Trip Overview
Style: Multi-country adventure • Cultural immersion • 2 Dutch-speaking tour leaders + English guides
Route: Cochin (Kerala) → Munnar → Periyar → Alleppey → Bangkok → Kanchanaburi → Pattaya → Coral Island → Bali (Seminyak) → Uluwatu → Kintamani → Central Bali
Stay: 4★ hotels (full board: breakfast, lunch & dinner) + 1 night deluxe houseboat (full board)
Transport: Touring coach with private chauffeur • Speedboat transfers
Visas: India, Thailand & Bali visas included
Your 21-Days Journey
The Eternal Asia Trail
An exotic tri-nation adventure from India's backwaters to Thailand's temples and Bali's beaches
Departure Amsterdam → Cochin (Kerala)
Today you depart from Amsterdam on your booked flight to Cochin, located in the South Indian state of Kerala. You must report to Schiphol Airport at least 3–4 hours before departure for your international flight with a layover in Abu Dhabi. For current departure/arrival times and check-in counters, consult the digital screens in the departure halls.
Arrival in Cochin (Kerala)
Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met by a representative who will accompany you to the hotel and help with check-in formalities.
Background Information: Cochin
The port of Cochin is commonly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea and has one of the world’s most attractive and natural harbors. Cochin is known for spices, silk, ivory, and sandalwood. It has a traditionally rich heritage while also being one of the fastest-growing and modern cities in India. It is easy to be enchanted by the magic of Cochin, and it is the beauty and relatively good infrastructure that make Cochin the ideal holiday destination. Cochin, or Kochi as it is now called, offers visitors palaces, museums, old churches, and cool backwaters; palm-fringed lagoons, beaches, and the conveniences of a modern metro city.
Cochin City Tour
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a city tour of Cochin. In the late afternoon, you will attend a Kathakali dance performance.
Background Information – Kathakali
Kathakali is a classical dance form depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers’ costumes are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces portray different characters from the ancient epics, with expressive facial gestures and body movements.
St. Francis Church – Built in 1503 by Europeans, it is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in Kerala on his third visit; he was first buried here before his remains were moved to Portugal. The burial place is marked inside the church.
Fort Kochi Beach – A relaxed place to unwind; a favourite spot in Kerala. Sunset views with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing boats in the background are memorable. Many European-style bungalows line the shore.
Chinese fishing nets – A popular tourist attraction in Cochin harbour; unique in India and popularised by traders from the court of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan.
Road journey Cochin – Munnar
After breakfast, travel to Munnar in Kerala. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Background Information – Munnar
The hill town of Munnar is considered one of the most beautiful places in Kerala and India. Nestled in the Western Ghats among rolling hills covered with tea plantations, it was inhabited in the British Raj era — many remnants remain in mansions, churches, and the charming town.
Munnar: tea plantation visit
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a tea plantation tour and tea tasting, and the local market in Munnar. The rest of the day is free.
Road journey Munnar – Periyar
After breakfast, continue to Periyar. On arrival, the rest of the day is free.
Background Information – Periyar
Periyar is one of South India’s most popular national parks and is known for its serene atmosphere. The unique landscape surrounds a large artificial lake formed by damming the Periyar River about a century ago. The area is known for tigers and a wide range of wildlife: elephants, bison, macaques, leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs, mouse deer, gaur, sambar, barking deer, and rich flora and rare fauna.
Periyar boat ride, spice plantation & Kalaripayattu show
After a relaxed night and breakfast, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake — the best way to experience the lush flora and fauna. Most activity is around the lake; some 700 elephants live in the forest and are often seen on the shores. Later your guide will pick you up for a tour of a nearby spice plantation: cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and cardamom grown on the Periyar hills made this a “spice factory” of nature in the 14th century. The day ends with a Kalaripayattu performance.
Road journey Periyar – Alleppey | houseboat (backwaters)
Travel to Alleppey and board a deluxe houseboat — a highlight of Kerala: one night on a traditional Kettuvallam. These rice boats cruise shallow lakes with palms and narrow canals, past villages on narrow strips of land where you may moor for local markets and to see craftsmen in an age-old boat-building tradition. The boats have one or two small cabins, a sitting area, and a crew of two plus a chef. Authentic Kerala meals are served on board. Overnight on the houseboat is a special experience.
Road journey Alleppey – Cochin
After breakfast, travel to Cochin. On arrival, the rest of the day is free.
International flight Cochin – Bangkok
You will be taken to Cochin airport for your international flight to Bangkok. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. The rest of the day is free.
Bangkok city tour: temples & Klong boat ride
After breakfast, pick-up around 08:30. Visit Wat Pho with its giant reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The Grand Palace near the Chao Phraya is a classic old Siamese court; inside the complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Lunch in a Thai restaurant. Then a traditional boat on the Chao Phraya (“River of Kings”) and through the Klong canals of Thonburi — family homes and temples along the waterways that gave Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East”. Visit Wat Arun, whose 76-metre prang is decorated with glazed ceramics reflecting the rising sun.
Day trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok | Elephants World
After breakfast, pick-up for a day with elephants in Kanchanaburi. Half-day programme (afternoon visit, including lunch, private transfer, and activities).
- 08:00 — Pick-up at hotel and transfer to Elephants World Kanchanaburi.
- 11:30 — Introduction & safety rules + lunch buffet.
- 12:30 — Enter the park and meet the elephants; feed watermelon and pumpkin.
- 12:50 — Help prepare food for older elephants (activities may vary: cutting grass, sticky rice, banana-grass balls).
- 13:45 — Join or watch the elephants’ mud bath.
- 14:00 — Walk the elephants to the river for bathing.
- 14:45 — Refreshments and shower (towels provided by Elephants World).
- 15:00 — Farewell to the elephants.
Then return to your hotel in Bangkok.
Bangkok – floating market – Pattaya
After breakfast, travel about 100 km outside Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak floating market — colours, flavours, and exotic scents. Start with a ride on a narrow longtail boat past riverside villages and fruit plantations before entering the lively market on the water. Then continue to Pattaya.
Coral Island day trip from Pattaya
After breakfast, transfer to the pier for a speedboat to Coral Island (also known as Koh Larn). Relax on the sand, swim in turquoise water, or book parasailing, jet skis, or snorkelling at extra cost. Lunch is included. In the afternoon return by boat to Pattaya and transfer to your hotel.
International flight Bangkok – Bali
Transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to Bali. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Seminyak. The rest of the day is free.
Free morning & afternoon tour: Uluwatu & Kecak dance
A relaxed morning in Seminyak — coastal walk, spa, or time at your hotel. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, drive to the iconic Uluwatu Temple on the cliff above the Indian Ocean. At sunset, the Kecak dance — a Balinese performance of the Ramayana with chant, fire, and movement against the ocean. After the show, dinner in a local restaurant with authentic Balinese dishes before returning to the hotel.
Day trip to Kintamani (from Seminyak)
Barong dance, art and handicraft villages (batik, silver, woodcarving, painting), Tirta Empul, lunch in the highlands with views of Mount Batur and the lake, and the traditional village of Penglipuran. Dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Central Bali day trip (from Seminyak)
Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on Lake Beratan — one of Bali’s most iconic spots. Continue to the Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO World Heritage) and the traditional subak irrigation. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, Tanah Lot Temple on a rock in the sea. Return to Seminyak for dinner at the hotel.
Free day in Seminyak
Free day in Seminyak — enjoy your resort, the beach, or a spa.
Free day in Seminyak
Second free day in Seminyak according to the programme — enjoy your resort facilities.
Return journey Seminyak – Amsterdam
You will be taken to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) about four hours before your flight to Amsterdam.
Included
- International flight Amsterdam – Cochin
- International flight Cochin – Bangkok
- International flight Bangkok – Bali (Denpasar)
- International flight Bali – Amsterdam
- 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Airport transfers at all airports mentioned
- Private touring coach with driver
- Visa costs for India, Thailand & Bali for the duration of your stay
- 1× entrance fees at all monuments & sights named in the programme
- 2 Dutch-speaking tour escorts
- Professional local English-speaking guide (per city)
- 24-hour assistance
- All taxes & permits required for the trip
Not Included
- Travel & health insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Any meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees for museums, parks, monuments, temples, and other paid sights not named in the programme
- Personal expenses
- Guides & services not mentioned
- Tips for restaurant staff, guides, drivers, and others at your discretion
- Taxis and other transport not included in the programme
Price
From € 3,799 per person (minimum 20 participants, double occupancy)
Final costs subject to availability at booking and prevailing taxes/surcharges.
Contact & Booking
Netherlands — contact: drs. Nargiz Raghoebarsing
Phone: +31 6 29017471
Email: nargiz@tapasyareizen.nl
Suriname — contact: Ms Sandra Wimla Mahabier
Phone: +597 8934610
General: info@tapasyareizen.nl · www.tapasyareizen.nl
Office Netherlands (by appointment): Hantje dejongstraat 6, 3067 AC Rotterdam
Office Suriname (by appointment): Mangolaan 72, Paramaribo
Tell us your group size and preferences. We will confirm availability and next steps.