On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
The diversity of the Orient and Asia combined
39 days | Heraklion • Cyprus • Safaga • Jeddah • Salalah • Abu Dhabi • Dubai • India • Sri Lanka • Malaysia • SingaporeWhy this trip?
- The my choice fare already includes the flight package from/to FRA and €1,000 on-board credit per person.
- Experience the historical relics of Egyptian culture up close or relax on the beautiful beaches on the Red Sea
- Let yourself be enchanted by the fascinating mix of tradition and modernity in the United Arab Emirates
- You have the opportunity to see the most famous proof of love in the world with your own eyes: the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal
- Off to the mangrove jungle in Malaysia, where wild monkeys live and mysterious caves can be discovered
Itinerary
Heraklion (Crete)
In Heraklion, go back in time three thousand years on a visit to the Palace of Knossos and explore the legend of the Minotaur. Crete's gorgeous sandy beaches and azure waters also invite you to take a dip!
Embarkation 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Day 2
Recreation at sea.
Limassol (Cyprus)
Cypriots think of wine first when they think of Limassol, and of course you can visit the wineries in the area and taste fine wines there. The medieval center around the shopping streets Makarious III and Agiou Andreou invites you to stroll. Be sure to stop by the old market hall. At the old port of Limassol and the Limassol Marina you can marvel at elegant yachts. A visit to the Royal Tombs of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should not be missed during a visit to the island.
Day 4
Recreation at sea.
Day passage Suez Canal
Morning passage through the Suez Canal.
Hurghada (Egypt)
Das Traumreiseziel für Badenixen, Taucher und Kulturinteressierte. Natürlich denkt man bei Hurghada zuerst an das Rote Meer und die unzähligen Wassersportmöglichkeiten. Entdecken auch Sie die Küste mit den vorgelagerten Korallenriffen, die zum Tauchen und Schnorcheln einladen. Ebenso sehenswert ist aber auch das Hurghada Aquarium mit eigenem Regenwald und über 100 Tierarten, das Hurghada Museum mit einer Vielzahl an Ausstellungsstücken aus der ägyptischen Geschichte oder aber die Sand Ciy Hurghada. Hier können Sie über 60 Sandskulpturen und Reliefs bewundern.
Safaga (Luxor, Egypt)
Safaga has something to offer for everyone. Follow the falcon god Horus into the Valley of the Kings on an excursion to neighboring Luxor and visit the amazing Temple of the Dead of Hatshepsut, which will transport you to the realm of Osiris. Alternatively, the enchanting coral reefs at Soma Bay offer a true paradise for lovers of the underwater world.
Day 8
Recreation at sea.
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
In Jeddah, a contrast of the modern and historical oriental world awaits you. Visit a traditional souk, stroll along the harbor promenade or visit unique architectural projects such as the Jeddah Tower, which is under construction. When completed, it will be the tallest building in the world.
Day 10
Recreation at sea.
Day 11
Erholung auf See.
Day 12
Recreation at sea.
Salalah (Oman)
Salalah forms an almost tropical oasis on the Arabian Peninsula. Besides steep cliffs and beaches like in the Caribbean, the lush vegetation shines, lined with numerous orchards. A visit to the historic district with the Al-Husn Palace, the birthplace of Sultan Qaboos, who is still very revered today, should not be missed during a visit to Salalah.
Day 14
Recreation at sea.
Muscat (Oman)
Walk along the promenade to the famous souk of Matrah and put your haggling skills to the test. Marvel at the ostentatiously designed capital of Oman, where the country's wealth is readily on display. From the gilded bus stop to the colossal royal palace, Muscat will leave you in awe.
Fujairah (United Arab Emirates)
Wer auf der Suche nach dem unverfälschten Zauber der Arabischen Emirate ist, muss Fudschaira besuchen. Hier ist vieles noch ursprünglicher als in den glitzernden Metropolen Dubai oder Abu Dhabi. Bummeln Sie entlang der wunderschönen Corniche, lernen Sie Wissenwertes über die Geschichte des Emirats am Golf von Oman im "Heritage Village" oder entdecken Sie das Umland. Es locken Oasen wie Wadi al-Wurayah, wo ein Wasserfall in einen natürlichen Pool mündet. Oder aber Sie genießen ein Bad in den heißen Quellen von Ain al-Madhab.
Ra's al-Chaima (United Arab Emirates)
Das kleine Emirat Ra´s al-Chaima ist ein wahrer Geheimtipp. Hier gehen die Uhren noch etwas langsamer, das Streben nach "größer, weiter, höher" hat hier noch nicht eingesetzt. Man findet hier noch traditionelle Ortschaften, eine naturbelassene, 64 Kilometer lange Küste und eine vielfältige Natur. Im östlichen Teil des Emirats erstreckt sich die Ru’us Al Jibal-Gebirgskette, der dort beheimatete Jebel Jais ist mit 1.934 Metern der höchste Berg der VAE. Mangroven, Heimat einer vielfältigen Tierwelt, erstrecken sich weit bis in das Zentrum von Ras Al Khaimah. Und die terracottafarbene Wüste gehört zu den fruchtbarsten der Region.
Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
Abu Dhabi ist das größte der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate und stellt einen perfekten Mix aus Tradition und Moderne dar. Bis in die 1960er Jahre war Abu Dhabi eine kleine Siedlung mit simplen Bauten; die Einwohner waren meist Perlentaucher und Dattelbauern. Diese Idylle wurde abgelöst durch Bauten wie Emirates Palace und Qasr al Watan. Bei Letztgenanntem handelt es sich um den Präsidentenpalast, ein imposanter Bau voller Glitzer und Gold. Besuchen Sie auch die Scheich Zayed Moschee, das größte sakrale Bauwerk mit 82 weißen Kuppeln.
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai, capital of the emirate of the same name and the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, will captivate you with ultra-modern architecture. The Burj Khalifa, the world-famous 830-meter skyscraper, dominates the skyline. But also the Dubai Fountain, whose water jets show a choreography accompanied by music, or the artificial islands off the coast make the city unique. Shopping lovers are spoiled for choice thanks to the numerous malls.
Kashab (Oman)
The idyllic fishing village of Kashab is known for its enchanting fjord landscape. Board a traditional dhow and embark on a discovery tour through the turquoise waters of the fjords. With a little luck, your trip will be accompanied by dolphins.
Day 21
Recreation at sea.
Day 22
Erholung auf See.
Mumbai (India)
Plunge into the chaos of Mumbai, the metropolis of millions, and discover lively markets, magnificent palaces and enchanting parks. The former Bombay is the largest city in India and also its financial center. At the port of Mumbai, the famous stone archway of the Gateway of India, built by the British colonial government in 1924, awaits you. On the nearby island of Elephanta you will find ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. In addition, the city is known as the center of the Indian Bollywood film industry
Mumbai (India)
Plunge into the chaos of Mumbai, the metropolis of millions, and discover lively markets, magnificent palaces and enchanting parks. The former Bombay is the largest city in India and also its financial center. At the port of Mumbai, the famous stone archway of the Gateway of India, built by the British colonial government in 1924, awaits you. On the nearby island of Elephanta you will find ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. In addition, the city is known as the center of the Indian Bollywood film industry
Goa (India)
An Indian island experience awaits you in Goa. Colorful buildings with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, history, local cuisine and spices make up the place. And of course, you'll keep coming across traces left here by the man who gave our ship its name, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama.
Day 26
Recreation at sea.
Kochi (Indien)
Chinesische Fischernetze schmücken die Uferpromenade von Kochi, das Indo-Portugiesische Museum und auch die Kathedrale Santa Cruz spiegeln die unterschiedlichsten Einflüsse wieder. Vor allem jedoch sollten die Gewürze in der als "Königin des Arabischen Meeres" bekannten Stadt probiert werden.
Day 28
Recreation at sea.
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Picturesque colonial buildings, centuries-old temples and traditional markets - that's Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka! Discover Colombo by tuk tuk and enjoy the island's former namesake, Ceylon tea.
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Picturesque colonial buildings, centuries-old temples and traditional markets - that's Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka! Discover Colombo by tuk tuk and enjoy the island's former namesake, Ceylon tea.
Trincomalee (Sri Lanka)
Trincomalee welcomes with golden beaches, distinctive underwater worlds and whale watching. Majestic, colorful temples and the Pigeon Island National Park also create unforgettable memories.
Day 32
Recreation at sea.
Day 33
Recreation at sea.
Day 34
Recreation at sea.
Day 35
Recreation at sea.
Langkawi (Malaysia)
The "Jewel of Kedah" invites you to an adventure with turquoise waters, thundering waterfalls and valleys where mangrove forests along with their wild inhabitants await you. The whole thing can also be viewed from a lofty height - from the Sybridge - look forward to impressive views.
George Town (Penang, Malaysia)
Located on the island of Penang, George Town awaits you with its originality. The historical quarters in colonial style with their numerous stores and delicacies invite you to take a walk. Also pay a visit to the glittering temples and places of worship, take the cable car to Penang Hill and visit the Orang Utans.
Port Kelang (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
From Port Kelang we head to Kuala Lumpur, the multifaceted metropolis and capital of Malaysia. The Petronas Towers stand out among the other skyscrapers and colonial architecture and markets bring the city to life.
Singapore
Look forward to the probably most beautiful skyline in Asia - Singapore. Visit the "City of Lions" and discover, for example, the "Gardens by the Bay", the "Marina Bay Sands" with its spectacular light show or immerse yourself in the diverse cuisine of the city-state - either in the restaurants or more authentic at the countless markets.
Disembarkation until 09:00 am.
Services
- Flight package from/to Frankfurt
- 1000 € on-board credit per person
- Cruise in the booked cabin category
- nicko cruises full board
- nicko cruises cruise management
- German-speaking local tour guide during the excursions (this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations, in these cases English-speaking guide)
- English-speaking service on board
- Entertainment programme and lectures on the countries visited on board
- Childcare and a large children‘s area extended over two decks with indoor and outdoor areas
- Comfortable Whisper audio system on all excursions operated by nicko cruises
- Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports area and spa area with sauna
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Classic beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €1,254 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €2,014 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €532 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: VASCO DA GAMA
On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.