Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)
Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)
Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)
10 Days Starting in Kolkata (ex Calcutta) and ending in Varanasi
Visiting: Kolkata (ex Calcutta), Bandel, Kalna, Matiari, Khosbag, Baranagar, Murshidabad, Mayapur, Chandannagar, Varanasi, Ganges
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
RV Ganges VoyagerShip Capacity:
56
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Take a cruise on the Ganges River and plunge into fascinating, enticing, surprising, and astonishing India. The river is not only sacred to the Hindus, it is also the lifeline for the millions of inhabitants that depend on it for their daily needs. Washing in the river is done both symbolically to purify and to tend to practical tasks. You'll cross through a region little touched by tourism and experience a deep authenticity within the unique historical sites and stunning landscapes along the way. Discover the cultural heartbeat of the nation: Bustling Kolkata and its memorials and Varanasi, a sacred city that attracts millions of pilgrims a year. Join us on a luxury ship, decked out with canopy-style beds in its cabins, for a trip of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kolkata (Ex Calcutta)
Location: Kolkata (ex Calcutta)
Your program will begin according to your time of arrival in Kolkata. If your flight arrives before 6:00 a.m., your program will be: Enjoy a panoramic tour to discover the architectural richness of the city. Kolkata contains numerous colonial-era sites: Raj Bhavanthe official residence of the regional governorand Council House Street. Afterwards, you will board our ship and have lunch on board. In the afternoon, we will visit the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, where Mother Theresa lived, prayed, and worked, and where her body was laid to rest in 1997. After we return on board, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 2 : Kolkata (Ex Calcutta)
Location: Kolkata (ex Calcutta)
Kolkata is a modern, cosmopolitan city with great cultural influence in the country. Well enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and visit St. John's Church, the third oldest church in the city. After, well head to the Victoria Memorial, an impressive white marble building that houses a museum maintained by the Ministry of Culture. We'll have lunch on board and begin our cruise along the landscapes once dominated by European colonialism. Well set out on small local boats for Bandel to visit the imposing Hooghly Imambara. It's a chance to step back in time and relive a slice of Bengal's Islamic history. Well have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 2 : Bandel
Location: Bandel
Day 2 : Kalna
Location: Kalna
Kalna, also known as Ambika Kalna, is a picturesque town in West Bengal, India, renowned for its stunning terracotta temples and historical significance. Nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Kalna showcases a rich blend of culture and history. Key attractions include the Rajbari complex, which houses exquisite temples like the 108 Shiva Temples and the intricate Terracotta Temples. The town is also famous for its beautiful gardens and serene riverbanks. Kalna's vibrant local festivals and traditional crafts reflect its deep-rooted heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
Day 3 : Kalna
Location: Kalna
You'll discover this out-of-the-way village from the seat of a rickshaw. Kalna is home to two circles of 108, small Hindu temples, each of which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. We'll have lunch on board as we continue to cruise the river in the afternoon. Take some time to enjoy the onboard activities or attend a lecture on the region of Bengal. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 3 : Matiari
Location: Matiari
Matiari is a quaint village in West Bengal, India, renowned for its traditional craftsmanship and serene rural charm. Known particularly for its exquisite brass and copperware, Matiari is a hub for skilled artisans who create intricate handmade items, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. The village's picturesque landscape, dotted with lush fields and small water bodies, provides a tranquil backdrop to its vibrant local culture. Matiari offers a glimpse into the timeless traditions and simple, harmonious lifestyle of rural Bengal, making it a unique destination for those interested in folk art and the serene beauty of the Indian countryside.
Day 4 : Matiari
Location: Matiari
Join us for a stroll through the charming market town of Matiari, where coppersmiths still work the metal using the techniques passed down from generation to generation. After lunch, departure for an afternoon of navigation and passage along the site of the battlefields in Plassey, thought to be one of the most important battles that took place in the 18th century for the control of the Indian subcontinent by the colonial powers. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 4 : Khosbag
Location: Khosbag
Day 5 : Khosbag
Location: Khosbag
We'll walk to Khushbagh, the Garden of Happiness, packed with history and beauty. We'll then visit Baranagar Village to get a good feeling of rural life in the area and explore a bit of authentic India off the beaten path. The village contains hauntingly beautiful clay temples. After lunch, sit back and enjoy the scenery as we pass by tiny villages that dot the banks of the river. We'll then visit Murshidabad, known for its impressive colonial-style architecture. We'll tour Hazar Duari Palace, known as the Palace of 1000 doorsreal and fake. It is now a museum containing fascinating artifacts, including various weapons, oil paintings by Dutch, French, and Italian artists, and marble statues. The vast, brick Katra Masjid, built in just one year in the 18th century, is regarded as the top tourist attraction in the city for its beauty and history. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 5 : Baranagar
Location: Baranagar
Day 5 : Murshidabad
Location: Murshidabad
Murshidabad, located in West Bengal, India, is a historic city steeped in rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. Once the capital of Bengal during the Mughal era, it is home to the stunning Hazarduari Palace, known for its thousand doors, and the majestic Katra Mosque. The city's landscape is adorned with splendid nawabi architecture, gardens, and ancient tombs. Murshidabad's vibrant history is reflected in its bustling markets and traditional silk weaving industry. The serene banks of the Bhagirathi River add to its charm, making Murshidabad a captivating destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Day 6 : Mayapur
Location: Mayapur
Our cruise continues as the wide river transforms progressively into a band of water that glides between mustard plantations, jute shrubs, and mango orchards. While the scenery floats by, your guide will explain the many customs during an onboard lecture on the region. Enjoy lunch on board. Mayapur is the city where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (known informally around the world as the Hare Krishnas) was founded and has its headquarters. Opened in 1978, the main complex includes a spacious marble temple and a guest house where members can stay and participate in the daily spiritual programs. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 7 : Chandannagar
Location: Chandannagar
Chandernagore is a former French colony that has been able to preserve its unique identity over the years. We'll visit the house that once belonged to the governor for the French East India Company in the 18th century. We'll then visit Sacred Heart Church, one of the most beautiful examples of architecture during the French period. Tonight we'll have our farewell cocktail and dinner and spend the night on board.
Day 7 : Kolkata (Ex Calcutta)
Location: Kolkata (ex Calcutta)
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual dynamism. Often called the "City of Joy," Kolkata blends the old and new, featuring landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum alongside bustling markets and modern malls. The city's literary and artistic legacy is celebrated through numerous festivals, theaters, and galleries. Renowned for its culinary delights, Kolkata offers a diverse cuisine, from street food to Bengali sweets. Home to notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore, the city remains a hub of education, politics, and culture.
Day 8 : Kolkata (Ex Calcutta)
Location: Kolkata (ex Calcutta)
You'll disembark this morning before visiting Kolkata. Enjoy a stroll through the splendid flower market under the Howrah Bridge, where Indians buy flowers for worship. Our trek will continue to the ghats along the banks of the Ganges. These are the steps leading to the water where people come to participate in a number of rituals. We'll spend some time visiting the Pareshnath Jain Temple, one of the most important in the city. We'll pass through the picturesque quarter of Kumortuli, where street potters hone their craft. After lunch, you'll be transferred to the airport for the flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you'll check into a 4-star hotel and have dinner.
Day 8 : Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Day 9 : Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
As the sun rises, set out on a cruise to discover the unique rituals the river encounters each day. Then walk in the footsteps of devoted Hindus from one small street to the other before reaching the Alamgir Mosque and Kashi Vishvanath Temple. After our excursion, we'll return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the grand Ramnagar Fort, the home of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The museum in the complex exhibits jewel-encrusted chairs, religious manuscripts, and royal costumes, among many other national treasures. After lunch, we'll set out on an excursion to Sarnath, where Siddhartha Gautama first taught the Dharma, and visit the museum which contains a magnificent collection of Buddhist writings. Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a spin through the bazaar and witness an Aarti ceremony with songs and offerings of light. We'll have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 10 : Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir (Mother India Temple) which was built in the 1930s and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi(1). Lunch. Flight to Delhi(1). End of our services.
Ship Details
RV Ganges Voyager
Ship Overview
The RV Ganges Voyager offers more than just a trip. This superb ship offers a unique cruise in old-fashioned luxury and a British colonial atmosphere. The perfect match for discovering the Indian continent, its history, its ancient culture and its welcoming people.
Built in 2014, the RV Ganges Voyager is a magnificent intimate-sized Premium ship that sails on the Ganges, the sacred river of ancient India. It is 56,50 meters long and 12,50 meters wide. It can accommodate 56 passengers, in 28 cabins spread over 3 decks. The size of each cabin (or suite) is between 24 m2 to 37 m2, offers amenities and provides guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The decoration of the ship is stylish and its atmosphere in perfect harmony with its surroundings. The precious fabrics and fine materials give it a particularly refined dimension. The restaurant, which offers a delicate cuisine in beautiful surroundings, is located on the main deck. Large windows allow guests to admire the splendid landscapes. Situated on the sun deck is the lounge / bar, a small sports room, a yoga area and a spa.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
RV Ganges Voyager
Adults Only Areas:
no kids
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
mini
Ship Style:
premium
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
USD
Ship Language:
en
Ship Capacity:
56
Ship Crew Count:
35
Number of Decks:
3
Number of Cabins:
28
Ship Launch Year:
2014
Ship Length (Meters):
56 M
Ship Width (Meters):
12.5 M
Deck Plans
Main Deck
Signature SuiteRestaurantStairs
Sun Deck
LoungeCovered Terrace
Upper Deck
Colonial SuiteViceroy SuiteMaharaja SuiteHeritage SuiteStairs
Cabins
The size of each cabin (or suite) is between 24 m2 to 37 m2, offers amenities and provides guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The decoration of the ship is stylish and its atmosphere in perfect harmony with its surroundings. The precious fabrics and fine materials give it a particularly refined dimension.
Viceroy Suite (Grade CAT3 )
Located on the upper deck, these suites are equipped with a sitting area and writing desk, a French balcony offering a panoramic view, Persian rugs, one king size canopy bed, a bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.Additional services (on request): choice of bath products, shoe cleaning service, breakfast delivered to your suite, assistance with the preparation of your luggage.
Heritage Suite (Grade CAT4 )
Located on the upper deck, these suites are equipped with a small sitting area and writing desk, a French balcony offering a panoramic view, one king size canopy bed, a bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
Maharaja Suite (Grade CAT5 )
Located on the upper deck, these suites are equipped with a sitting area and writing desk, a French balcony offering a panoramic view, Persian rugs, one king size canopy bed, a bathroom with spacious bathtub and shower panels, robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV with a wide selection of on-demand movies and individual air conditioning.Additional services (on request): choice of bath products, shoe cleaning service, breakfast delivered to your suite, assistance with the preparation of your luggage.
Signature Suite (Grade CAT1 )
Located on the main deck, these suites are equipped with a small sitting area, a French Balcony with a large window, 2 beds that can be separated, a bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
Colonial Suite (Grade CAT2 )
Located on the upper deck, these suites are equipped with a small sitting area, a French balcony, 2 beds that can be separated, a bathroom with robes, slippers and bath products, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV and individual air conditioning.
Dining
Restaurant
Enjoy delicious meals cooked with fresh local products. Located on the main deck, this spacious restaurant offers great views with its large panoramic windows. Whilst breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, dinner will be on plate service basis.
Entertainment
Lounge & Bar
Perfect place to enjoy some delicious cocktails as well as Indian and international wines while enjoying the views on the Ganges River.
Sun Deck
Take advantage of the sun deck to relax.
Terrace
Take advantage of the terrace to relax or share a moment with friends! It is equipped with deckchairs and offers great views of the landscapes.
Kids and Teens
Please note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
Start your day with our yoga classes occurring every morning.
Gym
It is equipped with a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical bike.
Spa
It is equipped with 2 body care rooms where you can choose between a wide selection of Indian or international treatments.
Gratuities
Tipping habits vary according to the country and culture. At CroisiEurope, tips are collected globally at the end of the trip and shared equally among all the crew members.
This attention from our passengers allows us to show that they have appreciated the quality of the services and the attention that was given to them during the cruise, at all levels.
How much should I leave? A tip of between £5 and £10 per day and per person is an average, but each passenger is free to give what he or she wishes. An envelope is left in your cabin during your last evening on board. Put it in the box provided for this purpose at the ship's reception desk when you disembark.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
Minors of under 18 years of age are not permitted to travel on board unaccompanied. They must be accompanied by parents or adults of more than 18 years of age. No alcoholic beverages shall be served to minors on board. Proof of the customer's age may be requested by the ship's personnel.
Disabled Facilities
You must report any disability requiring special assistance while on a CroisiEurope itinerary to CroisiEurope at the time the reservation is made. All vessels and motor coaches are equipped to comply with European standards. Most transportation services, including the vessels and motor coaches, are not equipped with elevators or wheelchair ramps. Only our 3-deck ships have elevators (which cannot service the sun deck). CroisiEurope will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so nor is it responsible for any denial of services by vessel operators, air carriers, hotels, restaurants or other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off vessels, motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being.
Smoking Policy
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to smoke on board any of our fleet , as it is a closed environment. However, smokers are invited to go to the sun deck, where ashtrays are provided.
Special Dietary Requirements
Please inform us at the time of your booking whether you require a special diet or suffer from allergies. Our cook will offer you a fully adapted and tasty menu.
Check out our Q&As
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All you need to know about the smooth running of your cruise is listed in your 'Travel Logbook', which you will receive before your cruise departure. It will be sent directly to you by email or by post before leaving.
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Personal expenses
The prices of our cruises are "all included on board", they include full board, drinks served with meals and at the bar (read the detail under heading "Package stay on board"). You are responsible for any personal expenses outside the boat, during excursions, purchases in our shop, or drinks that you choose from our special wine list and at the bar. How to pay on board? CroisiEurope only accepts euros on board the boats. We do not accept sterling, US dollars or any other currency. We do not accept travelers checks on board. Make sure you get euros before boarding, which will allow you to pay for all your purchases. CroisiEurope accepts American Express, Visa and MasterCard. You may wish to contact your bank or the company that issued your credit card to warn them that you are departing on holiday.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
CroisiEurope’s longstanding environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset. We consider ourselves pioneers in our field, as our commitment to protecting the environment goes above and beyond our legal obligations. We are continually reflecting on how we can expand our green efforts.
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Dress Code
During the day, you will be more comfortable in a casual outfit. We advise you to bring clothes that are not very wrinkled, or that can easily be transported after ironing at your house, because there are no ironing facilities on board our fleet. Remember to dress according to the weather, the season and the environment of your cruise: light suits and swimsuits for warm weather; sweater or jacket for cooler weather; sweatshirt, rain gear and small umbrella. Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase. They will be very useful during our excursions! Regarding dinners, cocktails and galas, it is advisable to dress up a little more without the need, for gentlemen, necessarily to wear a jacket and tie. Finally, on any excursion, when you visit places of worship, make sure to opt for an appropriate outfit, neither too light nor too undressed, so as not to be prohibited entry.
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Embarkation / disembarkation
Boarding and check-in on the ship is indicated on your boarding pass provided in your travel log. We ask that you respect this schedule. The ship itself is held to respect the schedules of navigation envisaged for the route, in order to respect the program of navigation throughout the cruise. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can generally leave most of your luggage on board our ships. Your agent can also inform our ships that you will be arriving earlier, when booking. At the end of the cruise, the landing is usually scheduled for 9:00 am for all passengers. In the event that we are responsible for your transfer to the airport, we will ensure that you arrive in time for your flight and connections.
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Your 'Travel Logbook'
All you need to know about the smooth running of your cruise is listed in your travel logbook, which you will receive before your cruise departure. It will be sent directly to you by email or by post before leaving. It will contain the following information: The port of embarkation / disembarkation; A voucher for airport / port / airport transfers if these have been booked through us; Boarding tickets to be handed in when you arrive on board; Any exchange vouchers (pre and post-routing, hotel nights, ...); Luggage tags; A presentation of the cruise programme; Useful information about the cruise; The list of proposed excursions.
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Languages spoken on board
Official languages on board : French and English.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Missing your departure - this can happen for various reasons: a missed alarm call, a transport strike, an accident on the road, delays train or plane ... In this case, we ask you to notify us as soon as possible by calling the telephone numbers in your travel logbook. We will endeavour to do what is necessary to help you arrive safely.
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Tips
Tipping habits vary from country and culture. At CroisiEurope, they are collected centrally in a box at reception at the end of the stay and shared equally between all members of the crew. This token from our passengers shows that they appreciated the quality of the services and the attention they received during the cruise at all levels. How much should I leave? A tip between £5 and £10 per day per person is an average, but each passenger is, of course, free to give what they want. An envelope is deposited for this purpose in your cabin during your last evening on board. Slip it in the box provided for this purpose at the reception before disembarking.
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Free Date Changes
CroisiEurope Cruises allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 15 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CroisiEurope Cruises requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of croisieurope cruises charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.