You will be greeted and picked from the Cochin Port by our representative and will be taken to the Old Cochin for Cochin Heritage Tour. Your tour begins with a visit to the Dutch Palace (which will be closed on Fridays) which was built by the Portuguese, but was later renovated by the Dutch, and hence the name. It was presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 and since then the glory of the Palace has spread owing to its murals instilled in the traditions of Hindu Temple Art. You will next visit the Jewish Synagogue (which will be closed on Friday noon and Saturday). It was built in 1568 A.D and the Synagogue still stands as a testimony for communal harmony. You can also see some of The Great Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew Script still preserved in the Synagogue. Afterwards, we move to visit St. Francis Church. It is believed to be the oldest European Church built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. After the death of Vasco-Da-Gama, the Portuguese explorer, he was buried here in this church and fourteen years later, his remains were taken to Portugal. You will also witness the various methods used by the local fishermen to catch fish and you will also be able to see the Chinese fishing nets.
Before you head back to the port enjoy the Cochin Harbour Cruise. Refresh yourself with a cooling drink before you board the motorboat for a cruise through the harbour. Cochin Harbour was once famous for the huge number of foreign traders who had come to seek wealth on the Malabar coast. The motorboat cruise will take you through some of the spectacular views of the islands like Gundu, Bolgatty and Vallarpadam. It will also lets you see some of the major landmarks, churches and the bustling life of the villagers. Your cruise will end at the Boat Jetty which is close to the pier and you will be transferred to your ship at the end of your tour.