DETAILS
Infused with influences of past rulers and settlers, rich in diverse flora and fauna, and boasting incredible landscapes, the Ganges and Hooghly Rivers represent the heart and soul of Indian civilization. Following a night in Kolkata, embark the 28-suite Ganges Voyager I for a voyage of discovery along the Ganges-Hooghly waterway. Experience a tapestry of history, religion, architecture, and cultural heritage. Ride rickshaws through Kalna’s city center and view the highest concentration of Hindu temples in Bengal at the Rajbari Complex. Pre- and post-tour extensions to the Golden Triangle and Varanasi, Agra, and Delhi are also planned.
- Pricing from
- $7,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Oct 7, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
Cruise aboard the 18-cabin Ganga Vilas, operating since 2022 on the Ganges-Hoogli Waterway from Kolkata. Built in the style of the historic Clyde steamers, this luxury cruise is a relaxing and comfortable way to explore remote areas and enjoy breathtaking views along the river.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE PRE-TOUR EXTENSION
DAY | OVERNIGHT | HOTEL | ACTIVITIES | ||
Thursday – Friday
Oct. 2 & 3 |
Depart U.S./
Delhi, India |
Taj Mahal Hotel | Overnight flight to Delhi, India. Arrive Delhi the following day and transfer to the hotel. Meals aloft | ||
Saturday,
October 4 |
Delhi | Taj Mahal Hotel | Old Delhi: Drive by the Red Fort and Jama Mosque, take a rickshaw through Chandi Chowk.
New Delhi: Parliament, India Gate, Gandhi Smriti Museum and Humayun’s Tomb. Welcome reception this evening. BLD |
||
Sunday,
October 5 |
Agra | ITC Mughal | Drive from Delhi to Agra and visit the Agra Fort. At Sunset marvel at the Taj Mahal. A master piece built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz. The evening is free to dine on your own. BLD | ||
Monday, October 6 | Agra/Jaipur | Jai Mahal Palace | Return to the Taj Mahal to visit it when it sparkles at dawns light. This afternoon drive to Jaipur. BLD | ||
Tuesday, October 7 | Jaipur | Jai Mahal Palace | Visit Jaipur’s City Palace, Jantar Mantar (18th century astronomical observatory), and photograph Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Free afternoon in Jaipur or optional visit to the Amber Fort. BL | ||
Wednesday, October 8 | Jaipur/Kolkata | Taj Bengal Hotel | This morning fly direct from Jaipur to Kolkata and enjoy a day at leisure. Travelers booked on the main tour will arrive in Kolkata this evening. B |
VARANASI, DELHI & AGRA POST EXTENSION
DAY | OVERNIGHT | HOTEL | ACTIVITIES | ||
Thursday, October 16 | Kolkata/Varanasi | Taj Ganges | This morning fly from Kolkata to Varanasi. In the afternoon tour the ancient temples in this sacred city and Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916. This evening, witness the evening Aarti on the banks of the river. BLD | ||
Friday, October 17 | Varanasi | Taj Ganges | At sunrise take a boat ride on the Ganges to observe morning rituals and prayers. After lunch visit Sarnath, where Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment and delivered his first sermon in Deer Park. At Sarnath Museum, see the Ashoka Pillar, whose lion capital is the national emblem of India. BLD | ||
Saturday, October 18 | Agra | ITC Mughal | This morning fly from Varanasi to Delhi and on arrival drive to Agra and visit the Agra Fort. The evening is free to dine on your own. BL | ||
Sunday, October 19 | Delhi | Taj Mahal Hotel | At Sunrise marvel at the Taj Mahal as it sparkles at dawns light. A master piece built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz. Return to Delhi for a city tour that includes the Parliament, India Gate, and Gandhi Smriti Museum. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel this evening. BLD | ||
Monday, October 20 | Delhi/return flight | Transfer from the Taj mahal hotel to the Delhi airport. Most international flight depart late at night. Some will transfer late the night of October 19 or in the very early hours of the morning on October 20. |
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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.
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.
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
Depart U.S./ Kolkata, India
-
day 3
Kolkata
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day 4
Kolkata/Bandel
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day 5
Kalna
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day 6
Matiari
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day 7
Baranagar/ Murshidabad
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day 8
Mayapur
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day 9
Chandernagore
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day 10
Kolkata / Return to USA
Everything you need to know about the tour
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