Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll arrive in Delhi and head to your luxury hotel in the city center. This evening includes a private look at The Imperial New Delhi's art collection with champagne, then a specially prepared Indian fusion dinner at The Spice Route restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Sumptuous Indian fusion dinner at The Spice Route with champagne reception)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Imperial New Delhi)
Included Activities
- Private tour of The Imperial New Delhi's extensive art collection
- Signature Experience dinner at The Spice Route - Indian fusion cuisine
- Day 2
Delhi
Start the morning on an electric rickshaw through Old Delhi, stopping at the vibrant Chandni Chowk market and Asia's largest wholesale spice bazaar. You'll tour the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and have tea with the imam. Later, check out the UNESCO World Heritage Qutub Minar, a 13th-century red sandstone minaret, followed by dinner overlooking it with insights from a local historian.
- Meals
- Lunch (Selection of lesser-known regional cuisines at Cafe Lota), Dinner (Dinner overlooking Qutub Minar with insights from a renowned local historian)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Imperial New Delhi)
Included Activities
- Electric rickshaw ride through Old Delhi streets
- Visit to Chandni Chowk market
- Exploration of Asia's largest wholesale spice bazaar
- Tour of Jama Masjid with guide
- Signature Experience - Tea at Jama Masjid imam's residence
- Visit to Qutub Minar World Heritage site
- Signature Experience - Dinner overlooking Qutub Minar with local historian
Optional Activities
- Lunch at Cafe Lota - selection of lesser-known regional Indian cuisines
Landmarks Chandni Chowk Jama Masjid Qutub Minar - Day 3
Delhi to Agra
Drive through New Delhi's tree-lined boulevards to see Humayun's Tomb, the 16th-century building that inspired the Taj Mahal, and India Gate, the iconic sandstone war memorial. Then travel by road to Agra. For dinner, you can choose between authentic northwest frontier cuisine at Peshawri or Indian and international options at Taj Bano.
- Meals
- Dinner (Freedom of Choice - either authentic northwest frontier cuisine at Peshawri featuring tandoori kebabs, dal Bukhara, and clay tandoor breads, OR sumptuous Indian and international gourmet selections at Taj Bano)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (ITC Mughal)
Included Activities
- Visit to Humayun's Tomb (16th century)
- Visit to India Gate war memorial
Landmarks Humayun's Tomb India Gate Taj Mahal 
- Day 4
Agra
Rise early to see the Taj Mahal as the sun comes up and its marble facade lights up with natural colors. Visit the nearby Agra Fort, a World Heritage site where Shah Jahan was held, and walk through the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj). Return to see the Taj Mahal again at sunset, then enjoy a private Sufi qawwali performance with north Indian snacks.
- Meals
- Dinner (Signature Experience dinner with private Sufi qawwali performance and north Indian snacks)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (ITC Mughal)
Included Activities
- Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal
- Tour of Agra Fort World Heritage site
- Visit to Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
- Sunset visit to Taj Mahal
- Signature Experience - Private Sufi qawwali performance with north Indian snacks
Landmarks Taj Mahal Agra Fort Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah - Day 5
Agra to Ajabgarh
Travel by road to Ajabgarh, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century red sandstone city built by Mughal emperor Akbar. You'll walk through the ruins and see intricate carvings, then continue to your rural Rajasthan hotel. After a guided nature walk to see local plants and animals, you'll join an Indian gin cocktail workshop before dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ajabgarh)
Included Activities
- Stop and exploration of Fatehpur Sikri World Heritage site
- Guided nature walk in Ajabgarh
- Signature Experience - Indian gin cocktail workshop with expert mixologist
Landmarks Fatehpur Sikri - Day 6
Ajabgarh
Begin with a peaceful yoga session, then pick from three activities: check out the reportedly haunted ancient town of Bhangarh Fort, do a jeep safari to nearby villages, or get a traditional ayurveda massage. Lunch includes a cooking class where you'll learn about Indian spices and prepare your own meal. This evening, eat a Rajasthani thali on the terrace with fragrant spices and local ingredients.
- Meals
- Lunch (Signature Experience - Cooking class meal featuring prepared creations with Indian spices), Dinner (Rajasthani thali on the terrace with fragrant spices and local ingredients)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ajabgarh)
Included Activities
- Yoga session
- Signature Experience - Cooking class with chef teaching Indian spices
- Rajasthani thali dinner on the terrace
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Bhangarh Exploration: Visit Bhangarh Fort, a 17th-century architectural marvel with historical ruins and legendary haunted reputation (operates between sunset and sunrise)
- Freedom of Choice - Jeep Safari: Thrilling jeep safari to nearby villages with local welcome
- Freedom of Choice - Traditional Ayurveda Massage: Rejuvenating traditional massage
- Signature Experience - Master Cobbler Class: Create custom jutti slip-on shoes with a master cobbler, choosing leather, colours and details
Landmarks Bhangarh Fort - Day 7
Ajabgarh to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital known as the Pink City. Tour the Amber Fort and have lunch with local produce at a traditional vegetarian restaurant in the vibrant Johri Bazaar. This afternoon, participate in a private workshop learning to craft block prints using natural dyes, then have a leisurely evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Delicious local produce at traditional vegetarian Indian restaurant in Johri Bazaar)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Raj Palace)
Included Activities
- Tour of Amber Fort
- Lunch at traditional vegetarian restaurant in Johri Bazaar
- Signature Experience - Private block print workshop using natural dyes
Landmarks Amber Fort Johri Bazaar 
- Day 8
Jaipur to Kolkata
Select your morning activity to further explore Jaipur: take a pink rickshaw tour visiting temples and flower markets, see the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and private sections of the City Palace, or do a bicycle tour of the old city. Later, transfer to the airport and fly to Kolkata, the 'City of Joy', a cultural and historic hub that was once India's colonial capital.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kolkata)
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Pink Rickshaw Tour: Experience Jaipur's vibrant culture on a rickshaw driven by women, visit Govind Devji Temple for morning aarti prayers, and stop at the colourful Jaipur Wholesale Flower Market near Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
- Freedom of Choice - Jantar Mantar: Visit the Jantar Mantar UNESCO astronomical observatory and private sections of the Jaipur royal family's City Palace (blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture) normally closed to the public
- Freedom of Choice - Jaipur Bicycle Tour: Early morning bicycle tour through narrow lanes of the old city experiencing the historic city coming to life
Landmarks Hawa Mahal Govind Devji Temple Jantar Mantar City Palace 
- Day 9
Kolkata
Explore Kolkata on a heritage tram ride, discovering the city's most picturesque sights. Visit Kumartuli, the traditional potters' quarter, to see incredible craftwork from clay pots to elaborate statues of gods and goddesses used in festivals. This afternoon, enjoy elegant high tea at Glenburn Penthouse with city views, exquisite teas, and delectable treats.
- Meals
- Afternoon Tea (Delightful afternoon tea at Glenburn Penthouse with exquisite selection of teas and delectable treats in elegant ambience with breathtaking city views)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kolkata)
Included Activities
- Signature Experience - Privately chartered heritage tram ride exploring picturesque sights
- Visit to Kumartuli traditional potters' quarter
- Signature Experience - Afternoon tea at Glenburn Penthouse with city views
Landmarks Kumartuli - Day 10
Kolkata to Ganges Cruise
Choose your morning sightseeing activity, then transfer to the pier to board the Ganges Voyager for a seven-night river cruise. After lunch on board, visit the Victoria Memorial and its museum, which houses the nation's largest collection of British colonial artifacts. Later, watch a fantastic performance by Baul musicians, whose spiritual customs have been an important cultural contribution in Bengal for hundreds of years.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board Ganges Voyager)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Visit to Victoria Memorial and museum
- Performance by Baul musicians on board
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Mallick Ghat Flower Market: Early morning stroll across Howrah Bridge to the kaleidoscopic Mallick Ghat Flower Market (among Asia's largest), exploring spectacular colours and scents
- Freedom of Choice - CIMA Gallery and Sasha NGO Tour: Visit Centre for International Modern Art (CIMA) and learn about Sasha NGO which works with local artisans to preserve crafting traditions
Landmarks Victoria Memorial Howrah Bridge Mallick Ghat Flower Market - Day 11
Kolkata to Hooghly River
Walk through Kolkata's best-preserved colonial buildings including the Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, and Raj Bhawan (Governor's House). Tour St John's Church, built in 1756, featuring tombs of British generals from the Siege of Kolkata. After lunch on board, the ship begins its journey upstream along the Hooghly River on the Lower Ganges. Visit the 19th-century Hooghly Imambara prayer hall and see the Victorian clock between twin towers built by makers of London's Big Ben. Sail on to Kalna.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board Ganges Voyager)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of colonial buildings (Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan)
- Tour of St John's Church (built 1756) with tombs of British generals
- Visit to 19th-century Hooghly Imambara prayer hall and pilgrimage centre
Landmarks Writer's Building General Post Office St John's Church Hooghly Imambara - Day 12
Kalna
After breakfast, explore magnificent Kalna, known as the City of Temples. Take a rickshaw ride through town to see Bengal's most distinct terracotta temples, including the Rajbari royal palace complex and striking Shiva temples. Stroll through the local market on your way back to the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast on board Ganges Voyager)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Rickshaw ride through Kalna town
- Visit to terracotta temples including Rajbari royal palace complex
- Visit to Shiva temples
- Stroll through local market
Landmarks Rajbari - Day 13
Matiari to Plassey
Morning walk through Matiari, where you'll find cooking and household items crafted from recycled copper and brass. Visit small home factories operating for generations and watch masterful craftspeople at work. Continue cruising near Plassey, site of the 1757 Battle of Plassey where the British East India Company won a victory that helped establish company rule in Bengal and India. Visit the peaceful garden and cemetery of Khushbagh and the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daula.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Morning walk through Matiari
- Visit to small home factories for recycled copper and brass items
- Visit to Plassey Battle site
- Visit to Khushbagh garden and cemetery
- Visit to tomb of last Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daula
Landmarks Plassey Khushbagh - Day 14
Baranagar to Murshidabad
Cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar and experience rural Indian life with a relaxing walk, seeing the beautiful terracotta Char Bangla Temples. Spend the afternoon at leisure as you glide along the Lower Ganges. As you approach Murshidabad, you'll see the impressive Hazarduari Palace on the waterfront. Tour this palace with more than 1000 doors (some faked to deter thieves). Have high tea in the grounds of the four-story Kathgola Palace, a historical building with gardens. Ride a toto (electric rickshaw) to the 18th-century Katra Mosque.
- Meals
- Afternoon Tea (Signature Experience - Delectable Indian high tea in the grounds of Kathgola Palace with architecture and enchanting gardens)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Walk through village of Baranagar
- Visit to Char Bangla terracotta Temples
- Tour of Hazarduari Palace
- Signature Experience - High tea at Kathgola Palace grounds
- Toto (electric rickshaw) ride to Katra Mosque
- Visit to 18th-century Katra Mosque
Landmarks Char Bangla Temples Hazarduari Palace Kathgola Palace Katra Mosque - Day 15
Mayapur
Enjoy a restful morning as life unfolds along the river before visiting the village of Mayapur. Learn about the Hari Krishna community and culture in a meeting with dedicated followers of the movement. See the final construction stages of the enormous Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir), the world headquarters of ISKCON.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Visit to Mayapur village
- Meeting with Hari Krishna community members to learn about the movement
- View of Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir) construction
Landmarks Temple of the Vedic Planetarium - Day 16
Chandannagar
Begin with a tranquil cruise to Chandannagar, established as a French colony in 1673. Stroll along the lively promenade looking at the French architecture, then visit the 17th-century Sacred Heart Church and the Dupleix Museum, housed in the former home of French Governor Joseph Franois Dupleix. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Ganges and soak in your final night on board.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ganges Voyager)
Included Activities
- Visit to Chandannagar (French colonial settlement from 1673)
- Promenade stroll with views of French architecture
- Visit to 17th-century Sacred Heart Church
- Visit to Dupleix Museum (former home of French Governor Joseph François Dupleix)
Landmarks Sacred Heart Church Dupleix Museum - Day 17
Kolkata Departure
Your adventure along the Golden Triangle and Lower Ganges comes to an end today with a transfer to Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your onward journey.
