Luxury Ganges Cruise with Calcutta & Banaras

Day 1 : January 6, 2026: Europe ➝ Calcutta (Kolkata)

International departure from Europe to India. Overnight in flight.

 

Day 2 : January 7, 2026: Calcutta (Kolkata)

Arrival in Calcutta. Warm welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of Calcutta with a visit to the Maidan, the city’s green heart and a historic social space. Continue to Dalhousie Square, the former administrative center during British rule, to see colonial-era landmarks such as the Writers’ Building, the High Court, and St. John’s Church (1787). Overnight at a hotel in Calcutta.

 

Day 3 : January 8, 2026 : Calcutta – Barrackpore – Chandernagore

Early morning visit to the bustling flower market and a view of the iconic Howrah Bridge. Embark on your river cruise at Barrackpore. Explore the British cantonment with landmarks like the Semaphore Tower, Government House, and Flagstaff House. Continue sailing upstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony. Overnight on board.

 

Day 4 : January 9, 2026: Chandernagore – Chinsura – Kalna

Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix’s House in Chandernagore. Cruise past Dutch-influenced Chinsura and visit the beautiful Imambara mosque with Quranic inscriptions on its walls. Continue sailing to Kalna. Overnight on board.

 

Day 5 : January 10, 2026: Kalna – Mayapur – Matiari

Take a rickshaw tour of Kalna to admire its famous terracotta temples, including the rare Shiva temple with 108 shrines. Cruise to Mayapur to visit the ISKCON Temple, the global center of the Hare Krishna movement. Sail onward to Matiari. Overnight on board.

 

Day 6 : January 11, 2026: Matiari – Khushbagh

Morning visit to Matiari, known for its traditional brass artisans. Watch how water pots and utensils are handcrafted. Continue sailing past Berhampore and disembark near the historic battlefield of Plassey, where British rule in India began in 1757. Walk to Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style garden housing the tomb of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. Overnight on board near Khushbagh.

 

Day 7 : January 12, 2026: Khushbagh – Baranagar

Revisit Khushbagh gardens and continue sailing to Murshidabad. Visit Hazarduari Palace with its vast collections of art and weapons, the historic Katra Mosque, and Katgola Palace, showcasing Indo-European architecture. Sail to Baranagar. Overnight on board, anchored near Baranagar.

 

Day 8 : January 13, 2026: Baranagar – Jangipur – Farakka

Take a walk through the quiet village of Baranagar to see charming miniature terracotta temples. Sail through scenic countryside with mustard fields and mango orchards. Reach Farakka after navigating a long canal section. Overnight on board near Farakka.

 

Day 9 : January 14, 2026: Farakka – Gaur – Farakka

Full-day overland excursion to Gaur, near Malda (English Bazar), once a great ancient capital. Discover ruins of mosques, palaces, and gateways from Hindu and Muslim rule. Return to the boat in the evening. Overnight on board.

 

Day 10 : January 15, 2026: Farakka ➝ Calcutta (by train)

Morning transfer to the station for a scenic 4-hour train journey back to Calcutta. Afternoon at leisure for sightseeing based on schedule availability. Options include the Pareshnath Jain Temple, the artistic neighborhood of Kumartuli (famous for clay idols), and the grand Victoria Memorial. Overnight at a hotel in Calcutta.

 

Day 11 : January 16, 2026: Calcutta ➝ Banaras (Varanasi)

After breakfast, flight to Banaras. Upon arrival, visit Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats – a spiritual ritual of lights, chants, and devotion on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Overnight at a hotel in Banaras.

 

Day 12 : January 17, 2026: Banaras ➝ Delhi

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness sunrise and daily rituals on the ghats. Visit cremation sites and observe the spiritual rhythm of life on the riverbanks. Later, fly to Delhi. On arrival, refresh and change at an airport hotel (shared room use for 2 hours). Late-night transfer to the airport for your international departure.

 

Day 13 : January 18, 2026: Delhi ➝ Europe

International return flight to Europe. End of services

 

Accommodation

• 7 nights aboard ABN Rajmahal cruise ship: Spacious cabins, panoramic views, spa facilities, local cuisine, air conditioning.
• 2 nights in Calcutta: 4-star hotel accommodation.
• 1 night in Banaras : 4-star hotel accommodation.

Rates:

• Upper Deck: €4,500 per person (shared double/twin cabin)
• Main Deck: €4,100 per person (shared double/twin cabin)
• Main Deck: €4,565 per person (single cabin)
• All rates include round-trip international flights.

 

Price includes:

• International and domestic flights
• Full board accommodation
• All transfers
• All visits and excursions as per the program
• Entrance fees to the sites
• French-speaking guide throughout the trip
• Air-conditioned train from Farakka to Calcutta
• Indian visa fees
• All tips
• All taxes (including 5% VAT)

Price does not include:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, photos, videos)