DAY 1 - Depart for India
Depart for India

DAY 2 - Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: New Delhi

DAY 3 - Old & New Delhi City Tour
Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Begin with a visit to Humayun's Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel along the winding streets to Jama Masjid, the largest and best known mosque in India. On a cycle rickshaw, continue along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. After lunch, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the Sikh Temple and drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Tour Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life, that is now a museum*. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner*The museum is closed on Mondays and will be replaced with Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 - Travel to Agra, Mehtab Bagh
Embark on a drive from New Delhi towards Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delight. Visti Mehtab Bagh, a historic garden built by Emperor Babur in the 16th century. Also known as the moonlight garden, with great views of the Taj Mahal from afar. Arrive and check into your room with free time to relax before dinner tonight at the hotel
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 - Taj Mahal
A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen. Built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period, it's considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop at a handicraft gallery and showroom displaying a unique collection of sculptures, and intricate inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. In the afternoon, participate in the optional tour to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones. Enjoy the evening at leisure
Optional: Half Day Agra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 - Travel to Jaipur, India's Pink City
Depart Agra to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Upon arrival, if time allows, visit a local school and meet the children. Continue at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness - an architectural jewel. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it is nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to a jewelry wholesaler renowned for its quality and design. View a spectacular array of gems, available loose, or uniquely set in gold, plus traditional gold enamel Mughal jewelry, and an extensive collection of artwork. Then, visit a bargain-filled bazaar before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 - Amber Fort, Jaipur
Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at a store, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and textures are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Spend the afternoon at leisure strolling through the city or, join the optional tour to view the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you're entertained by performers in traditional attire as they execute various dance moves to the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments
Optional: Half Day Jaipur Tour (PM)
Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 - Flight to Kolkata, Cruise Embarkation, Kolkata City Tour
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. On arrival, 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 9 - 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 10 - 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. 21 departure, sightseeing will be switched from day 10 to day 14 and vice versa
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - Disembarkation, Flight to New Delhi
Disembark the cruise this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel with time to settle in. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16 - Depart India
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast