Spirit of the Ganges

KOLKATA (EMBARKATION) Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits.

Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA

KALNA Rituals, Rickshaws, and a Muslin Weavers

DISCOVERY Ride on cycle rickshaws during your Guided Exploration of Kalna. Along the way visit the historic terracotta temple complex and receive blessings from the temple priest. Also visit a muslin-weaver’s home.

Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI

MATIARI Sweet Shops and Shiny Brass

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walk through the village of Matiari where fascinating scenes of everyday life unfold in front of you. Stop to see how traditional sweets are made and explore the local produce market. The village is best known for brass-making and you’ll see how scrap metal is recycled to make figurines and functional items such as tea sets and vases. For the final step, watch a talented craftsman delicately hand-hammer intricate patterns into the brass.

Enjoy a free afternoon onboard your ship.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD

MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ A Land of Silver, Gold, and Silk Sarees

DISCOVERY Guided Sightseeing brings you to two towns on opposite sides of the river. In Jiaganj, travel by electric rickshaw to see the art of Baluchari saree weaving. In Azimganj, walk through the local crafts market and visit Bari Kothi, a former residence that has been restored to its former grandeur after being abandoned for over half a century. Tour several rooms for a glimpse into the past, then settle in for a silver- and gold-making demonstration in the garden.

Relax this afternoon onboard your ship.

AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR

MAYAPUR–GUPTIPARA A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges

CLASSIC Your Morning Excursion brings you to the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. Your guided tour of the campus and main temple will introduce you to the Hare Krishna philosophy and life on campus.

DISCOVERY This afternoon, climb aboard a Rickshaw (Toto) Ride for your visit to the small riverside village of Guptipara. Along the way see pottery and idol making. You’ll also visit a farmer’s home to interact with the family.

AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA

KOLKATA Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art

CLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the colorful flower market. Afterward, focus on the life and work of Mother Teresa who dedicated her life to helping the city’s poor. Stop at her former home prior to visiting Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphaned children run by Missionaries of Charity which she founded in 1950.

CLASSIC After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian era.

Tonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship.

KOLKATA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.