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We offer great value and affordable river cruises throughout worldwide destinations with CroisiEurope River Cruises

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Cruise on the Ganges between Kolkata and Varanasi & the splendors of Rajasthan (port-to-port cruise)

Take a cruise on the Ganges River and plunge into fascinating, enticing, surprising, and astonishing India. The river is not only sacred to the Hindus, it is also the lifeline for the millions of inhabitants that depend on it for their daily needs. Discover the cultural heartbeat of the nation: Bustling Kolkata and its memorials and Varanasi, a sacred city that attracts millions of pilgrims a year. Visit Rajasthan, also called “Land of Kings”, this astonishing region is packed with things to discover. Men and women with shimmering turbans and saris, magnificent palaces, impressive forts and citadels and intoxicating aromas of spices are some of the unique features of this surprising corner of India.

Trip code : 1G7_PP

Duration : 15 days

Destination : KOLKATA - BANDEL - KALNA - MATIARI - KHUSHBAGH - BARANAGAR - MURSHIDABAD - MAYAPUR - CHANDERNAGORE - VARANASI - JAIPUR - AMER - FATEHPURSIKRI - AGRA - DELHI

Operator : CroisiEurope Cruises

Trip Highlights
  • Cruise on board a magnificent, colonial-style ship
  • Cruise the Ganges through one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world
  • Discover : Visit fascinating Kolkata Varanasi, the sacred city where pilgrims come to find enlightenment Wander through small traditional villages The fabulous terra-cotta temples in Kalna
  • Visit fascinating Kolkata
  • Varanasi, the sacred city where pilgrims come to find enlightenment
  • Wander through small traditional villages
  • The fabulous terra-cotta temples in Kalna
  • EXTENDED STAY INCLUDED: Visit the 3 major attractions in Rajasthan: the Palace of the Winds, Amer Fort and the lost city of Fatehpur Sikri The dazzling Taj Mahal
  • Visit the 3 major attractions in Rajasthan: the Palace of the Winds, Amer Fort and the lost city of Fatehpur Sikri
  • The dazzling Taj Mahal
  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals
  • Refined local cuisine
  • Headsets are included for excursions
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Tour leader or cruise director on board
  • Onboard activities and/or lectures
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included

Booking Confirmation

After purchase, you will receive a Booking Confirmation and Passenger Information Form by email. Within 24 hours of purchase you need to send us a copy of your passport together with your Passenger Information Form.

After purchase, you are required to make a deposit or full payment for your order. Please note most of our deposit is non-refundable. Please check your booking and your invoice for the Terms and Conditions which apply specifically to your booking.

If you would like to cancel your booking, please refer to our cancellation terms.

Please notes:

  • Any special requests, preferences MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form
  • Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges

Cruise Cabin

European river cruises*

  • All cabins are tastefully decorated and equipped with air conditioning, central heating, shower / toilets, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer— each providing a view of the river. Some cabins have French balconies or private terraces.
  • Our fleet of Premium ships offers additional comfort providing more space in the cabins.

Customers can choose between 3 categories of cabins:

  • Category A: premium location
  • Category B: intermediate location
  • Category C: standard location (close to public areas such as entrance, restaurants, public lavatory) - same size or sometimes slightly smaller than Cat A & Cat B cabin
  • PRM Cabin: Cabin for passengers with reduced mobility. This cabin is not recommended for passengers without mobility difficulties.

*The above cabin description is applicable to all ships except the canal barges, the ocean ships and the fleet of exotic river ships outside of Europe.

Dining Experience & Cuisine

On European river cruises, your meals are carefully designed and planned, and menus are developed in the pure tradition of fine French gastronomy. Each meal on your cruise will give you a delightful experience of French haute cuisine. For our gastronomic cruises, such Michelin-starred greats as Marc Haeberlin and the expert staff surrounding Paul Bocuse have been happy to join forces with CroisiEurope to take you on a memorable culinary voyage.

For cruises outside of Europe, our Chefs prepare local cuisine, colorful and tasty, while adapted to Western tastes.

Buffet Breakfast

  • Your day will start with an impressive self-served buffet breakfast in the onboard restaurant, which may include pastries, coffee, tea, juice, breads, jams and jellies, a variety of sausages and cold cuts, eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt.

Lunch & Dinner

Lunch can be either buffet lunch or sit-down meals, while dinner will be 3-course sit-down meals. A menu of local specialties is prepared on a daily basis from fresh ingredients.

  • Please state your specific needs at the time you make your reservation (food allergies or special dietary needs)
  • Both lunch and dinner meals are paired with excellent complimentary wines. Complimentary wines may not be available for cruises outside of Europe. Check specific inclusions for your cruise.

Special Occasion

  •  Please let us know your special occasion requirements – such as cakes, champagne, or flowers – at the time of booking and ideally one month or more before departure, and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes

Languages

European river cruises

Onboard staff and crews speak French, English and many of them speak other major European languages such as German, Italian and Spanish. Notices and announcements are in French and English, as well as other languages based upon the needs of the passengers on board.

River cruises outside of Europe

Onboard staff and crews speak English and local languages.

Excursion Package

For European river cruises, two optional different excursion packages provide guests, who are looking for new experiences, adventures and sensations, with a range of dynamic, fun-filled and out-of-the-ordinary activities. Make your choice between these two options:

  • CLASSIC Package: Containing classic excursions based on culture, architecture and history. We’ve revamped several of our tours to give you a more authentic experience!
  • DISCOVERY Package: Discovery tours are for the adventurous, the offbeat, or those who are looking for something new.

It is recommended to book optional shore excursions prior to your cruise to ensure their availability and to benefit from cheaper prices than buying them on board.

Excursions on European canal barge cruises and exotic river cruises outside of Europe are included (except certain optional excursions).

Tipping & Gratuity

Tipping customs vary from country to country and culture to culture, and we understand that tipping is a way for passengers to show appreciation for services, quality and attention received during the cruise whether it be for the meals, rooms, reception or visits. To leave a tip, please use the envelope found in your cabin your last evening on board, and place this envelope in the specially designated box in the reception area as you disembark with the understanding that tipping is entirely at your discretion.

Tipping is not compulsory and is not included in this package. We believe that if you choose to tip, you should only pay for the service you receive. In general, tipping is widely accepted as a way to show your appreciation of good service but is not compulsory. Tipping is expected and often makes up a large part of people's wages.

If you are travelling on a river cruise and happy with the services provided by your crews and service onboard:

- Recommended tips - For the crews and guides - $10US per day per passenger.


Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside all ships.  You may smoke in designated smoking areas on deck only.

Pets

Pets are not allowed on board.

Telephone and Internet

Free wi-fi is available on all ships in the reception area and lounge bar on most ships. On the newest ships such as the Ms Gerard Schmitter, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, the MS Lafayette and the fleet of four hotel barges, Wi-Fi is available throughout. For exotic river cruises outside of Europe, wifi may not be available when cruising in remote areas.

Your ship’s emergency telephone number will be provided in your on-board documentation, so that your family may reach you in the event of urgent need or emergency. If you would like to make or receive phone calls on a non-emergency basis, we recommend that you make arrangements with your mobile phone provider for more information.

Dress Code

You’ll be most comfortable during the day in smart casual clothing.  You may wish to bring items that do not wrinkle easily, or that transport well after being ironed at home, as there is no iron provided on the ship.  Bring a variety of clothing for the environments expected during your cruise, including light clothing and bathing suits for hot weather, a sweater or jacket for cooler weather, and of course a raincoat and/or small umbrella.

Please check the weather for your specific cruise countries, as the weather can vary quite a bit between the northern and Mediterranean areas.  Don’t forget to bring comfortable and sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing excursions.

For evening meals, as well as for cocktails or gala events ‘casual dressy’ clothing is appropriate.

Currency

On European river cruises, the primary currency is the Euro. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted. There are no currency exchange facilities on-board, so please ensure you have sufficient cash before boarding. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted.

On exotic river cruises outside of Europe, the primary currency is the US Dollar. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted. There are no currency exchange facilities on-board, so please ensure you have sufficient cash before boarding. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted.

Electricity

Onboard electrical service is 220V; most standard American electrical appliances are 120V.

If you have any items that require electricity you must bring a two-pin plug European adaptor that will fit your item.  Many items such as cell phone chargers come already equipped with international adaptors – check the equipment that came with your cell phone.  In addition, you may find that you need to bring adaptors for other items such as your own razor, electric toothbrush, or curling iron (220V hair dryers are provided in each cabin).

For exotic cruises outside of Europe, an adaptor to the local plug standard is recommended.

Entertainment on board

While your  cruise is all about discovering wonderful destinations, on many days there will be entertainment activities to add an extra dimension to your voyage. A traditional evening of entertainment with a “Titi Parisien” theme or an evening with songs and guitares that capture the spirit of La Camargue. Dinner in Spain may be accompanied by a guitar player from the region. A classical string quartet could come aboard in Germany, or an entrancing fado singer in Portugal. On the Volga, you can choose to take part in a tea drinking ceremony or Russian classes. Or simply do nothing except relax to some light music in the lounge. In exotic river cruise, cooking class or destination lectures are available. 

Travel Insurance

Our cruise products DO NOT include Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is not included in our tours, cruises, day tours, private tours, group tours, transfers, and any of our packages.

For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your travel arrangements (without limitation) that include coverage for medical expenses, loss of luggage, cruise, land content and airfare charges that may occur. You need to provide us your Travel Insurance details upon booking, or at least before 30 days prior to your departure.

If you do not have travel insurance prior to your departure, we retain the rights to refuse boarding/joining our tours or cruises. We might refund / provide travel credits for you, less any unrecoverable fees including but not limited to admin fees, visas fees, other suppliers’ cancellation fees. We won’t be held liable for any costs associated with this matter.

DAY 1
KOLKATA

Your program will begin according to your time of arrival in Kolkata. If your flight arrives before 6:00 a.m., your program will be: Enjoy a panoramic tour to discover the architectural richness of the city. Kolkata contains numerous colonial-era sites: Raj Bhavan—the official residence of the regional governor—and Council House Street. Afterwards, you will board our ship and have lunch on board. In the afternoon, we will visit the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, where Mother Theresa lived, prayed, and worked, and where her body was laid to rest in 1997. After we return on board, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 2
KOLKATA - BANDEL - KALNA

Kolkata is a modern, cosmopolitan city with great cultural influence in the country. We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and visit St. John's Church, the third oldest church in the city. After, we’ll head to the Victoria Memorial, an impressive white marble building that houses a museum maintained by the Ministry of Culture. We'll have lunch on board and begin our cruise along the landscapes once dominated by European colonialism. We’ll set out on small local boats for Bandel to visit the imposing Hooghly Imambara. It's a chance to step back in time and relive a slice of Bengal's Islamic history. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 3
KALNA - MATIARI

You’ll discover this out-of-the-way village from the seat of a rickshaw. Kalna is home to two circles of 108, small Hindu temples, each of which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. We'll have lunch on board as we continue to cruise the river in the afternoon. Take some time to enjoy the onboard activities or attend a lecture on the region of Bengal. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 4
MATIARI - KHUSHBAGH

Join us for a stroll through the charming market town of Matiari, where coppersmiths still work the metal using the techniques passed down from generation to generation. After lunch, departure for an afternoon of navigation and passage along the site of the battlefields in Plassey, thought to be one of the most important battles that took place in the 18th century for the control of the Indian subcontinent by the colonial powers. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 5
KHUSHBAGH - BARANAGAR - MURSHIDABAD

We’ll walk to Khushbagh, the Garden of Happiness, packed with history and beauty. We’ll then visit Baranagar Village to get a good feeling of rural life in the area and explore a bit of authentic India off the beaten path. The village contains hauntingly beautiful clay temples. After lunch, sit back and enjoy the scenery as we pass by tiny villages that dot the banks of the river. We'll then visit Murshidabad, known for its impressive colonial-style architecture. We’ll tour Hazar Duari Palace, known as the Palace of 1000 doors—real and fake. It is now a museum containing fascinating artifacts, including various weapons, oil paintings by Dutch, French, and Italian artists, and marble statues. The vast, brick Katra Masjid, built in just one year in the 18th century, is regarded as the top tourist attraction in the city for its beauty and history. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 6
MURSHIDABAD - MAYAPUR

Our cruise continues as the wide river transforms progressively into a band of water that glides between mustard plantations, jute shrubs, and mango orchards. While the scenery floats by, your guide will explain the many customs during an onboard lecture on the region. Enjoy lunch on board. Mayapur is the city where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (known informally around the world as the Hare Krishnas) was founded and has its headquarters. Opened in 1978, the main complex includes a spacious marble temple and a guest house where members can stay and participate in the daily spiritual programs. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 7
MAYAPUR - CHANDERNAGORE - KOLKATA

Chandernagore is a former French colony that has been able to preserve its unique identity over the years. We’ll visit the house that once belonged to the governor for the French East India Company in the 18th century. We'll then visit Sacred Heart Church, one of the most beautiful examples of architecture during the French period. Tonight we’ll have our farewell cocktail and dinner and spend the night on board.

DAY 8
KOLKATA - VARANASI

You’ll disembark this morning before visiting Kolkata. Enjoy a stroll through the splendid flower market under the Howrah Bridge, where Indians buy flowers for worship. Our trek will continue to the ghats along the banks of the Ganges. These are the steps leading to the water where people come to participate in a number of rituals. We'll spend some time visiting the Pareshnath Jain Temple, one of the most important in the city. We’ll pass through the picturesque quarter of Kumortuli, where street potters hone their craft. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to the airport for the flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you’ll check into a 4-star hotel and have dinner.

DAY 9
VARANASI

As the sun rises, set out on a cruise to discover the unique rituals the river encounters each day. Then walk in the footsteps of devoted Hindus from one small street to the other before reaching the Alamgir Mosque and Kashi Vishvanath Temple. After our excursion, we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the grand Ramnagar Fort, the home of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The museum in the complex exhibits jewel-encrusted chairs, religious manuscripts, and royal costumes, among many other national treasures. After lunch, we’ll set out on an excursion to Sarnath, where Siddhartha Gautama first taught the Dharma, and visit the museum which contains a magnificent collection of Buddhist writings. Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a spin through the bazaar and witness an Aarti ceremony with songs and offerings of light. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 10
VARANASI

Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir (Mother India Temple) which was built in the 1930s and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. At the end of the morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport in Varanasi for a flight to Jaipur. After lunch, you’ll check into a 4-star hotel LS. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11
JAIPUR - AMER

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and there is no better place to discover its charms than at its famous Palace of the Winds. We’ll also visit Amer Fort, known for its artistic style of elements and architecture. Located high on a hill, it is surrounded by over five miles of walls (9 km). After lunch, we'll set out for a stroll through the bustling city. The Jantar Mantar monument is a fascinating collection of astronomical instruments built in the 18th century, and features to world’s largest sundial. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 12
JAIPUR

Our day will begin at the white marble Birla Temple, which was built in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. After, we'll enjoy a moment of cultural sharing during a visit to one of the city’s schools. After lunch, we’ll visit the Nahargarh Fort, which stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and once helped form a strong line of defense for the city. We'll then enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of the busy markets in the area. Take in dinner and a show in a traditional haveli this evening. You’ll spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 13
JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA

We'll leave for Agra by bus, traveling through village after village where you’ll be able to glimpse the everyday life of the inhabitants. After lunch, we’ll visit the gated city of Fatehpur Sikri. Founded in 1571, it was completely abandoned by its inhabitants within 40 years. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our tour, you’ll check into a 4-star hotel LS and have dinner.

DAY 14
AGRA - DELHI

At daybreak, we’ll leave by pedi-cab for the Taj Mahal, the gorgeous white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan to hold the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, it attracts millions of visitors per year and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. We’ll then visit the fort, the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. After lunch, we’ll discover the Tomb of Mirza Giyas Beg, as known as the “Baby Taj.” At the end of our tour, we’ll take a train to New Delhi. On arrival, you’ll check into a 4-star hotel LS and have dinner.

DAY 15
DELHI

Enjoy a panoramic tour of New Delhi, the bustling capital of the country. We'll see the India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and the Red Fort, among other sites, and we’ll stop to visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib house of worship. The grounds include the Gurudwara, a kitchen, a large pond, a school, and an art gallery. We’ll then visit the Gandhi Smriti and the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. You’ll enjoy lunch before we say goodbye. End of our services.
Image Map
inclusions

  • >> CORE PROGRAM

    Domestic flight from Kolkata to Varanasi and airport taxes - your cruise in the cabin category of your choice - your stay in a 4* Hotel LS in a double room - your cruise with all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the final day - drinks at all meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 beer* or 1 glass of wine* + 1 tea or coffee per person at each meal) - all visits and excursions mentioned in the program - the assistance of English-speaking local guides - the services of our CroisiEurope cruise director on board - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - tips.

    Tips: To ensure our customers a more pleasant stay, we’ve included €35 (including tax and VAT) for tips which will be entirely paid to the personnel from the countries to be visited. This amount was determined while taking into consideration the local customs and etiquette.

    >> EXTENDED STAY

    Domestic flight from Varanasi to Jaipur and airport taxes - all meals - drinks at all meals (1 mineral water or 1 soft drink + 1 tea or coffee per person at each meal) - all visits and excursions mentioned in the program - the assistance of English-speaking local guides - your stay in a 4* Hotel LS in a double room - the services of our CroisiEurope cruise director on board (starting from 15 passengers) - travel assistance and repatriation insurance – tips.

    Tips: To ensure our customers a more pleasant stay, we’ve included €75 (including tax and VAT) for tips which will be entirely paid to the personnel from the countries to be visited. This amount was determined while taking into consideration the local customs and etiquette.

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