Spirit of The Ganges

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Enter a world of colour, culture, and cherished spiritual tradition on this India 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 sweet 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 Mother Teresa’s former home upon your return to Kolkata. All of this and more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime Ganges River cruise.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: KOLKATA (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits. Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA (D)
DAY 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: KOLKATA (DISEMBARKATION)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUSIONS

Meals

Breakfast: 6 Lunch: 5 Dinner: 6

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

AVAW – WDK

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