strong>Passengers are welcome to board at 8:00 a.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, enjoy the free time onboard before lunch. In the 18th century, Madras was just a modest fishing village sheltering a monumental fort built by English colonists on the coasts of the Bay of Bengal. It is the capital city of the State of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its wealth and its religious architecture.

EXCURSION: Take a tour of Madras (in the afternoon)

Visit the Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and rebuilt in 1896 in the Neo-Gothic style. It is believed to house the tomb of Saint Thomas, the apostle who first brought Christianity to India. Then, enter the impressive Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva. It presents an architectural style typical of this region of Tamil Nadu.
Be introduced to your crew to a welcome cocktail before dinner. Spend the night on board.

strong>EXCURSION: Sanctums and forts (in the morning)

Discover the superb archaeological site of Mahabalipuram, added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 1984. Away from the hustle and bustle of Madras, a group of sanctums is sculpted directly into the bedrock, the most impressive being the “Shore Temple” and the “Descent of the Ganges”. Enjoy lunch on board. We’ll cruise to Trincomalee. Have dinner and spend the night on board

An important port on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee has always had a major role in the history of international maritime commerce. Built on a rocky peninsula, the city embraces the vast Kottiyar bay.

EXCURSION: Take a tour of Trincomalee (in the afternoon)

Discovery the city of Trincomalee, the main center of Tamil culture. Tour the Koneswaram temple, the temple of the thousand pillars. This Hindu temple is the most revered of the island and the main divinity is Shiva. Stroll in the local market and discover unknown exotic fruits and vegetables. Cruise to Colombo, then have dinner and spend the night on board.

Take advantage of this day at sea to enjoy easy living aboard the Belle des Océans and take part in the proposed on-board activities.

Economic capital of the country, Colombo was known to Arab, Persian, and Chinese merchants as early as the 8th century. A small village nestled between two dunes at the time, the city became an important trading post on the spice route.

EXCURSION: The city of Galle and its fortifications, and panoramic tour of Colombo (full day)

The city of Galle was built by the Europeans in the 16th century and was included on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites in 1988. The most beautiful example of south-east Asian fortified cities, the entire city charmingly illustrates the rich history of the past centuries. Its granite fort and fortifications seem to protect the narrow streets lined with the beautifully colorful homes of the former Dutch merchants who came to work in the spice trade. Afterward, join us for a panoramic tour of the city of Colombo. Cruise to Kochi, then have dinner and spend the night on board.

Take advantage of this day at sea to enjoy easy living aboard the Belle des Océans and take part in the proposed on-board activities.

Kochi, located in the State of Kerala, will charm you with its rich colonial past. Occupied successively by the Portuguese, the English, the Dutch, and the French, its narrow streets and alleyways have an entirely European atmosphere. Its vast lagoon stretching along the Malabar coast is its main tourist attraction.

EXCURSION: Tour of the city of Kochi and the Backwaters of Kerala (full day)

On the way to the lagoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Kochi. Visit St. Francis Church that was once home of the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Photo op at the famous fishing ports known to be especially picturesque then continues on towards this labyrinth of waterways, lakes, and lagoons called Backwaters. Board elegant, thatch-roofed wooden boats and enjoy a lunch consisting of local specialties. We’ll then go deeper into a web of intermingled canals lined with colorful houses. Laughing children bring life to the riverbanks, while their mothers wash clothing by hand in the waters. Between luxurious vegetation, rice fields, and coconut trees, the fishermen bustle to pull in their nets. Have dinner and spend the night on board. Cruise to Goa.

Take advantage of this day at sea to enjoy easy living aboard the Belle des Océans and take part in the proposed on-board activities.

The former capital of Portuguese India, Goa was a center for evangelicalism in India and Asia in the 16th century. Goa’s churches and convents are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to its many historical attractions, Goa is renowned for its endless beaches and its relaxed atmosphere.

EXCURSION: Tour of the city of Goa (in the morning)

Tour one of the most attractive cities in the country: Old Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Catholic world because it contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary charged with evangelizing the country. Then, discover one of the most fascinating buildings of the city: the convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi. Contemplate its ancient murals, its gilded wooden sculptures, and its baroque altarpiece. Enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon we’ll cruise to Bombay. Have dinner and spend the night on board.

The most populated city of India, Bombay is the economic capital of the country. In the last century, authorities modernized the city, which resulted in it being added to UNESCO’s list for its Neo-Gothic Victorian and Art-Deco ensembles. Both pulsating and dynamic, it reveals all of its contrasts: affluent young people walk through shanty towns while rickshaws weave between luxury cars.

EXCURSION: Take a panoramic tour of Bombay (in the afternoon)

Discover the neighborhood of Colaba with the emblem of the city: The Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace, the monumental Victorian station, the university, the clock tower, and more. Then visit the museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation”, who led India to independence. It hosts a rich collection of objects that belonged to Gandhi. Photo op at the traditional “open-air laundromat”. We’ll enjoy a gala dinner and spend the night on board.

strong>EXCURSION: Elephanta island (in the morning)

Elephanta Island is famous because it is home to the “city of caves”, a collection of archaeological cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This first-class rupestrian site was added to UNESCO’s list in 1987 and bears witness to its rich past. Gain access to the sight on small boats. The caves are divided into two groups: Five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves that were carved directly into the mountain. Its masterpiece is the monumental seven-meter sculpture representing Shiva in three forms: the creator, the protector, and the destroyer. Return to the ship. Enjoy lunch on board. End of the services at 2:00 p.m