Incredible India | October 25th, 2024
$6799 $6299 per person
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing a room; includes the 2 domestic flights within India (Jaipur to Kolkata and Kolkata to Goa)
*Single Supplement rate: Add $1900+ CAD to the double rate – Only 4 single rooms available (if you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate, of the same gender, please reach out to us for details)
*Pre-nights in Delhi available on a request basis – $245 CAD per room/per night includes taxes and breakfast
*Round-trip air not included in price, and can be arranged with Trip Merchant from all Canadian airport gateways (on a request basis)
*Prices are subject to change until final payment without previous notice depending on any significant increase in rates, taxes, and fuel
Early Booking Savings of $500 CAD if booked by November 1st, 2023 or until sold out!
Incredible India | Taj Mahal, Rajasthan, Ganges Cruise & Goa (also featuring Diwali Festival): October 25-November 11, 2024
Join us on this unique, culturally immersive trip of a lifetime to India, featuring the Old Delhi, Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, a 6-night River Cruise aboard the Ganges Voyager I, and the glorious beaches of Goa! We will be limiting this group departure to 24 participants. *October 26th is arrival date into Delhi.
Routing: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Kolkata – Kalna – Matiari – Murshidabad – Mayapur – Chandernagore – Kolkata – Goa
EXPERIENCE THE GANGES VOYAGER I RIVER CRUISE
Since 2015, Ganges Voyager has been an award winning river cruise where travel experiences are valued the most. These luxury cruises take you on intriguing journeys so that you can comfortably relax and witness the most breath-taking views along the routes. With 28 cabins, a dining room, a bar, a spa, and a viewing deck, we offer you a distinct experience.
Accommodations:
- Delhi / Metropolitan Hotel (https://www.hotelmetdelhi.com/) – 3 Nights
- Agra / Taj Hotel & Convention Centre (https://www.hotelmetdelhi.com/) – 2 Nights
- Jaipur / Trident Hotel (https://www.tridenthotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur) – 2 Nights
- Ganges Voyager I River Cruise (https://www.exoticheritagegroup.com/ganges-voyager1-the-ship.html) – 6 Nights
- Goa / Cidade De Goa (https://www.seleqtionshotels.com/en-in/cidade-de-goa/) – 3 Nights
*These are the current featured hotels being used. If anything changes, we will replace with similar quality properties.
Highlights:
- Experience an exhilarating rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.
- An awe-inspiring visit to the Taj Mahal!
- Visit the Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, along with a visit to Amber Fort.
- An interesting highlight during this timeframe of travel is Festival Diwali! Diwali or Deepawali, is the most significant and famous festival of India which is celebrated every year all over the country. People celebrate it very enthusiastically to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana.
- Enjoy a culturally rich 6-Night River Cruise along the Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager I.
- Experience a panoramic tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer’s Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square.
- Explore Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial era structures; ride horse carts (local buggy) to the Katra Mosque.
- Explore and relax at the end of the trip at the glorious beaches of Goa.
- And much more!
What’s Included:
All meals as per itinerary (38 meals with included mineral water per meal); 4 star deluxe properties on land; 4 star river cruise on the Ganges Voyager I which includes daily ship programs, onboard activities & amenities (while on cruise all meals included along with Indian Brand Mineral Water, tea/coffee two (2) / glasses of Indian beer or two (2) Glasses Indian Wine per passenger at lunch & dinner); All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary; Meet & greet service/local assistance; Group arrival and departure transfers; Private English Speaking guide throughout the entire trip; All present taxes; 2 domestic flights within India (Jaipur to Kolkata and Kolkata to Goa); All tipping (for drivers/assistants, land guides/representatives, ship staff/crew/guide)
Not Included:
International airfare; Out of Country Cancellation and Medical Insurance; India Visa Fee; Transfers & sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary; Alcoholic / Non-alcoholic Beverages other than mentioned; Expenses of a personal nature including Spa, Laundry, early or late check-out etc.
*Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the international airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway.
4 Nights Bhutan Extension – Land of the Thunder Dragon
MORE DETAILS TO COME…
Terms and Conditions:
*Initial land deposit: $500 CAD per person | If you cancel by November 1st, 2023 then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes 100% non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after November 1st, 2023.
*A second payment of $500 CAD will be required for the domestic flights within India; due on February 1st, 2024. These domestic/internal flights are included in the packaged rate. This payment will be 100% non-refundable once paid – Trip Merchant will be booking the domestic flights, but not prior to February 1st, 2024. Once space and price is confirmed full payment will be required for these flights and will be 100% non-refundable once purchased.
*Final Balance: Due June 15th, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final payment)
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
While on Tour
On Tour Experience
Trip Merchant Journeys (TMJ) will continue to work with the hotels/airline partners and ground operators to ensure that we’re adhering to the most current health & safety protocols.
A TMJ representative will ensure all health/safety and social distancing protocols that are in place in the destination are being adhered to.
We ask that you do your best to social distance and wear your face mask when required to do so based on local health/safety protocols. In destinations where wearing a mask is not required, it is up to your own individual choice to wear a mask. Please respect everybody’s individual choice.
Hygiene
Frequent handwashing is encouraged as well as the use of hand sanitizer. We recommend your bring a medium sized bottle of hand sanitizer as well as a small bottle that you can refill. Please ensure to sanitize hands prior to boarding the coach at the beginning of the day and upon re-boarding the coach after each excursion.
Motorcoach/transfer vehicles will be sanitized prior to boarding the coach/vehicle and also at the end of the day.
Hotels – specific health protocol’s will vary from destination to destination and from hotel to hotel. Our hotel partners are committed to ensuring rooms and high traffic areas such as lobbies and elevators are cleaned thoroughly and throughout each day.
Use of Face Coverings
Guests may be required to wear masks while on motorcoach or transfer vehicle / and in common areas of the river cruise ship. Guests may also be required to wear masks while participating in certain activities and at the discretion of our vendors. We recommend using them throughout (but it is optional).
Self-Screening / Support during a COVID-19 incident
We ask all guests to monitor their health throughout their tour. If they are feeling unwell we ask that they immediately advise their TMJ Tour Manager. If a guest is showing signs of Covid-19, they will not be permitted to board the motorcoach. If it is a touring day, the guest will be required to stay back at the hotel and self-isolate. If a guest is feeling unwell on a ‘fly day’ the guest may not be permitted to travel to the onward destination and may be required to stay behind at their own expense. Private transfers can be arranged at the guest expense if required. Guests will be assisted to access appropriate medical care as quickly as possible. We will assist with contacting a family member(s) and with translation services if required. Any additional expenses will be the responsibility of the guest.
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 0
Mention Group Booking Number: TMJIND01
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Destination
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Arrival City
Delhi, India -
Departure City
Goa, India -
Activity Level
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. -
Passenger Limit
16-24 pax
From Our Gallery
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Friday, October 25, 2024: Departure Day to India!
Depart Canada on your international flight to India!
Saturday, October 26, 2024: Arrive in Delhi
Accommodation: Metropolitan Hotel, Delhi (or similar)
Meals Provided: N/A
Sunday, October 27, 2024: Delhi
After leisurely breakfast we start the day by visiting Old Delhi, a patchwork of different cities built by a succession of rulers and a center of Muslim India between the 13th and 19th centuries. Enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw ride to witness daily activities of Chandni Chowk market.
Then visit to Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, India’s “Father of the Nation,“ was cremated on the evening of January 31, 1948. A simple open platform inscribed with his last words, 'Hey Ram' (Oh God) is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. Thereafter we drive pass India Gate, a prominent landmark of Delhi built in 1931 that commemorates the soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Following India's independence, the India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as Amar Jawan Jyoti ("the flame of the immortal soldier").
Halt for Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch visit Lotus Temple - a Baháí House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all other Baháí Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification.
Back to hotel and relax. Have your included dinner at hotel and overnight at hotel.
Accommodation: Metropolitan Hotel, Delhi (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Monday, October 28, 2024: Delhi
After breakfast we start the day by visiting Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras, or Sikh house of worship. The grounds include the Gurudwara, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond and a school. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practised, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall). The Langar (food) is prepared by guru sikhs who work there and also by volunteers who like to help out.
Thereafter visit to Humayun's Tomb (WHS), the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Humayun, commissioned by his wife during 1569-70, is the first Persian style garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Apart from the main tomb of the Emperor the complex also houses the graves of his family. Structurally it set a precedent for subsequent Mughal architecture, which reached its zenith with the Taj Mahal at Agra.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Then proceed to explore the Qutab Minar Complex (WHS). The Tower and other structures in this complex date from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and reflect the beginnings of Islamic architecture in India. The complex initially housed about 27 Hindu temples that were destroyed and their material was reused for constructing the Tower and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque adjacent to it.
Back to hotel and relax. Have your included dinner at hotel and overnight at hotel.
Accommodation: Metropolitan Hotel, Delhi (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Delhi - Agra
After an early breakfast at the hotel we drive to Agra (approx. 4-hrs drive via the Expressway)
On arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel and have lunch followed by check-in.
Late afternoon visit the great TAJ MAHAL till sunset - Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Begum who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631. Heartbroken by her death, legend has it that Shah Jahan’s hair turned grey overnight and that he turned his back on running the empire, concentrating instead on the construction of this monument to love. Construction took 22 years and the Taj was completed in 1653 at a speculated cost of 3 million rupees, equivalent to around 70 million US Dollars today.
Accommodation: Taj Hotel, Agra (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Agra
Sunrise visit of Taj Mahal to view the marble sparkle in the dawn light.
Later during the day visit the the Agra Fort (WHS), built by Emperor Akbar it is perhaps the best-preserved fort in India. Construction of this crescent shaped fort 2.5km in circumference commenced in 1565. Contained within the huge double outer walls up to 20m high and broken by a series of huge gates, the fort is almost a city within a city Initially the fort was a military structure but under the rule of Shah Jahan, Akbar’s grandson, many additions were added. Today these palatial buildings are silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and are exemplars of Islamic architecture and decoration. Lunch at hotel.
Late afternoon visit Mehtab Bagh, a garden complex literally meaning Moonlight Garden located on the bank of the Yamuna River. The garden is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank and offers good views of the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Accommodation: Taj Hotel, Agra (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday, October 31, 2024: Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approx 5 hrs drive). Have lunch on arriving at Jaipur’s hotel followed by check-in. Then visit the Amber Fort, located in the outskirts of the city (approx. 11-kms). High above the town and surrounded with defensive fortification walls, the impressive fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17th century. It houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions and gardens. It is a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. From the top of the fort you get excellent views of the surrounding countryside and town below. By Jeep we will ride uphill and downhill.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel, Jaipur (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday, November 1, 2024: Jaipur (City Tour)
City Tour (Festival Diwali)
After breakfast at the hotel we visit the City Palace, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh, additions have been made to the palace complex by many of his successors. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. The City Palace Museum displays Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit apart from other items.
Adjacent to the city palace is the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built between 1728 and 1734 on a grand scale, the 17 astronomical instruments were built in stone and marble. The collection built by Jai Singh includes a 27.4m high sundial accurate to 2 seconds. The Central Museum, known as the Albert Hall is well worth a visit; founded in 1876, it houses a large collection of antiques and interesting artifacts. Finally, we visit the colorful bazaar from where we can view the Hawa Mahal from outside. This unique building also known as the “Palace of the Winds” is a Jaipur landmark and was once used by the ladies of the court to watch the daily goings-on in the street below.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Then Visit the Local Bapu Bazaar to see the local activities on the festival day of Diwali or Deepawali, is the most significant and famous festival of India which is celebrated every year all over the country. People celebrate it very enthusiastically to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. As the return was on Amavasya, the new-moon day, people of Ayodhya had illuminated their homes and pathways with earthen lamps (deep) to welcome their Lord. It is a sacred Hindu festival which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. People clean and whitewash their houses and decorate it with earthen lamps, electric lights and lanterns. Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Ganesh, the God of Goodwill and Prosperity are worshipped after sunset to get blessings of health, wealth and prosperity. Firecrackers and sky lanterns light up the sky. You will get the opportunity to experience the festive vibes of Diwali in the city.
Return back to hotel and relax. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel, Jaipur (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Saturday, November 2, 2024: Fly from Jaipur to Kolkata & Embark Ship - Kalna
We check-out early this morning with a packed breakfast from the hotel and transfer to the airport to board flight from Jaipur to Kolkata.
Present Flight Option (subject to change at the time of operations): Indigo Airlines, 6E-207, 07:50 – 10:00 hrs
On arrival in Kolkata, Meet and greet at airport and transfer to the Jetty in Kolkata for embarking the ship. Safety briefing followed by lunch on board, while the ship sails through areas where various European settlers had established East Indian Companies, leaving many remnants of their settlements from the 17th through 19th Centuries.
Evening welcome reception.
Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager
Accommodation: Ganges Voyager I (River Cruise Ship)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sunday, November 3, 2024: Kalna / Matiari
This morning we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the city center of Kalna en route to the enchanting Rajbari complex, with the highest concentration of temples in the region. Bengal's mixture of temple architecture includes the Nabakailas Temples. Built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, the complex contains 108 eight slope-roofed temples – 74 in the outer circle here and another 34 making an inner circle. Another complex features diverse architecture, including the Pratapeshwar Temple, built in 1849. Terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. Other temples on the site include Lalji Temple, the oldest in the complex (1739), and Krishnachandra Temple (1751).
We also visit a local Weaver’s home to see the traditional Weaving of Muslin Cloth. Muslin or “malmal” is a cotton fabric of plain weave made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. Early muslin was handwoven of uncommonly delicate handspun yarn.
Return to the ship walking through the local market.
Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager
Accommodation: Ganges Voyager I (River Cruise Ship)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Monday, November 4, 2024: Matiari / Murshidabad
Enjoy an early morning walk to the shore-side village of Matiari, which is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters and more from their workshops in the village. Also visit a sweet shop to see traditional sweets being made.
We then continue our journey upstream, sailing past the battlefield of Plassey, where Robert Clive of British East India Company defeated the Mogul Nawabs in 1757. The rulers of Bengal and their French allies established the company rule in India, which spread through much of South Asia for the next 190 years.
Evening cultural music and dance program
Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager
Accommodation: Ganges Voyager (River Cruise Ship)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Murshidabad / Mayapur
Morning explore Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial era structures. Ride horse carts (local buggy) to the Katra Mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in the 1724 – 25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Then visit the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors, and is filled with colonial era antiques, artwork and manuscripts.
We sail towards Mayapur while enjoying lunch onboard.
Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager
Accommodation: Ganges Voyager I (River Cruise Ship)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday, November 6, 2024: Mayapur / Chandernagore / Kolkata
Morning walk through the pilgrim’s bazaar and visit the ISKCON temple. Mayapur is the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness. The new temple here is comparable in size to the Vatican and largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great grandson of car maker Henry Ford. Meet and interact with Krishna followers.
Return to ship and sail to Chandernagore, established as a French colony in 1673. Evening Heritage Walk to explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including Dupleix Palace, the French governor's residence, which now houses the Institut de Chandernagore Museum (closed on Thursdays & Saturdays).. It has a collection of rare French antiques, personal belongings of French governor generals and items that depict life during the 18th century and relics of the French colonial and local history of Chandernagore. Also visit the Sacred Heart Church of Chandernagore.
Sail onward to arrive in Kolkata by night
Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager
Accommodation: Ganges Voyager I (River Cruise Ship)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday, November 7, 2024: Kolkata Tour
Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Visit the Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. Proceed to visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata. Kumartuli specializes in clay idol making.
Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter proceed for a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church (closed on Sundays), the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Visit to Victoria Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of British colonial historical artifacts in India.
Evening cultural program and farewell dinner.
Overnight onboard Ganges Voyager
Accommodation: Ganges Voyager I (River Cruise Ship)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday, November 8, 2024: Kolkata Disembarkation / Depart home OR Join the extension to Goa
Following breakfast you will disembark the vessel and transfer to the Kolkata Airport for onward journey.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Present Flight Option (subject to change at the time of operations) to Goa from Kolkata: Indigo Airlines, 6E-634, 11:40 – 14:50 hrs (non-stop flight)
On arrival at the Dabolim airport in glorious Goa, meet and assist at the airport and transfer to a beach resort.
Evening relax at beach.
Accommodation: Cidade De Goa or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Saturday, November 9, 2024: Goa - Beach Day
After breakfast proceed on a city tour of Old Goa.
Goa: This former Portuguese colony is a picturesque land full of scenic charm and many attractions such as historic forts, elaborately ornate churches and temples, evergreen hills and mountains, winding rivers and creeks, fields and particularly the palm-fringed pearly white beaches which leave any visitor spellbound. The most famous churches are in Old Goa, namely Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. The sacred remains of the patron of the East, St. Francis Xavier, lie enshrined in the basilica of Bom Jesus and have made Goa famous as the "Rome of the East”.
Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the beach!
Accommodation: Cidade De Goa (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Sunday, November 10, 2024: Goa - Beach Day
Full day at leisure at the beach with breakfast at the hotel. Farewell dinner this evening!
Accommodation: Cidade De Goa (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday, November 11, 2024: Goa Departure Day - International Flights home or onward to a new destination
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Important Note: The itinerary maybe readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, in order to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The exact time for each activity will be announced or posted by the onboard tour staff. The letters in parentheses denote the meals provided that day: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner.
Tour Location
Download Ganges Voyager I Brochure by clicking HERE!
Ganges Voyager I Deck Plan (click image below):
Ganges Voyager I Cabins (Signature Suites)
