Colorful India & the Ganges River with Kathmandu

Day 1

DELHI, INDIA Welcome to India’s capital city! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2

DELHI Saris, Spices, and Silver

CLASSIC Today’s Guided Sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar—with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics.

After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel.

(B,L,D)

Day 3

DELHI–AGRA Monuments of Worship and Remembrance

CLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship).

After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in at your hotel.

(B,L)

Day 4

AGRA Love’s Crowning Achievement

CLASSIC Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahal—Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s memorial to his beloved wife—more than 20 years in the making.

CLASSIC Later, take a Guided Tour to Agra Fort, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This formidable fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.

For those interested, an excursion to the Taj Mahal at sunset is included.

(B,D)

Day 5

AGRA–JAIPUR Welcome to the Pink City

Travel to Jaipur—the “Pink City” that was painted pink for the Prince of Wales’ 1876 visit.

After lunch, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

(B,L)

Day 6

JAIPUR A Maharaja’s Marble Palace and Gateway to the Stars

CLASSIC Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipur’s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works.

CLASSIC This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of the City Palace and the adjoining museum, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century.

(B,D)

Day 7

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

Fly to Kolkata this morning to transfer to your ship. Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA

(B,L,D)

Day 8

KALNA Rituals, Rickshaws, and 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

(B,L,D)

Day 9

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

(B,L,D)

Day 10

MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ Silversmiths, Tea Service, 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 explore Bari Kothi, a former residence that has been restored to its former grandeur after being abandoned for over half a century. You’ll also witness a silver- and gold-making demonstration.

Relax this afternoon onboard your ship.

AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR

(B,L,D)

Day 11

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) 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

(B,L,D)

Day 12

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.

(B,L,D)

Day 13

KOLKATA–KATHMANDU, NEPAL Today, fly to Nepal. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

(B)

Day 14

KATHMANDU Today, your Guided Sightseeing starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu.

(B,L)

Day 15

KATHMANDU Start your Sightseeing Tour at Bouddahanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (“City of Beauty”). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. The remainder of the day is free.

(B,L)

Day 16

KATHMANDU Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.