Name: Cruise on the Ganges between Kolkata and Varanasi & the splendors of Rajasthan (port-to-port cruise)
Brand: CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope

Known for its river cruises, CroisiEurope also offers ocean voyages on two small ships. Guests boarding the 130-passenger La Belle des Oceans (formerly Silversea's Silver Discoverer) can follow in Napoleon's footsteps, visit the hilltop villages of Balagne, and enjoy dinner at a traditional inn. Meanwhile, the 197-guest La Belle de l'Adriatique offers itineraries that take in local traditions.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

Day 2

Bandel

Days 2-3

Kalna

This ancient city has flourished for over a thousand years, on the banks of a branch of the Ganges known as the Bhagirathi River.During its long and storied history, it has become one of the most sacred sites in West Bengal, earning the moniker ‘the city of temples’. Travellers from far and wide come to see Naba Kailash Mandir, a Shiva temple constructed in 1809, which is structured as two concentric circles. Others come for the Rajbari Complex, known for its terracotta ornamentation depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Days 3-4

Matiari

This riverside village in West Bengal sits on the Hooghly, a branch of the Ganges, surrounded by lush countryside. Visitors are given a warm welcome and invited to learn about the community’s long-standing brass-working tradition.

Day 4

Khosbag

Day 5

Murshidabad

You’ll find this historic town in West Bengal, set on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, a distributary of the Ganges. In the 18th century, it rose to prominence as one of the subcontinent’s most prosperous and cosmopolitan centres, known for its wealth, art and culture. That legacy lingers today in the monuments that remain. The 19th-century Hazarduari Palace dominates the riverfront, its neoclassical façade famed for a thousand doors (though only 900 are real). Namak Haram Deorhi, meanwhile, also known as the ‘Traitor’s Gate’, is steeped in intrigue and associated with secret plots.

Day 5

Baranagar

Day 5

Khosbag

Day 6

Mayapur

This town in West Bengal sits at the confluence of the Jalangi River and the Bhagirathi, a branch of the Ganges. It’s considered a spiritual hub, drawing pilgrims to its temples and sacred sites, many of which are dedicated to Krishna.

Day 7

Chandannagar

This West Bengal town sits on the western bank of the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. Once a French settlement, it became an important centre for trading indigo, silk and rice. Today, traces of European influence remain. Along the riverside strand, colonial architecture still stands, such as the Sacred Heart Church.Bengali culture, however, is what defines the town in the 21st century. The Nandadulal Temple, for example, is a focal point. Chandannagar is also known for its traditional cuisine, which offers another window into its character.

Days 7-8

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

Days 8-10

Varanasi

Commonly regarded as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is also among the most sacred. For thousands of years, it has featured in myths and religious texts, and today still draws pilgrims in their thousands.That’s partially because Varanasi is one of the holiest places for cremation in Hinduism. The sight of funeral pyres along the ghats is an integral part of its cityscape.And yet, despite the associations with death, the city thrums with life at every turn. Music drifts through its narrow lanes, lassi stalls serve up frothy concoctions and yoga is practised in the open air by the river.

Days 1-2

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

Day 2

Bandel

Days 2-3

Kalna

Days 3-4

Matiari

Day 4

Khosbag

Day 5

Murshidabad

Day 5

Baranagar

Day 5

Khosbag

Day 6

Mayapur

Day 7

Chandannagar

Days 7-8

Kolkata (ex Calcutta)

Days 8-10

Varanasi

Passengers

Crew

2014

Launched

56m

Length

12.5m

Width

Decks

USD

Currency

RV Ganges Voyager

The RV Ganges Voyager offers more than just a trip. This superb ship offers a unique cruise in old-fashioned luxury and a British colonial atmosphere. The perfect match for discovering the Indian continent, its history, its ancient culture and its welcoming people.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Fantastic

Went on the Danube Cruise had a great time so interesting. All the staff were so friendly and helpful especially with my husband and his mobility scooter. The food was delicious. Couldn’t ask for better

CroisiEurope MS Modigliani