Heritage of India & the Ganges River with Varanasi & Kathmandu

Hello, Delhi!

Welcome to Delhi, India's capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.

Loyal Pilgrimages

Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. Transfer to your hotel for lunch and time at leisure. Early this evening, join your Local Guide and experience the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - FIRE & WATER: Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river's edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float “diyas” (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.

Sacred Rituals

Near dawn, join your Local Guide and board a boat to watch a meaningful religious ritual—the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. This afternoon, travel to nearby Sarnath, the “Cradle of Buddhism,” where the Buddha first spoke of his philosophy after enlightenment.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: In Hinduism, taking bath in the holy river Ganga sacred as immersing oneself in the holy river Ganga is more than just a ceremonial activity, it is a profound experience in connecting with the supreme power and nature's divine essence. Witness this sacred practice of hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, practicing yoga or meditation.

On to India's Capital

Today, fly to Delhi. The balance of the day is at your leisure.

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!

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.

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.