Day 1:COCHIN, INDIA Welcome to Cochin, the “Gateway to Kerala,” India 's southernmost state known for its natural beauty. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2:COCHIN Your Guided Tour starts with a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum which aims to educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. Then, drive out of the city to embark an unforgettable afternoon Cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields.
(B,L)Day 3:COCHIN-MUMBAI Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India 's premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry.
(B)Day 4:MUMBAI Your Guided Tour starts with an orientation for photos at some of the cities famous sites, including Victoria Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai 's fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you 'll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
(B,L)Day 5:MUMBAI-VARANASI Fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River.
(B,D)Day 6:VARANASI-DELHI Around dawn, board a Boat Excursion and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus ' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You 'll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river 's edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure prior to flying to Delhi.
(B,L)Day 7:DELHI Saris, Spices, and Silver
CLASSIC Today 's Guided Sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar—with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronicsAfter lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel.
(B,L,D)Day 8:DELHI-AGRA Monuments of Worship and Remembrance
CLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the world 's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun 's Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi 's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship)After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in at your hotel.
(B,L)Day 9:AGRA Love 's Crowning Achievement
CLASSIC Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahal—Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan 's memorial to his beloved wife—more than 20 years in the makingCLASSIC Later, take a Guided Tour to Agra Fort, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This formidable fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palacesFor those interested, an excursion to the Taj Mahal at sunset is included.
(B,D)Day 10:AGRA-JAIPUR Welcome to the Pink CityTravel to Jaipur—the “Pink City” that was painted pink for the Prince of Wales ' 1876 visit. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
(B,L)Day 11:JAIPUR A Maharaja 's Marble Palace and Gateway to the Stars
CLASSIC Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipur 's spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror worksCLASSIC This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of the City Palace and the adjoining museum, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century(B,D)Day 12:JAIPUR-KOLKATA (EMBARKATION) Welcome to West Bengal. Your Ship Awaits.Fly to Kolkata this morning to transfer to your ship. Get acquainted with the ship prior to your welcome reception this evening.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA (B,L,D)Day 13:KALNA Rituals, Rickshaws, and Muslin Weavers
DISCOVERY Ride on cycle rickshaws during your Guided Exploration of Kalna. Along the way visit the historic terracotta temple complex and receive blessings from the temple priest. Also visit a muslin-weaver 's homeEnjoy a free afternoon on board your ship.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI (B,L,D)Day 14:MATIARI Sweet Shops and Shiny Brass
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walk through the village of Matiari where fascinating scenes of everyday life unfold in front of you. Stop to see how traditional sweets are made and explore the local produce market. The village is best known for brass-making and you 'll see how scrap metal is recycled to make figurines and functional items such as tea sets and vases. For the final step, watch a talented craftsman delicately hand-hammer intricate patterns into the brass. Enjoy a free afternoon onboard your ship.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD (B,L,D)Day 15:MURSHIDABAD. EXCURSION TO AZIMGANJ & JIAGANJ Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Silk Sarees
DISCOVERY Guided Sightseeing brings you to two towns on opposite sides of the river. In Jiaganj, travel by electric rickshaw to see the art of Baluchari saree weaving. In Azimganj, walk through the local crafts market and explore Bari Kothi, a former residence that has been restored to its former grandeur after being abandoned for over half a century. You 'll also witness a silver- and gold-making demonstrationRelax this afternoon onboard your ship.
AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR (B,L,D)Day 16:MAYAPUR-GUPTIPARA A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges
CLASSIC Your Morning Excursion brings you to the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. A Krishna leader will guide you throughout your visit to introduce you to their philosophy and life on campus, Along the way, you 'll tour the main temple and have time for questionsDISCOVERY This afternoon, climb aboard a Rickshaw (Toto) for your visit to the small riverside village of Guptipara. Along the way, see pottery and idol making. You 'll also visit a farmer 's home to interact with the family. AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA (B,L,D)Day 17:KOLKATA Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art
CLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the colorful flower market. Afterward, focus on the life and work of Mother Teresa who dedicated her life to helping the city 's poor. Stop at her former home prior to visiting Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphaned children run by Missionaries of Charity which she founded in 1950CLASSIC After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the museum houses a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts from the Victorian eraTonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship.
(B,L,D)Day 18:KOLKATA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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