Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual dynamism. Often called the "City of Joy," Kolkata blends the old and new, featuring landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum alongside bustling markets and modern malls. The city's literary and artistic legacy is celebrated through numerous festivals, theaters, and galleries. Renowned for its culinary delights, Kolkata offers a diverse cuisine, from street food to Bengali sweets. Home to notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore, the city remains a hub of education, politics, and culture.

Welcome to Kolkata, the lively ‘City of Joy’. Once the capital of colonial India, Kolkata is a thriving hub of culture and history. Be transferred to your luxury accommodation.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual dynamism. Often called the "City of Joy," Kolkata blends the old and new, featuring landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum alongside bustling markets and modern malls. The city's literary and artistic legacy is celebrated through numerous festivals, theaters, and galleries. Renowned for its culinary delights, Kolkata offers a diverse cuisine, from street food to Bengali sweets. Home to notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore, the city remains a hub of education, politics, and culture.

This morning, delight in a Signature Experience as you board a heritage tram tour of Kolkata. Next, discover the peaceful Mother House Kolkata, where Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion and humility lives on. Make a brief stop at the elegant National Library of India, the country’s largest library by volume and public record, and admire its classical architecture.

This afternoon, enjoy another Signature Experience with an impressive high tea at the elegant Glenburn Penthouse. Later, delight in an elegant welcome dinner, savouring refined regional cuisine.

Signature Experience - Heritage Tram Ride

Set out on a privately chartered heritage tram ride as you explore some of the most picturesque sights of Kolkata.

Signature Experience - Glenburn Penthouse

Relish a delightful afternoon tea at the Glenburn Penthouse, where breathtaking city views create a perfect backdrop in the heart of the city. Enjoy an exquisite selection of teas accompanied by an array of delectable treats as you immerse yourself in the property’s luxurious ambience.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual dynamism. Often called the "City of Joy," Kolkata blends the old and new, featuring landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum alongside bustling markets and modern malls. The city's literary and artistic legacy is celebrated through numerous festivals, theaters, and galleries. Renowned for its culinary delights, Kolkata offers a diverse cuisine, from street food to Bengali sweets. Home to notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore, the city remains a hub of education, politics, and culture.

Choose your morning sightseeing before transferring to the pier to board the Ganges Voyager, your floating home for the next seven nights. This afternoon, visit the Victoria Memorial, a grand marble monument built between 1906 and 1921 and dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Empress of India. Surrounded by 64 acres of gardens, it stands as one of Kolkata’s most recognisable landmarks. Next, visit the museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artefacts in India. Return to the ship for the evening and enjoy a cultural performance by Baul musicians, whose music reflects a long heritage of mystic storytelling in Bengal.

Freedom of Choice - Mallick Ghat Flower Market

Explore the vibrant Flower Market, where fragrant blooms, bustling traders, and colourful rituals reveal Kolkata’s authentic daily life and charm.

Freedom of Choice - Eden Gardens Park tour

Take a leisurely walk through Eden Gardens Park and enjoy the lush greenery, soothing river breezes and picturesque surrounds.

Set out on a 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.

Kalna, also known as Ambika Kalna, is a picturesque town in West Bengal, India, renowned for its stunning terracotta temples and historical significance. Nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Kalna showcases a rich blend of culture and history. Key attractions include the Rajbari complex, which houses exquisite temples like the 108 Shiva Temples and the intricate Terracotta Temples. The town is also famous for its beautiful gardens and serene riverbanks. Kalna's vibrant local festivals and traditional crafts reflect its deep-rooted heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

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.

Matiari is a quaint village in West Bengal, India, renowned for its traditional craftsmanship and serene rural charm. Known particularly for its exquisite brass and copperware, Matiari is a hub for skilled artisans who create intricate handmade items, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. The village's picturesque landscape, dotted with lush fields and small water bodies, provides a tranquil backdrop to its vibrant local culture. Matiari offers a glimpse into the timeless traditions and simple, harmonious lifestyle of rural Bengal, making it a unique destination for those interested in folk art and the serene beauty of the Indian countryside.

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, cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar and encounter rural Indian life on 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 Lower Ganges. As you approach Murshidabad, admire Hazarduari Palace dominating the waterfront. Head out on a tour of the impressive palace, which features more than 1,000 doors, some of which were non‑functional to deter thieves. Take a toto (electric rickshaw) to the 18th‑century Katra Mosque and learn about the Mohammedan rulers.

Murshidabad, located in West Bengal, India, is a historic city steeped in rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Once the capital of Bengal during the Mughal era, it is home to the stunning Hazarduari Palace, known for its thousand doors, and the majestic Katra Mosque. The city's landscape is adorned with splendid nawabi architecture, gardens, and ancient tombs. Murshidabad's vibrant history is reflected in its bustling markets and traditional silk weaving industry. The serene banks of the Bhagirathi River add to its charm, making Murshidabad a captivating destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.

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.

After an early morning 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 - Aarti Ceremony

Immerse yourself in the mesmerising ambience of the age‑old Hindu ritual of aarti. Take your seat and witness the ceremony as priests and devotees offer fire and mantras to the Ganges, accompanied by music in a nightly display of reverence 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

Visit Sarnath, one of the most important holy sites of Buddhism and the location of Buddha’s first sermon. Visit Deer Park where the sermon took place and reflect during a private session with a monk. 

Freedom of Choice - Silk Weaver Visit

Discover the artistry of Varanasi's Silk Weaver Village, where skilled craftsmen create exquisite Banarasi sarees using traditional techniques. 

Freedom of Choice - Walking Tour

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. 

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