Port: Male
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Male
Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male' Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Male was the “King’s Island,” from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. The Royal Palace, also called “Gan'duvaru,” was destroyed along with the picturesque forts and bastions when the city was reconstructed under President Ibrahim Nasir's rule and the abolition of the monarchy.
The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.
City of Male - Walking Tour
Tour Code: MAL-001
Duration: 3 1/4 hours
Price: Free
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Explore the historic city of Male during this picturesque and informative walking tour in the Maldives.
Depart the pier for the drive to the three-story Islamic Center, Male's most renowned architectural landmark. Its Grand Friday Mosque is the biggest in the Maldives, and accommodates more than 5,000 worshippers. You will then continue on to the Friday Mosque, built from coral stone in 1656 AD during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar. It is home to a number of ancient tombstones erected in memory of past sultans, heroes, and nobles.
Across from the Hakuru Miskiiy you will see Medhu Ziyaarath, the shrine of Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari, and Presidential Palace, or Mulee-aage, which holds official functions and accommodates visiting heads of state and other foreign dignitaries. Near the Friday Mosque you will find Munnaaru, a gleaming white minaret also built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I in 1675.
Next, you will proceed for a visit to Sultan Park and the National Museum, formerly part of the Sultan's Palace. The museum displays artifacts, sculptures, clothing, coins, arms, armor, and other antiquities. After a visit to the tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu, erected in memory of the nation's greatest of national hero, you will see Jumhooree Maidan, Male's most popular place for children, social gatherings and relaxation. Situated along the northern waterfront, this public square features green grass and lush vegetation.
Your tour will conclude with a visit to the local fish, vegetable and fruit markets as well as a local souvenir shop.
Please note: Due to Muslim tradition, conservative dress is required for men and women when visiting the mosque. Women must cover their body, shoulders, arms and legs to the wrists and ankles, and a scarf must cover the head and hair. Men must also wear modest clothing befitting the sanctity of the mosque. Shorts, short skirts, beachwear, sleeveless t-shirts or blouses, and skimpy outfits are deemed inappropriate, and not permitted inside the mosque. This tour involves a total of approximately 1 mile of walking. Photographs of, or inside, the Islamic Center's Grand Friday Mosque are not permitted.
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Terms & Conditions:
Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the 
above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.