Tour Details

While docked in the Cochin cruise port, explore the city from your ship on this worry-free shore excursion. Depending on the date you book, follow one of three itineraries. Either, make a stop in Fort Kochi to see St. Francis Church, go on an adventure through the backwaters of Kerala during this houseboat tour, or cruise down a river in a houseboat and visit the giant Chinese fishing nets.

• A houseboat cruise in Alleppey
• Take a houseboat cruise down a river in Kerala
• Eat a traditional Keralan lunch on board the boat
• Stop in the Fort Kochi region to go exploring
• See St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
• Catch sight of the Chinese fishing nets near Fort Kochi Beach
• Round-trip transport is included

Itenary

Your shore excursion from Cochin begins with pickup from the cruise boat, where you’ll board a tour vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive to Alleppey (also known as Alapuzha). Depending on the date you travel, you’ll experience one of three itineraries.

Step aboard a houseboat for a leisurely sail through the inland waterways of Kerala. Relax as you glide past scenes of riverfront life, such as paddy fields, coconut palms, and traditional wooden houseboats. Enjoy attention from the onboard staff, who will serve a traditional Keralan lunch of rice, fish, chicken, and vegetable dishes should you travel on the first itinerary.

At the end of your houseboat tour, go ashore near Fort Kochi to tour the area with a guide. See St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, and the Chinese fishing nets near Fort Kochi Beach before drop-off back at the cruise port.

The second itinerary you could follow encompasses the houseboat tour in the itinerary above, however lunch will be replaced by traditional snacks and tea and coffee. Fort Kochi will not be visited on this itinerary.

Finally, if travelling on the third itinerary you will receive a comprehensive tour of Cochin and Mattancherry. Visit the Dutch Palace built by Portuguese settlers and famous for its stunning murals depicting tales from Hinduism. Then, visit the Jewish Synagogue and stroll the Jewish quarter. Later, transfer to Fort Kochi for a short walking tour and visit St. Francis Church before being returned to the cruise ship terminal where your tour concludes.