ASIA ITINERARIES
India's Golden Triangle & The Sacred Ganges
New Delhi to Kolkata
13 Days
Tour Highlights
- Discover the captivating capital of New Delhi, including Old Delhi by rickshaw.
- See the Taj Mahal at both sunset and sunrise.
- Explore Jaipur, the colourful Pink City, and visit the magnificent Amber Fort.
- Cruise the sacred Ganges aboard the luxurious Ganges Voyager II.
- Visit historic temples, artisan villages and traditional communities along the river.
- Experience Kolkata’s vibrant flower market, colonial architecture and potter’s colony.
- Choose meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences supporting local communities.
From the Golden Triangle to the Sacred Ganges
India is a destination of extraordinary contrasts, where grand palaces, bustling markets, ancient traditions and sacred waterways come together in one unforgettable journey. This 13-day experience combines the highlights of India’s Golden Triangle with a luxurious river cruise along the Ganges, offering a fascinating introduction to the country’s rich history, culture and spirituality.
Begin your adventure in New Delhi, where grand boulevards, Mughal monuments and lively neighbourhoods reveal the many layers of India’s capital. Continue to Agra to experience the Taj Mahal in the soft light of sunset and sunrise, before travelling to Jaipur, where palaces, bazaars and ancient observatories bring Rajasthan’s royal history to life.
Your journey then takes to the water aboard the Ganges Voyager II. As you sail along the sacred Ganges, visit remote villages, historic temples and artisan communities that few travellers get to experience. End in Kolkata, a city shaped by Bengali culture, colonial history and the enduring legacy of Mother Teresa. With luxurious accommodation, expert local guides and carefully selected excursions, this is an immersive way to experience the heart and soul of India.
Days 1 - 2
Discover New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to the elegant Oberoi New Delhi. The following day, enjoy an expertly guided introduction to India’s colourful and captivating capital.
Travel along the broad boulevards of New Delhi before discovering the history and energy of Old Delhi by rickshaw. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal, as well as the Red Fort and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
The afternoon is free to explore further, browse the shops of Connaught Place or visit the National Museum.
Overnight at the Oberoi New Delhi.
Days 3 - 4
Agra and the Taj Mahal
Travel by road to Agra, home to one of the world’s most recognisable monuments. After checking in to the Oberoi Amarvilas, enjoy a special visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. As the light changes, the white marble takes on different shades, adding to the romance and beauty of this extraordinary monument.
Rise early the following morning for a second visit at sunrise, when the Taj Mahal glows in soft pink and golden hues. After lunch, continue to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and settle into the beautiful Oberoi Rajvilas, set among landscaped gardens and built around an ancient Shiva temple.
Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas and Oberoi Rajvilas.
Day 5
Jaipur and Amber Fort
Spend the day exploring Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, an impressive hilltop complex of courtyards, palaces and ornate architecture.
Continue to Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a remarkable collection of astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the option to explore Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, famous for jewellery, pottery, textiles, carpets and traditional Rajasthani crafts.
Overnight at the Oberoi Rajvilas.
Day 6
Fly to Kolkata and Embark on the Ganges
Fly to Kolkata and board the Ganges Voyager II, your luxurious home for the river journey ahead. Settle into your suite and take in the views as you begin cruising through the landscapes of West Bengal.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 7
Kalna and the Temple City
Arrive in Kalna, once an important trading port on the Ganges. Explore the Rajbari temple complex, home to a collection of ornate Hindu temples decorated with intricate terracotta carvings.
You can also take a guided walk through the local market, where everyday life unfolds among colourful stalls and small shops. This visit includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience supporting sustainable communities.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 8
Matiari Artisan Village
Step ashore in Matiari, an authentic artisan village known for its brasswork. Visit local workshops to see how craftspeople melt, shape and decorate brass objects using techniques passed down through generations.
Back on board, enjoy a demonstration of mehndi, the traditional art of henna, and learn about the symbolism behind its intricate designs. Your visit to Matiari is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience supporting local communities.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 9
Murshidabad and Baranagar
Discover the historic towns of Murshidabad and Baranagar, both filled with architectural treasures linked to Bengal’s former ruling families.
Ride by horse-drawn buggy to Katra Mosque before visiting Hazarduari Palace, a grand neoclassical building with an intriguing collection of real and false doors. Later, explore Baranagar’s beautiful 18th-century terracotta temples and, if time allows, see a game of cricket being played in the local community.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 10
Cruising the Ganges and Khusbagh
Spend time enjoying the scenery as you cruise along one of the world’s most sacred rivers. Keep watch for the endangered Ganges river dolphin and observe the villages, fields and daily life along the riverbanks.
Visit Khusbagh, meaning “Garden of Happiness”, a peaceful garden and burial ground where several historic Nawabs of Bengal are laid to rest. Take a guided walk through the village and visit the mausoleum and its surrounding arcade.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 11
Mayapur and Chandannagar
Visit Mayapur, the centre of the international Hare Krishna movement and a major pilgrimage destination. Explore the temple complex, learn about the movement’s beliefs and see the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, which is under construction.
Continue to Chandannagar, a former French settlement with a fascinating blend of Indian and French colonial heritage. Walk along the tree-lined Strand and visit the Church of the Sacred Heart and Chandernagore College Museum.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 12 - 13
Kolkata
Your final full day takes you into the heart of Kolkata. Begin at the vibrant flower market near Howrah Bridge, where flowers are bought for festivals, religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Depending on your chosen excursion, visit Mother Teresa’s former home and tomb or learn more about the work of the Calcutta Rescue NGO. Later, explore Kumartuli, Kolkata’s traditional potters’ quarter, where artisans create intricate clay idols.
End with a panoramic view of the city’s colonial architecture, including Government House, the High Court, Town Hall, the Writers’ Building, the General Post Office and the Victoria Memorial.
Overnight aboard the Ganges Voyager II.
Day 13
Disembark early this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your Indian adventure with an optional stay in Varanasi and New Delhi.
Optional Extensions
Enhance your journey with an optional pre-cruise extension to Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, including a stay at the iconic Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola. Alternatively, continue after the cruise with a post-cruise extension to Varanasi. Experience the sacred Ganges at sunrise, witness an evening Aarti ceremony and discover the city’s centuries-old silk-weaving tradition.
Please note that accommodation is subject to availability, and the hotels featured in this itinerary may be changed without prior notice.
