DAY 1 - Depart for India
Depart for India

DAY 2 - Arrive in Mumbai
Welcome to India! Arrive in the city of Mumbai, a bustling metropolis with an enchanting blend of diverse cultures, and rich history. Meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Spend time at leisure to rest and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Mumbai

DAY 3 - Explore Elephanta Island, Mumbai City Tour
Begin the day with a boat ride across the bay from Mumbai to Elephanta Island. Here, visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are hewn from sold basalt rock and were used as sacred places of Hindu worship. Admire the intricately carved sacred shrines to deities and learn about Hindu gods and culture. Return back to Mumbai with free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, take a city tour. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Prince of Wales Museum, High Court, and the University of Mumbai. Pass by the British era Crawford Market, the picturesque Marine Drive, and the scenic Hanging Gardens. Continuing the drive, view the historic Mani Bhavan and Dhobi Ghat, a large outdoor laundry area. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Mumbai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4 - Full Day in Mumbai
Spend the day at leisure, or participate the optional Dharavi Slums tour. Join your knowledgeable local guide and delve into the heart of Mumbai's vibrant culture. Around 60% of the city's citizens live in slums and Dharavi, with a population of at least half a million, has become the most famous one of them, especially after the success of the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Gain a deeper understanding of this unique community as you navigate through its various districts. Connect with the resilient residents and learn more about their way of life
Optional: Dharavi Slums Tour
Overnight: Mumbai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - 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 10 - 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 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - Depart India
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast