Overview
You’ll encounter more stunning sights in Agra with a sunset excursion to the Taj Mahal—the iconic memorial built read more by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love’s devotion, where you’ll also have the opportunity to experience this iconic site at sunrise.
You’ll continue to the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your cruise on the Ganges River—the holy river of Hinduism. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters where you’ll get a glimpse of life apart from India’s big cities. Observe the intricate muslin weaving traditions in Nabadwip and pottery making in Guptipara, explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur and visit the stunning Hooghly Imambara upon your return to Kolkata.
In Kathmandu, sightseeing is spread over two leisurely days. Visits include Hanuman Dhoka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, a child thought to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. You’ll also journey to Patan and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest stupa.
All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of India and Nepal with a Ganges River cruise.
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2024
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Itinerary
Hello, Delhi!
Welcome to Delhi, India's capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.
Delhi Delights
Today's guided sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Take a rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel.
LOCAL FAVORITE - MARKET HIGH: Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Moghul Monuments
Drive to Agra this morning and visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. This evening, admire the gold and pink hues of the captivating Taj Mahal under the setting sun.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOVE REMEMBERED: End your day with a bucket-list sunset visit to the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love more than 20 years in the making. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Your guided tour takes you inside the Mausoleum, with time to explore on your own and reflect.
Welcome to the Pink City
Start your day with another visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal, this time at sunrise. After a bit of down time, travel to Jaipur. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE PINK CITY: Visit Jaipur, the legendary city which was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. Today, this fascinating city is still known as the “Pink City.”
Jewels of Jaipur
This morning, visit the amazing Amber Fort. After lunch, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. Next, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - FORMIDABLE FORTRESS: Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.
Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits.
Fly to Kolkata this morning. After lunch, your guided sightseeing tour takes you to St. John's Church, featuring the oldest functioning pipe organ in India. Visit Victoria Memorial Museum. You'll also view the well-preserved British colonial buildings like the Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, and Dalhousie Square. Then, transfer to your ship for your 7-night cruise along the Ganges River.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ROYAL TREASURES: Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian era.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SHIP SPOTLIGHT: Antara's MV Bengal Ganga features vibrant interiors and hand-crafted furniture with a blend of traditional and contemporary textiles and art that mirror the landscape and changing hues of water. Spacious, bright and comfortable rooms create a sense of well-being with large French balconies and free-flowing common spaces that invite the outdoors in. Elegant décor, attentive service, luxurious amenities, and spectacular views await!
Please note: The Globus Tour Director will not accompany you on the Ganges River cruise. A dedicated Cruise Manager will provide onboard services during this portion of the journey.
Shopping, Sailing & Sculptures
This morning, take a guided walk through Kolkata's vibrant flower market. Next, visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters' quarter in northern Kolkata renowned for its beautiful traditions in sculpture. Relax this afternoon onboard your ship as you begin sailing upstream, passing below the Howrah Bridge, an icon of the city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - BRIDGING HISTORY: An iconic landmark in Kolkata, the massive, steel Howrah Bridge spans the Hooghly River and is considered one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Also known as Rabindra Setu, its 26,500 tons of steel connect Howrah and Kolkata as a lifeline for 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily since 1943.
French Serenity and The Sacred Heart
Today, sail to Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. Explore this historic town down the Promenade, offering a serene and peaceful walk along the river. Visit the former French governor's residence, now converted to a museum that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also visit the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French Architect Jacques Duchatz.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ON THE PROMENADE: A marvel of town planning along the Hooghly, the promenade in Chandernagore evokes the French Riviera on the Hooghly River with lush trees and beautiful French colonial architecture as one of the most important French settlements in Asia in the 18th century.
Rituals and Rickshaws
Explore by electric rickshaw during your guided exploration of Kalna. Along the way, visit the terracotta temple complex of Rajbari. Stoll through a local market on your way back to your ship.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TIMELESS: TEMPLES
The Rajbari temple complex showcases exquisite architecture adorned with intricate terracotta carvings. Here, you'll visit Naba Kailash Temple, containing 108 slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A Holy Pilgrimage
This morning, walk along the riverbank village of Nabadwip and witness local artisans skillfully weaving vibrant cottons by hand on traditional looms. Later, tour the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HARE KRISHNA ISKCON: is a global spiritual movement dedicated to promoting the cultural teachings of ancient Indian traditions. A Krishna leader will guide you throughout your visit to introduce you to their philosophy and life on campus, Along the way, you'll tour the main temple and have time for questions.
Riverside Reveries
Climb aboard a rickshaw (Toto) for your visit to the small riverside village of Guptipara. Along the way, see clay and idol making. You'll visit a potter's home to interact with the artisans. This afternoon, visit the village of Fulia, where skilled artists specialize in Jamdani weaving, a time intensive form of weaving using a mixture of cotton and gold thread.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WEAVING MAGIC: The textural motif against an airy muslin fabric is the definition of the heritage Jamdani cloth, on which skilled weavers uses a hand tool made of horn (kandul) to create delicate embellishments on the Jamdani muslin adorned with a wide variety of geometric and traditional floral and figured designs.
Monumental Sights
Sail downstream to Bandel and visit Hooghly Imambara. This stunning 19th-century monument is known for its grand hallways and large Persian chandeliers. Continue to Serampore, a historic colonial town featuring Danish heritage monuments like the Danish Tavern and St. Olav's Church. This evening, return to Kolkata.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HOLY SITE: See the architectural splendor of Hooghly Imambara, the 19th-century holy shrine beloved by the people of Bengal as well as the entire Muslim community of India. It dignifies the western bank of river Bhagirathi-Hooghly with fading grandeur whispering the story of its glorious past.
Going to Kathmandu!
Today, fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi), Nepal's capital city, where you will be met by a Globus representative.
Please note: Your Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu will be provided as outlined in the itinerary.
City Sights & Goddess Lights
Today, your sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A LIVING GODDESS: Visit the Temple of Kumari, home to who is believed to be a living goddess thought to be the living incarnation of the goddess Durga. The Sanskrit meaning of the word "Kumari" is derived from the word "Kaumarya,” which means “princess.” A fascinating experience in history and culture in Nepal.
The Power of Faith
Today, travel with your Local Guide to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city's center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE EYES OF BUDDHA: The first stupa at Bouddhanath was built sometime after AD 600, when the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, converted to Buddhism. Its whitewashed dome and gilded tower adorned with the eyes of the Buddha create a perfectly proportioned monument that attracts Tibetan pilgrims to perform morning and evening koras (ceremonial walking ritual)
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Tour Inclusions
- Guided city sightseeing in Delhi including Red Fort, Jama Masjid,
- Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Presidential Palace
- [LF] Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar
- Visit to Agra Fort
- Guided tour of the Taj Mahal at sunset with second visit at sunrise
- Visits to the Amber Fort, City Palace Museum, and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur
- Guided city sightseeing in Kolkata including St. John's Church, Victoria Memorial Museum, and colonial landmarks
- Seven-night Ganges River cruise aboard the elegant Antara MV Bengal Ganga, featuring spacious rooms and French balconies
- Rickshaw ride to Guptipara and visit to potter's home
- Visit to Rajbari temple complex by rickshaw
- Guided visit with a Krishna leader to ISKCON's spiritual campus
- Visits to local weaving villages of Fulia and Nabadwip
- Excursion to Chandernagore including a guided walk along the promenade and visits to the Institut de Chandernagore and the Sacred Heart Church
- Private guided sightseeing in Kathmandu includes Hanuman Dhoka, the Temple of Kumari, and Bouddhanath
- Visits to Patan and Durbar Square
- Intra-vacation flights as listed in the itinerary
- 15 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 9 Dinners
- Delhi: Taj Palace, New Delhi (Moderate Deluxe):
Nestled amidst the heart of the historic Indian capital city, the iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi has held a distinguished position amongst the finest hotels of the world for close to four decades. Spread over six acres of lush gardens, the landmark hotel is synonymous with timeless luxury and unmatched hospitality. With panoramic views of the city's verdant protected greens, the hotel offers an inimitable confluence of epitomising elements of Indian art, warm, personalised service and unmatched luxury. - Agra: Taj Hotel & Convention Centre (Moderate Deluxe):
The Taj Hotel & Convention Centre has 239 plush rooms and features views of the Taj Mahal from the rooftop bar. There is also an abundance of dining options, an invigorating spa, and a variety of other amenities to make for an enjoyable stay. - Jaipur: Jai Mahal Palace (Superior First-Class):
Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable Palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, it blends spotlight grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. It is located downtown, close to the main shopping center and historical monuments. - Kathmandu: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (Superior First-Class):
Situated in the city center near top shopping, dining and attractions, the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel features modern design, deluxe amentities and excellent service. Take in gorgeous views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range and enjoy spacious rooms while discovering the wonders of Kathmandu.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
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