DAY 1 - Depart for India
Depart for India

DAY 2 - Arrive in Kolkata
Welcome to India! Arrive in the vibrant city of Kolkata, known as the "Cultural Capital of India," and transfer to the hotel. Spend the balance of the day at leisure to rest and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Kolkata

DAY 3 - Cruise Embarkation, Kolkata City Tour
Transfer to the ship for embarkation and have lunch on board. In the afternoon, take a panoramic tour of Kolkata, known for its grand colonial architecture. View the well-preserved British colonial buildings, including Writers' Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, and Treasury Building. Then, visit the majestic St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata. Built in the late 1700s, it features a painting of the Last Supper by German artist, Johann Zoffany, and several tombs of British Generals who died during the siege of Kolkata. Next, stop at the opulent Victoria Memorial, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, before returning to the ship
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 - Mullick Ghat Flower Market, Kumartuli
This morning, visit Kolkata's Mullick Ghat Flower Market, a feast for the senses. Located beneath the famous Howrah Bridge, on the bank of Hooghly river, this fragrant market is bustling from the early hours of the morning with countless vendors and buyers. There are several stalls where you can see highly skilled artists create a variety of garlands, and ornaments made of flowers and leaves for various uses. Afterward, head to Kumartuli, a traditional potters' quarter in northern Kolkata. Stroll through the lanes and observe craftsmen built beautiful clay idols for various festivals. The potters use clay from the river to make the images of gods and goddesses, a skill passed down through generations. Return to the ship for lunch and begin your delightful river cruise upstream along the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 - Bandel
The ship sails upstream to the port of Bandel, founded by Portuguese settlers in the 15th century. Visit Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shia pilgrimage centers in West Bengal, built in the 19th century by Haji Mohammad Mahasin. The two-story building and surrounding rooms provide housing for pilgrims and also serves as a madrasa (center of learning). The structure features a gigantic Victorian-era clock which was manufactured in London. Afterward, return to the ship and continue cruising**For Mar. 26 departure, sightseeing will be switched from day 5 to day 9 and vice versa
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 - Kalma
Continue cruising upstream to the temple town of Kalna. Ride electric rickshaws to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, consisting of a series of imposing temples with stunning architecture. Visit the remarkable Nabakailas Temple, built in early 1800s by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sri Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of daily life. Later, visit a local market selling a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 - Nabadwip, Mayapur
This morning, take in the scenery as you sail towards Nabadwip, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Hindu Vaishnavism religion. During the walk of the riverbank village, observe local people engaging in handloom weaving of cotton fabrics, like saris and scarves and other activities. After lunch on board, take a country boat across the river to visit Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colorful decorated statues of Krishna. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim's bazaar
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 - Guptipara, Fulia
The ship docks in Guptipara, a rural town, famed for its paddy fields and the Himsagar mango. Explore the town and visit the impressive Vaishnav temples, boasting intricate terra cotta works. All the structures bear characteristics of the Bengal school of architecture, with carvings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics. Next stop at a potter's home to view and interact with the artisans creating various clay items. In the afternoon, explore the opposite riverbank and visit the village of Fulia, a famous center for handwoven fabrics. Fulia specializes in a combination of Jacquard and Jamdani sari weaving. Jamdani is typically handloom woven fabric using a mixture of cotton and gold thread. It is one of the most labor-intensive forms of handloom weaving
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 - Chandernagore, Serampore
The ship sails further downstream to Chandernagore, which was established as a French colony in late 1600s. Walk along the promenade and explore the French colonial buildings. Visit the former French governor's residence, now converted to a museum* featuring an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Proceed with a visit to the Sacred Heart Church, before returning to the ship. Continue the journey back to Kolkata. Stop to visit Serampore, a Danish colony in the early 18th century. Take a stroll thought the old quarter to see the Danish Tavern and other Danish heritage buildings. Visit St. Olav's Church, locally known as the Danish Church, that was constructed by the Danish Management*The museum is closed on Thursdays & Saturdays
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 - Disembarkation, Flight to Kathmandu
Early this morning, disembark the cruise and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. Arrive and transfer to your hotel with free time to explore on your own
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11 - Rural Nepal Excursion
Venture into rural Nepal this morning. Begin with Dhulikhel, a Newari town, where you will see spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains, on a clear day. In the center of the Old Town, view temples adorned with wood carvings, fine examples of traditional Newari craftsmanship. Afterward, drive to Panauti, one of the oldest towns in Nepal. The tour continues with a stop at Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), an ancient Newar city founded in the 9th century. Here, you will see the royal residential quarter of King Bhupatindra Malla and the Nyatapola Temple. Finally, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple, the most important Hindu site in all of Nepal. Tonight, join the optional Traditional Nepalese Dinner
Optional: Traditional Nepalese Dinner
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12 - Kathmandu City Tour
Early in the morning, join the optional Mount Everest Flightseeing. Enjoy a flight on a small aircraft with a window seat for an hour of spectacular scenery over the tallest mountain on earth. During the morning city tour, view the iconic landmark of Kathmandu, the great stupa of Swayambhunath, with the eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides. Next Durbar Square, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases some of the most impressive architecture in Central Asia, with more than 50 palaces, pagodas, and temples. The square is home to the Royal Palace complex with its gilded doorway and the 16th century Taleju Temple, which honors a form of the Goddess Durga. Continue to Boudhanath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas. Afternoon is free or, perhaps join the optional Half Day Patan City Tour. Known as Lalitpur or the "City of Beauty," Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments exhibiting skillful carvings. Tonight at dinner, bid goodbye to your Tour Manager
Optional: Mount Everest Flightseeing (AM)
Optional: Half Day Patan City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13 - Depart Nepal
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast