2024 INDIA AND THE GANGES RIVER – SOLD OUT

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 Brand g’s 2024 Nepal and Bhutan. Contact us for more details.

Luxury Level: ***** Five Star

Activity Level: Low to Moderate

Guest Count: 56

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

Accommodations

Imperial Hotel – New Delhi

(Imperial Room) 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.

Dates of Stay: 15 – 17 October, 2024

Ganges Voyager

Brand g Vacations has chartered the 28 suite RV Ganges Voyager. Built in 2015, the Ganges Voyager embodies the grace and style of the British colonial era, incorporating modern conveniences and luxuries that rival the finest hotels of Asia. Spacious, well-appointed suites include daily housekeeping and turndown service, fine bed linens, premium mattresses and duvets, your choice of pillows, flat-screen televisions with on-demand movies, international newspapers, individual climate control, as well as spa quality robes, slippers, and bath amenities.

In the kitchen of the ship’s elegant East India Dining Room, the Executive Chef oversees a team of experts that use fresh local produce to cater for a stunning range of specialty dining experiences. While each meal presents the chance to dine on exotic local cuisine, western-style favorites are always available should you desire a taste of home.

The staff aboard the Ganges Voyager have been trained to the very highest western standards, so you can expect an incredible level of service. Whether it’s the genuine smile that greets you or a drink poured just the way you like it, the carefully prepared meals or the turn down your room will receive each day – they provide the ultimate in on board service.

Onboard Amenities

All-Natural Spa-Quality Bath Products
High Quality Linens with Duvet
Bottled Water Replenished Daily
Complimentary Wireless Internet (where available)
Multi-Configuration Plugs
Flat Screen LCD Television with Movie System
Shore excursion programs including all admissions
Shoe cleaning after excursions
Complimentary coffee, water, tea soft drinks, select free-flow house wines for dinner, and locally produced spirits and beer

Dates of stay: 17 – 24 October, 2024

Rambagh Palace – Jaipur

(Palace Room) 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.

Dates of Stay: 24 – 26 October, 2024

Taj Hotel – Agra

(Deluxe Room) The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, almost 4 centuries ago, bestowing everlasting fame on the town of Agra. Even today millions flock to seventh wonder of this world. 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 our twin beds.

Dates of Stay: 26 – 27 October, 2024

Taj Palace – New Delhi

(Deluxe Room) The iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi has held a distinguished position amongst the finest hotels of the world for close to four decades. Spread over six acres of lush gardens, our 5 star hotel in Delhi is synonymous with timeless luxury and unmatched hospitality. With panoramic views of the city’s verdant protected greens, our hotel in Delhi offers an inimitable confluence of epitomizing elements of Indian art, warm, personalized service and unmatched luxury. Four award-winning restaurants featuring an array of cuisines from across the world, a stylish bar, nine-hole putting greens, a temperature-controlled swimming pool and an expansive Jiva Spa make Taj Palace, New Delhi, a true urban oasis.

Adorned with elements of art and exquisite Indian motifs, our cherished Deluxe Rooms offer calming views of the lush cityscape. Unwind amidst sheer comfort and sophistication. Feature Queen or Twin beds and free wifi.

Dates of Stay: 27 – 28 October, 2024

and Post day room or overnight stay for Varanasi add-on from Oct 29 – 30

Additional post-program nights may be available. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

Radisson – Varanasi (Optional Extension)

(Business Class Room) Situated in what is considered the spiritual capital of India, the Radisson is ideally located for visiting nearby shrines and temples. Our hotel is less than three miles from the River Ganges and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the “Golden Temple.” At the hotel, you can enjoy a restful sleep in comfortable rooms.

Our warmly decorated rooms feature convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen LED TV with 249 satellite channels. After a restful night in a plush bed with cotton linens.

Dates of Stay: 28 – 29 October, 2024

Varanasi Post Program Extension – Optional Post-Program

Date 28-30 October, 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 Hotel, Varanasi. 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 hotel before your independently booked flight.

*Hotel properties are subject to change

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
1 night accommodation at the Taj Hotel in Agra
1 night accommodation at an airport hotel in Delhi

DAY 1 - NEW DELHI - OCTOBER 15, 2024

DAY 2 - NEW DELHI - OCTOBER 16, 2024

DAY 3 - NEW DELHI/KOLKATA (EMBARKATION) - OCTOBER 17, 2024

DAY 4 - KOLKATA /BANDELL/KALNA - OCTOBER 18, 2024

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. As we stroll the grounds, we’ll see several tombs of British Generals who lost their lives during the Siege of Kolkata in 1756 by Nawab Shriaj Ud Daula. 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. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 - KALNA/MATIARI - OCTOBER 19, 2024

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). (B/L/D)

DAY 6 - MATIARI/KHUSHBAGH - OCTOBER 20, 2024

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. (B/L/D)

DAY 7 - KHUSHBAGH/BARANAGAR/MURSHIDABAD - OCTOBER 21, 2024

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. (B/L/D)

DAY 8 - MURSHIDABAD/MAYAPUR/CHANDERNAGORE - OCTOBER 22, 2024

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. (B/L/D)

DAY 9 - CHANDERAGORE/KOLKATA - OCTOBER 23, 2024

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. (B/L/Farewell Dinner)

DAY 10 - KOLKATA/JAIPUR - OCTOBER 24, 2024

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. (B/L/D)

DAY 11 - JAIPUR - OCTOBER 25, 2024

DAY 12 - JAIPUR/AGRA - OCTOBER 26, 2024

DAY 13 - AGRA/NEW DELHI - OCTOBER 27, 2024

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 Superior room at the deluxe Radisson Blu Plaza, 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. (B/L)

DAY 14 - NEW DELHI - OCTOBER 28, 2024

Bookings for the 2024 India and the Ganges River tour ranges from $8,699 to $7,799. Please contact us directly at alan@conciergetravel.cc or +17132530041 for real-time availability of staterooms and for reservations.