Arrive Kolkata. Transfer to RV Bengal Pandaw. City orientation tour in the afternoon. Moor overnight at Outram Ghat.

This morning, explore the colonial city of Kolkata known for its architectural heritage of the colonial period. Sightseeing includes a visit to Victoria Memorial and the neo-gothic law courts of the city. Later cruise the Hugli River to Serampore, a former Danish colony, and the Barrakpore cantonment famous for the Gardens of flagstaff house containing a collection of statues removed from the streets of Kolkata.

Cruise to Chandernagore, a former French colony. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Dupleix’s house, now converted to a museum and an 18th century church.  Later visit the Dutch cemetery at Chinsura by bus and a Portuguese church at Bandel. Join the cruise at Bandel. 

Cruise to Kalna, here the river narrows and you can enjoy the lush green scenery of the countryside. Take a cycle rickshaw ride to the Terracotta temples. 

Cruise on to Plassey to visit the famous battlefield where the English defeated French in 1757. Then continue towards Matiari, a small village known for its brassworks.

Cruise to Kushbal – visit the Moghul gardens and Tombs, Hazarduari Palace, The Katra mosque and the 18th centuray palaces of Nashipara and Katgola. Overnight at Baranagar, famous for its miniature temples.

Cruise through the Farraka Barrage and enter the Ganges by lock at Farraka Barrage. Continue up the Ganges to enter the state of Bihar.

Cruise onto Munger in the midst of daily life chores sighting local fishermen and country boats.  Visit the Munger Fort and Bihar School of Yoga.

Cruise through the remote villages of Bihar to get a taste of rural India. Step ashore to visit rural villages. 

Enjoy a day trip to Nalanda, famous for its ancient university and Bodh Gaya, site of Buddha’s enlightenment.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Patna, visiting the Gol Ghar, a granary built in 1768, the State museum containing a collection of Mauryan and Pala period Buddhist sculpures and Jalan Museum (time permitting).

Cruise all day stepping ashore for a rural village walk.

Cruise all morning and enter the state of Uttar Pradesh. This afternoon enjoy a coach trip to the famous Buddhist site of Sarnath with its Gupta period sculptures commemorating the memories of Budhha’s first sermon.

Arrive at the ghats of Varanasi. Enjoy an early morning visit to the holy ghats, temples palaces and museum. This evening take a boat trip through the ghats to witness the spectacular fire dances.

Tour ends.  Disembark from the cruise and transfer to airport or station.