Around the world 2024

HIMALAYAN KINDGOM OF NEPAL 3 NIGHTS | 4 MAY 2024 COCHIN to MUMBAI Become immersed in the culture of Nepal, a country shaped in many ways by the snowcapped Himalayas. That backdrop looks especially dramatic while flying by iconic Mount Everest, yet the cities may be even more striking. Extraordinary stupas rise above Patan, Newari architecture graces Kathmandu and all of medieval Bhaktapur is a UNESCOWorld Heritage site. Unusual cultural opportunities include an audience with a Kumari living goddess, watching an Aarti prayer offering at a Hindu temple and seeing how singing bowls are used to heal by sound. 42 Optional M I D - CRU I S E OV E R L A ND PROGR A MME S Inle Lake, available from Yangon ANCIENT TEMPLES OF BAGAN 1 NIGHT | 28 APRIL 2024 YANGON Gain insight into the religious devotion of Myanmar’s people by visiting temples from the 11th through 13th centuries that are representative of countless others. Ananda Temple is considered a masterpiece of Mon architecture, while Sulamani Temple displays some of Bagan’s finest ornamental work. The gold-plated Shwezigon Pagoda is an architectural gem so stunning that its design became the prototype for thousands of pagodas that followed. Bagan is also renowned for exquisite lacquerware and watching artisans create it using traditional methods is an eye-opener. AUTHENTIC INLE LAKE 1 NIGHT | 28 APRIL 2024 YANGON Marvel at the extraordinary while cruising beautiful Inle Lake, which nestles between two mountain ranges in Myanmar. Curiosities along the way include a Buddhist temple whose monks have trained cats to jump through hoops and a pagoda with Buddha statues covered with so much gold that it obscures their original forms. Even the fishermen are unconventional, as they row with one leg to keep their hands free to manage their cone-shaped nets. Enjoy memorable encounters with residents belonging to the Intha tribe at a floating market. TAJ MAHAL: THE ETERNAL MASTERPIECE 3 NIGHTS | 4 MAY 2024 COCHIN to MUMBAI Surrender to the mesmerising Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love and architectural splendour whose appearance changes chameleon-like as the day unfolds. Pale pink at dawn, it may look translucent blue at dusk when you gaze upon it again. Between visits, explore the wonders of the former Mughal Empire. Options include the fanciful imperial city within Agra Fort, the Mughal capital Fatehpur Sikri and a mausoleum that inspired the Taj Mahal’s design. A delightful day in Delhi, shopping in Agra and a private astrological consultation add cultural texture. Aarti prayer, available from Cochin Ananda Temple, available from Yangon Call +44 345 505 1920 Visit OceaniaCruises.com or Contact Your Travel Advisor