February to November 2023
13 Days
Tour Status - Available
Other Departure Dates Available
Enter a world of color, culture, and cherished spiritual tradition of India. Your guided tour of India and Ganges River cruise begins in the bustling city of Delhi. You’ll tour the city with your expert local guide, and take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar—brimming with everything from silver and spices to saris of every color. You’ll visit Qutub Minar—the world’s largest brick minaret, and see Delhi’s largest Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), before traveling to Agra—site of the legendary Taj Mahal.
Join a sunrise excursion to the Taj Mahal—the iconic memorial build by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love’s devotion, and is also yours to experience at sunset if you wish.
You’ll enjoy the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your Ganges river cruise. The holy river of Hinduism, the Ganges, slowly courses through one of the world’s most fertile and populated areas. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters and you’ll get a glimpse of life away from India’s big cities. See muslin weaving in Kalna and candy making in Matiari. Stop in Murshidabad for an excursion to Azimganj and Jiaganj—to savor authentic Indian tea, as well as stunning gold and silversmith workshops. You’ll meet saree weavers, goldsmiths, and pottery makers. Explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur, and visit Saint Mother Teresa’s former home upon your return to Kolkata.
All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of India and a Ganges River cruise.
This tour is operated by one of our Travel Partners. {GLO}
Contact us to book airfare separately.
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Tour Includes
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the lounges (when signal available)
Large windows throughout
Locally inspired design & décor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Air-conditioned indoor lounge
Covered outdoor lounge
Bar serving premium spirits, wine & complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits throughout the day
Itinerary
Day 1 - DELHI, INDIA*
Welcome to India’s capital city! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
*Airfare into Delhi, India, is at an additional cost.
Day 2 - DELHI
Saris, Spices, and Silver
Classic: Today’s Guided Sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar—with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - DELHI–AGRA
Monuments of Worship and Remembrance
Classic: This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in at your hotel overlooking the Taj Mahal. (B, L)
Day 4 - AGRA
Love’s Crowning Achievement
Classic: Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahal—Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s memorial to his beloved wife—more than 20 years in the making.
Classic: Later, take a Guided Tour to Agra Fort, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This formidable fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. For those interested, an excursion to the Taj at sunset is included. (B, D)
Day 5 - AGRA–JAIPUR
Palaces and Rare Printings in the Pink City
Travel to Jaipur—the “Pink City” that was painted pink for the Prince of Wales’ 1876 visit.
Classic: This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of the City Palace and the adjoining museum, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at Jantar Mantar and the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). The evening is at your leisure. (B, L)
Day 6 - JAIPUR
A Maharaja’s Marble Palace
Classic: Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipur’s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Discovery: Tonight, and enjoy a festive dinner with a Cultural Performance. (B, D)
Day 7 - JAIPUR–KOLKATA (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits. Fly to Kolkata this morning to transfer to your ship. This afternoon, get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA (B, L, D)
Day 8 - KALNA
Rituals, Rickshaws, and a Weaver’s Wares
Discovery: Ride on cycle rickshaws during your Guided Tour of Kalna. Along the way visit the historic terracotta temple complex and receive blessings from the temple priest. Also visit a muslin-weaver’s home.
Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI (B, L, D)
Day 9 - MATIARI
Shining Brass and Sweet Shops
Discovery: Join a Morning Walk in the brass-making village of Matiari to see and interact with the craftsmen there. You’ll also see traditional sweets being made.
Enjoy a free afternoon free onboard your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD (B, L, D)
Day 10 - MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ
Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Saree Weaving
Discovery: Enjoy a short Guided Walk through Azhimganj to see the local gold and silversmith workshops. You’ll also visit a local landlord’s mansion for authentic Indian tea, then travel by electric richshaw in Jiaganj to see the art of Baluchari saree weaving.
Relax this afternoon free onboard your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR (B, L, D)
Day 11 - MAYAPUR–GUPTIPARA
A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges
Classic: Join a Morning Walk through the pilgirm’s bazaar and visit the ISKCON temple, and meet and interact with a Krishna leader. You’ll also visit a goshala (rescue shelter for cows).
Discovery: This afternoon, take a Rickshaw (Toto) Ride, and explore the village of Guptipara to see pottery and idol-making. You’ll also take an Escorted Visit to a farmer’s home and interact with the family there.
AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA (B, L, D)
Day 12 - KOLKATA
Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art
Classic: This morning, take a Guided Walk through the colorful flower market. Afterward, stop to see Mother Teresa’s former home and the Calcutta rescue.
Classic: After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian era.
Tonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - KOLKATA (DISEMBARKATION)*
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
*Airfare from Kolkata, India is at an additional cost.
