SINGAPORE , MARCH 8TH AND 9th, 2008 Saturday and Sunday

Singapore Highlights

An ideal "first experience" overview of dynamic Singapore, this tour features many highlights of this island nation that is known for its extraordinary tidiness and its friendly people. First, you will drive to the heart of Old Singapore, passing St Andrew’s Cathedral, City Hall and Padang. Disembark the motor coach at Esplanade Walk to discover on footthe splendid architecture of the historic Colonial District. From here, you can also see the Merlion—the half-fish, half-lion symbol of Singapore—welcoming visitors to the harbor. You might also catch a glimpse of the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel at a distance (weather permitting). Re-boarding the coach, continue to Arab Street to take advantage of an opportunity to photograph the beautiful, gold-domed Sultan Mosque. Next stop, Chinatown! Walking through the alleyways around Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, you’ll see that the building is flamboyantly graced with multi-colored gods and goddesses. And finally, before returning to the ship, visit the National Orchid Garden to feast your eyes on the largest orchid display in the world, featuring more than 60,000 orchid plants. Pause for photos at Raffles Hotel en route.

A TASTE OF SINGAPORE

In Singapore’s Chinatown you will walk through the alleyways to the colorful Indian templelocated here. In a quaint Chinese tea house (where Queen Elizabeth once visited), listen to a talk on how the Chinese brew tea, take in the flavors and aromas of the tea leaves, and take time for tea tasting. Unique Chinese teapots and tealeaves are also sold here. Next, visit exotic Little India to be charmed by the many shops selling spices, snacks, colorful saris, glittering jewelry, accessories, brassware and other exotica. Taste some spices, then continue past Arab Street and the beautiful gold-domed Sultan Mosque. At the famous Raffles Hotel, enjoy a Singapore Sling at the historic Long Bar, where the cocktail was invented in 1915. A sumptuous buffet curry lunch will be served in the elegant Tiffin Room. The high ceilings and colonial architecture of the room reflect the era of British rule, from 1819 to 1963.The buffet features traditional Indian and Asian specialties and is a favorite with visitors and locals alike.






Also Cable car to Certosa