GANGES VOYAGER Splendors of WEST BENGAL
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Splendors of WEST BENGAL ABOARD the GANGES VOYAGER SEPTEMBER 12–26, 2016 Save $500 Per Person if Paid in Full by March 11, 2016 (L to R): Ganges Voyager; Taj Mahal; Dining Room; Viceroy Suite; Outdoor Lounge; Amber Fort, Jaipur Featuring The Newly-Built Elegant CHIC AND CASUAL DINING A tribute to the flavorful cuisine of the region, the East India Dining Room offers daily opportunities to explore the tastes and sensations of Southern Asian dishes or delight in beloved Western favorites. With an elegant open seating dining area GANGES VOYAGER surrounded by ethereal, colonial-era murals and floor-to-ceiling windows, each STATE-OF-THE-ART DESIGN meal can be savored in elegance and comfort as you glide past the lush scenery Whether you are an experienced river cruiser, or this is your maiden voyage, of the fertile Ganges Delta. Haimark invites you to explore India and the lower Ganges River — a magical destination full of mystery, enchantment, and beauty in every direction. Explore SPACIOUS PUBLIC AREAS/FIVE-STAR SERVICE AND FACILITIES the historic cities and villages of the Ganges Delta along the holy river known as Awaken with a refreshing spa session, relax with a good book, or watch the sun set the Mother Ganga. with an evening beverage. In the covered Observation Deck of the Ganges Voyager you’ll find lovely shaded seating areas, perfectly arranged for private reflection, intimate conversations, or friendly gatherings. The open-air Sun Deck invites SPACIOUS SUITES, 95% WITH PRIVATE BALCONIES personal relaxation with cushioned chaise lounges and an attentive crew to cater Accommodations aboard the Ganges Voyager embody the grace and style of to your needs as you watch the world go by. If you enjoy fitness, s the perfect place the British colonial era, incorporating modern conveniences and luxuries that to restore harmony with a detoxifying workout. And, of course, no Ganges River rival the finest hotels of Asia. Spacious, well-appointed suites include daily expedition is complete without a journey to wellbeing in the Voyager Spa. Here, you housekeeping and turndown service, fine bed linens, premium mattresses and can explore the healing sensations of Ayurvedic or traditional European treatments. duvets, your choice of pillows, flat-screen televisions with on-demand movies, Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the worries of the world slip away. international newspapers, individual climate control, as well as spa quality robes, slippers, and bath amenities. AFGHANISTAN INCLUDED FEATURES CHINA ON BOARD THE EXCLUSIVE, GANGES VOYAGER U IRAN New Delhi Ganges River • Seven nights cruising the Ganges River in india. Ports PAKISTAN NEPAL of call to include Kolkata, Bandel, Kalna, Matiari, Jaipur Agra BHUTAN Khushbagh, Baganagar, Mushidabad, Mayapur, and U U Yamuna River Chandannagar Ganges River • Spacious, five-star, 100% river-view suite Murshidabad Varanasi Baranagar BANGLADESH accommodations Khushbagh Matiari Mayapur • Welcome and farewell receptions Kalna Bandel Kolkata • Expertly-trained culinary team providing daily buffet Chandernagore breakfast and lunch, and open-seated, multi-course dinner, featuring fine regional and international Bay cuisines of Bengal • Complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, with free-flow house wine (wine at CRUISE dinner only) LAND AIR • Comprehensive shore excursion program, with local, OPTIONAL expert, naturalist guides, with a maximum of 19 guests POST-TOUR U UNESCO SITE per guide on all excursions • Series of cultural performances, educational talks and cooking classes during cruise Top: Elephants At The Amber Fort Bottom: Holy Men • Themed dinners onboard ship • Shoe cleaning after shore excursions JOIN US ON A COMPREHENSIVE 15-DAY JOURNEY THROUGH THE SPLENDORS • Welcome drink and cold towel service following shore OF WEST BENGAL: CRUISING THE LOWER GANGES. Brimming with political excursions intrigue, religious significance, natural wonders, and economic potential, India has captured the imagination of world travelers and fueled the desires of conquering ENHANCED TRAVEL SERVICES rulers from Alexander the Great to Queen Victoria. Along the nation’s eastern border, • Transfers and luggage handling. in the state of West Bengal, the Ganges River is revered as a life-giving force and • All excursions and visits with experienced sacred to those who practice the Hindu faith. local guides. In the southern Ganges, where the larger river gives way to smaller tributaries, well- • Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included preserved landmarks tell the tales of India’s ancient history, colonization, and the excursions and transfers. long road to independence. Remote villages – untouched by the commercialization • Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship of big cities – offer opportunities to experience the local cultures first-hand, and perhaps make a few new friends. • The services of an experienced team throughout the program • Individual VOX listening devices for all shore LAND ACCOMMODATIONS excursions ACTIVITY LEVEL ACTIVE DELHI OBEROI NEW DELHI – NEW DELHI • Two nights in the luxurious Oberoi The Oberoi New Delhi is an iconic landmark. Situated in an unparalleled location, it • Welcome Dinner is afforded sweeping views of the prestigious Delhi Golf Course on one side and the • Full day tour with visits to Old Delhi, Jama Mosque, world heritage site: Humayun’s Tomb, on the other. Humayun’s Tomb and UNSECO World Heritage site of Qutab Minar. OBEROI RAJVILAS - JAIPUR The Oberoi Rajvilas, is a royal resort set in a breathtaking thirty two acre oasis of JAIPUR beautiful landscaped gardens and exotic birdlife. Built around an 18th century Shiva • Two nights in the deluxe Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel temple which affords chanting with a Hindu priest, meditation and morning yoga, • Visit the imposing City Palace and Observatory The Oberoi Rajvilas is a haven of mystical peace and natural serenity. AGRA OBEROI AMARVILAS - AGRA • One night in the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas The Oberoi Amarvilas enjoys an unrivaled position, just 2,000 feet from the iconic • Scenic ride to Agra Fort Taj Mahal. Each of our rooms affords uninterrupted views of this ancient monument • Sunset visit to UNSECO World Heritage site Taj Mahal to love, while elements of the layout and design pay homage to its Mughal splendor. At night, they can savor a candlelit dinner beside its soft silhouette. RADISSON BLU NEW DELHI – NEW DELHI As one of the closest luxury hotels to the Delhi airport, the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi provides a convenient location without compromising comfort. Enjoy the many 2-NIGHT POST-PROGRAM EXTENSION - amenities, Western and Asian dining options and spacious VARANASI, INDIA guest rooms during your overnight stay in New Delhi. Complete your exciting journey with a visit to captivating Varanasi. Transfer to the New Delhi airport for your flight to the holy city of Varanasi and one night at the Taj Gateway THE TAJ GATEWAY HOTEL – VARANASI Ganges Hotel. Witness the mesmerizing Aarti Ceremony (OPTIONAL EXTENSION) attended by hundreds of worshipers, from your private Set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, The Gateway Hotel, boat on the Ganges River. The next morning, discover the is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient early, daily rituals performed along the Ganges during an temple city. Only minutes away from the city center and the commercial hub of unforgettable private sunrise cruise. Later, fly to New Delhi Varanasi, The hotel is constructed in the holy Swastik shape, which is an ancient for some time at leisure at the deluxe Radisson Blu hotel symbol which represents good fortune and blessing. before your late evening flight. DAILY ITINERARY DAYS 1-2 board, we’ll enjoy a refreshing breakfast as we sail to Baranagar. A lovely example NEW DELHI of life in rural India in the 18th century, the village of Baranagar features several Depart from your home city on an overnight flight, arriving at the Delhi airport where temples built by Rani Bhabani, a beloved local aristocrat (zamindar) and generous you will be met by a Haimark representative and transferred to your hotel for two philanthropist. These temples are considered to be among the finest examples of nights, the deluxe Oberoi New Delhi. terra cotta art in West Bengal. After visiting the temples, we’ll return to the ship for lunch and sail downstream past charming villages to the city of Murshidabad. Day 3 In Murshidabad we’ll visit the XIXth Century Hazarduari Palace, which was built in the NEW DELHI Italian architectural style during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah. The palace After the Welcome Briefing, the comprehensive tour introduces you to the bustling features more than a thousand doors (900 of which are false), 114 rooms, and vast city’s landmarks, passing the imposing Red Fort, President’s Palace and City Gate, corridors filled with priceless antiques, paintings, and manuscripts. Opposite to the and discovering the narrow lanes of Old Delhi via a rickshaw ride. Visit Raj Ghat, the palace is a dramatic imambara. After our tour, we’ll enjoy a scenic ride on a horse- memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century landmark of Mughal drawn cart to the Katra Mosque. This mosque was built in 1724 by the first Nawab of architecture inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and Qutab Minar, also a Murshidabad, Murshid Quli Khan. As the sun sets, we’ll return to the ship for dinner UNESCO site. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D) and a lively performance by dancers from a West Bengal dance school. (B/L/D) Day 4 DAY 9 NEW DELHI – KOLKATA (EMBARKATION) MAYAPUR Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. Following a restful morning of river cruising we’ll arrive in Mayapur, home of Transfer from the airport to the ship. After settling into your suite aboard the Ganges Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.