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

DAY 1 Varanasi
This afternoon you embark on your cruise and sail downstream on the River Ganges whilst enjoying dinner on board this evening before putting down anchor for the night.
Meals: dinner
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 2 Varanasi / Chunar - Ramnagar
Todays excursion explores the city of Chunar and its great Mughal Fort, the old British cemetery and the Mughal tombs. On your return to the sacred city you will visit Ramnagar to see the Maharaja’s Palace and museum.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 3 Varanasi
Today begins early morning where you board a small boat on the River Ganges to witness the sunrise. After breakfast visit the Buddhist town of Sarnath to see Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the Archaeological museum. 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
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 4 Varanasi
Today disembark and drive to the city of Jaunpur to see the Mughal Bridge, visit its ancient fort and walk to the the splendid Atala mosque. Later return to the ship for lunch where you continue to sail downstream towards Ghazipur.
You may wish to stay back and explore Varanasi's tempting shopping bazaars.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 5 Ghazipur
Continue downstream today past Chausa to Ghazipur. Visit the tomb of Lord Cornwallis, the General responsible for the British defeat at Yorktown. Later you will have the opportunity exploring the busy Ghazipur bazaar.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 6 Buxar
Today travel down 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
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 7 Doriganj - Maner
This morning, cruise downstream along the River Sone past the busy port of Dorigani to Maner where you will visit the small Moghul tomb. Overnight at Patna.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: MV Rajmahal

DAY 8 Patna - Delhi
Today disembark from your cruise where your tour continues to Delhi. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of your afternoon and evening is at your leisure.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: The Metropolitan Hotel (5 star)

DAY 9 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
Overnight: The Metropolitan Hotel (5 star)

DAY 10 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
Overnight: Jaypee Palace Hotel (5 star)

DAY 11 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
Overnight: The Hilton (5 star)

DAY 12 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 Mantar.
Lastly, a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as The Palace of Winds.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: The Hilton (5 star)

DAY 13 JAIPUR - DELHI
After breakfast drive back to Delhi where your concludes .
Meals: breakfast