Experience the authentic Malaysia, past and present, by exploring its sacred temples and most historic sites via modern marvels that include a high-speed electric train and one of the world's longest bridges.

DAY 1

After disembarking from the ship, you will drive into nearby George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose architecture reflects the British era toward the end of the 18th century, when trade was flourishing. Your first stop will be the Chung Keng Kooi mansion, an ancestral Baroque-style home that is typical of wealthy Chinese families that lived during the boom. Now a museum, it is furnished with authentic period pieces of Chinese, Victorian and Dutch designs.

Similarly, the nearby Khoo Kongsi Clan House depicts how one of the most influential Chinese clans lived, especially during turbulent times when they needed a walled defensive compound. Built in 1906, the grandiose clan house features classic stone carvings, beautiful murals and ornamental beams that showcase the clan's immense wealth.

Even the temples of this time were incredibly ornate and colourful, as you will discover at the Reclining Buddha, a Thai temple that a monk built in 1845. The statue of the serene Buddha at its heart stretches 108 feet, making it one of the world's lengthiest reclining Buddhas.

Then, after travelling over the more than 8-mile-long bridge that connects George Town to the mainland, you will drive south to Taiping for lunch. A brief orientation of the town follows, during which you will visit the Lake Gardens, which was the first public garden established under British rule. On a more sober note, you will also see an Allied war cemetery where more than 800 World War II soldiers are buried.

In time, you will arrive at the train station and board a high-speed, electric train that will zip you to Kuala Lumpur at speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. The views are spectacular along the way to Kuala Lumpur or KL as it is commonly known. Upon reaching the metropolis, the most populous city in Malaysia, you will enjoy a traditional dinner at the Seri Melayu restaurant before checking in to the Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur for the evening.

DAY 2

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will drive to the Batu Caves, one of the most important Hindu religious sites outside of India. Although the climb to the entry is up 272 steps, the effort is well worth seeing the three main caverns at the top. The largest is the Temple Cave, a yawning opening in the earth with a more than 300-foot ceiling and numerous Hindu shrines.

Continuing on, the tour takes a more artistic turn, as you will visit an outlet for beautiful batik clothing and the Royal Selangor factory where artisans craft pewter products. Founded in 1885, the factory now creates an incredible variety of items, including tableware, pendants and even computer flash drives.

You will see how Kuala Lumpur pays homage to its past at the National Monument, which honors the soldiers who died fighting for Malaysian independence. The monument's huge bronze statue of brave soldiers holding a flag may look familiar; it was designed by American Felix de Weldon who also designed the famed Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Every August 31, the city celebrates the country's independence with parades and festivities at Independence Square, which you will visit next.

Two other significant attractions still await you. At the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, you will delve into the city's fascinating past and present, from its humble origins in the 1850s to the bold resurgence of today, best symbolized by the Petronas Twin Towers, two of the world's tallest buildings. Finally, there's the King's Palace, a stately mansion that is the official residence of the King and Queen of Malaysia.

Following this delightful photo-stop, you will travel to the port and re-join the ship.

Overland Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The times indicated are only approximate, given here for general reference purposes, and subject to change.

DAY 1 - February 3, 2014

8:15am Disembark the ship and board your tour coach

9:00am Tour Chung Keng Kooi mansion

9:50am Tour Khoo Kongsi clan house

10:40am Tour the Reclining Buddha temple

11:10am Travel to Taiping for lunch

1:10pm Buffet lunch

2:10pm Photo stops at Lake Gardens, Commonwealth Soldiers Cemetery and

Anglican Church

4:10pm Arrive at Ipoh Railway Station

5:00pm Depart for Kuala Lumpur (subject to change)

7:30pm Arrive at Kuala Lumpur

8:00pm Buffet dinner at Seri Melayu restaurant

9:00pm Drive to your hotel and check in

Overnight at the Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur or similar

NOTE: If the train service is disrupted, the journey will continue by coach to Kuala Lumpur, a 4-hour drive.

DAY 2 - February 4, 2014

7:30am Breakfast at the hotel and check out

8:45am Visit the Batu Caves

9:45am Visit East Coast Batik

10:45am Visit Royal Selangor Pewter

12:00pm Buffet lunch

1:15pm Visit the National Monument

2:00pm Photo-stop at Independence Square

2:20pm Visit the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

3:00pm Photo-stop at the King's Palace

4:30pm Arrive at port and re-join the ship

Expected Weather:

Malaysia has a tropical climate. Days are very warm, while nights are fairly cool. Kuala Lumpur has a year-round equatorial climate, which is warm and sunny with plentiful rainfall, especially during the southwest monsoon from September to April. Kuala Lumpur's temperature ranges from 21°C to 33°C (70°F to 91°F); the average humidity exceeds 82%.

What to Bring:

Casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and umbrella

Currency:

Malaysian Ringit (MYR). U.S. dollars are not accepted. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted in shopping malls and established shops and restaurants.

Electricity:

Voltage is 220-240 volts A/C at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Converters are not provided at hotels.

Luggage:

We recommend travelling light (one piece of luggage per person)

Conduct:

" In keeping with the customs and common courtesies in Malaysia, please

refrain from kissing or embracing in public.

" Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques

and temples. Mosques provide scarves and robes for female visitors. No short shorts or tank tops.

" Taking photographs at places of worship is permitted, but please ask

for permission first.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Passport must be valid for 6 months after travel into Malaysia. Some nationals do require a visa for entry into Malaysia. Please check with your local Malaysian Embassy for the documentation required for your travel.

Accommodation:

Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur or similar. If a similar hotel is required due to unforeseen circumstances, it will be of equal ratings and standards.

What's Included:

One night at the Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur or similar

Entrance fees to sites visited

English-speaking guide

Air-conditioned motor coach

Train ticket from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

One buffet dinner, including coffee and tea

Two buffet lunches, including coffee and tea

Breakfast at the hotel

Not Included:

All other meals and beverages not listed above

Gratuities for driver and guides

Personal expenses and hotel incidentals

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather-appropriate clothing such as caps, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended.