Today marks the beginning of your unforgettable Ganges journey! Embark your luxurious ship in Kolkata this morning, enjoying lunch as you settle in. The afternoon blends compassion and history with a visit to Mother Teresa's Home and Tomb (closed Thursdays), and an optional orphanage tour. As you return to the ship for the night, be captivated by a special onboard performance by Baul musicians, a UNESCO-honored tradition of Bengal, welcoming you to Kolkata, the 'Cultural Capital' and your gateway to the sacred Hooghly River

From Kolkata's colonial past to the river's gentle flow, today offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Our morning city tour showcases the architectural legacy of the British Raj, including Writer's Building and the High Court, followed by a visit to the historic St. John's Church and the Victoria Memorial Museum. We then embark our ship, sailing to Bandel, the former Portuguese port. The afternoon brings us to the Hooghly Imambara, a breathtaking Shia shrine with remarkable features. Our cruise continues towards Kalna as the day concludes

Awake on your luxury cruise for a rickshaw tour of Kalna's enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex and its diverse shrines. Witness muslin weaving artistry. After a local market visit, rejoin your luxury cruise to sail towards Matiari's terracotta and weaving traditions. Overnight onboard

Experience Matiari's living heritage this morning, walking amongst the craftsmen who shape beautiful brass from recycled copper, keeping traditions alive. Our journey then leads us to Plassey, the site where the British East India Company's victory in 1757 changed India's trajectory. In the evening's calm, we visit Khushbagh, a Mughal-era garden and the final resting place of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula, whose fate was sealed at Plassey.
Overnight On Board

Our day in Baranagar offers a glimpse of rural life and 18th-century temples, including the terracotta Char Bangla. After meeting villagers, we cruise to Murshidabad, where colonial architecture awaits. Explore Hazarduari Palace (closed Fridays) and the Katra mosque by buggy. Overnight onboard

After a restful morning, observing the local life along the riverbanks, we stop in the village of Mayapur.

Known as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486) and considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Mayapur is also the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford.

Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar.

Overnight onboard

This morning, we sail to Chandernagore, a fascinating former French colony established in 1673. We'll explore the French colonial buildings lining the promenade, including the former Governor's residence, now the Dupleix Museum (closed Thursdays & Saturdays), showcasing life during that era. We'll also visit the striking Sacred Heart Church, a beautiful example of French architecture inaugurated in 1884 and standing for over two centuries. Afterward, we return to the ship and continue our journey towards Kolkata. Overnight onboard

Relish your final breakfast on the cruise before we disembark and transfer to your Kolkata hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in the 'City of Joy.

Checkout this morning for your flight to Varanasi, India's spiritual capital on the Ganges. Transfer to your hotel and immerse yourself in this ancient city, a center of Shiva devotion for over 1200 years, attracting pilgrims to its holy river. As evening falls, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a sensory ritual revealing the heart of Hinduism and the sacred Ganges. Overnight in Varanasi

A spectacular early morning boat ride along the holy Ganges past some of the numerous ghats that line the banks, involving some that are used exclusively for public cremations.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later visit the Buddhist places at Sarnath where Buddha conveyed his first sermon after getting enlightenment. In time you will be transferred to Varanasi railway station to board your day train journey for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi  you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay is in New Delhi

After breakfast, delve into Delhi's architectural tapestry. Discover the red sandstone marvel of the Red Fort and the immense Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, both legacies of Shah Jahan. New Delhi unfolds with the stately Rashtrapati Bhawan, the memorial at India Gate, the impressive Humayun's Tomb, and the historic Qutub Minar, a landmark built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek

Our Agra adventure begins this morning. Upon arrival, prepare to be mesmerized by the iconic Taj Mahal, a marble marvel built by Shah Jahan as an eternal tribute to his wife, Mumtaz, its delicate inlay work a sight to behold. We'll then delve into the imposing Agra Fort, a vast citadel built by Akbar and refined by Shah Jahan, revealing palaces, mosques, and halls within its formidable walls. If time allows, consider a visit to the intricate beauty of the Baby Taj.

Journey to Fatehpur Sikri (1.5 hrs), Akbar's majestic ghost city, abandoned for water. Explore its stunning Jama Masjid, a Persian-Hindu blend, and the towering 54m Buland Darwaza, a victory gate. Continue to Jaipur for the night

Discover Amber Fort, a hilltop Rajput marvel by Maota Lake, and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal's mirrored magic. Enjoy free time before exploring Jaipur's Royal City Palace or Jantar Mantar's cosmic instruments. Immerse yourself in the capital's markets and behold the unique Hawa Mahal. Your evening is open – consider trying the local dal baati

In due course, we'll journey back to Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi Airport, you'll board your flight for your onward travels, carrying cherished memories as your Indian adventure concludes.