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Splendors of India The Ganges River All-Gay Cruise & Tour 2024
13 nights from/to New Delhi, India
October 15 28, 2024
Avalon Waterways RV Ganges Voyager
An all-inclusive, 14-day all-gay adventure featuring India's famed Golden Triangle and a 7-day luxury full ship charter cruise along the lower Ganges River. Explore splendorsof Delhi, West Bengal, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Enjoy free-flowing beverages onboard, including house wine, locally produced beer & spirits. Stay in a luxurious New Delhi hotel as you explore the capital territory. Fly to exotic West Bengal for an unforgettable cruise along the lower Ganges River with powerful visits to Bandel, Kalna, Murshidabad, Chandernagore, and the stunning new temple complex at Mayapur.
Back in Kolkata, the journey continues to Rajasthan and India’s Golden Triangle, with astounding visits to the fabled pink city of Jaipur, the 11th century Agra Fort, and the legendary Taj Mahal.
During the river cruise, you’ll return home each night to a soothing atmosphere of relaxation aboard the elegant, all-suite Ganges Voyager. Breathe in the scenery from the comfort of a top deck lounge. Explore the healing sensations of Ayurvedic or traditional European spa treatments. Gather with your new friends and discuss the meaning of enlightenment as you watch the world go by. No matter where you are on board, you’ll feel a renewing energy and comforting sense of peace.
This departure may be easily combined with our 2024 Nepal and Bhutan Deluxe Gay Tour, October 5 - 15, 2024.
Splendors of India All-Gay Cruise & Tour Highlights
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar
• Go inside the walls of the ancient Mughal capital of Old Delhi to see the Jama Mashid Mosque and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
• Board an excursion boat for a tour of the Hooghly Imambara in the port of Bandel
• Sail the Ganges River, Hindi Ganga, great river of the plains of the northern Indian subcontinent
• Visit the Mosque of Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan in Khushbagh and the Rani Bhabani temples in Baranagar
• Tour the Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad and visit the Katra Mosque
• Visit Jaipur, formerly Jeypore, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan
• Visit Kolkata is the educational, commercial, and cultural center of India known for its stunning iconic landmarks
• Visit the Sacred Heart Church
Splendors of India Gay Cruise & Tour Inclusions
• Welcome reception in New Delhi
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Imperial Room at Imperial Hotel New Delhi including breakfast
• One lunch and one dinner in New Delhi
• Flight from Delhi to Kolkata
• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation
• Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
• Free flowing house wine and local beer with lunch and dinner during cruise
• One hour pre-dinner cocktails of domestic spirits throughout the cruise
• Flight from Kolkata to Jaipur
• Two nights accommodation in Palace Room at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur including breakfast
• One night accommodation at the Taj Hotel in Agra
• One night accommodation at an airport hotel in Delhi
Your Ship - Ganges Voyager
Accommodating just 56 guests in old-fashioned luxury that rivals the fine hotels of India, the family-friendly Ganges Voyager river cruise will take you back in time with the grace and style of the British colonial era. With 35 crew members, you’re assured a gracious and personalized onboard experience while gaining an in-depth perspective of one of the most culturally significant parts of India from Kolkata to Murshidabad
With 28 large, high-ceilinged suites, in five different room categories, your personal space for the journey is equipped with everything that you could possibly need. You can look forward to regal décor, characterized by beautiful hand-painted murals, wooden furniture, teak floors and Bengali antiques, as well as an ensuite bathroom, sliding patio doors and a private panoramic balcony offering an extraordinary perspective on slow river life and the beauty of the Ganges.
The communal areas on board include a dining room, a bar, an air-conditioned indoor lounge and an outdoor lounge with a viewing deck, ensuring that you’ll find plenty of spots to relax. Relish a relaxing massage or choose from a wide range of traditional Indian and contemporary spa treatments at the Voyager Spa, which has two treatment rooms. Adjoining the spa is a gym with a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical machine. Complimentary yoga classes, geared towards beginners, are offered to all guests early each morning. Cooking classes are another onboard activity.
Atop the ship’s partially covered Sun Deck, the Governor’s Lounge is a lovely place to relax over a drink and take in the splendid views through its large windows. Furnished with reclining chairs, and thoughtfully outfitted with shaded areas, the alfresco Observation Deck is a delightful place to unwind, while enjoying some sunshine, a full drinks service, and panoramic views.
In the ship’s elegant East India dining room, meals are served buffet style three times a day, and while each meal presents the chance to dine on the incredibly flavourful cuisine of India, Western-style favourites are also served here. The chef will be happy to accommodate special requests and dietary requirements. A wide range of Indian and international wines is available, along with specially handcrafted cocktails, teas, coffees, and other beverages.
Your Hotels
The Imperial New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi October 15 - 17, 2024
Reminiscent of a 19th-century Indian Palace, in the land of Maharajas and Maharanis, The Imperial New Delhi was opened in 1936 as the first hotel in New Delhi. One of the Grand Dames of the East, its architecture has subtle traces of Victorian, Art Deco and Lutyen styles. White marble colonnades, verdant gardens and rooms & suites replete with Italian marble floors, polished Burma teak, Persian hand-knotted carpets, antique Chandeliers and Rosewood furniture, set the tone. The storied hotel blends rich heritage, exceptional service and modern-day comforts for today’s business and leisure travellers.
Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur October 24 - 26, 2024
The Rambagh Palace, is a royal resort set in a breathtaking oasis of beautiful landscaped gardens. Built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favorite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.
Taj Hotel Agra, Agra October 26 - 27, 2024
Agra’s newest landmark, the Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, lies a short walk away from the Eastern Gate of this fabled monument. This modern 5 star hotel near Taj Mahal reimagines all that Agra can be. A refreshing rooftop infinity pool with magical views of the Taj Mahal, an invigorating spa and a buzzing fitness center are at hand to rejuvenate every guest. There is also an abundance of dining options to delight the epicurean. The generously appointed rooms in Taj Hotel, Agra make for an opulent affair. With luxurious bathrooms that feature a standing bath tub and walk-in rain shower. Exquisite inlay work that showcases the local artisanship of Agra in all its glory. Rooms include free wifi and King or twin beds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my flights or train?
Arrivals: You should schedule your flights to arrive in Delhi (DEL) by October 15, 2024. The first scheduled activity on the 15th is a welcome reception at approximately 5:30pm.
Departures: You should schedule to fly home from Delhi (DEL) at 10pm or later on October 27 , 2024 or the morning of October 28, 2024
For those participating in the Varanasi post-program extension, you should plan to fly home from Delhi (DEL) at 10pm or later on October 29 , 2024 or the morning of October 30, 2024.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers are provided from the Delhi International Airport (DEL) to the Imperial Hotel.
Departure transfers are provided from the Taj Palace Hotel to the Delhi International Airport (DEL).
Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
Excursions during your travel program are mostly in groups of 25 people led by expert English speaking local guides. Utilizing wireless audio guides enables you to hear every word of your travel guide at absolutely all times. It provides maximum flexibility and convenience without missing a moment of fascinating commentary and is compatible with hearing aids.
What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.
Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck.
Is there a dress code?
You are on vacation as the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. We will however appreciate you wearing more than a thong or mankini at dinner and in the bar/performance area. Be as dressed up or down as you see fit as long as you are comfortable and dress appropriately for for changeable weather.
What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
A passport, which is valid for six months after your last date of travel, is required for this trip.
Visa Requirements – citizens of almost every country require tourist visas to enter India. Our program only requires a single entry visa, which may be obtained through an online application process HERE.
If you have made other independent arrangements which require multiple entries into India, check with your nearest Indian consulate for the appropriate visa application process. Use care to be sure you are accessing information from the official consulate and not an intermediary.
What weather can i expect from this trip?
Average Temperatures in November will be in the range of
New Delhi Delhi 83 /56 °FC
Kolkata 85 / 64°FC
Varanasi 85 57 °FC
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Splendors of India The Ganges River All-Gay Cruise & Tour Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
15 Oct |
New Delhi, India |
R |
16 Oct |
New Delhi, India |
B, L, D |
17 Oct |
New Delhi / Kolkata |
B, L, D |
18 Oct |
Kolkata / Bandell / Kalna |
B, L, D |
19 Oct |
Kalna / Matiari |
B, L, D |
20 Oct |
Matiari / Khushbagh |
B, L, D |
21 Oct |
Khushbagh / Baranagar / Murshidabad |
B, L, D |
22 Oct |
Murshidabad / Mayapur / Chandernagore |
B, L, D |
23 Oct |
Chandernagore / Kolkata |
B, L, D |
24 Oct |
Kolkata / Jaipur |
B, L, D |
25 Oct |
Jaipur |
B, L |
26 Oct |
Jaipur / Agra |
B, L, D |
27 Oct |
Agra / New Delhi |
B, L |
28 Oct |
New Delhi, India |
B |
Day 1 - New Delhi, India
Arrive at the Delhi airport (DEL) where you will be met by a Brand g representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights in an Imperial room, at the deluxe Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. Meet your fellow travelers at an evening welcome reception at the hotel at approximately 5:30pm.
Welcome Reception
Day 2 - New Delhi, India Today’s comprehensive tour introduces you to this bustling city’s landmarks, passing the imposing Red Fort, President’s Palace and City Gate. Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century landmark of Mughal architecture inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and Qutab Minar, also a UNESCO site. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - New Delhi / Kolkata (Embarkation)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your short included flight to Kolkata (in-flight lunch included) where upon arrival we transfer to the ship. After settling into your suite aboard the Ganges Voyager, we’ll gather for a welcome reception and dinner, followed by a musical performance featuring songs of the Bengal region.
Breakfast, In-flight Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Kolkata / Bandell / Kalna
This morning, we’ll go ashore to explore the legacy of Kolkata’s British colonial era. We’ll see the Writers’ Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, as well as Dalhousie Square. We’ll enjoy a tour of St. John’s Church, which was built in 1756 by Lt. Colonel James Agg and houses India’s oldest functioning pipe organ as well as a painting of the Last Supper by German artist Johann Zoffany. Finally, we’ll visit the impressive Victoria Memorial Museum before returning to the Ganges Voyager for lunch and the start of our journey upstream. This afternoon, we’ll board our excursion boats and go ashore at Bandel, a port founded by Portuguese settlers in the 1800s. Our visit includes a tour of the Hooghly Imambara (completed in 1861), an important Shia pilgrimage center with a clock- tower lookout that boasts views of the Ganges. The structure contains a working clock with a winding key weighing approximately 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Inside the main building, large Persian chandeliers and smaller lamps light the main prayer hall where text from the Quran is engraved in the walls. After our visit, we’ll return to the ship for dinner in the East India Dining Room.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Kalna / Matiari
This morning we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the city center of Kalna en route to the enchanting Rajbari complex, with the highest concentration of temples in the region. Bengal’s mixture of temple architecture includes the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 eight slope-roofed temples – 74 in the outer circle here and another 34 making an inner circle. Another complex features diverse architecture, including the Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849. Terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. Other temples on the site include Lalji Temple, the oldest in the complex (1739), and Krishnachandra Temple (1751).
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - Matiari / Khushbagh
This morning you may enjoy a shore side bazaar. Matiari is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters and more from their workshops in the village. We then continue our journey upstream. We sail past the battlefield of Plassey, where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawabs in 1757. The rulers of Bengal and their French allies established the company rule in India, which spread through much of South Asia for the next 190 years.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 - Khushbagh / Baranagar / Murshidabad This morning we visit the charming village of Khushbagh, passing through scenic fields to arrive to the well-preserved mosque complex built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan, housing his family’s private mosque. His grandson Siraj-ud-Daula was defeated by the British East India Company at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. After an on-board breakfast and morning sail, we visit the village of Baranagar. A lovely example of life in rural India, this village is home to several temples dating from the 18th
century (1714 – 1793). Built by Rani (Queen) Bhabani, the landlady of Natore. The brick temples are considered to be among the best examples of Bengal terra cotta art. We then return to the ship for lunch and sail downstream. This afternoon we pass by charming countryside villages filled where locals greet us from the banks. We approach Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem along the Ganges with dramatic whitewashed colonial era structures. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824 –1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors, and is filled with colonial era antiques, artwork and manuscripts. Opposite to the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship. We then take a scenic ride by local buggy to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad –Murshid Quli Khan in the 1724 – 25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. This evening we return for dinner and local cultural performance on-board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 - Murshidabad / Mayapur / Chandernagore After a restful morning, observing the local life along the riverbanks, we stop in the village of Mayapur. Known as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486) and considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna, this is the home of the Krishna Consciousness Movement also called ISKON. Guests can experience the fascinating culture of these followers and their ornate, colorful decorated statues of Krishna. Additionally, we will learn from Krishna followers leading the construction of the new temple located on the complex, completed in 2016. The new temple can be compared to the Vatican, and contains a 700,000 square-foot temple, measuring 340 feet high with a 75-foot domed planetarium. American Alfred Ford, the great grandson of Henry Ford, has funded more than 50% of the project.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 - Chandernagore / Kolkata We begin the day in Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. The French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the then Nawab of Bengal to establish a trading post on the riverbanks of this city, which became a permanent French settlement in 1688. We will explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor’s residence (now converted to a museum that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period). We then will visit the Sacred Heart Church of Chandernagore. We then return to the ship and continue our journey downstream to Kolkata.
Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner
Day 10 - Kolkata / Jaipur Following breakfast we disembark the vessel with packed lunch and transfer to the Kolkata Airport en route visiting Mother Teresa’s House and Orphanage. Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room where we learn her life story, and see her charity that is still active. We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children’s Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour. Thereafter, we transfer to the airport for our short flight to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Upon arrival we transfer to the magnificent Rambagh Palace Hotel where you’ll check into your Palace Room for an evening of relaxation, including dinner in the hotel’s opulent ballroom.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 - Jaipur Enjoy the opulent breakfast at the hotel this morning and join today’s tour of the "Pink City" featuring an optional elephant back ride up the hill to the Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Visit the UNESCO-designated site of the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the residence of the former royal family City Palace, a complex of lovely courtyards and gardens. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore northern India cuisine.
Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 - Jaipur / Agra Today’s scenic ride takes you to the city of Agra, located on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Check in to your Deluxe Room at Taj Hotel Agra for one night. This afternoon, we visit the massive and impressive Agra Fort, a red sandstone stone walled complex of palatial buildings. Afterwards we transfer to Mehtab Bagh park for an unforgettable sunset view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 - Agra / New Delhi Early risers may join the captivating sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal for an inside visit of the UNESCO site. Enjoy breakfast and some time at leisure at your beautiful hotel this morning, or take the opportunity to shop for keepsakes. After lunch, a scenic ride takes you to New Delhi for the rest of the day at leisure. Day room use or overnight in a Deluxe room at the Taj Palace New Delhi Hotel, refresh and relax before your transfer to the airport for your late evening or early morning international flight home. Or, spend the night and join the post trip add on to Varanasi the next morning.
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 14 - New Delhi Departure Transfer to the airport for your early morning international flight home. Or, join the post trip add on to Varanasi this morning.
Varanasi Post Program Extension
October 28 - 30, 2024 • Double occupancy pricing: $1,399 per person
• Single occupancy pricing: $1,650 Complete your exciting journey with a visit to captivating Varanasi. Overnight in Delhi on October 27th and transfer on the 28th to the New Delhi airport for your flight to the holy city of Varanasi and one night in a Business class room at the Radisson Varanasi Hotel. On arrival, witness the mesmerizing Aarti Ceremony attended by hundreds of worshipers, from your private boat on the Ganges River. Join the group for dinner before an early night in preparation for a very early rise the next morning to discover the daily rituals performed along the Ganges during an unforgettable private sunrise cruise. Later, that day fly to Delhi (expected arrival to Delhi at 4:30pm on the 29th of October) for some time at leisure and day room use, or overnight in a Superior room at the deluxe Taj Palace New Delhi Hotel before your independently booked flight.
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