DETAILS
Discover the lifeblood of Eastern India as you sail the storied Ganges River aboard the deluxe Ganges Voyager. Cruising round-trip from Kolkata, the City of Palaces, anchor at small ports where you can experience village life, meet local people and learn about art, culture and religion. In this part of the world, at an intersection of three iconic faiths, tour holy buildings and pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Stroll through bazaars and flower markets; observe potters, weavers and other artisans crafting their wares. Ride in rickshaws, sample unforgettable cuisine and delight in the music and dance of the region. Tour villages and towns, taking in breathtaking architecture and beautiful river views along the way. Augment your experience with the Golden Triangle and Varanasi Pre-Tour Extension.
- Pricing from
- $6,694
Early booking SAVINGS up to $2,000 per cabin!
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Tours, International River Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Jan 13, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026
Antara – Ganges Voyager – 2026
MV Ganges Voyage, built in a colonial style of architecture, is all white in the Georgian manner, with Burmese teak flooring, cane furniture, hand-painted murals, and expansive views of the river. The ship is designed to travel upstream from the colonial city of Kolkata to the late Mughal princely Capital of Murshidabad and downstream to the Indian Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world.
All suites are river-view and feature: air conditioning; deluxe hotel-style bedding; spacious en-suite bathrooms; hair dryer; slippers & honeycomb bathrobes; spa-quality bath amenities; built-in closet; complimentary Wi-Fi; electronic safe; non-alcoholic minibar; drinking water; flat-screen TV with movie system.
The Golden Triangle & Varanasi Pre-Tour Extension
Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1/2
Depart your home city for Kolkata, India.
Depart your home city for an overnight flight.
Arrive at Kolkata International Airport. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative.
Transfer to the deluxe Taj Bengal, Kolkata hotel. For the rest of the day, spend time as you wish and make your own plans for dinner. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining suggestions.
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day 3
Kolkata/Embark
This morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then check out and transfer to the Kolkata Jetty, where you ‘ll embark the Ganges Voyager. Unpack and explore the ship a little, and have lunch on board.
Kolkata City Tour. This afternoon, delve into the city on a panoramic tour. Discover Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh (formerly called Dalhousie Square) and its lovely surrounding architecture, including St. John’s Church. Drive past the beautiful and imposing Victoria Memorial, a monument to England’s queen, which houses art and museum exhibits.
After the tour, return to the ship for a safety and information briefing. Tonight, and every night on board, enjoy a delicious dinner.
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day 4
Kolkata/Bally Bridge
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking for this morning’s excursion.
Flower Market and Kumartuli. Stroll through the amazing Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which has been selling flowers daily for 165 years! From here we will head to Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in North Kolkata that is over 300 years old. This community is renowned for its talented sculptors and potters. Kumartuli produces objects of religious and cultural significance; many of their clay idols are used in religious festivities throughout the country.
Return to the ship and tuck into a delectable lunch on board as the ship departs Kolkata. We will sail upstream, skirting beneath the famed Howrah Bridge. From the deck, take in the views of the passing colonial buildings. Spend time this afternoon relaxing on board and exploring the ship.
This evening, enjoy a cultural performance on board.
Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.
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day 5
Bally Bridge/Bandel
Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship continues to cruise to Bandel, where you will disembark. Today’s excursions will explore two different religious sites established in the 19th century.
Hooghly Imambara Pilgrimage Center. This Shia Muslim mosque and congregation hall blends Islamic and European architectural styles, boasting intricate designs, carved verses from the Quran and a clock tower over the main gate. The term Imambara literally means “home of the Imams,” the religious leaders in the Muslim faith. Enjoy a tasty lunch on board.
Shri Hanseswari Temple. After disembarking, ascend to an eco-friendly e-rickshaw for your ride to Shri Hanseswari. This peaceful temple, devoted to the Hindu goddess Hanseswari (a form of Kali), is striking, with its unique design and rich symbolism. The temple complex has 13 towers, the highest one standing 90 feet tall. The towers feature terracotta artwork, and each tip is carved into a lotus shape. Stroll among the landscaped gardens and soak up the serene atmosphere before returning to the ship.
Enjoy dinner on board this evening.
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day 6
Bandel/Kalna
Rajbari Visit. Ride e-rickshaws to visit the Rajbari Temple complex, which is dedicated to Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism. Here, 108 temples, many featuring arches and rounded roofs, are arranged around a central garden. Many of the buildings in the complex are covered with intricate terra cotta tiles and figures, depicting religious stories and scenes from daily life. Afterward, stroll through the local vegetable market on the way back to the ship.
This afternoon, enjoy lunch onboard and time to relax. Take a dip in the pool or soak up the views on deck or from the panoramic lounge. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.
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day 7
Kalna/Nabadwip/Mayapur
This morning, disembark after breakfast for our excursion.
Nabadvip Exploration. This morning, take an easy guided walk through the village of Nabadvip, where you will meet the locals and learn about everyday life. Visit a workshop where local artisans manufacture copper jars, and learn about how spices are used and stored.
Return to the ship for lunch onboard. Afterward, enjoy a cooking demonstration by the ship manager as you continue to learn about Indian spices and cuisine.
International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This afternoon, we will take a boat ride to Mayapur. Here, tour the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Stroll through the pilgrims’ bazaar, meet Krishna’s followers and visit the awe-inspiring temple.
Return to the ship for dinner this evening.
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day 8
Mayapur/Guptipara/Fulia
Guptipara. Explore this town, where many Vaishnav temples were constructed in the 17th and early 18th centuries. These temples are notable for their fantastic terracotta artworks and designs. Visit a potter’s home and interact with artisans creating clay statues and other items.
Fulia. Visit the village of Fulia, which is famous for its distinctive Jacquard and Jamdani saree weaving. Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.
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day 9
Fulia/Chandannagar/Serampore/Kolkata
Chandannagar. This city became a French colony in 1673 and wasn ‘t transferred back to Indian governance until 1951. On a walking tour, notice the historic colonial buildings, including the former French governor’s residence, now converted into a museum depicting life at that time. Visit the museum and Sacred Heart church, built in 1875.
Serampore. This town was part of Danish India under the name Frederiknagore from 1755 to 1845. On a guided walking tour, explore Serampore’s old town to see the Danish Tavern, St. Olav’s Church and other heritage monuments.
Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.
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day 10
Kolkata/Disembark/Depart for Home City
Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Kolkata International Airport for your return flight home. There will be a day room provided at the Taj Bengal, Kolkata hotel for those with late departing flights.
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day 11
Arrive Home City
Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs. Welcome home!
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
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