Golden Triangle, Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise

This morning drive along the wide tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi to visit the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, which was among the key inspirations for the Taj Mahal. Admire more amazing architecture at India Gate, an iconic sandstone war memorial dedicated to Indian Army soldiers who died in the first World War. Later, travel by road to Agra, the home of the majestic Taj Mahal and a former capital of the Mughal Empire. Tonight, you’ll dine on a delicious dinner at the restaurant of your choice.

Accommodation
Two Nights, ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Rise early to marvel at the splendour of the Taj Mahal at sunrise as its marble facade lights up with spectacular natural colours. The exquisite mausoleum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, was built by the order of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honour his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Next you'll visit the nearby Agra Fort, another World Heritage-listed site, where Shah Jahan was later imprisoned. You’ll also explore the beautiful Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, often referred to as the Baby Taj, before once again admiring the Taj Mahal at sunset. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience.

• Breakfast

Location
Delhi , India

Set off on the road to Ajabgarh, stopping en route at the World Heritage-listed Fatehpur Sikri, a spectacular ancient 16th-century fortified city built mainly from vibrant red sandstone by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Stroll among the ruins, admire the intricate carvings and hear stories of this gem of a World Heritage Site. Continue to your luxurious hotel in Ajabgarh, a peaceful oasis in rural Rajasthan. Set out on a guided nature walk to discover more of the flora and fauna. Then enjoy a Signature Experience before dinner this evening.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Ajabgarh, Amanbagh

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Begin the day with a peaceful yoga session to prepare for another exciting day of sightseeing. Next, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your activities before returning to your hotel and savouring a Signature Experience at lunch. Later, another Signature Experience awaits before feasting on a Rajasthani thali dinner showcasing fragrant spices and mouthwatering local ingredients on the terrace this evening.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

This morning you’ll travel to the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s breathtaking capital. Take a tour of the city’s most iconic attractions including the picturesque Amber Fort. For lunch, savour delicious local produce at a traditional vegetarian Indian restaurant tucked away in the heart of the lively Johri Bazaar. This afternoon, enjoy your Signature Experience before an evening of leisure.

Accommodation
Jaipur, The Raj Palace

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Delhi , India

Today you can further explore Jaipur on your chosen activity. Later, be transferred to the airport and board your flight to Kolkata, the lively ‘City of Joy’, and be transferred to your luxury accommodation. Once the capital of colonial India, Kolkata is a thriving hub of culture and history.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Kolkata, Taj Bengal

• Breakfast

Location
Delhi , India

Set out on an exploration of Kolkata today during an unforgettable Signature Experience. Later, visit Kumartuli, the city’s traditional potters’ quarter. Here you can admire the potters’ incredible craftwork, spanning from clay pots to elaborate statues of gods and goddesses used for a myriad of festivals. This afternoon, enjoy another Signature Experience before free time this evening.

• Breakfast

Location
Kolkata , India

Choose your morning sightseeing before transferring to the pier to board the Ganges Voyager, your floating home for the next seven nights. Following lunch on board, head to the Victoria Memorial and its museum, which houses the nation’s largest collection of British colonial artifacts. Later, return to your ship and enjoy a fantastic performance by Baul musicians, whose spiritual customs have been an important cultural contribution in Bengal for hundreds of years, leading to the Baul tradition’s inclusion on UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Accommodation
Seven Nights, Ganges Voyager

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

Set out on an early morning walking tour featuring some of Kolkata’s best-preserved colonial buildings including the Writer’s Building, General Post Office, High Court and Raj Bhawan (Governer’s House). Take a tour of St John’s Church, which was built in 1756, and features the tombs of several British generals who died in that year’s Siege of Kolkata. After lunch on board, your ship will begin its journey upstream along the Hooghly River on the Lower Ganges. Later today, visit the 19th-century Hooghly Imambara, a prayer hall and famous pilgrimage centre in West Bengal. Admire the massive Victorian clock, between the twin towers, the makers of which also built London’s iconic Big Ben. Return to your ship and sail on to Kalna.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

After breakfast, it’s time to explore magnificent Kalna, known as the City of Temples. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through town to visit some of Bengal’s most distinct terracotta temples, including the Rajbari royal palace complex. You’ll also see the eye-catching Shiva temples. Later, stroll through the local market en route back to your ship. Relax on board as you sail to the village of Matiari.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

Begin the day with a morning walk through Matiari, where you’ll have the opportunity to peruse beautiful cooking and household items crafted from recycled copper and brass. Visit the small home factories that have been operating for generations and watch the masterful craftspeople at work. Afterwards, continue cruising upstream near to the village of Plassey, the site of the Battle of Plassey. Learn how the British East India Company recorded a victory here in 1757, helping establish the company rule in Bengal and much of India. Sail on to the peaceful garden and cemetery of Khushbagh, and take a stroll passing by local farmers’ fields to the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daula.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

This morning you’ll cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar where you’ll experience rural Indian life with a relaxing walk, admiring local sights including the beautiful terracotta Char Bangla Temples. Back on board, spend the afternoon at leisure as you glide along the beautiful Lower Ganges. As you approach Murshidabad, you’ll notice the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront. Take a tour of the impressive palace, which features more than 1000 doors, some of which were faked to deter thieves. After a Signature Experience, ride a toto (electric rickshaw) to the 18th-century Katra Mosque and learn about the Mohammedan rulers.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

Enjoy a restful morning as life unfolds along the river before a visit to the village of Mayapur. Here you’ll learn about the Hari Krishna community and culture in a meeting with some of the movement’s dedicated followers. You’ll also view the final stages of construction for the enormous Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, the world headquarters of ISKCON.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

Begin the day with a tranquil cruise to Chandannagar, which was established as a French colony in 1673. Stroll along the lively promenade as you marvel at the French architecture, then visit the 17th-century Sacred Heart Church and the Dupleix Museum, which is housed in the home of former French Governor Joseph François Dupleix. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Ganges and soak in your final night on board.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kolkata , India

After breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and travel to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Check into your hotel, and enjoy lunch before a Signature Experience at sunset this evening. Golden Triangle and River Ganges comes to an end today with a transfer to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your onward journey.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Varanasi, Taj Ganges

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Varanasi , India

Begin with an early morning Signature Experience before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Later, choose your Freedom of Choice activity, then spend some time at leisure this afternoon. Celebrate this evening with a memorable farewell dinner in the hotel, savouring a Satvik Thali, showcasing contemporary Indian cuisine.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Varanasi , India

Your adventure along the Golden Triangle comes to an end today with a transfer to Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport for your onward journey.

• Breakfast

Location
Varanasi , India