Explore South Asia 27 days

Departure from your home city, on an overnight international flight to Delhi. 

1. Flight

Arriving at the Delhi airport, we will be welcomed by a local guide and transferred to the hotel.

1. The Oberoi, New Delhi (5 stars) or similar
2. bus

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit Old Delhi for a Cycle Rickshaw ride to witness daily activities in the bustling alleyways of Chandni Chowk market, the heart and soul of Old Delhi - a patchwork of eight different cities built by a succession of rulers and a centre of Muslim India between the 13th and 19th centuries. Following this a visit to visit the Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India. Thereafter we drive past India Gate, a prominent landmark of Delhi,Continue the city tour with the visit to the Qutab Minar Complex (WHS) - The Tower and other structures in this complex date from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and reflect the beginnings of Islamic architecture in India.

1. The Oberoi, New Delhi (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Agra (approx. 4-hrs drive via the Expressway).On arriving Agra ,visit the Agra Fort (WHS), built by Emperor Akbar, is perhaps the best-preserved fort in India. Visit the Taj Mahal (WHS) till sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Begum. Construction took 22 years and the Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 at a speculated cost of 3 million rupees, equivalent to around 70 million US Dollars today. Dinner at hotel

1. The Oberoi Amarvilas (5 stars) or similar.
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

Sunrise visit of Taj Mahal to view the marble sparkle in dawn light. Return to hotel for breakfast and spend your time in the hotel on your own. After lunch, drive to Jaipur (approx 5 hrs drive) and check-in to hotel. Dinner at hotel.

1. The Raj Palace by Small Luxury Hotels of The World (5 stars)or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast at hotel, visit  the  Amber Fort, located in outskirts of the city (approx. 11-kms). High above the town and surrounded with defensive fortification walls, the impressive fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17th century. It houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Then visit to the Pink City, the old part of Jaipur which is colored in pink. Visit the City Palace, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. 

1. The Raj Palace by Small Luxury Hotels of The World (5 stars)or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After early breakfast, we depart for airport for flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival in Kolkata you are met and transferred to the ship Ganges Voyager. Enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon excursion includes a visit to Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb. Then we return to the ship for overnight. Enjoy cultural performance onboard.

1. Ganges Voyager Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. Flight/Cruise

Guests embark on an early-morning city tour, featuring a panoramic view of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. We then return to the ship for lunch and begin our journey upstream. Later in the day, we take an excursion boat to the shore of Bandel. We visit the Hooghly Imambara, one of the famous Shiya pilgrimage centers in West Bengal, built in 1841 by Haji Mohammad Mahasin. 

1. Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

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. 

1. Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

Enjoy an early morning walk to the shore-side village of Matiari, which is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters and more from their workshops in the village.Early evening visit the charming village of Khushbagh, passing through scenic fields to arrive at the to the peaceful Moghul-style garden built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan, housing his family's private mosque. It also encloses the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daula who was defeated by the British East India Company at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

1. Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

Post breakfast cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar where you’ll take a walk to experience rural India at its most idyllic. A lovely example of life in rural India, this village is home to several temples dating from the 18th century (1714-1793).  We then return to the ship for breakfast and sail downstream, passing by charming countryside villages where locals greet us from the banks.

1. Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

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. Mayapur is also the headquarters of the
International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) movement with a new temple comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet Krishna followers and walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar.

1. Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

Morning sail to 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.Afternoon 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.

1. Cruise
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

After an early breakfast on board ship, transfer to Kolkata airport for flight to Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, a centre for learning and famous for its silk-weaving and brocades. Late afternoon visit the
Ghats (riverbank) by walk and witness the evening “Aarti” ritual on the Ganges from a boat. 

1. The Taj Ganges Varanasi hotel (5 stars) or similar.
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. Flight

Sunrise Boat Tour on the Ganges to witness the rituals performed during sunrise and the incredible scenes along the Holy River.
Post breakfast ,visit Banaras Hindu University is a public central university established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on a land donated by the Kashi Naresh (King of Banaras).After lunch, Visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Back to hotel and rest.

1. The Taj Ganges Varanasi hotel (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Delhi and transfer to Kathmandu, the capital of the Nepal, and one of the world’s
oldest cities. On arrival you are transferred to hotel for check-in.

1. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Dinner
3. Flight

This morning includes a sightseeing tour of Patan City, the oldest settlement in the valley. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to visit Bhaktpur, literally meaning “City of Devotees”; however, calling it the “living Museum” is more apt. Founded in 889 AD, with the Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers on either side, Bhaktapur boasts of an immense palace complex in the center surrounded by numerous other temples which reflect the supreme craftsmanship of the city’s artisans. Visit Pasupatinath Hindu temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and pilgrimagedestination. Evening at leisure.

1. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

This morning we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where one sees the old residence of Nepalese royalty, Hanuman Dhoka (The Monkey God’s Gate) Palace which also houses a museum.Lunch at a local restaurant.
Thereafter we visit Swayambhunath, situated at a hill overlooking Kathmandu city, said to be over two thousand years old, is one the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world.
Optional 1-hr Mountain Flight (subject to weather conditions  $270/p.p):
Mountain flight is all about the  view of various mountains in Nepal from Langtang Range to Kanchanjunga range but the main focus is to view MOUNT EVEREST. It will begin from early morning. Our representative will pick up the clients from hotel at 5:30am. Mountain Flight will begin from 6:30 am. The duration of flight will be one hour from departure till arrival from mountain range.

1. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

Late morning transfer to airport for flight to Paro.On arrival at Paro airport drive to Thimphu (approx 1.5-hrs), the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the nation's largest city. Check into hotel. If time permits then go for a walk around Wangditse Monastery Perched high above Trashi Chho Dzong, this hillside goemba was founded in 1750. It's a fine showcase for Bhutan's living arts and
the interior, with a fine two-storey statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, was salvaged from the original monastery

1. Le Meridien Thimphu or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Dinner
3. Flight

Today sightseeing of the majors places of the city. In the morning visit an Arts & Crafts School, the Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional house that showcases rural life.Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound; and the Changangkha
Lhakhang: constructed in the 15 th century, is one of the oldest temples in the ThimphuValley. Lunch in the local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Memorial Chorten (from outside),which dominates the skyline of Thimphu. It was built in 1974 to honour the 3rd King of Bhutan. The Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. 

1. Le Meridien Thimphu or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Punakha (approx. 3 hrs) crossing over the Dochu-La Pass (3100m). Weather permitting enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains from the pass. Visit the 108 memorial stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens that were
built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. We descend into Punakha Valley and visit the Chimi-Lakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to famous Buddhist Lama Drukpa Kunley.In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress) majestically standing on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the city's dzong is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan's ancient fortresses. 

1. Dhensa Boutique Resort Punakha or similar ( 4 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter drive to Paro (approx 4-hrs). Lunch at a local restaurant and check into hotel. Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. The Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan. Afternoon visit the National Museum (Ta dzong), which has a fascinating collection of arts relics, religious Thangkha paintings and a national history collection; and the Paro Dzong Rinpung Dzong, the“fortress of the heap of Jewels” was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township. Walk over the old Cantilever bridge and free time in Paro town.

1. Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

Breakfast at the hotel. Heading a bit out of town, we hike up through pine forests festooned with Spanish moss to reach to the striking monastic retreat of Paro Taktsang,the “Tiger’s Nest” (3120m), built into a sheer cliff face above the forested Paro Valley.
This is the most famous temple in Bhutan and one of the venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. 
We enjoy our lunch on route at a teahouse midway with fantastic views of the monastery.

1. Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

In the morning, fly to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. And dinner at hotel.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Dinner
3. Flight

After breakfast, start our visit of Bangkok, a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire. Wat Pho, also spelled Wat Po, is a Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, we will visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a floating market located in Damnoen Saduak District, It is very famous by its nickname: Venice of the East. In the afternoon, visit the Asia Eco Resort, residing a midst the peaceful nature. Then, it will be time to take the night flight back to your home city.

1. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
2. Flight

Arrival in your home city, the end of the trip.