India’s Golden Triangle and Ganges River Cruise

Arriving in Delhi, we’ll transfer to our hotel and have some time to settle before we begin our guided tour. (Subject to flight times, some sightseeing may be done en route to the hotel). 

On our guided tour, we'll explore the highlights of New Delhi. We'll visit the city centre, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911. This area is characterised by its tree-lined avenues and grand design, reflecting the legacy of the Raj. It's home to the Presidential Palace, which was formerly the Viceroy's Palace.

Throughout the tour, we'll also see some of Delhi's older monuments, including the Qutub Minaret, which was constructed in 1199. Standing tall at an impressive 240 feet, it dominates the skyline of Delhi and is the tallest stone-built tower in India, making it one of the capital's most iconic landmarks.

After the tour, we will return to the hotel, where the rest of the afternoon will be free for leisure before dinner this evening.

This morning, we will continue our city tour by delving into Old Delhi. We’ll start at Raj Ghat, a simple yet powerful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. From there, we will journey along the impressive walls of the Red Fort before seeing the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple, one of the most distinguished Sikh houses of worship in Delhi.

In the afternoon, we will bid farewell to Delhi and embark on our drive to Agra, where we’ll check into our hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

As the sun rises above the Taj Mahal, its white marble radiates a warm glow. The mist begins to rise from the Yamuna River and the morning sun casts an orange haze over its surface, creating a dazzling scene that makes the water appear to be alight. The Taj Mahal, with its exquisite beauty, rich history, and impeccable design, is one of the wonders of the world and stands as one of the greatest monuments. We'll have ample time to explore its grand façade from every angle before returning to the hotel for breakfast.  

Later, we'll visit the remarkable Agra Fort, a vast structure made of red sandstone built in the 16th century, before continuing to Jaipur, where we will stay at a four-star hotel for two nights including dinner.

Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a vibrant tapestry of colours. Its buildings are primarily washed in pink, while the striking reds, saffrons, and deep violets of countless traditional saris glimmer under the midday sun.

Our tour will take us to Amber Fort, beautifully situated amidst rolling hills. We'll explore sections of the fort that were reserved for the Maharaja’s wives and concubines, including the remarkable Hall of Mirrors. We’ll also make a stop for photos at the Palace of the Winds, an exquisite pink sandstone structure featuring honeycomb windows. This was where the royal ladies observed street life and processions below.

Next, we'll visit the City Palace, the current residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Here, we'll see a vast collection of formal robes, intricately detailed carpets, captivating paintings, and impressive weaponry.

Finally, we'll conclude our tour at the 18th-century Jantar Mantar open-air observatory, home to a fascinating array of early yet highly accurate astronomical instruments.

We’ll start the day with a morning flight to Kolkata, followed by a hotel transfer. The afternoon is yours to unwind or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Later, gather for an engaging evening at the Glenburn Penthouse, where a specialist guide will lead a captivating session on Bengal’s rich and complex history. Discover how diverse communities—from Armenian merchants to Portuguese missionaries and Jewish settlers—shaped the city’s cultural landscape. Learn how these influences paved the way for the British East India Company’s rise and Kolkata’s role as the first capital of the British Raj. The talk also covers the pivotal Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the start of British rule in India. The evening concludes with a private dinner in the dining room with views out to the Victoria Memorial. 

This morning, we transfer to the MV Bengal Ganga and begin our journey aboard this elegant river vessel. After a warm welcome from the crew, take time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship, which will be home for the next seven nights. 

After lunch on board, we head out with our guide for an introductory tour of Kolkata. Formerly known as Calcutta until 2001, this bustling metropolis was once the capital of British India and remains one of the country’s largest and most culturally rich cities. Its colonial past is still visible in the grand architecture and city layout, reminiscent of a European capital.

Our panoramic exploration includes key landmarks such as Dalhousie Square, the historic St. John’s Church, and the iconic Victoria Memorial. Set within 64 acres of landscaped gardens, this striking marble monument commemorates Queen Victoria and also houses a national gallery. Built on the site of a former jail, it stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s layered history.

The ship will be moored in Kolkata for your first night on board. 

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we rejoin our guide for some more sightseeing in Kolkata. We’ll begin at the bustling Flower Market, where vibrant garlands and floral decorations are crafted for temples, weddings, and daily rituals. The colours and energy here offer a vivid glimpse into local life.

Next, visit Kumartuli, a historic neighbourhood known for its skilled potters and sculptors. Here, artisans shape intricate clay idols of deities, many of which are used in major religious festivals across India.

We return to the ship for lunch, then begin our river cruise. As we sail upstream past the iconic Howrah Bridge, enjoy views of colonial-era buildings lining the riverbanks en route to Bally Bridge. 

Start your day at a relaxed pace, with the morning free to enjoy the comforts of the ship. Whether you choose to linger over breakfast, unwind with a book, or sip a drink while watching the riverside scenery unfold, it’s the perfect time to recharge.

After lunch on board, we head ashore to visit the impressive Imambara in Hooghly. This historic congregation hall, adorned with Quranic inscriptions, offers a fascinating insight into Bengal’s Islamic heritage and architectural legacy.

Following the visit, we return to the ship and continue our journey towards Bandel, where we’ll dock for the night. 

Enjoy a peaceful morning cruising along the river, with time to savour breakfast and lunch at your leisure on board.  

In the afternoon, we arrive in Kalna—also known as Ambika Kalna—named after the goddess Kali Maa Ambika and renowned for its remarkable temple architecture.

Hop aboard an e-rickshaw for a guided tour through this historic town, where you’ll discover some of Bengal’s finest terracotta temples at the Rajbari temple complex. A standout is the unique Nabakailis temple, built in 1809 and featuring two concentric circles of 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bengal temples often echo the form of traditional village huts, featuring curved, sloping roofs arranged in one, two, three, four, or—like in this case—eight tiers. The number 108 holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism, often associated with sacred chants and meditation.  

Before returning to the ship, take a stroll through the lively local vegetable market for a glimpse of everyday life in Kalna.

This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise to Nabadwip while breakfast and lunch are served on board.  

Located at the meeting point of the Bhagirathi and Jalangi rivers, Nabadwip is a sacred town deeply connected to Lord Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. On arrival, stroll through a riverside village known for its traditional handloom weaving, where artisans craft cotton saris and scarves.

Later, cross the river by boat to reach Mayapur—one of nine revered pilgrimage islands in the region. Here, our guide will lead us to the striking ISKCON temple, the global headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. Towering above the landscape, this vast complex draws over a million visitors annually and offers a powerful insight into devotional life and spiritual practice in modern India. 

This morning, enjoy a short cruise to Guptipara—its name meaning “hidden neighbourhood” in Bengali. After breakfast, step ashore to explore this lesser-known town, home to a cluster of Vaishnav temples adorned with intricate terracotta carvings. You’ll also visit a local potter’s home, where you can observe traditional techniques and chat with artisans about their craft.  

After returning to the ship for lunch, we make a brief crossing to the opposite riverbank to visit Fulia. This vibrant weaving village is renowned for its distinctive sari production, blending jacquard and jamdani techniques to create intricate, handwoven textiles. It’s a wonderful opportunity to witness Bengal’s rich textile heritage in action. 

After a short morning sail, arrive in Chandannagar, a riverside town once under French rule until 1950. With its leafy boulevards and colonial charm, the town offers a unique blend of European and Bengali heritage. Begin your guided tour with a visit to the Sacred Heart Church, an elegant 18th-century structure showcasing classic French design. Continue to the former residence of the French Governor-General, now the Chandannagar Museum, where you’ll find antique furniture, relics from the Anglo-French wars, and personal items from the colonial era. 

Later, return to the ship and cruise downstream to Serampore. Once a Danish settlement known as Frederiksnagore, Serampore is home to well-preserved colonial landmarks. A walking tour of the Old Quarters includes St Olav’s Church, the Danish Tavern, and other historic buildings. This evening, enjoy your final dinner on board as we sail back to Kolkata. 

Transfer to Kolkata international airport for your connecting flight back to the UK after an unforgettable holiday*. (B)

*Based on current flight schedules, you should arrive the same day, however this is subject to change pending final flight timings.