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Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Witness the Aarti Ceremony on the banks of the Ganges
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Explore Kolkata, India’s artistic capital
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Discover the temples and traditions of peaceful, rural villages
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Watch the Ganges flow by from the deck of your comfortable river cruiser
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Take in expert onboard presentations in the comfortable lounge

Ganges River Cruise

Oct 23 - Nov 02, 2025

11 days | India | Expedition Cruise

The name Ganges conjures all of India’s exotic fascination. Now you can travel this extraordinary river in considerable comfort on a truly unforgettable river cruise.

We have exclusively chartered the 28-cabin R/V Bengal Ganga for this very special voyage. Based on a traditional 19th century British design, our teak and brass river cruiser blends beautifully with the timeless landscape. Over eight leisurely days we will experience the vibrant, complex tapestry of diverse architectural expressions, historical narratives, religious beliefs, and fascinating cultural traditions that thrive along the banks of the Ganges.

Meet in Kolkata, India’s intellectual, artistic, and cultural capital before embarking our cruise through the lush countryside of West Bengal. Every day, we’ll be ashore visiting ancient temples and palaces and vestiges of India’s rich colonial past as we experience the enduring rituals of daily life along ‘Mother Ganga’. Our expert guides reveal the fascinating history and the contemporary realities as we explore.

A choice of curated optional extensions take you to the Golden Triangle, to the kaleidoscopic temple towns of the South India, and to the Himalayan hill stations.

This is an experience for the culturally curious, for photographers of unforgettable landscapes, and for adventurous travellers who relish authentic moments. The experience of the Ganges River is beguiling, complex, infinite, and profound.

For travellers residing outside of Ontario, Manulife Travel Insurance is now available through alumni UBC. Please click here for more information and to protect your travel investment.
Special Offer

Save US$500 per cabin – Book by May 1, 2024

Expedition Cruise President's Tours Cultural Explorations
Tour Cost (per person):
US$5875 - $6775 (depending on cabin)
Group Size:
Limited to 48 participants 

What’s included: Airport transfers for passengers upon arrival and departure; accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; accommodation based on double occupancy in selected cabin on board the Bengal Ganga; meals as indicated in the itinerary; all meals on board the Bengal Ganga; all internal transportation by private, air-conditioned vehicle; sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides; all activities and entrance fees; taxes and gratuities (for guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants).

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Varanasi: Achieving Moksha

"Our lovely elegant colonial-style riverboat took us gliding in luxury through a gorgeous panorama of temples, vibrant colours, incredible scenery and waving children." - Quest traveller
"We saw many faces of India on this trip." - Leo P.
"Impeccable and attentive staff [on-board]." - Quest traveller

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Meet in Kolkata
2Kolkata: Temple, History and Culture
3Visit the Mullik Ghat Flower Market and botanical gardens, embark our ship
4Visit Serampore and Chandernagore colonial outposts
5Learn about Bengali cuisine on-board, visit Shantipur - a region famous for its handloom weavings
6Ride rickshaws to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex
7Mayapur, headquarters of the ISKCON (International Centre for Krishna Consciousness)
8Guptipara's terracotta temples dating from the 17th and 18th centuries
9Ride cycle rickshaws to the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel
10Disembark in Kolkata
11Depart Kolkata
Download Itinerary

Ship Information

Built in Myanmar in 2004 as a replica of the colonial Clyde steamers, the modern R/V Bengal Ganga has 28 outside staterooms. Brass and teak feature prominently in the colonial style. Staterooms are approximately 15 square metres large, have air conditioning and are equipped with twin beds, safe, hair dryers, and bath robes but do not have mini-bars, TVs or phones. Internet access is provided on two computers.

Fine Indian and European cuisine, excellent service, and a hospitable and caring on board team contribute to making this a very special experience. Passengers often describe feeling as if they were guests on a private motor yacht rather than passengers on a cruise ship. Although all staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, most passengers prefer to spend their time outside on the deck, observing the fascinating scenes and scenery along the Ganges River.

Every stateroom has an outdoor seating area, Burma teak floors and walls, and original art and fine local textiles.

Your Tour Leader

Lewie Gonsalves, our peripatetic president, has over 40 years’ experience researching and organizing trips throughout the world. As well as designing and leading our President’s Tours, Lewie is also chief designer of our Private Journey collection of tailored tours.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Special Offer

Save US$500 per cabin – Book by May 1, 2024

Expedition Cruise President's Tours Cultural Explorations
Tour Cost (per person):
US$5875 - $6775 (depending on cabin)
Group Size:
Limited to 48 participants 

What’s included: Airport transfers for passengers upon arrival and departure; accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar; accommodation based on double occupancy in selected cabin on board the Bengal Ganga; meals as indicated in the itinerary; all meals on board the Bengal Ganga; all internal transportation by private, air-conditioned vehicle; sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides; all activities and entrance fees; taxes and gratuities (for guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants).

What You'll See:
What You'll Taste:
Where You'll Stay:

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Varanasi: Achieving Moksha

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Download the Detailed Itinerary
Download the Detailed Itinerary

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Ganges River Cruise

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Privacy Policy:

We abide by the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and take your privacy very seriously. We will not share, sell or otherwise make your mailing list subscription information available to any third parties. By submitting your email address, your grant us explicit consent to send you e-newsletters as detailed above. You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link found at the foot of every email that we send to you. You may also withdraw consent by sending an email request to: travel@worldwidequest.com.

We use your address information and details that you provide about your personal preferences or past trips to mail you selected brochures. If at any point you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list, please email or call us toll free at 1-800-387-1483.

We invite you to read our full Privacy Policy.