines – Airbus A320 – All Economy

Nepal Airlines – Airbus 320/Boeing 757 - Economy

Flightseeing tour – Buddha Air

Sri Lankan Airlines – Airbus A330

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights in India (as per Airline regulations):

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least 1 month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Luggage information:

Checked-in bags are not to weigh more than 15kg (33 lbs) and the carry-ons are max of 7 kgs (15 lbs). Any overweight or excess luggage fees will be payable by guests at time of check in. Power banks and portable mobile chargers are not permitted in checked in luggage - they need to be kept in your carry-on.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after entry and there should be some blank pages for stamps.

It is essential to have a multiple entry valid Indian Visa for the trip obtained in advance.

A Nepal visa will be issued on arrival – all guests will be required to have on them 1 passport sized photo for this Visa.

Guests will have to apply for a valid Sri Lankan ETA Visa in advance of this trip since the group will arrive by air from India and not sea. Flights are not permitted to enter Sri Lanka without everyone on board having this ETA. All passengers arriving into Sri Lanka are advised to obtain their ETAs online as it makes the immigration process smoother.

Guests should apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via www.eta.gov.lk - Visitors are strongly recommended to apply for such visa at least one week prior to the arrival date and carry the approved reference, which they will receive individually via e-mail. Is is better to carry a hard copy of that confirmation as a backup, just in case, if the relevant electronic device is not working on arrival at Sri Lankan airport due to some reason (e.g. low battery, no connection, etc.) and to avoid the waiting time at the country border in getting the visa stamped on the passport.

Note: Please check with your local Sri Lankan Embassy for any further details regarding entry for your nationality.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Accommodation:

Dwarikas’ Hotel

Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box: 459,

Phone: (977-1) 4579488

Colombo

Courtyard by Marriott

Colombo City Centre 137 Muttiah Road Colomo, Sri Lanka – 00200

Phone: +(94 11)-7734400

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required, it will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes:

• 3 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu or similar in a Heritage Deluxe room

• 1 night at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo or similar hotel (Superior Room)

• All meals including house wines, beer, mineral water and sodas during meals

• Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys.

• Mineral water and sodas in the vehicles

• Economy-class flights per the itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)

• Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments

• Mountain flightseeing (weather dependent)

• The services of a Tour Manager to accompany the group from departure in Mangalore until arrival into Colombo.

• Nepal visa fee

Program Excludes:

• Multiple entry visa for India

• Sri Lankan Visa

• Gratuities to drivers and guides

• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

• Meals or beverages not indicated in the itinerary

• Excess or overweight luggage fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.