Ganges Discovery Voyage

Discover the heart of the Ganges as you spend seven unforgettable days cruising along one of the world's mightiest rivers before continuing on to explore the iconic sights of India. Relax in ultimate luxury on board Haimark's brand new ship, the Ganges Voyager as you sail pass thriving cities, quiet local villages and beautiful scenery.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE:
Gain an understanding of India’s rich history from Kolkata to Chandenagor. Discover the lifeblood of Ganges as you sail along this incredible river passing local villages. See the magical TajMahal as the sun rises.

Places & destinations (14 nights & 15 days)

KOLKATA – GANGES RIVER CRUISE – KOLKATA – VARANASI – DELHI – AGRA - JAIPUR
 

DAY 1: KOLKATA On arrival, transfer to the Ganges Voyager and settle into your luxurious suite. After lunch, visit the Mother Teresa house and tomb which is a permanent exhibition of her life and charity work in Kolkata. This evening enjoy a cocktail welcome reception and dinner while getting to know your fellow travellers and Western Cruise Director.


DAY 2: KOLKATA & BANDEL Enjoy an early morning city tour to explore the well-preserved British-colonial area and visit St John’s church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata. Continue to the Victoria Memorial Museum containing the largest collection of British-colonial history in India. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Bandel and spend time exploring the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centres in West Bengal.


DAY 3: KALNA Discover the city centre of Kalna en route to the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the highest concentration of temples in the region.


DAY 4: CRUISING THE GANGES Rise early to visit a shore-side bazaar at Matiari. The town is known for traditional manufacturing of beautifully handcrafted brass items. Enjoy breakfast on board as you continue sailing upstream passing the intriguing sites along the Ganges.


DAY 5: BARABAGAR & MURSHIDABAD Visit the charming village of Khushbagh and enjoy a scenic drive as you pass local farming fields. Visit a well-preserved mosque complex by Nawab Ali- Wardi-Khan. Relax on board with breakfast as you continue cruising to Baranagar. Sail pass charming countryside villages as you approach the city of Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem. Enjoy a scenic ride by local buggy to the Katra mosque which is one of the oldest mosques still utilised for Friday prayer. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner and local cultural performance on board.


DAY 6: MAYAPUR Spend the morning on deck as you sail to the village of Mayapur. Gain an understanding of the fascinating culture of the Krishna Consciousness Movement and their ornate and colorfully decorated statues within the complex.


DAY 7: CHANDENAGOR Visit Chandenagor, which was established as a French colony in 1673 and later became a key trading port on the Ganges. Explore the French-colonial buildings along the promenade and visit the Sacred Heart Church of Chandenagor and the old French bakery still baking fresh baguettes daily. Celebrate your last evening on board with a farewell dinner and continue sailing downstream to Kolkata.


DAY 8: VARANASI Disembark Ganges Voyager and transfer to Kolkata Airport. Fly to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel, Overnight - Varanasi


DAY 9: VARANASI Discover Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India on an insightful city tour. Rise early to see pilgrims bathing in the ghats of the Ganges, and wonder the incense-filled laneways of the old city. In the evening, enjoy a sunset Aarti ceremony. Overnight – Varanasi


DAY 10: DELHI Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon visit Qutab Minar and walk through one of Delhi’s most iconic and ancient sites and marvel at the huge red stone tower and finely preserved ruins. Overnight – Delhi


DAY 11: DELHI Wander the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, and the classic Moghul-style Humayan’s Tomb. Continue to Old Delhi and explore the lively trading streets. Overnight – Delhi


DAY 12: AGRA Drive to Agra and check into your hotel. After lunch, explore the Agra Fort with your first views of the TajMahal. Overnight – Agra


DAY 13: JAIPUR Visit the iconic, Taj Mahal as the magical dawn hues fall across the great marble domes. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri and enjoy a tour. Continue on to the Pink City of Jaipur and settle into your hotel.Overnight - Jaipur


DAY 14: JAIPUR Spend the morning visiting Amber Fort before continuing on to visit the City Palace and Observatory with free time to explore the bazaar. Overnight – Jaipur


DAY 15: JAIPUR Enjoy free time until your departure transfer.