India & the Sacred Ganges

Fly overnight to Delhi, India's rumbunctious capital city. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to refresh, relax or begin exploring your surroundings.

Embark on a city tour, starting in atmospheric Old Delhi with a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets. You'll dive straight into the narrow, fragrant lands of Khari Baoli Spice Market to marvel at the array of colourful herbs and spices before visiting the immense Jama Masjid, a Mughal masterpiece of a mosque. Then, cross over into New Delhi to pass through the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath, seeing India Gate and President House. Finally, find peace among the bustle at Humayun's Tomb and admire the UNESCO-listed Qutab Minar, a towering 12th-century minaret.

Journey to Agra by road. On arrival, tour the magnificent Agra Fort, a mass of red sandstone sat on the bank of the Yamuna River. Wander its hallways and gardens, climbing to the ramparts from where you may catch a first glimpse of the magical Taj Mahal, just two kilometres downstream.

Rise early for an unforgettable experience, sun rise at one of the world's most beautiful buildings. As the sun creeps over the horizon, the Taj's white marble facade shifts through shades of pinks and reds as it emerges from the dawn mist, in an ethereal display of beauty. After breakfast back at the hotel, visit a marble inlay workshop to see skilled artisans crafting intricate designs. Depart Agra for the city of Gwalior. Take a tour of the city, learning about its fascinating history with visits to its magnificent fortress, the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum, Tansen's Tomb, and the Jai Vilas Palace, which house the Scindia Museum.

Board a train to Jhansi then drive to Khajuraho, stopping en route at Orchha to visit its beautiful temples. There are even more temples to explore in Khajuraho, a city famous for its group of 10th-century Hindu and Jain structures. A fascinating balance of architecture and sculpture the temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are decorated with intricate erotic carvings and are considered one of the great masterpieces of Indian art. Today you'll view the eastern and western groups of temples.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Varanasi. This afternoon is at leisure before you embark on a rickshaw ride through the city's life-filled streets. Later, witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony, with its rhythmic chants, flickering oil lamps and prayers dedicated to the river.

Sacred Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities, sits on the banks of the River Ganges. This morning, arise at dawn for an atmospheric boat ride, taking in the famous ghats as the spiritual come down to the river to bathe in its holy waters. Then, explore the city farther venturing down atmospheric alleyways to temples filled with pilgrims and the faithful. This afternoon, venture to Sarnath to explore ancient Buddhist sites.

Travel to the airport and board a flight over to India's eastern reaches, to the city of Kolkata.

Transfer to the jetty and board your river cruise vessel, settling into your spacious cabin as the boat casts off to sail upstream on the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. Head to the sun deck as you pass under the Howrah Bridge, one of Kolkata's most iconic sights before mooring near Bally Bridge on the outskirts of the city.

Sit back and enjoy the river landscapes drift by as you cruise upstream. Stop to visit the Hooghly Imambara, a mosque and congregation hall built in 1841 on the bank of the river. As well as being a beautiful and attractively crumbling, storied structure in the Indo-Saracenic style, the Imambara is famous for its giant mechanical clock.

Continue upstream to Kalna, where a shore excursion will include a ride in electric rickshaws, which will whisk you off to the Rajbari temples. Here you can explore a range of different architectural styles and carvings depicting Hindu epics. Returning to the ship, pass through a local market to see the produce on sale.

This morning as you sail towards Nabadwip, enjoy the facilities onboard your boat or relax and enjoy watching the world go by. Later, walk through a riverside village for a glimpse at rural life and pay a visit to the artisans who handloom cotton fabric for saris and scarves. Cross to the other side of the river to Mayapur and the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Stroll through the pilgrim's bazaar and meet Krishna followers and visit the temple itself.

Sail to Guptipara and venture out of the town to see rice paddies and plantations where mangos are being harvested. Then see the town's Vaishnav temples to admire the terracotta works before visiting the home of potter to see artisans at work with clay. Cross the river to the weaving village of Fulia to meet more artisans who specialise in the production of jacquard and jamdani sarees.

Turn downstream and cruise to Chandernagore, a former French colony whilst enjoying the scenery from the elegant lounge on board. Here you'll stroll along the promenade and admire the French colonial architecture and pay a visit to the grand French governor's residence, now a museum, and the Sacred Heart church. Continue the journey downstream to Kolkata, pausing at Serampore, a town that was part of Danish India from 1755 to 1845. Enjoy a walk through the old quarters and see the Danish tavern and St Olav's Church. Sit down to a farewell meal back onboard your ship.

Disembark your river cruise vessel this morning. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.

Transfer to the airport and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.