The Hooghly

Begin your journey with a transfer from your Kolkata hotel or the airport, boarding by 12:00 PM to enjoy lunch onboard. Afterward, explore the city with a guided tour. Walk around Dalhousie Square, see the historic Writers’ Building, once the East India Company’s headquarters, and visit St. John’s Church, home to a beautiful painting of The Last Supper. Next, experience the peaceful surroundings of the Victoria Memorial. Stroll through its lush gardens and admire the iconic white marble dome, built in honor of Queen Victoria. Inside, discover Victorian artifacts and British Raj-era paintings. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by free time to relax or look around on your own. Return to the ship in the evening for welcome cocktails and a briefing.

Start your day with an early morning visit to the bustling flower market, one of the largest in Asia. Wander through piles of marigolds and jasmine as locals buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Then, head to the river to see a traditional Akhara, where men of all ages practice kushti, an ancient form of wrestling. Return to the ship for breakfast. In the afternoon, explore the Indian Museum, followed by free time to browse the nearby New Market. End the day back on the ship with dinner.

Morning visit to the market and sail at noon to cross the Hooghli to the old Danish colony of Serampore, founded in 1676, and visit the tavern, church, and museum. After, cruise past the iconic landmarks of Kolkata: the Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame, and Flagstaff House.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise upstream, arriving at the charming country town of Kalna. Take a rickshaw ride to explore a group of Bengal's most impressive terracotta temples, culminating in a visit to the unique 18th-century Shiva Temple. This remarkable temple is adorned with concentric rings of 108 smaller shrines, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Sail on through the night, mooring near Maitari.

Step ashore in Matiari, a charming riverside village renowned for its brass-working traditions. Engage with the local artisans and witness the fascinating process of crafting intricate brass water pots and other vessels. Time permitting, venture to the historic battlefield of Plassey. Here, in the pivotal year of 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of the British East India Company, decisively defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, marking a turning point in Indian history. Moor close to Murshidabad for the night.

Embark on a walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughal-style Garden that encloses the tombs of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and his family. Continue upstream to witness the grandeur of Hazarduari Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by an English architect in 1837. Explore its opulent interiors, showcasing a fascinating collection of paintings, china, weapons, and other artifacts. Next, visit the magnificent Katra Mosque and the impressive Nashipara Palace, a testament to the wealth and influence of the local merchants during the "White Mughal" era – a period of cultural exchange between English and Indian influences. Finally, you visit Katgola Palace, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture built by wealthy local merchants, further highlighting the unique blend of cultures that flourished during this era. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

Sail upstream along the Hoogly River, a picturesque waterway winding through a landscape of lush mustard fields and vibrant mango orchards. Disembark in Baranagar, a charming village, and enjoy a leisurely walk through its serene countryside. Visit three exquisite miniature terracotta temples, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Continue sailing downstream, stopping at Azimganj to explore the intricately carved Jain temples. This itinerary offers a glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Bengal and its fascinating cultural and architectural heritage.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the Hare Krishna movement at Mayapur, its global headquarters. Explore the magnificent ISKCON temple complex, a modern marvel comparable in size to the Vatican and generously funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Interact with devotees and wander through the vibrant pilgrims' bazaar.

Continue sailing downstream before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Quran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Sail past the old Dutch settlement of Chinsura to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix's House, erstwhile Governor-General of French India. Enjoy a TukTuk ride to the Hangseshwari Temple before sailing into the night to a mooring near Kolkata.

Early morning moor in Kolkata Port and transfer to hotels or airport. Passengers with night flights may stay in their cabins and are at leisure during the day with a lunch served on board and a light supper prior to departure.