NOVEMBER 2020

PRICELESS PEARLS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

25 days including Crystal Symphony cruise, Mumbai, Delhi &

a train journey on Palace on Wheels through Rajasthan

The group from Desderi Travel Club that crossed the Pacific Ocean January/February

2019 on Crystal Serenity, nicknamed themselves the “Pacific Group” for WhatsApp

communication. The crossing was spectacular, and at our farewell dinner we made an

oath “to do it again”!

Now we are indeed doing it again, and more:

The new cruise will be on the somewhat smaller, but equally luxurious and comfortable

Crystal Symphony. This new cruise will be an all-inclusive 14-day-crossing from Dubai

to Mumbai, where we have a fine balance of interesting ports of call and seadays.

We’ll visit new and expansive cities along the Arabian Peninsula –

where innovative architecture is stooped in the traditional way of live. We disembark in

Mumbai, a couple of days there – then on the Delhi – New & Old! Here we take the

famous rail journey culminating with Taj Mahal.

Do join us onboard the Symphony and the Palace on Wheel!

DAY 1, NOVEMBER 8TH, 2020, SUNDAY: DUBAI

If you are flying from one of Scandinavia’s capital cities – Oslo, Copenhagen or

Stockholm – Norwegian flies daily to Dubai. According to the 2019 schedule, the flights

depart from Scandinavia just before midnight, arriving Dubai around nine the following

morning. Boarding time at Crystal Symphony is 12.00-noon. To kill some time before

boarding, DTC arranges a short introductory tour of Dubai before taking you to the

harbour where we board the splendid ship that will be our home away from home the

following 14 days.

We enjoy lunch onboard and check into our stateroom of choice, please refer to

the below selection of cabins you can choose from. Later you are free to disembark and

explore Dubai on your own – this thriving city on the Arabian peninsula is a shopper’s

delight, so you have, indeed, come to the very right place if you need to do some last

minute shopping before we set sail tomorrow. Don’t shop till you drop! - we’ll meet for

a Welcome-aboard-dinner in one of the six dining venues this splendid ship has to offer.

DAY 2, NOVEMBER 9TH, MONDAY: DUBAI + CRUISING TO DOHA

Enjoy breakfast on the top deck – stay onboard, or take another visit ashore: Home to the

world’s biggest shopping mall, tallest skyscraper, and dozens of ultra-glamourous luxury

hotels, Dubai is truly a modern wonder. After exploring the new sites of the city, find

yourself amongst traditional winding souks and local charm. The contrasts are mind

boggling. We’ll have to be back onboard by 17.00, as we sail for Qatar at 18.00.

DAY 3, NOVEMBER 10TH, TUESDAY: DOHA

The cruise to Qatar is a short one as we arrive Doha seven o’clock in the morning. Doha

is a major cultural and political hub of the Persian Gulf and is constantly growing.

Thousands of expatriates have moved to Qatar to become a part of its development and

thriving economy. One of Doha’s most impressive projects is the Pearl - an artificial

island that covers 985 acres.

Today numerous exciting excursions are offered in Qatar, as we spend the night

portside in Doha. Thus you have the opportunity to explore Doha by night – a glittering

gem in the desert.

The Doha skyline

DAY 4, NOVEMBER 11TH, WEDNESDAY: DOHA + CRUISE TO MANAMA

This morning, we enjoy breakfast on the top deck pier-side with wonderful vistas of

Doha. The city is the most populous city in the state of Qatar with a population of

1’850’000 in the city proper, and 2.4 million in the capital as such. Thus there is a lot to

see and explore in Doha. One of the exciting excursions offers a visit to Al Shaqab Royal

Stables – to experience the legend of the Arabian Horse. We set sail at 18.00 and continue

our voyage to Bahrain.

DAY 5, NOVEMBER 12TH, THURSDAY:

AL MANAMAH + CRUISING THE PERSIAN GULF

We arrive Al Manamah at seven o’clock this morning. Enjoy breakfast on the top deck

with wonderful vistas of the Bahrainian capital. This city on the Persian Gulf offers a

compelling mix of local culture and world influences. With about one-third of residents

hailing from other countries, a fascinating mix of chic clubs and eateries and old Arab

traditions is on offer. Arab boats called dhows populate the waters, and camel rides and

pearl diving excursions remain popular ways to experience traditional pursuits.

The Symphony sets sail at 18.00 and we can look forward to the following day at sea.

DAY 6, NOVEMBER 13TH, FRIDAY – CRUISING THE PERSIAN GULF

After having had some busy days in the bustling cities along the Arabian peninsula, we

can enjoy a full day at sea and enjoy all the luxurious facilities onboard the Symphony.

DAY 7, NOVEMBER 14TH, SATURDAY: ABU DHABI

We arrive at the United Arab Emirates at eight o’clock. Abu Dhabi is a bustling city with

extraordinary sky scrapers, wide, tree-lined boulevards, and some of the most elite

cultural destinations. This city is considered the wealthiest city in the world, but still

retains a humble charm with its central souk and artisan hub for traditional crafts.

Today numerous exciting excursions are offered in UAE, as we spend the night

portside in Abu Dhabi. Thus you have the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi by night –

and maybe establish why it is considered the wealthiest city in the world.

DAY 8, NOVEMBER 15TH, SUNDAY:

ABU DHABI + CRUISING THE GULF OF OMAN

Today we have been aboard a full week, as it is Sunday - and seven days since we boarded

in Dubai. Numerous excursions are offered by the ship today. Why not take an Abu Dhabi

orientation tour with high-tea at the Emirates Palace?

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island

in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s

modern towers and shopping mega-centres such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. Beneath

white-marble domes, the vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet,

crystal chandeliers and capacity for 41,000 worshipers.

On either end of the Corniche, a promenade running along the main beachfront, are

Emirates Palace, a landmark luxury resort built in high Arabian style, and Dhow Harbour,

anchorage for the namesake boats. The Carpet and Iranian souks provide an old-fashioned

bazaar experience, while the World Trade Center Souk offers an updated take. Heritage Village

is a mock traditional oasis encampment where workshop stalls sell Arabian crafts and other

wares. Oil-rich Abu Dabi has many similarities to Norway in the manner in which the wealth

from OIL has been distributed.

DAY 9, NOVEMBER 16th, MONDAY - CRUISING THE GULF OF OMAN

A full day at sea to enjoy the six stars this fantastic ship has to offer.

DAY 10, NOVEMBER 17TH, TUESDAY: MUSCAT

We arrive at eight o’clock in Oman and enjoy breakfast on the top deck- a pure pleasure!

Ringed by volcanic mountains and guarded by two Portuguese forts, Muscat is a

picturesque blend of Arab, Indian, African and European styles, thanks to the ordinance

that traditional architecture must take precedence over high-rise buildings. Just stroll

around in the beautiful city or take one of the exciting excursions the ship has to offer.

DAY 11, NOVEMBER 18th, WEDNESDAY - CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

Another full day at sea to enjoy the six stars this ship has to offer.

DAY 12, NOVEMBER 19th, THURSDAY - CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

We continue our voyage due south as we cruise the Arabian Sea.

DAY 13, NOVEMBER 20TH, FRIDAY: MUMBAI

We arrive India this morning at eight o’clock and enjoy breakfast as we approach the

Indian continent. Formerly known as Bombay, experience the most populous city in the

world that features the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the breath-taking cave temple

at Elephanta, and India’s exciting Hindi film and television industry; Bollywood.

Mumbai is hectic, noisy and dynamic – and a city of contrasts with heart-breaking

poverty and glamourous wealth. We enjoy our last dinner onboard – a farewell

symphony…

The Tai Mahal Palace Hotel The Gate of India Monument The busy Boulevard

DAY 14, NOVEMBER 21ST, SATURDAY: MUMBAI

On this 14th day of the cruise, we disembark the ship that has been our home for almost

two weeks. Proceed to the airport and fly home - or to another exciting destination in

India or Asia. If you want to join Desderi Travel Club’s post-tour, spend a couple of days

in Mumbai and New Delhi respectively before boarding the train “Palace on Wheels”

for a one-week adventurous train voyage through India’s Rajasthan. Please refer to Post

Tour in India.

There are a variety of cabins and prices being offered, located on different decks, without

balcony with panorama windows with full or obstructed view, with picture windows, with and

without balcony. Desderi Travel Club has selected 6 categories in the pricelist below. For

penthouse suites and suites, please visit this web-site:

https://www.crystalcruises.com/voyage/dubai-to-mumbai-ocs201108-13#suites-and-fares

Price per person in double cabin: Price: Deck: Crystal

Society*:

Category E2 – with extremely obstructed view: $ 4516 8 $ 4422

Category E1 – with partly obstructed view: $ 4816 7&8 $ 4715

Category D – with full view, picture window: $ 5166 5 $ 5056

Category B2 – with private balcony: $ 6166 8 $ 6031

Category A3 – with private balcony: $ 6366 9 $ 6226

Category PH – penthouse with private balcony: $ 9366 10 $ 9151

Price per person in double cabin: Price** with Crystal Society***

Early full payment & Early full payment:

Category E2 – with extremely obstructed view: $ 4425 8 $ 4331

Category E1 – with partly obstructed view: $ 4717 7&8 $ 4616

Category D – with full view, picture window: $ 5059 5 $ 4948

Category B2 – with private balcony: $ 6031 8 $ 5900

Category A3 – with private balcony: $ 6230 9 $ 6090

Category PH – penthouse with private balcony: $ 9156 10 $ 8941

Price per person in single cabin: Price: Deck: Crystal

Society*:

Category E1 – with partly obstructed view: $ 6031 7&8 $ 5899

Category D – with full view, picture window: $ 6486 5 $ 5056

Price per person in single cabin: Price** with Crystal Society***

Early full payment & Early full payment:

Category E1 – with partly obstructed view: $ 5903 7&8 $ 5770

Category D – with full view, picture window: $ 6346 5 $ 4915

* If you have cruised with Crystal previously and is a member of Crystal Society, you get a

2.5% discount and pay the price in the Crystal Society column above. Name of Cruise:

OCS20110813 PRICELESS PEARLS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

** If you prefer to pay for your cruise in full 9 months prior to departure (with credit card is

recommendable) substantial savings can obviously be made. ** and *** even more beneficial

savings are accumulated. Early Full Payment Discount applies to all voyages. To qualify for

2.5% savings, cruise must be paid in full 270 days prior to cruise departure. (Savings apply

to full cruises only. Cruise Savings do not apply to Personal Select Air costs and may not

apply when select promotional fares are in effect. Additional restrictions may apply). The above prices are based on an early-bird two for one offer combined with the “Book

Now” offer with a 1000 US Dollar savings per person/double cabin. These offers

normally have a time frame and can be recalled without any prior notice, as Crystal

Cruises’ Yield Management Department monitor the capacity of cabins continuously.

For conditions regarding cancellations and all other conditions, please refer to:

https://www.crystalcruises.com/experience/ocean

* - *

For post-tour to New Delhi – please see below information.

MUMBAI AND NEW DELHI POST-TOUR

DAY 14, NOVEMBER 21ST, SATURDAY: MUMBAI

The discerned cruise guests will transfer from the Symphony to the hotel in Mumbai. Since the

hotel-rooms will not be available before the afternoon, Cascina Desderi Club invites all guests

to an orientation tour of Mumbai.

The participants who will join the tour today, will be met at Mumbai airport – with the

very complicated name Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport – and will be transferred to the

hotel where we all meet. If you fly Emirates from Scandinavia, you will arrive 08.25 (according

to the 2019 schedule). The coach with the Symphony-guests will meet arriving passengers at

the airport, and you will be invited to join the orientation tour of Mumbai.

In the afternoon, we check into our elegant hotel, The Tai Mahal Palace, and meet for a

Welcome to India dinner this evening.

DAY 15, NOVEMBER 22ND, SUNDAY: MUMBAI

After breakfast, we sojourn in the lobby for a tour of Mumbai – this is not merely a city tour,

as this presentation of vibrating Mumbai is in the footsteps of Shantaram, the successful book

written by Gregory David Robert. The city, which is distinctly tropical. Its weathered Victorian

mansions, some still privately owned, and grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night,

stand as lingering reminder of the days of the British Raj. First visit the Gateway of India,

hastily created as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their

tour to India in 1911. Next visit is the Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill,

which provide lovely views over the Arabian Sea, Dhobi Ghat - (Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat) is a

well-known open-air laundromat in Mumbai. Before attending this tour of India, Shantaram is

obligatory reading. Lunch is part of the tour, dinner, is however on your own this evening. The

Tai Mahal Palace Hotel has 6 dining venues under its roof.

DAY 16, NOVEMBER 23RD, MONDAY: MUMBAI – NEW DELHI FLYING

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport for a short

flight to New Delhi (included) – India’s famous capital. We will fly Air India with departure

around 12-noon. The flight takes 2.20 hours, so we arrive Delhi airport around 14.30. Transfer

from Indira Gandhi International airport to our hotel – the only modern palace-hotel in New

Delhi. We enjoy a Welcome to Delhi dinner in the informal “The Qube” restaurant of the Leela

Palace New Delhi Hotel – one of the new luxury hotels New Delhi has to offer.

DAY 17, NOVEMBER 24TH, TUESDAY: NEW DELHI

After breakfast, if the November weather permits; on the roof-terrace of the Leela Palace New

Delhi Hotel, you are invited on a unique full day city tour of New and Old Delhi, visiting Qutab

Minar - which is the tallest brick minaret in the world, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate – a war

memorial which was built to salute the brave Indian soldiers of the British Army who lost their

lives in World War 1, Rastrapati Bhawan or the President’s House and the Parliament Street

where you can see various government buildings, Raj Ghat the cremation place of the Father of

the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and the Chandni Chowk

Back in the Leela Palace in the afternoon. If you prefer to enjoy the luxury of your hotel,

you may chose do dine in the gourmet Indian restaurant Jamavar – by many considered the best

restaurant in all of Delhi – new or old…

The roof top garden and pool of the Leela Palace Hotel

DAY 18, NOVEMBER 25TH, WEDNESDAY: NEW DELHI+BOARD THE TRAIN

Breakfast in the Hotel and check out by 11.00. Later proceed to visit Akshardham Temple.

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, which epitomises 10’000 years of Indian culture in

all its breath-taking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It sits near the banks of the Yamuna in

eastern New Delhi. For the first time ever in the world, witness the heritage of India in all its

facets, insights and beauty at the Swaminarayan Akshardham through its mandir, exhibitions,

verdant gardens and other attractions. After the visit you are taken to the Hotel Coffee Shop to

have Tea/Coffee, and later you are transferred to the Safdarjung station to board the Train

Palace on Wheels. (Reporting Time at Safdarjung station is 16.00)

Price for the extension from November 21 – 25, 2020:

Price per person double occupancy: US$ 1580.00 (based on 12 participants) – including:

Price per person single occupancy: US$ 2575.00 (based on 12 participants) – including:

* Accommodation in rooms with breakfast included in Mumbai and Delhi

* Transfers and Tours in Mumbai and Delhi by private air conditioned coach as per program

* Local English speaking guide for City Tours in Mumbai and Delhi

* Entrances to Monuments during City Tours in Mumbai and Delhi

* Breakfast daily and 2 dinners

* Domestic Flight in Economy Class Mumbai – Delhi

* All taxes, VAT, city tax and tips

Delhi – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur & Agra – Delhi

Day 18, 25th of November, Wednesday: Delhi – Board the Train Palace on Wheels:

Safdarjung, Railway Station, New Delhi at four o’clock in the afternoon.

Today you are picked up at the Leela Palace and transferred to Delhi Safdarjung railway station.

Report at 16.00 at Delhi Safdarjung railway station to complete check-in and registration

formalities for your Luxury Train Journey on Board The Palace on Wheels.

Once you have settled in your cabin our, executive will bid good bye and the train leaves Delhi

at around 18.30 and proceeds towards its first destination Jaipur. Dinner is served on board.

Day 19, 26th of November 2020, Thursday: Jaipur.

03.45: Train will reache Jaipur early in the morning.

07.00: Breakfast will be served at 0700 hrs.

08.00: Departure by coach for sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

The first stop of Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well-planned cities of the

world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded

by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes

you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storied building along

the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed

sandstone windows.

This is followed by a visit to Albert Hall and the City Palace, home of the erstwhile

royal family. Right across the road from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest

observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.

13.30: After reaching at Amber you can enjoy the festively decorated elephant for a ride

up to the fort. After lunch visit of Amber fort the best example of splendid fusion of Rajput and

Mugal style of Architecture.

The hall of victory Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling adorned with mirror work an inlaid

panel. Return back to train by bus for fresh n up after rest awhile enjoy sumptuous dinner on

board.

8.00: The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels. Dinner will be served on

board.

Day 20, 27th of November, Friday: Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

05.30: Arrival at Sawai Madhopur. One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace

on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho

Singh I. A visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein are located the ruins of

a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country's best for observing

and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392sq kms is home

to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those

constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys,

ethnic ornaments and costumes.

06.00: Departure for Ranthambore National Parl (Sanctury visit)

09.00: After the game, a safari canter will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on

board.

10.30: Departure for Chittiogarh

16.30: Sightseeing in Chittorgarh, where we view the Images of love and valour; scars of battles

lost and won... thrice-besieged, Chittorgarh Fort is all this and more, the Victory Tower and the

Tower of Fame. You will also have an opportunity to witness the sound and light show at the

majestic Chittorgarh Fort.

19.00: The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, dinner will be served on

board. The Palace on Wheels stays in Chittorgarh station until the early morning before

departing for Udaipur.

Day 21, 28th of November, Saturday: Udaipur, Rajasthan.

08.00: Arrival in Udaipur. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the

Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals.

09.00: Departure for sightseeing by coach and visit Sahalio Ki Bari, shopping and City Palace

& Crystal Gallery.

13.30: After lunch at a Palace Hotel, we see one of the most beautiful sites of Udaipur, as we

cross Lake Pichola by boat, past the majestic Lake Palace Hotel idyllically situated in the middle

of the lake.

15.00: The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.

15.30: departure for Jaisalmer, dinner will be served on board.

Day 22, 29th of November, Sunday: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

07.30: Breakfast on board.

09.15: Arrival at Jaisalmer. In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal

Jaisal, in 1156 A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently

over the city.

09.30: Discover the painstakingly latticed Havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The

Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone

carver's skill.

13.30: Enjoy lunch at the impressive palace hotel.

15.30: After lunch, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a

refreshing cup of tea enjoying the sunset.

19.00: Arrival on the train.

19.45: Later enjoy the dinner and the cultural programmes at Palace Hotel. After dinner the

Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.

Day 23, 30th of November, Monday: Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

07.00: Arrival at Jodhpur a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several

bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known

for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort.

07.30: Breakfast on board.

09.00: Proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces

within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive

examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies the Jaswant Thada, and a group

of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.

13.15: Lunch will be served at a city hotel.

14.45: The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.

15.00: Departure for Bharatpur. Dinner will be served on board.

Day 24, 1st of December, Tuesday: Bharatpur, Rajasthan & Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

05.00: Arrival at Bharatpur, Early next morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the

capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal.

06.00: Visit to the world-famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting

place of thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.

08.30: The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on board and

you will depart for Agra

10.30: Arrival at Agra Railway Station.

11.00: Proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the Red Fort.

13.30: Lunch at the 5 Star hotel.

15.00: Move on to pay a visit to Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A pristine

monument of undying love; it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved

queen Mumtaz Mahal.

17.30: Shopping Tour - Agra is also known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra

Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.

20.00: Dinner will be taken at the hotel, later on the Luxury coach will take you back to Palace

on Wheels. Bid farewell to the train & perhaps a final drink in lounge bar.

Day 25, 2nd December, Wednesday: Delhi (Train Disembark).

04.00: Arrival at Safdarjung Railway Station.

07.00: Breakfast on Board.

07.30 – 08.00: Bid farewell to the Palace on Wheels.

You will be met by our executive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station and he will transfer you

to Delhi Airport for your onward onward journey.

End of Services

Inclusions:

* Accommodation in Double Deluxe Cabins with attached bathroom in Palace on Wheels with

All meals - including tea, coffee and mineral water.

* Transport for sightseeing with Deluxe Coaches during Palace on Wheels Train Journey

* English speaking guide during Palace on Wheels Train Journey

* Monument entry fee to all palaces, museums & parks during Palace on Wheels Train Journey

* Two Transfers in Delhi with Private air-conditioned Vehicle with Driver

Price for 25 days’ cruise, tour & Palace on Wheels – November 8th to December 2nd 2020:

Per person double occupancy: $ 11’999 – category D cabin on Crystal Symphony

Per person single occupancy: $ 15'799 – category D cabin on Crystal Symphony

The dining car on Palace on Palace on Wheels – richly decorated is an understatement…