Christmas Beyond the Brahmaputra

Fly to Kolkata, a vibrant city in the far east of India. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

The capital of West Bengal and widely considered India's cultural capital, in Kolkata is a place of fascinating contrasts, something that you will explore on today's tour of the city. See landmark sights like Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Dakineshwar Kali Temple and the spectacular white marble edifice of the Victoria Memorial before, this evening, taking a walking tour to Park Street, the famous thoroughfare in Kolkata's downtown area.

The capital of the British Raj between 1858 and 1911, Kolkata is home to a series of colonial sights which you will visit on this morning walking tour, including the stately Dalhousie Square. This afternoon, you'll pay a visit to Mother House, a quiet convent that was home to Mother Teresa and her missionary sisters since 1953. Visit her tomb and a small museum dedicated to her life and work.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Bagdogra. On arrival, drive to Gangtok, winding through the incredible landscapes of Sikkim, with towering Himalayan peaks as your backdrop. Check in to the Elgin Nor-Khill Resort, a heritage retreat blending colonial charm with warm Sikkimese hospitality. Then, soak up the festive spirit as you explore MG Marg – Gangtok's main street glows with Christmas lights, joyful celebrations and a charming Christmas market.

Sikkim's bustling state capital, Gangtok sits on the side of a hill overlooking the valleys and peaks of the Himalayan foothills. This Christmas Eve, you will explore it, visiting the 18th-century Rumtek, the region's most spiritually significant monastery, Enchey Monastery with its colourful prayer hall, the Tashi Viewpoint, where you'll get spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga and more. You'll also fly your way up the cable ropeway for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

This evening, enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at the Elgin Nor Khill Resort, soaking in the festive atmosphere of the hotel.

Merry Christmas! Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas as you journey through the foothills towards the charming hill station of Darjeeling, passing sweeping tea plantations along the way. Stop at Ravangla Buddha Park to admire the towering 40-metre copper Buddha framed by snow-dusted peaks. This evening, soak up the festive cheer as you explore Darjeeling's Christmas markets, aglow with lights, music and seasonal treats.

Rise before dawn and head up to Tiger Hill to witness the winter sun rise over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain at 8,586 metres (weather permitting). Enjoy a relaxed morning before an afternoon ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's charming ‘toy train' to Ghoom. Visit Ghoom Monastery, then return to Darjeeling to explore the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Centre. The rest of the evening is free to relax and soak up the cool mountain air.

Transfer back to Bagdogra airport and fly to Guwahati. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Silghat, a port on the Brahmaputra River, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. With a spa, saloon, and spacious sun deck along with cool and roomy cabins with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for optimum views, there is no better to explore the rich riverbanks of the mighty Brahmaputra. Cast off and begin your upstream cruise, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard.

This morning, disembark from the ship and take a jeep safari into the central range of the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is best known for its population of Indian rhinoceros and is a designated tiger reserve. Alongside these two magnificent creatures, Kaziranga is also home to elephants, sloth bears, pangolin, water buffalo, swamp deer and a number of species of primate, among much more, and is an important habitat for birds.

Enjoy a riverside lunch before hopping back into jeeps to explore the park's western reaches, where there is even more wonderful wildlife to spot.

Spend the morning on a tea experience on a picturesque Assam tea estate. Here you'll learn all about the production process, from plucking the leaves to brewing a cup. Back on the boat, cruise upstream, passing through more of Kaziranga National Park's spectacular wilderness, spotting wildlife on the banks of the river as you go. Drop anchor near Biswanath village.

Begin New Year's Eve by journeying into the village, where there is a rich, cultural heritage to explore. Biswanath's ghat is home to a cluster of temples dedicated to various gods, including an Ahom-era Shiva temple – discover these and stroll through the town, soaking up its beautiful riverside and rural surroundings. Continue cruising through Kaziranga National Park, keeping an eye out for wild elephants.

Later, relax on the ship's sun deck – with luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered Ganges River dolphins. This evening, you'll be served a celebratory dinner with a cheers at midnight – what a way to see out the old year and see in the new one!

Happy New Year! Today you'll be able to sit back, relax and watch the river landscapes drift by as you cruise upstream. There will be one stop at a rural riverside village where a walking tour is a great way to stretch your legs.

Explore one of the world's largest river islands, Majuli, which is a fascinating microcosm of local culture. Visit two of the island's tranquil satras (monasteries) that have been essential in preserving Assamese art and culture and enjoy a traditional dance performance. Cruise farther upstream to Salmara Ghat, visiting a nearby village that is known for its traditional handicrafts, to see the artisans at work.

Transfer by car to Sibsagar. Once the capital of the Ahom kings, explore the remnants of a fascinating culture with visits to old temples and examples of innovative engineering. Return to the ship and cruise back to Neamati Ghat for your final night onboard the ship.

Bid farewell to your river cruise ship and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Fly home to Australia, arriving the same or the following day.