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Upstream Itinerary

BENGAL YATRA
BETWEEN FARRAKA AND CALCUTTA (KOLKATA)
7 Days on Tour: 5 Nights on Bengal Ganga & 1 Night in Hotel

DAY 1  ARRIVE AT KOLKATA (_, _, D)
Arrival of guests by International or Domestic flights in the early morning Transfer to the ship.
(Guests arriving in Kolkata the day before by night time flights from 22.00 to 02.0 hrs will be transferred to the ship for a refreshment and rest).

After lunch Kolkata Orientation Tour: The city orientation tour will take us to the Colonial parts of Kolkata; we will drive a section of the Heritage Buildings of Kolkata covering Writer’s Building, The General Post Office, The High court, The Raj Bhawan, The Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, The Reserve Bank of India also visit the Dalhousie Square and then drive past St. John’s Church and Victoria Memorial [Photo Stop]. After city tour return to the ship and cast off
Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga

DAY 2  FROM KOLKATA TO KALNA (B, L, D)
Our upstream journey to Kalna will take us through the areas where the different European settlers had established their respective East Indian Companies leaving back reminiscence of their settlements during the period of 17th to 19th century. We will continue our cruise through the vast country side of golden Bengal.
Overnight sailing on board RV Bengal Ganga

DAY 3 KALNA – MATIARI (B, L, D)
Early morning we take rickshaws to visit the temple town of Kalna – visit the enchanting Rajbari complex that has the maximum concentration of temples. The complex contains a unique mixture of Bengal’s temple architecture. On one side of the road lies the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 'aat – chala' or “eight sloped roofed” Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. The outer circle consists of 74 temples of alternate black and white lingams; while the 34 temples of the inner circle have only white lingams. Due to its ingenious planning all Shiva lingams can be seen from the centre of the temple.
On the other side of the road lies a walled complex, containing the most diversified form of Bengal’s temple architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849 contains terra cotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga and various aspects of day to day life. The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, Krishnachandra temple built in 1751 is similar to the Lalji temple. The complex also houses a flat roofed temple of Giri Govardhan.
We cruise past the religious town of Mayapur, quintessentially a temple town known for being the headquarters of the Krishna Consciousness Movement “ISKON” and the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1486 AD and considered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The town is situated on the banks of the confluence of the Ganga and the Jalangi rivers. Overnight at Matiari.
Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga

DAY 4  MATIARI - MURSHIDABAD (B, L, D)
Early in the morning we will visit the unique Brass making village – Matiari. The unique character of the village is as we start walking towards the village, we can hear the loud noise of beating of metal coming from all the houses which specialize in making the different brass artefacts. We will have a nice walk in the village to see and experience the different process of the brass making. Cast off and sail past Plassey – which is well known for the battle that took place in 1757, that turned the history of India. The battlefield of Plassey is where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawab, the then rulers of Bengal and their French Allies; establishing the company rule in India which expanded over much of South Asia for the next 190 years. Overnight at Murshidabad.
Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga

DAY 5  MURSHIDABAD – JANGIPUR (B, L, D)
Cast off early morning to arrive at Murshidabad Jetty opposite the New Palace now under renovation. We visit the Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824 – 1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan following the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors. Opposite to the Palace it the vast Imambara open only during the religious ceremony time.
We will also visit the Katra mosque. The mosque was built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad - Murshid Quli Khan in the 1724 – 25. After Murshidabad we will visit the Temples of Baranagar. The Temple complex was built in 1714 – 1793 by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore. The brick built temples are considered to be amongst the best examples of Bengal Terracotta art. Overnight at Jangipur.
Overnight on board RV Bengal Ganga

DAY 6  JANGIPUR - KOLKATA BY TRAIN (B, L, D)
Early morning check-out Disembark at Jangipur and transfer to Jangipur Road Train Station. Depart in the morning (07:30 hrs) by Intercity Express. Arrive in the afternoon (12:50 hrs) in Calcutta (Kolkata) Howrah Junction Train Station and transfer to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight at Oberoi Grand / Taj Bengal

DAY 7  KOLKATTA (B, _, _)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight or depart to your onward destination.

Downstream Itinerary

BENGAL YATRA
BETWEEN FARRAKA AND CALCUTTA (KOLKATA)
7 Days on Tour: 5 Nights on Bengal Ganga & 1 Night in Hotel

Cruise Rates

NOTE:Payments can be done in US$ at the actual conversion rate of the day of remittance (as an indication the average exchange rate in June 2012 was 1 US$ = 55 INR / 1 EURO = 69 INR)

6 Nights / 7 Days

From AUG 2013 to APR 2014

IMPORTANT NOTE: For All departures should the occupancy be less than 10 passengers the Company reserves the right to cancel the cruise up to 60 days prior the departure date. A written confirmation notice will be released to all booked clients and/or their agents within and not later than 60 days prior the departure date. In case of cancellation an alternative cruise will be offered and if not acceptable all down payments will be refunded.

• Hotel accommodation and all meals as indicated by the programs
• Indian Brand Mineral Water at the time of meals
  
• Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary
• English / German Speaking Guide (French upon request)
  
• All Entrance Fees
• Transfers by car/minivan/coach as per programs
• all entrance fees
• camera fees (still)
• local assistance
• Government Service Tax, fuel surcharges if applicable (*)
  

• International or domestic flights (At present *June 2012 * air fare on Economy for Delhi/Varanasi is from INR 6,300 to INR 14,400 Nett Per Pax according to the fare still available at the time of booking) or transportation beyond Calcutta or Varanasi
• Wine and Spirits or Beverages
• personal laundry
• All visa costs
• Gratuities to staff
• All items of a personal nature
• Health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries.
  

(*) Within the ticket price fuel costs have been calculated on average prices June 2011 (for 2012-2013 rates) and June 2012 (for 2013-2014 rates).. Should fuel prices rise by more than 10 % the company will be entitled to impose a fuel supplement equivalent to the amount by which the fuel price exceeds the price allowed for in the contract, provided that the notice of this rise is given to the Passenger and/or his-her Agent within 30 days prior the cruise departure date.

Sailing Dates

CALCUTTA TO FARAKKA OR VV. (6 NIGHTS)

Pre/Post Cruise Tours

UPSTREAM POST CRUISE TOUR

TAJ MAHAL - AGRA
A tour of India is not complete without visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra and surroundings. Tour includes four days coach excursion and accommodation in hotels like the Radisson hotel and the Bagh Hotel.
DURATION: 4 Days/3 nights

DAY 1    VARANASI / DELHI ( _, _, D)
Arrive Delhi by flight and transfer to Radisson hotel or Similar.
Overnight in the Hotel.

DAY 2    DELHI / BHARATPUR ( B, L, D)
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Drive to Bharatpur (Aprrox 4 ½ Hrs) and transfer to The Bagh at Bharatpur
Enroute - visit Deeg Palace.
This small town contains the summer palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Built two centuries ago, it seems like a modest palace for a modest Maharaja but in 1762 the Maharaja of Bharatpur had the temerity to attack the Red Fort. Some of the booty he carried off included an entire marble building which can still be seen. Deeg has other palaces and gardens laid out with fountains in the garden.
Overnight at the Bagh Hotel.

DAY 3    VISIT TAJ MAHAL (B, L, D)
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is an epic built in red sandstone, a city of yesteryears, today lost in the mists of time…… Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. A son less Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of a Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. When his son was finally born, he in grati¬tude constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city.
The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Further proceed to Agra and visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
The Taj Mahal: One of the wonders of the world, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is pure white marble and an architectural marvel. Con¬struction of Taj begun in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Total 20000 people worked on the building. The Taj Mahal is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles.  While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around 1648.
Later visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Construction of the massive Agra Fort began in 1565, and additions were made until the time of his grandson, Shah Jehan. While in Akbar's time, the fort was princi¬pally a military structure, by Shah Jehan's tenure the fort had become partially a palace
Overnight at the Bagh Hotel.

DAY 4    VARANASI / DELHI ( B, L, D)
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Depart for Delhi.
Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi
Lutyen’s Delhi stands in its formal splendor, a city of wide boulevards offering ever changing perspectives with landscaped formal parks, a feel of the contemporary and the colonial past. You will drive around the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan currently the official residence of the Presi¬dent of India spread over 330 acres of land, once an awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys of India. We will drive to the India Gate, a memorial for soldiers who laid down their lives in World War 1 and the Afghan wars for the British Empire.
Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Immortal Soldier).
After Dinner transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Onward Destination

DOWNSTREAM PRE CRUISE TOUR

TAJ MAHAL - AGRA
A tour of India is not complete without visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra and surroundings. Tour includes four days coach excursion and accommodation in hotels like the Radisson hotel and the Bagh Hotel.
DURATION: 4 Days/3 nights

DAY 1    ARRIVE DELHI ( _, _, _)
Arrive Delhi by flight and transfer to Radisson hotel or Similar.
Overnight in the Hotel.

DAY 2    DELHI / BHARATPUR (B, L, D)
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Tour of New Delhi
Lutyen’s Delhi stands in its formal splendor, a city of wide boulevards offering ever changing perspectives with landscaped parks, a feel of the contemporary and the colonial past. You will drive around the magni¬ficent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan currently the official residence of the President of India spread over 330 acres of land, once an awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys of India. We will drive to the India Gate, a memorial for soldiers who laid down their lives in World War 1 and the Afghan wars for the British Empire.
Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Immortal Soldier).
Later drive to Bharatpur (Aprrox 4 ½ Hrs) and transfer to The Bagh Hotel, Bharatpur
Enroute - visit Deeg Palace.
Barely 35 kilometers from Bharatpur, Deegh, is the summer palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Built two centuries ago, it seems like a modest palace for a modest Maharaja but in 1762 the Maharaja of Bharatpur had the temerity to attack the Red Fort. Some of the booty he carried off included an entire marble building which can still be seen. Deeg has other palaces and gardens laid out with fountains in the garden.
Overnight at the Bagh Hotel.

DAY 3    VISIT TAJ MAHAL (B, L, D)
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Depart for Taj Mahal enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is an epic built in red sandstone, a city of yesteryears, today lost in the mists of time…… Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D. A son less Akbar had gone to Sikri to seek blessings of a Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. When his son was finally born, he in grati¬tude constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in north-west, Akbar had to abandon this city.
The beautiful marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai's Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
Further proceed to Agra and visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
The Taj Mahal: One of the wonders of the world, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is pure white marble and an architectural marvel. Con¬struction of Taj begun in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Total 20000 people worked on the building. The Taj Mahal is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles.  While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around 1648.
Later visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Construction of the massive Agra Fort began in 1565, and additions were made until the time of his grandson, Shah Jehan. While in Akbar's time, the fort was princi¬pally a military structure, by Shah Jehan's tenure the fort had become partially a palace
Overnight at the Bagh Hotel.

DAY 4    BHARATPUR / DELHI (B, L, D)
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Later drive to Delhi and transfer to the Airport to board the flight SG 114 at 1410 for Varanasi.

PRE/POST CRUISES LAND TOURS RATES

NOTE: IN LINE WITH OTHER TOURIST LUXURY PRODUCTS AND HOTEL CHAINS, ALL RATES FOR THE SEASON 2012-2013 ARE EXPRESSED IN OUR BASE CURRENCY THE INDIAN RUPEE (INR). PAYMENTS CAN STILL BE DONE ALSO IN US$ AT THE ACTUAL CONVERSION RATE OF THE DAY OF REMITTANCE (AS AN INDICATION THE AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE IN JUNE 2011 WAS 1US$ = 44.8 INR

TAJ MAHAL - AGRA
4DAYS/ 3NIGHTS

- SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT INR 21,300 PER PERSON
- CURRENT AIRFARE SUPPLEMENT: FROM INR 6,300 TO INR 14,400 PER PERSON ACCORDING TO THE FARE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING (ECONOMY CLASS, DELHI TO VARANASI OR VV.)

Agra Package Price includes
1 night accommodation at the Radisson Hotel or similar +2 night accommodation at the Bagh Hotel or similar – Meals & Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary –English Speaking Guide - All Entrance Fees – Transfers

Agra Package Price excludes
Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature; health-accident-baggage or travel protection; Air tickets and all Airport taxes; Video or still camera fees; 2.58% Government Service Tax

IMPORTANT NOTE:.
-    Taj Mahal and Deeg Palace are closed on Friday.
-    Note SG flight does not have Business Class
-    Please include 2.58% Government Service Tax

Maps

Bengal Yatra (Upstream)

Bengal Yatra (Downstream)