Golden Triangle, Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise

Welcome to Delhi, India’s lively and fascinating capital city. Be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury accommodation in the heart of the city. Tonight, soak in the hotel’s rich heritage and admire the fascinating Victorian and Art Deco architecture as you enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - The Spice Route Take a tour of The Imperial New Delhi’s extensive private art collection with a glass of bubbles in hand, then sit down for a sumptuous, specially curated Indian fusion dinner at The Spice Route.

Set out on an electric rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Old Delhi, stopping off at the vibrant Chandni Chowk market. Breathe in the aromas at Asia’s largest wholesale spice bazaar before exploring Indias’ largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, with a capacity of more than 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy your Signature Experience and then feast on a selection of lesser-known regional cuisines at Cafe Lota. Later, continue your Delhi exploration with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Qutub Minar. Built in the early 13th century, the intricate minaret and victory tower are constructed in red sandstone and carved with words from the Quran. Savour a Signature Experience nearby tonight.

Signature Experience - Jama Masjid Hear stories over a cup of tea at the residence of the imam of the Jama Masjid, whose ancestors migrated from Bukhara in Uzbekistan to inaugurate the mosque in the 17th century.

Signature Experience - Qutub Minar Dine on a delicious dinner overlooking Qutub Minar, all while learning about the dynasties which have shaped Delhi through the fascinating insights of a renowned local historian.

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.

Freedom of Choice - Visit Peshawri or Taj Bano For dinner tonight, taste the authentic flavours of the northwest frontier cuisine at Peshawri or savour a sumptuous assortment of Indian and international gourmet selections at Taj Bano.

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.

Signature Experience - Sufi Performance Listen to the mesmerising sounds of qawwali during a private, soulful Sufi performance, all accompanied by mouthwatering north Indian snacks.

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.

Signature Experience - Indian Gin Cocktail Workshop Enjoy an Indian gin cocktail workshop under the guidance of an expert mixologist.

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.

Signature Experience - Cooking Class Take part in a delicious cooking class where a chef will teach you about vibrant Indian spices before you enjoy your creations for lunch.

Signature Experience - Master Cobbler Class Create your own jutti slip-on shoes with a master cobbler, choosing your own leather, colours and details to craft the shoes perfect for you.

Freedom of Choice - Bhangarh Exploration Today you can visit the spectacular ancient town of Bhangarh, which is rumoured to be haunted by spirits between sunset and sunrise, or head out on a jeep safari to one of the nearby villages and be welcomed by the locals. Alternatively relax, with a traditional ayurveda massage to rejuvenate the body and mind.

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.

Signature Experience - Private Workshop Enjoy a private workshop learning how to craft your own block prints using colourful natural dyes.

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.

Freedom of Choice - Explore Jaipur If you’re feeling active, set out early on to explore Jaipur by bicycle, traversing the narrow lanes of the old city as you experience the historic city coming to life. Alternatively, you can visit the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory before visiting private parts of the Jaipur royal family’s City Palace normally closed to the public. Or you might like to experience the city on a pink rickshaw driven by women, visiting Govind Devji Temple for the morning aarti prayers and stopping off at the colourful Jaipur Wholesale Flower Market near Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds.

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.

Signature Experience - Heritage Tram Ride Set out on a privately chartered heritage tram ride as you explore some of the most picturesque sights of the city.

Signature Experience - Glenburn Penthouse Indulge in a delectable high tea at the Glenburn Penthouse, which offers fantastic city views. Delight in a vast array of treats and teas and learn all about the city during a fascinating talk from a Kolkata local resident.

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.

Freedom of Choice - Mallick Ghat Flower Market and the CIMA Rise early this morning to set off for a stroll across Howrah Bridge to the kaleidoscopic Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which is among the largest in Asia. Explore a bustling world of spectacular colours and scents as you admire the action. Alternatively, you can admire the art at CIMA (Centre for International Modern Art) before stepping in to learn about Sasha, an NGO which works with local artisans across India to keep their crafting traditions alive.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Signature Experience – High Tea at Kathgola Palace Delight in a delectable Indian high tea in the grounds of the four-storeyed Kathgola Palace. An awe-inspiring historical building, delight in the architecture and enchanting gardens of this property. 

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.

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.

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.

Signature Experience - An Aarti Tonight, be swept up in the mesmerising, age-old tradition of an aarti. Take your private seat and witness the ritual as priests and devotees present the Ganges with offerings of fire and mantric chants accompanied by music in the nightly display of respect and worship.

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.

Signature Experience - Sunrise Cruise Along the Ganges Take an early sunrise cruise along the Ganges aboard a decorated boat as the river bursts into life, accompanied by the classical ambience of the tabla and sitar.

Freedom of Choice - Visit Sarnath Today you can choose to visit Sarnath, one of the most important holy sites of Buddhism – the location of Buddha’s first sermon. Visit Deer Park where the sermon took place and reflect during a private session with a monk. Or you might like to take a guided walk through the city’s maze-like old neighbourhoods including visits to the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple – one of the holiest places of Hinduism – and the fascinating Tulsi Akhara fight club. Alternatively, visit the famous weavers of Varanasi and admire the skilled craftspeople in action.

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.