Itinerary
- Days 1 - 2
Arrival in Kolkata
You'll arrive after an overnight flight into Kolkata, India's cultural hub in the far east. Depending on when you land, the afternoon and evening are yours to start getting a feel for the city and its local character.
- Days 1 - 2
Arrival in Kolkata
You'll arrive after an overnight flight into Kolkata, India's cultural hub in the far east. Depending on when you land, the afternoon and evening are yours to start getting a feel for the city and its local character.
- Day 3
Kolkata City Tour
A guided city tour takes you through Kolkata's key sites: Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Dakineshwar Kali Temple, and the Victoria Memorial. Later in the evening, you'll walk along Park Street, the main downtown thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Birla Planetarium
- Visit Belur Math
- Visit Dakineshwar Kali Temple
- Visit Victoria Memorial
- Walking tour of Park Street
Landmarks/POIs Birla Planetarium Belur Math Dakineshwar Kali Temple Victoria Memorial Park Street - Day 3
Kolkata City Tour
A guided city tour takes you through Kolkata's key sites: Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Dakineshwar Kali Temple, and the Victoria Memorial. Later in the evening, you'll walk along Park Street, the main downtown thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Birla Planetarium
- Visit Belur Math
- Visit Dakineshwar Kali Temple
- Visit Victoria Memorial
- Walking tour of Park Street
Landmarks/POIs Birla Planetarium Belur Math Dakineshwar Kali Temple Victoria Memorial Park Street - Day 4
Kolkata Colonial Heritage
Start with a morning walking tour of colonial-era landmarks including Dalhousie Square. After lunch, head to Mother House, where Mother Teresa lived from 1953 onward. You'll see her tomb and visit the small museum documenting her life and work.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of colonial Kolkata including Dalhousie Square
- Visit Mother House
- Visit Mother Teresa's tomb
- Museum dedicated to Mother Teresa's life and work
Landmarks/POIs Dalhousie Square Mother House - Day 4
Kolkata Colonial Heritage
Start with a morning walking tour of colonial-era landmarks including Dalhousie Square. After lunch, head to Mother House, where Mother Teresa lived from 1953 onward. You'll see her tomb and visit the small museum documenting her life and work.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of colonial Kolkata including Dalhousie Square
- Visit Mother House
- Visit Mother Teresa's tomb
- Museum dedicated to Mother Teresa's life and work
Landmarks/POIs Dalhousie Square Mother House - Day 5
Kolkata to Gangtok
You'll head to the airport and fly to Bagdogra, then drive to Gangtok. The route winds through Sikkim's dramatic landscapes with the Himalayan peaks rising in the distance throughout the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive through Sikkim landscapes to Gangtok
- Day 5
Kolkata to Gangtok
After arriving in Bagdogra, you'll drive to Gangtok passing through stunning Sikkim scenery and mountain views. Check in at Elgin Nor-Khill Resort, then explore MG Marg, Gangtok's main street, which is decorated with Christmas lights and hosts a festive market.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive through Sikkim landscapes to Gangtok
- Explore MG Marg with Christmas lights and market
Landmarks/POIs MG Marg - Day 6
Gangtok Exploration
In this hillside capital, you'll visit Rumtek Monastery from the 18th century, then head to Enchey Monastery with its colorful prayer hall. Stop at Tashi Viewpoint for views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and ride the cable ropeway for panoramic city and mountain views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Rumtek Monastery
- Visit Enchey Monastery
- Visit Tashi Viewpoint
- Cable ropeway ride for city views
Landmarks/POIs Rumtek Monastery Enchey Monastery Tashi Viewpoint Mount Kanchenjunga - Day 6
Gangtok Exploration & Christmas Eve
In this hillside capital, you'll visit Rumtek Monastery from the 18th century, then Enchey Monastery with its colorful prayer hall. Stop at Tashi Viewpoint for views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and ride the cable ropeway for panoramic city views. By evening, settle in for a special Christmas Eve dinner at your resort.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Christmas Eve dinner at the Elgin Nor Khill Resort)
Included Activities
- Visit Rumtek Monastery
- Visit Enchey Monastery
- Visit Tashi Viewpoint
- Cable ropeway ride for city views
Landmarks/POIs Rumtek Monastery Enchey Monastery Tashi Viewpoint Mount Kanchenjunga - Day 7
Gangtok to Darjeeling
Traveling through the Himalayan foothills on Christmas Eve, you'll pass extensive tea plantations heading toward Darjeeling. Stop at Ravangla Buddha Park to see a 40-meter copper Buddha framed by mountains. After exploring Darjeeling's festive lights and decorations, enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner followed by midnight mass at a local church.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Travel through Himalayan foothills with tea plantations
- Visit Ravangla Buddha Park
Optional Activities
- Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant
- Midnight mass at a local church
Landmarks/POIs Ravangla Buddha Park - Day 7
Gangtok to Darjeeling - Christmas Day
Christmas Day brings a journey through the Himalayan foothills toward Darjeeling, passing tea plantations along the way. You'll stop at Ravangla Buddha Park to see the 40-meter copper Buddha set against mountain peaks. Later, wander through Darjeeling's Christmas markets with their lights, music, and seasonal food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel through Himalayan foothills with tea plantations
- Visit Ravangla Buddha Park
Optional Activities
- Explore Darjeeling Christmas markets
Landmarks/POIs Ravangla Buddha Park - Day 8
Darjeeling - Christmas Day
Head up to Tiger Hill before sunrise to watch the sun rise over the 8,586-meter Kanchenjunga peak with possible snow (weather permitting). After a hearty Christmas lunch, ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's toy train to Ghoom and visit Ghoom Monastery. Back in Darjeeling, tour the Zoological Park, Mountaineering Institute, and Tibetan Refugee Center, then stroll the Christmas market in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Hearty Christmas lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Tiger Hill sunrise viewing of Kanchenjunga
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway 'toy train' ride to Ghoom
- Visit Ghoom Monastery
- Tour Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
- Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Visit Tibetan Refugee Center
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Christmas market
Landmarks/POIs Tiger Hill Mount Kanchenjunga Ghoom Monastery Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Tibetan Refugee Center - Day 8
Darjeeling
You'll rise before dawn to head to Tiger Hill and watch the winter sunrise over the snow-capped Kanchenjunga peaks at 8,586 meters (weather permitting). After a relaxed morning, take an afternoon ride on the toy train to Ghoom and visit Ghoom Monastery. Back in Darjeeling, explore the Zoological Park, Mountaineering Institute, and Tibetan Refugee Centre. The rest of the evening is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tiger Hill sunrise viewing of Kanchenjunga
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway 'toy train' ride to Ghoom
- Visit Ghoom Monastery
- Tour Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
- Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Visit Tibetan Refugee Centre
Landmarks/POIs Tiger Hill Mount Kanchenjunga Ghoom Monastery Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Tibetan Refugee Centre - Day 9
Darjeeling to Guwahati
Transfer back to Bagdogra airport and fly to Guwahati. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest up.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Darjeeling to Guwahati
Transfer back to Bagdogra airport and fly to Guwahati. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest up.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 10
Guwahati to Brahmaputra River Cruise
You'll travel to Silghat, a port on the Brahmaputra River, and board your luxury cruise ship. The vessel has a spa, saloon, sun deck, and spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows for river views. Cast off and head upstream, having lunch and dinner onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Board river cruise vessel at Silghat
- Begin upstream cruise on Brahmaputra River
Landmarks/POIs Brahmaputra River - Day 10
Guwahati to Brahmaputra River Cruise
You'll travel to Silghat, a port on the Brahmaputra River, and board your luxury cruise ship. The vessel has a spa, saloon, sun deck, and spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows for river views. Cast off and head upstream, having lunch and dinner onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Board river cruise vessel at Silghat
- Begin upstream cruise on Brahmaputra River
Landmarks/POIs Brahmaputra River - Day 11
Kaziranga National Park Safari
After leaving the ship, take a jeep safari into Kaziranga National Park's central range (a UNESCO site famous for Indian rhinoceros and tigers). Look for elephants, sloth bears, pangolins, water buffalo, swamp deer, primates, and birds. Have lunch by the river, then explore the park's western section.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Riverside lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Jeep safari into central Kaziranga National Park
- Jeep safari through western reaches of Kaziranga
Landmarks/POIs Kaziranga National Park - Day 11
Kaziranga National Park Safari
After leaving the ship, take a jeep safari into Kaziranga National Park's central range (a UNESCO site famous for Indian rhinoceros and tigers). Look for elephants, sloth bears, pangolins, water buffalo, swamp deer, primates, and birds. Have lunch by the river, then explore the park's western section.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Riverside lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Jeep safari into central Kaziranga National Park
- Jeep safari through western reaches of Kaziranga
Landmarks/POIs Kaziranga National Park - Day 12
Assam Tea Estate & River Cruise
Spend the morning at a tea estate learning how tea gets processed from leaf to cup. Return to the boat and cruise upstream through Kaziranga's wilderness, watching for wildlife along the riverbanks. The ship drops anchor near Biswanath village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tea experience at Assam tea estate including production process
Landmarks/POIs Kaziranga National Park Biswanath village - Day 12
Assam Tea Estate & River Cruise
Spend the morning at a tea estate learning how tea gets processed from leaf to cup. Return to the boat and cruise upstream through Kaziranga's wilderness, watching for wildlife along the riverbanks. The ship drops anchor near Biswanath village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tea experience at Assam tea estate including production process
Landmarks/POIs Kaziranga National Park Biswanath village - Day 13
Biswanath & River Cruise
Walk through Biswanath village and check out its cultural heritage, visiting the ghat with temples including an Ahom-era Shiva temple. Wander through town to soak in the riverside and rural setting. As you cruise through Kaziranga, watch for wild elephants. Spend the afternoon on the sun deck looking for endangered Ganges River dolphins.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Biswanath ghat and temples including Ahom-era Shiva temple
- Walking tour of Biswanath village
Landmarks/POIs Biswanath village Kaziranga National Park - Day 13
Biswanath & River Cruise - New Year's Eve
It's New Year's Eve as you enter Biswanath village to explore its cultural heritage, visiting temples at the ghat including an Ahom-era Shiva temple. Stroll through town taking in riverside and rural surroundings. Continue cruising through Kaziranga watching for wild elephants. Relax on the sun deck hoping to spot endangered Ganges River dolphins. That evening, enjoy a celebratory New Year's Eve dinner with a midnight toast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Celebratory New Year's Eve dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Biswanath ghat and temples including Ahom-era Shiva temple
- Walking tour of Biswanath village
Landmarks/POIs Biswanath village Kaziranga National Park - Day 14
River Cruise & Rural Village - New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve, relax and watch the river landscapes pass by as you cruise upstream. You'll stop at a small riverside village for a walking tour to stretch your legs and move around. This evening features a celebratory dinner with a midnight toast to ring in the new year.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Celebratory New Year's Eve dinner)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of rural riverside village
- Day 14
River Cruise & Rural Village - New Year's Day
Happy New Year! Relax and watch the river landscapes drift past as you cruise upstream. There's one stop at a rural riverside village for a short walking tour. The rest of the day is yours to unwind.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of rural riverside village
- Day 15
Majuli Island & Salmara Ghat
You'll explore Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands with its own unique local culture. Visit two satras (monasteries) that are key to preserving Assamese art and culture, and watch a traditional dance performance. Later, cruise to Salmara Ghat and visit a village known for traditional handicrafts where you can see artisans working.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit two satras (monasteries) on Majuli Island
- Traditional dance performance
- Visit Salmara Ghat village with traditional handicrafts
Landmarks/POIs Majuli Island Salmara Ghat - Day 15
Majuli Island & Salmara Ghat
You'll explore Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands with its own unique local culture. Visit two satras (monasteries) that are key to preserving Assamese art and culture, and watch a traditional dance performance. Later, cruise to Salmara Ghat and visit a village known for traditional handicrafts where you can see artisans working.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit two satras (monasteries) on Majuli Island
- Traditional dance performance
- Visit Salmara Ghat village with traditional handicrafts
Landmarks/POIs Majuli Island Salmara Ghat - Day 16
Sibsagar & River Cruise
Drive by car to Sibsagar, which was once the capital of the Ahom kings. See old temples and examples of their innovative engineering. Return to the ship and cruise back to Neamati Ghat for your last night onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit old temples in Sibsagar
- Explore examples of Ahom innovative engineering
Landmarks/POIs Sibsagar - Day 16
Sibsagar & River Cruise
Drive by car to Sibsagar, which was once the capital of the Ahom kings. See old temples and examples of their innovative engineering. Return to the ship and cruise back to Neamati Ghat for your last night onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit old temples in Sibsagar
- Explore examples of Ahom innovative engineering
Landmarks/POIs Sibsagar - Day 17
Neamati Ghat to Kolkata
Say goodbye to the cruise ship and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 17
Neamati Ghat to Kolkata
Say goodbye to the cruise ship and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 18
Kolkata to UK
You'll fly back to the UK, arriving the same day or the day after depending on your flight times and the time zones involved.
- Day 18
Kolkata to UK
You'll fly back to the UK, arriving the same day or the day after depending on your flight times and the time zones involved.
