Colourful India & The Ganges River

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Enter a world of colour, culture, and cherished spiritual tradition of India. Your guided tour of India and Ganges River cruise begins in the bustling city of Delhi. You’ll tour the city with your expert local guide, and take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar—brimming with everything from silver and spices to saris of every colour. You’ll visit Qutub Minar—the world’s largest brick minaret, and see Delhi’s largest Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), before travelling to Agra—site of the legendary Taj Mahal. Join a sunrise excursion to the Taj Mahal—the iconic memorial build by Moghul emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. More than 20 years in the making, the Taj Mahal stands as the pinnacle of love’s devotion, and is also yours to experience at sunset if you wish.

You’ll enjoy the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort, before flying to Kolkata to board your Ganges river cruise. The holy river of Hinduism, the Ganges, slowly courses through one of the world’s most fertile and populated areas. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters and you’ll get a glimpse of life away from India’s big cities. See muslin weaving in Kalna and candy making in Matiari. Stop in Murshidabad for an excursion to Azimganj and Jiaganj—to tour a historic mansion and see a gold and silver making demonstration. Explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur, and visit Saint Mother Teresa’s former home upon your return to Kolkata. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of India and a Ganges River cruise.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: DELHI, INDIA

Welcome to India’s capital city! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
DAY 2: DELHI

Saris, Spices, and Silver CLASSIC – Today’s Guided Sightseeing starts with an orientation tour to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar-with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: DELHI-AGRA

Monuments of Worship and Remembrance CLASSIC – This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in at your hotel. (B,L)
DAY 4: AGRA

Love’s Crowning Achievement CLASSIC – Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahal-Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s memorial to his beloved wife-more than 20 years in the making. CLASSIC – Later, take a Guided Tour to Agra Fort, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This formidable fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. For those interested, an excursion to the Taj Mahal at sunset is included. (B,D)
DAY 5: AGRA-JAIPUR

Welcome to the Pink City Travel to Jaipur-the “Pink City” that was painted pink for the Prince of Wales’ 1876 visit. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure. (B,L)
DAY 6: JAIPUR

A Maharaja’s Marble Palace and Gateway to the Stars CLASSIC Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipur’s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. CLASSIC – This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of the City Palace and the adjoining museum, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century. (B,D)
DAY 7: JAIPUR-KOLKATA (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits. Fly to Kolkata this morning to transfer to your ship. Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA (B,L,D)
DAY 8: KALNA

Rituals, Rickshaws, and Muslin Weavers DISCOVERY – Ride on cycle rickshaws during your Guided Exploration of Kalna. Along the way, visit the historic terracotta temple complex and receive blessings from the temple priest. Also, visit a muslin-weaver’s home. Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI (B,L,D)
DAY 9: MATIARI

Sweet Shops and Shiny Brass DISCOVERY – Join a Guided Walk through the village of Matiari where fascinating scenes of everyday life unfold in front of you. Stop to see how traditional sweets are made and explore the local produce market. The village is best known for brass-making and you’ll see how scrap metal is recycled to make figurines and functional items such as tea sets and vases. For the final step, watch a talented craftsman delicately hand-Aammer intricate patterns into the brass. Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD (B,L,D)
DAY 10: MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ

Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Silk Sarees DISCOVERY – Guided Sightseeing brings you to two towns on opposite sides of the river. In Jiaganj, travel by electric rickshaw to see the art of Baluchari saree weaving. In Azimganj, walk through the local crafts market and explore Bari Kothi, a former residence that has been restored to its former grandeur after being abandoned for over half a century. You’ll also witness a silverand gold-making demonstration. Relax this afternoon on board your ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR (B,L,D)
DAY 11: MAYAPUR-GUPTIPARA

A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges CLASSIC – Your Morning Excursion brings you to the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. Your guided tour of the campus and main temple will introduce you to the Hare Krishna philosophy and life on campus. DISCOVERY – This afternoon, climb aboard a Rickshaw (Toto) for your visit to the small riverside village of Guptipara. Along the way, see pottery and idol making. You’ll also visit a farmer’s home to interact with the family. AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA (B,L,D)
DAY 12: KOLKATA

Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art CLASSIC – This morning, take a Guided Walk through the colourful flower market. Afterward, focus on the life and work of Mother Teresa who dedicated her life to helping the city’s poor. Stop at her former home prior to visiting Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphaned children run by Missionaries of Charity which she founded in 1950. CLASSIC – After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian era. Tonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: KOLKATA (DISEMBARKATION)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUSIONS

Meals

Breakfast: 12 Lunch: 9 Dinner: 9

Transport

State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities

Accommodation

Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds

Images courtesy of Avalon Waterways and the Globus Family of Brands

AVW – WDKI

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