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Kolkata, Varanasi & Lower Ganges Cruise

This fourteen-day itinerary along the Lower Ganges provides guests with an immersive and authentic experience of some of India’s most coveted sights. 

Join APT on a cultivated selection of tours and guided excursions – ranging from rickshaw rides to to city strolls. Guests enjoy the benefit of a unique set of exclusive Signature Experiences, as well as the opportunity to choose from a list of adventures each day.

Board the Ganges Voyager – luxury river vessel and your home for the next thirteen nights. Whether you’ll be wanting to spend your time relaxing on board, sampling new foods or making new friends, our crew is dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your experience.

4.7
Star Image
from 245 reviews
  • Cruise Line: APT Touring
  • Ship: Ganges Voyager
  • Duration: 13 Nights
  • Departure: March 2026
FROM PER PERSON*
£6,890
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Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise Prices

Unfortunately, we can't provide live prices for this cruise. Please get in touch with our customer service team to get a quote.

Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise Itinerary

From Kolkata to Varanasi, guests enjoy a unique, immersive cruise-and-stay getaway along the Lower Ganges. Venture through churches, museums, palaces and peaceful gardens along the way.

Day 1

Depart London

Your adventure begins today; make your way to the airport and board your flight to India.

Day 2

Arrive to Kolkata

Welcome to Kolkata. This former capital, known as the ‘City of Joy’ is the first destination on your list. Transfer to your accommodation and meet your tour director.

Day 3

Kolkata

Enjoy a full day to explore the city’s highlights. Opt to venture independently, or join APT on a Signature Experience heritage tram ride and indulge in another Signature high tea at the Glenburn Penthouse.

Day 4

Kolkata (EMBARK SHIP)

Early this morning, you’ll have the option to choose between two sightseeing experiences:
Mallick Ghat Flower Market
CIMA Gallery and Sasha NGO Tour
Afterwards, transfer aboard the Ganges Voyager – your luxury floating hotel. Following lunch we’ll head to the Victoria Memorial, and the day will conclude with a performance by Baul musicians.

Day 5

Kolkata > Bandel > Kalna

Wake up and set out on an early morning walking tour of some of the city’s best-preserved colonial buildings. You may also wish to take a tour of St John’s Church. After lunch, we’ll continue along the Lower Ganges. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the Hooghly Imambara.

Day 6

Kalna > Matiari

After breakfast on board, disembark to explore Kalna, the City of Temples. Board a rickshaw for a ride to some of Bengal’s most distinct terracotta temples, the Rajbari royal palace complex and the Shiva temples. In the afternoon, opt to spend some time strolling through the city’s local markets on the way back to your ship.

Day 7

Matiari > Khushbagh

Commence your day with a morning walk through Matiari. Later, pay a visit to the many small home factories to catch master craftspeople at work. After, we’ll continue cruising upstream to Plassey Village – where you’ll learn about its namesake battle. The day closes in Khushbagh, where you can stroll through its peaceful garden, cemetery and the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal.

Day 8

Khushbagh > Baranagar > Murshidabad

This morning, we’ll cruise to Barangar. Disembark for a relaxed walk of the local sights – including the Car Bangla Temples. Re-board your ship during lunch for an afternoon at leisure on the way to Murshidabad. Upon arrival, tour the Hazarduari Palace and delight in a Signature Experience tea at the Kathgola Palace. This evening, ride a toto to the Katra Mosque.

Day 9

Murshidabad > Mayapur

After a peaceful morning at leisure, we’ll arrive in Mayapur for an informative visit. You’ll learn about the Hari Krishna community and view the final stages of construction for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Day 10

Chandannagar

The day begins with a peaceful cruising to Chandannagar. Stroll along the city’s promenade, admire the french architecture, visit the Sacred Heart Church and Dupleix Museum. This evening will be spent at leisure as we continue cruising.

Day 11

Varanasi (DISEMBARK SHIP)

After a hearty breakfast, disembark the Ganges Voyager and travel to the airport – from which you’ll fly to Varanasi. After checking into your hotel, enjoy an evening Signature Experience:
Private seat to an Aarti Ritual

Day 12

Varanasi

Begin your day with a Signature Experience: witnessing the sunrise along the Ganges. After returning to your hotel for breakfast, choose between several Freechoice excursions:
Visit Sarnath
Silk weaver Visit
Walking Tour plus visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Day 13

Depart Varanasi

Your Lower Ganges adventure comes to a close today. Head to the airport to begin your return journey.

Day 14

Return London

You’ll arrive back in London today.

KOLKATA, VARANASI AND LOWER GANGES CRUISE SHIPS

Trustpilot Reviews

KOLKATA, VARANASI AND LOWER GANGES RIVER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Explore attractions along the breathtaking Lower Ganges

Varanasi

Kolkata

Mayapur

Kalna

Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise Deals

Venture along the rarely-travelled Lower Ganges

APT Touring
Departure: March 2026
VISITING: Depart London Arrive to Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata > Bandel > Kalna Kalna > Matiari Matiari > Khushbagh Khushbagh > Baranagar > Murshidabad Murshidabad > Mayapur Chandannagar Varanasi (DISEMBARK SHIP) Varanasi Depart Varanasi Return London
BENEFITS: Free FlightsTaxes & Fees IncludedFree Wi-Fi
FROM PER PERSON* £ 6,890
APT Touring
Departure: January
VISITING: Depart London Arrive to Delhi New Delhi Agra / New Delhi Agra Agra > Fatehpur Sikri > Ajabgarh Ajabgarh Ajabgarh > Jaipur Jaipur > Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata > Bandel > Kalna Kalna > Matiari Matiari > Khushbagh Khushbagh > Baranagar > Murshidabad Murshidabad > Mayapur Chandannagar Depart Kolkata Arrive to London
BENEFITS: Free FlightsTaxes & Fees IncludedFree Wi-Fi
FROM PER PERSON* Price on Request
APT Touring
Departure: Mar to Nov
VISITING: Depart UK Arrive to Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata > Bandel > Kalna Kalna > Matiari Matiari > Khushbagh Khushbagh > Baranagar > Murshidabad Murshidabad > Mayapur Chandannagar Disembark Ship Arrive in UK
BENEFITS: Free FlightsTaxes & Fees IncludedFree Wi-Fi
FROM PER PERSON* £ 5,795
APT Touring
Departure: January
VISITING: Depart London Arrive to Delhi New Delhi Agra / New Delhi Agra Agra > Fatehpur Sikri > Ajabgarh Ajabgarh Ajabgarh > Jaipur Jaipur > Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata > Bandel > Kalna Kalna > Matiari Matiari > Khushbagh Khushbagh > Baranagar > Murshidabad Murshidabad > Mayapur Chandannagar Varanasi (DISEMBARK SHIP) Varanasi Depart Varanasi Arrive to London
BENEFITS: Free FlightsTaxes & Fees IncludedFree Wi-Fi
FROM PER PERSON* Price on Request

Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise Review

“A lovely experience that was completely different to a lot of the river cruises I’ve done before. It was nice to have the hotel stay in Varanasi before heading home; it felt like some time to unwind.”

Walt Dean, Salisbury

Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise FAQ

What is a Signature Experience?

Signature Experiences are once-in-a-lifetime moments brought exclusively to APT’s guests. They’re included in your itinerary and will be made available to you during your travels.

What amenities are available?

During cruising portions of the trip, guests enjoy access to a sun deck pool, cafe, wellness area, choice of bars and much more.

Do I need to engage with all the arranged shore excursions?

No, participation with your ship’s itinerary is at your leisure. Guests may wish to arrange their own shore adventures or simply spend a day relaxing on board.

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