Artisans of Bengal - Ganges and Hoogly River Cruise

Arrive Kolkata in the morning and transfer to the jetty to embark the ship. Lunch onboard. Thereafter a panoramic tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Dalhousie Square; St. John's Church, and the Victoria Memorial.

After breakfast, visit the Flower Market, where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter, visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter renowned for its sculpting prowess. Return to the ship for lunch and begin sail upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing various colonial buildings along the Ganges River to Bally Bridge. Dinner & overnight onboard

We sail further upstream to Bandel while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Post lunch we visit the Hooghly Imambara, a famous Shiya pilgrimage center that provides housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. Dinner & overnight onboard 

We sail to Kalna enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Upon arrival ride e-rickshaws to visit the Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics and day-to-day life. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Dinner & overnight onboard 

Sail to Nabadwip while having breakfast and lunch. Upon arrival walk in the riverbank village known for its handloom weaving of cotton fabric, mainly saris and stole/scarves, and other activities. Ride the country boat across the river to Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Stroll in the pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna followers, and visit the temple, which is comparable in size to the Vatican. Dinner & overnight onboard

This morning a short sail brings us to Guptipara. After breakfast explore the town visiting the Vaishnav temples that contain some fantastic terracotta works. Also, visit a potter’s home to see and interact with the artisans creating various clay items. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter sail to the opposite bank and visit the weaving village of Fulia which specializes in a combination of jacquard and jamdani saree weaving. Dinner & overnight onboard 

Enjoying breakfast onboard, sail to Chandernagore which was established as a French colony. Upon arrival explore the colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor's residence, now converted into a museum that features items depicting life during that period. Also, visit the Sacred Heart Church. Return to the ship and sail to Serampore. Post lunch walk in the old quarters to see the Danish Tavern, St. Olav's Church, and other Danish heritage monuments. Continue sail to Kolkata, arriving by the evening. Dinner & overnight onboard

Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey. Important Note:

The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.