India-Kolkata & the Ganges River

The elegant all-suite Ganges Voyager, launched in 2015, transports guests in style, comfort, and luxury along the Ganges River, an ideal way to observe the ever-changing tapestry of life unfolding along the riverbanks.
Accommodations embody the grace and style of India’s colonial era, with modern conveniences and luxuries that rival the finest hotels. Spacious, well-appointed suites provide individual climate control, panoramic floor-to ceiling French doors, flat-screen television with on-demand movies, electronic safe, ensuite bathroom with spa quality robes, slippers, hair dryer, and bath amenities, generous storage, daily housekeeping with turndown service, fine bed linens, premium mattresses, duvets, your choice of pillows, and daily international news. The friendly staff provides the level of attentive service that makes for a memorable river cruise, and the ship’s culinary team prepares sumptuous meals incorporating both the incredibly flavorful cuisine of India as well as the diverse cuisines of Europe, served in the beautifully appointed dining room. Public spaces include an inviting lounge, a sun deck with chaise lounges and shaded seating areas, and a spa and fitness center with state-of-the art equipment.

PRE-TOUR EXTENSION: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
OCTOBER 2 – 8, 2025
This pre-tour extension to the Golden Triangle begins in Delhi, the capital of modern India as well as Muslim India between the 13th and 19th centuries. Continue to Agra to see the incomparable Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Jaipur Palace and Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory. Enjoy a free afternoon to
explore Jaipur or join an optional tour of the Amber Fort. Fly from Jaipur to Kolkata, where the main tour will commence.
Taj Mahal Hotel; ITC Mughal; Jai Mahal
Palace; Taj Bengal Hotel

POST-TOUR EXTENSION: VARANASI, DELHI, AND AGRA
OCTOBER 16 – 20, 2025
Upon conclusion of the main program, begin the post-tour extension in Varanasi. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi serves as a pilgrimage site for Hindus and an important center for learning. Travel to Sarnath, a sacred site where Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment and delivered his first sermon. Take a flight to Delhi and drive to Agra to visit the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, it is regarded as the most spectacular monument to love ever built. Upon returning to Delhi, take a driving tour of the capital city and relax at the Taj Mahal Hotel before transferring to the Delhi airport for flights home.
Taj Ganges; ITC Mughal; Taj Mahal Hotel

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  Grace Gary

  > Grace Gary’s relationship with the National Trust began when, while in graduate school, she was chosen as a National Trust Maritime Intern.  She’s hard to pin down on how many years ago that was, but she admits to having served as a lecturer on more-than fifty Trust tours over a span of more-than thirty years.  She is also the author of two titles in the Trust’s “Information” series and served as director of the Trust’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Office.  She also served as executive director of Preservation Pennsylvania, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg’s Tourism Leadership Program, and Nemours Mansion and Gardens.  While at Nemours she oversaw an $80 million restoration program, which received the highest award from the AIA ever bestowed on a restoration project.  She and fellow National Trust Tours lecturer Dwight Young also co-authored “Nemours: A Portrait of Alfred I. DuPont’s Home,” which was published by Rizzoli.  She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and has a Master’s in architectural history from the University of Virginia, where she had the privilege of living on the Range in one of the original, Thomas Jefferson-designed rooms.

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CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline on October 7, 2024 all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.