13 Day Cruise of the Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (Delhi - Varanasi) 2019 & 2020

DAY 1 Delhi
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: The Metropolitan Hotel (5 star)

DAY 2 Delhi
Today’s full sightseeing tour takes you to Old and New Delhi. Explore the winding streets and laneways by cycle rickshaw in Chandni Chowk one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a visit to Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat. Later drive along the broad Rajpath known as Kings Way past India Gate and Parliament House before visiting the Tomb of Humayun and Qutub Minar.
Meals: breakfast
Hotel: The Metropolitan Hotel (5 star)

DAY 3 Delhi - Agra
This morning leave Delhi for Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. With your guide you will explore the famous monument of love, a flawless architectural creation built by the emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Later continue to Agra Fort better known as the Red Fort of Agra, a powerful fortress of red sandstone.
Meals: breakfast
Hotel: Jaypee Palace Hotel (5 star)

DAY 4 Agra – Fatephur Sikri - Jaipur
Early this morning you will have the opportunity to witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise (optional, to be paid locally). Afterwards travel to Fatehpur Sikri to explore the fascinating ghost city before reaching Jaipur, the colourful capital of Rajasthan.
Meals: breakfast
Hotel: The Hilton Hotel (5 star)

DAY 5 Jaipur
Today’s full day sightseeing tour takes you to Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani Fort-Palace, which stands tall overlooking the Pink City. Visit the inner citadel, where you will find an extensive palace complex including the magnificent Chamber of a Thousand Mirrors. This afternoon, visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Manta. Lastly, a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as The Palace of Winds.
Meals: breakfast
Hotel: The Hilton Hotel (5 star)

DAY 6 Jaipur – Patna
Fly to Patna, via Delhi, and transfer to MV Rajmahal and begin your cruise upstream on the River Ganges.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 7 Maner – Doriganj
Morning, cruise upstream to Maner where you will visit the small Moghul tomb. After continue along the River Sone to the busy river port of Doriganj. Overnight near the confluence with the River Ghaghara.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 8 Buxar
Today travel up past Ballia to Buxar, famous for the battle fought in 1764 which, together with Plassey, laid the foundations of the British Raj. Visit the memorial on the battlefield and the old East India Company cemetery. Later, enjoy a short cycle rickshaw ride up to the ghats of Buxar.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 9 Ghazipur
Sail upstream today past Chausa to Ghazipur, still a centre for (official) opium production. Visit the imposing tomb of Lord Cornwallis, the General responsible for the British defeat at Yorktown. Later, spend a little time walking through the busy Ghazipur bazaar, a quintessential Indian experience.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 10 Varanasi
This morning, sail to Varanasi (also known as Benaras). The so-called City of Light is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, dating back to 3000 years ago. Mark Twain once said: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together". An accurate description, Varanasi is arresting to your every sense yet beautifully spiritual for those willing to let go and just be. It's the most important religious site for Hindus and visited by people from all walks of life who come here in the hope of attaining moksha or salvation.

After lunch, visit the Buddhist site at Sarnath and the Deer Park where the Buddha preached his first sermon, as well as the nearby archaelogical museum.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 11 Varanasi / Chunar - Ramnagar
A morning excursion takes you to Chunar to visit the great Mughal Fort, the old British cemetery and the Mughal tombs nearby. Carpet-weaving and Chunar pottery are other attractions here. On the way back, visit Ramnagar to see the Maharaja’s Palace and museum.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 12 Varanasi
Today begins early morning where you board a small boat on the River Ganges to witness the sunrise. Experience the mystical and spiritual events as you watch the people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges. Later walk through the busy alleys of Varanasi to experience the beating heart of the city followed by this evenings beautiful ceremony Ganga Aarti.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: MV Rajmahal

DAY 13 Varanasi
Your cruise-tour concludes with a departure transfer for your onward journey.
Meals: breakfast