Itinerary

Kolkata, Kolkata, Bandel, Kalna, Matiari, Khushbagh, Murshidabad, Mayapur, Kolkata

Description

Pricing based on departure date: 31 August 2027

Savour an in-depth discovery of Kolkata before embarking on a Lower Ganges cruise on this exciting Indian journey. Explore the highlights of Kolkata before setting out on the river aboard the Ganges Voyager for an unforgettable cruise as you soak in the cultural highlights of the life-giving river and its unique communities.

TRIP INCLUSIONS

Discover the inclusions provided on your tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

• Seven nights aboard the Ganges Voyager
• Two nights of luxury accommodation
• Locally inspired dining – a total of 24 meals
• Experiences in nine destinations
• Freedom of Choice inclusion in one location
• Services of an APT Cruise and Tour Director
• Return airport transfers, porterage and gratuities
• Private air-conditioned coach

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

These exclusive or unique experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following highlights are just a taste of what we have prepared, especially for you.

Kolkata Heritage Tram

Embark on an air-conditioned, privately charted heritage tram ride through Kolkata, the former capital of India during the British Raj. As you travel past the stunning scenery, soak in the charming views of local life and see the sights of the city. Kolkata is known for its cultural heritage and superb architecture.

High Tea at Glenburn Penthouse

Immerse yourself in a sophisticated High Tea experience at the elegant Glenburn Penthouse in the heart of the city offering a spectacular view of all her iconic landmarks. Indulge in an exquisite array of treats, perfectly paired with premium teas which will elevate our afternoon with a symphony of flavours, surrounded by elegance and cherished company.

E-Rickshaw Ride through Kalna

Enjoy an e-rickshaw ride through town to explore Bengal’s unique terracotta temples, including the stunning Rajbari royal palace complex and the striking Shiva temples, each showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty.

 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrive Kolkata
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.

Day 2

Kolkata
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 dinner with your fellow travellers, savouring refined regional cuisine.

Day 3

Kolkata, Embark Ship
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.

Day 4

Kolkata, Bandel, Kalna
This morning, set out on a sightseeing bus 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). Visit 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.

Day 5

Kalna, Matiari
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.

Day 6

Matiari, Khushbagh
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.

Day 7

Khushbagh, Baranagar, Murshidabad
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. In the afternoon, visit the grounds of the Kathgola Palace. Delight in the architecture and enchanting gardens of this awe-inspiring historical building.

Day 8

Murshidabad, Mayapur
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.

Day 9

Mayapur, Chandannagar, Kolkata
Begin the day with a tranquil cruise to Chandannagar, which was established as a French colony in 1673. Stroll along the lively promenade as you marvel at the French architecture, then visit the 17th-century Sacred Heart Church and the Dupleix Museum, which is housed in the home of former French Governor Joseph François Dupleix. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Ganges and soak in your final night on board.

Day 10

Disembark Ship, Depart Kolkata
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to a hotel in Kolkata, where you can leave your luggage and relax before your onward journey. At the appropriate time, a transfer will be arranged to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your departing flight.

Your Ship: Ganges River

Explore the rarely travelled Lower Ganges River and experience the real India in absolute comfort and style on an unforgettable cruise aboard the stylish Ganges Voyager.

Colonial Suite
Delight in a stay in a Colonial Suite, a luxurious suite matching the Signature Suites, but also featuring expansive views from the Ganges Voyager's Upper Deck.