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- Our cultural tours are designed around travel themes. We introduce grand sites and out of the way treasures, take you from markets to feasts, explore awe-inspiring landscapes and architectural masterpieces and create unforgettable signature moments.
DESTINATIONS

Ganges River Cruise

The name Ganges conjures all of India’s exotic fascination. Considered a living goddess in the Hindu religion, the Ganges is also the daily lifeblood that provides food, water, and transportation to millions who live along its banks. Small boats have plied the Ganges for millennia; 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, the 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 Delhi before heading to Varanasi for an introduction to the Ganges at one of its holiest places. Spend two days in Kolkata, India’s intellectual, artistic, and cultural capital before embarking our cruise. Experience the lush countryside of West Bengal with its culturally significant towns filled with temples and palaces. Every day, we’ll be ashore visiting ancient Bengali temples, splendid garden-tombs, and vestiges of India’s rich colonial past as we experience the enduring rituals of daily life along ‘Mother Ganga’.

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.

India | 13 days
Expedition Cruise

Dates:

Mar 10-22, 2020

Cost:

US$5295 - $6145 (depending on cabin)

Group Size:

Limited to 48 participants

Includes:
Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary, accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar, accommodation based on double occupancy in selected cabin, meals as indicated in the itinerary, domestic flights, all internal transportation by private coach, sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides, all activities and entrance fees, taxes and gratuities.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Meet in Delhi
Day 2: Fly to Varanasi for the Aarti Ceremony
Day 3: The ghats of the Ganges; Sarnath ruins
Day 4: Fly to Kolkata, enjoy a heritage walk

Day 5: Kolkata's Jain Temple, Victoria Memorial Hall, Mother Theresa's tomb

Day 6: Visit the Mullik Ghat Flower Market and botanical gardens, embark our ship

Day 7: Visit two outposts of colonial India, Serampore and Chandernagore

Day 8: Shantipur, a region famous for its handloom weavings
Day 9: Ride rickshaws to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex
Day 10: Mayapur, headquarters of the ISKCON (International Centre for Krishna Consciousness)
Day 11: Guptipara's terracotta temples dating from the 17th and 18th centuries
Day 12: Ride cycle rickshaws to the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel
Day 13: Disembark in Kolkata and depart

Get a Detailed 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 Leaders

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.

Sarah Richardson returns to the Ganges for a second time as the study leader for this voyage. Sara is a historian of the arts and religions of South Asia with a specialization in Buddhist visual and material practice. Sarah holds a PhD from the University of Toronto (2016), and is currently teaching courses as a Lecturer in the History of Religions for the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Ready for More?

You can request a detailed itinerary for this tour or call 1.800.387.1483 or email us with any questions or to reserve your booking!

India | 13 days
Expedition Cruise

Dates:

Mar 10-22, 2020

Cost:

US$5295 - $6145 (depending on cabin)

Group Size:

Limited to 48 participants

WHAT THEY SAY:

"Loved it all. Would do it again in a heartbeat." - Wendy, 2018 traveller

TRIP PHOTOS:

Thanks for requesting our Detailed Itinerary!

One of our Travel Planners will be in touch with you shortly to send you this detailed document in PDF format. Inside you will find a wealth of touring information that will surely whet your appetite to join us on this fascinating journey!

In the meantime, if there is anything we can do to answer a question or two, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Worldwide Quest Int.
491 King Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 1L9 Canada

toll-free: 1-800-387-1483
phone: + 416-633-5666
email: travel@worldwidequest.com

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