16 days tour

Colorful India & The Ganges River With Kathmandu 2024

Colorful India & The Ganges River With Kathmandu 2024

This tour includes:

Flights

Internal flights included. *** International flights are not included.

Hygieneprotocol

The health and safety of our guests remains our top priority and while we highly recommend that travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19, after 1 March, 2023 , we will no longer require it. Destinations and other transportation operators โ€“ like airlines โ€“ have their own rules and regulations. It will be up to the responsibility of our guests to understand and comply with those policies to move freely across the globe. The Globus family of brands previous policy โ€“ requiring all guests be vaccinated against COVID-19 โ€“ remains in effect until 1 March, 2023 . Anyone travelling before that date on a Globus, Cosmos or Avalon Waterways holiday must be fully vaccinated. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The following requirements are in place traveling Internationally throughout 2021 and domestically beginning Sept. 1, 2021: - Full vaccination against COVID-19 in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Vaccination documentation must include information that identifies the person and vaccination date(s). Proof of full vaccination must show that official vaccination dose(s) were administered at least 14-days prior to the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. Globus accepts vaccines authorized or recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Travelers may encounter additional requirements if their vaccine is not recognized by the travel destination. - For children who do not qualify for vaccination, one of the two forms of documentation are required to travel: 1) Verifiable negative COVID-19 test result in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Testing must be performed by an entity recognized by your government of residence, using a viral test (NAAT/PCR or antigen). The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A negative test result must show the test was done within 72 hours before the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. 2) If you recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months, and have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of recovery, which includes a positive test result and a letter from your health care provider that states you have been cleared to end isolation (return to work, travel, etc.) The test result documentation and letter must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A positive test result must show test was done within 3 months of the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. WELCOME ABOARD New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including: - Social distancing throughout embarkation - Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew - Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks) FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT In addition to our Open-Air staterooms, the air in our ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise, include: - Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest - Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person - Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction - Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills - Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS - Electrostatic disinfecting systems - UV disinfecting systems TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS Reducing risk with hands-free service, including: - More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship - Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space - Self-serve stations, including bu ets, drinks, specialty co ees and snacks have been replaced with crew service - All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of aฬ€ la carte menu choices - Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalonโ€™s already strict procedures: - Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including: - Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards - Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises - Disinfection of all dining areas between meals - Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items - Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship - Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH Ensuring a healthy crew, including: - Medical certifcate required prior to start of contract - Daily temperature checks - Social distancing in crew living quarters - Regular health screenings Avalon will continue to review and update Assurance initiatives as we make our return to the worldโ€™s waterways including adhering toโ€”and building uponโ€” the standards set forth by travel and health agencies across the globe, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC), Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Guide

Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

Accommodation

2 nights stay at Taj Palace, New Delhi or similar 2 nights stay at Taj Hotel & Convention Centre or similar 2 nights stay at Jai Mahal Palace or similar 6 nights accommodation onboard Ganges Voyager 3 nights stay at Dwarikaโ€™s or similar

Meals

14 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 9 Dinners pacious, open-seating dining room Delectable regional & Western cuisine with all onboard meals Seasonal recipes featuring the freshest local ingredients Vegetarian options available with all meals Daily early-riser coffee & tea Daily ร  la carte breakfast Daily ร  la carte lunch showcasing local specialties severed by our Head Chef Four-course ร  la carte dinners with choice of salads, soups, entrรฉes, dessert or cheese Complimentary wine, local beer/spirits, soft drinks, coffee & tea at lunch & dinner

Others

Todayโ€™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 bazaarโ€”with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics. This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the worldโ€™s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayunโ€™s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhiโ€™s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahalโ€”Moghul Emperor Shah Jahanโ€™s memorial to his beloved wifeโ€”more than 20 years in the making. 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 palaces. Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipurโ€™s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. 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. 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 youโ€™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. 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. Youโ€™ll also witness a silver- and gold-making demonstration. 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, youโ€™ll tour the main temple and have time for questions. 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. Youโ€™ll also visit a farmerโ€™s home to interact with the family. 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 cityโ€™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 1950. 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 era.

Transport

Ganges Voyager, Motorcoach, Plane

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Colorful India & The Ganges River With Kathmandu 2024

  • Day 1 Day 1: Delhi, India
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Delhi, India

      Welcome to Indiaโ€™s capital city! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Delhi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Delhi

      Saris, Spices, and Silver

      Activity classic:
      Todayโ€™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 bazaarโ€”with its ancient alleyways lined with quaint shops offering everything from silver and saris to spices and electronics.

      After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3 Day 3: Delhiโ€“Agra
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Delhiโ€“Agra

      Monuments of Worship and Remembrance

      Activity classic:
      This morning, take a Guided Excursion to visit Qutub Minar, the worldโ€™s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayunโ€™s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhiโ€™s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship).

      After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in at your hotel.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 4 Day 4: Agra
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Agra

      Loveโ€™s Crowning Achievement

      Activity classic:
      Start your day with a Sunrise Excursion to the incomparable Taj Mahalโ€”Moghul Emperor Shah Jahanโ€™s memorial to his beloved wifeโ€”more than 20 years in the making.

      Activity classic:
      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 palaces.

      For those interested, an excursion to the Taj Mahal at sunset is included.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 5 Day 5: Agraโ€“Jaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Agraโ€“Jaipur

      Welcome to the Pink City

      Travel to Jaipurโ€”the โ€œPink Cityโ€ that was painted pink for the Prince of Walesโ€™ 1876 visit.

      After lunch, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 6 Day 6: Jaipur
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Jaipur

      A Maharajaโ€™s Marble Palace and Gateway to the Stars

      Activity classic:
      Today, join a Guided Excursion to Jaipurโ€™s spectacular Amber Fort, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and featuring intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works.

      Activity classic:
      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.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 7 Day 7: Jaipurโ€“Kolkata (Embarkation)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Jaipurโ€“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.

      Overnight:
      AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO KALNA

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8 Day 8: Kalna
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Kalna

      Rituals, Rickshaws, and Muslin Weavers

      Activity 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-weaverโ€™s home.

      Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship.

      Overnight:
      AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MATIARI

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9 Day 9: Matiari
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Matiari

      Sweet Shops and Shiny Brass

      Activity 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 youโ€™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.

      Overnight:
      AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO MURSHIDABAD

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10 Day 10: Murshidabad. Excursion To Azimganj & Jiaganj
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Murshidabad. Excursion To Azimganj & Jiaganj

      Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Silk Sarees

      Activity 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. Youโ€™ll also witness a silver- and gold-making demonstration.

      Relax this afternoon onboard your ship.

      Overnight:
      AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO MAYAPUR

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11 Day 11: Mayapurโ€“Guptipara
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Mayapurโ€“Guptipara

      A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges

      Activity classic:
      Your Morning Excursion brings you to the fascinating ISKCON campus at Mayapur, the worldwide headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement. Your guided tour of the campus and main temple will introduce you to the Hare Krishna philosophy and life on campus.

      Activity discovery:
      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. Youโ€™ll also visit a farmerโ€™s home to interact with the family.

      Overnight:
      AFTERNOON/EVENING SAILING TO KOLKATA

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12 Day 12: Kolkata
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Kolkata

      Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art

      Activity 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 cityโ€™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 1950.

      Activity classic:
      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 era.

      Tonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13 Day 13: Kolkataโ€“Kathmandu, Nepal
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Kolkataโ€“Kathmandu, Nepal

      Today, fly to Nepal. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

      Meals:
      Breakfast
  • Day 14 Day 14: Kathmandu
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Kathmandu

      Today, your Guided Sightseeing starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 15 Day 15: Kathmandu
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Kathmandu

      Start your Sightseeing Tour at Bouddahanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (โ€œCity of Beautyโ€). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the cityโ€™s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. The remainder of the day is free.

      Meals:
      Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 16 Day 16: Kathmandu
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Kathmandu

      Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 8 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required