Day 1 - Wednesday - Sep 6, 2023
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 - Thursday - Sep 7, 2023
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. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3 - Friday - Sep 8, 2023
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. (Breakfast)
Day 4 - Saturday - Sep 9, 2023
Your Guided Tour starts with an orientation for photos at some of the city's famous sites, including Victoria Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai's fascinating tiffin 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. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 5 - Sunday - Sep 10, 2023
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. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 - Monday - Sep 11, 2023
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. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 7 - Tuesday - Sep 12, 2023
Saris, Spices, and Silver. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of leisure time. Tonight, your tour director hosts a lavish welcome dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 - Wednesday - Sep 13, 2023
Monuments of Worship and Remembrance. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle into your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 9 - Thursday - Sep 14, 2023
Love's Crowning Achievement. For those interested, an excursion to the Taj Mahal at sunset is included. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 - Friday - Sep 15, 2023
Welcome to the Pink City. Travel 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. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 11 - Saturday - Sep 16, 2023
A Maharaja's Marble Palace and Gateway to the Stars. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12 - Sunday - Sep 17, 2023
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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 - Monday - Sep 18, 2023
Rituals, Rickshaws, and Muslin Weavers. Enjoy a free afternoon on board your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14 - Tuesday - Sep 19, 2023
Sweet Shops and Shiny Brass. Enjoy a free afternoon onboard your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15 - Wednesday - Sep 20, 2023
Silversmiths, Tea Service, and Silk Sarees. Relax this afternoon onboard your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 16 - Thursday - Sep 21, 2023
A Holy Pilgrimage on the Ganges. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 17 - Friday - Sep 22, 2023
Flowers, Faith, and Victorian Art. Tonight, a farewell Dance Performance is presented on the ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 18 - Saturday - Sep 23, 2023
Today, fly to Nepal. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 19 - Sunday - Sep 24, 2023
Today, your Guided Sightseeing starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, a residence of the Living Goddess and said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 20 - Monday - Sep 25, 2023
Start your Sightseeing Tour at Boudhanath, 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 ("City of Beauty"). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city's center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. The remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 21 - Tuesday - Sep 26, 2023
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
