Artisans of Bengal Ganges River Cruise | Sept. 24, 2027
Join us on an Artisans of Bengal Ganges River Cruise aboard Antara Ganges Voyager, starting at $4,398* departing on September 24, 2027. You will see Kolkata, Bally Bridge, Bandel, Kalna, Nabadwip, Mayapur, Guptipara, Fulia, Chandernagore, Serampore, and much more!
Does not include International Airfare, Port Taxes, Transfers, & Onboard Gratuities.
Please call us at (800) 247-0017 to request an airfare quote.
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What’s Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- Cruise
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Entrance and Program Fees
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Guided Tours
- International Airfare from NY
- Meals on Ship
- Port Charges
- Select Shore Excursions
- Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks
- Basic Wifi
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Sept. 24 - Fly to Kolkata
Fly to Kolkata
Day 2 Sept. 25 - Fly to Kolkata
Fly to Kolkata
Day 3 Sept. 26 – Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty to embark on the ship. Enjoy lunch onboard. After lunch, proceed for a Panoramic Tour of Kolkata, highlighting well-preserved British colonial buildings including Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, and Dalhousie Square. A stop will be made at the grand Victoria Memorial for a photo opportunity. Next, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the city’s largest cathedral and a symbol of European heritage. Built between 1839 and 1847, it is renowned for its Indo-Gothic architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows, and Florentine Renaissance-style frescoes. (L, D)
Day 4 Sept. 27 – Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty to embark on the ship. Enjoy lunch onboard. After lunch, proceed for a Panoramic Tour of Kolkata, highlighting well-preserved British colonial buildings including Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, and Dalhousie Square. A stop will be made at the grand Victoria Memorial for a photo opportunity. Next, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the city’s largest cathedral and a symbol of European heritage. Built between 1839 and 1847, it is renowned for its Indo-Gothic architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows, and Florentine Renaissance-style frescoes. (L, D)
Day 5 Sept. 28 – Bally Bridge to Bandel
Set sail upstream to Bandel, founded by Portuguese settlers around 1660. Visit the Hooghly Imambara, a significant Shiya pilgrimage center built in 1841. This two-story building houses pilgrims and classrooms for Quran teachings. It also features a Victorian-era clock and stunning Persian chandeliers. Continue to the Basilica of the Holy Rosary, also known as Bandel Church. Founded in 1599, it is one of the oldest Christian churches in West Bengal, dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary). (B, L, D)
Day 6 Sept. 29 – Bandel to Kalna
Sail to Kalna, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Upon arrival, ride e-rickshaws to visit the Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple features 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and other temples showcase intricate terracotta plaques depicting Hindu epics and daily life. Return to the ship, walking through the local vegetable market. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Sept. 30 – Kalna to Nabadwip and Mayapur
Sail to Nabadwip while having breakfast and lunch onboard. Nabadwip is the birthplace of Saint Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Hindu Vaishnav religion. After lunch, take a walking tour of the riverbank village, where local people engage in handloom weaving of cotton fabric, such as saris and stoles. Later, ride a country boat across the river to Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Explore the pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna followers, and visit the temple, comparable in size to the Vatican. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Oct. 1 – Mayapur to Guptipara and Fulia
Enjoy a short sail to Guptipara after breakfast. Explore the town, visiting Vaishnav temples with remarkable terracotta artwork and a potter’s home to observe artisans creating clay items. Return to the ship for lunch. Afterward, sail to the village of Fulia, known for its weaving of Jacquard and Jamdani sarees. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Oct. 2 – Chandernagore to Serampore to Kolkata
After breakfast, sail to Chandernagore, a former French colony. Explore colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor’s residence, now a museum. Visit the Sacred Heart Church, a heritage site that showcases French architectural influence in India. Return to the ship and sail to Serampore. After lunch, take a walk through the old quarters to visit the Danish Tavern, other Danish heritage monuments, and St. Olav's Church, one of the few remaining structures from Danish rule in Bengal. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Oct. 3 – Kolkata
Return to the airport to begin your journey home with incredible memories of your time in India! (B)
Enhance Your Journey
Golden Triangle Pre-Tour Starting from $2198
Sept. 19 - 26, 2027 | $2,198
Sept. 19 & 20, 2027 – Fly to Delhi
Sept. 21, 2027 – Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, clear customs and immigration, and meet your assistant for a transfer to the hotel. Delhi, the capital of India, has a history that spans over 3,000 years.
Sept. 22, 2027 – Delhi
After breakfast, visit Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort and enjoying a Pedicab ride around Chandni Chowk, an old shopping street with narrow lanes. Visit Jama Masjid, a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Explore St. James Church, Delhi’s oldest church, and learn about its historical significance during British colonial times. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi and explore Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and precursor to the Taj Mahal. Drive past India Gate, a monument honoring soldiers who died in World War I, and visit the Temple of the Sikhs (Gurudwara). (B)
Sept. 23, 2027 – Delhi to Agra
After breakfast, drive to Agra (approximately 4 hours via the Expressway). Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and then visit the Taj Mahal, the iconic monument to love and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. In the evening, attend a talk on Sacred Spaces: A Blend of Faiths in Architecture. (B)
Sept. 24, 2027 – Agra to Jaipur
After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s best-preserved forts. Explore Akbari Church, the historic site where Christmas carols were first sung in India. Later, drive to Jaipur (approximately 4.5 hours) and check in at the hotel. In the evening, explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur’s old walled city. (B)
Sept. 25, 2027 – Jaipur
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort, a majestic fort with impressive gates, temples, palaces, and gardens. Travel to the Pink City and visit the City Palace, a blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, and explore its courtyards and gardens. Visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with remarkable stone and marble instruments. In the evening, witness an Arti ceremony at a Hindu temple. (B)
Sept. 26, 2027 – Jaipur to Kolkata
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata, where you will board the ship. (B)