UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises’ new river cruise will take passengers on a 12-night sailing through India’s most popular destinations and its sacred river, the Ganges, beginning 2016.
Unveiled today, the India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges tour begins in New Delhi and ends in Kolkata on the new all-suite Ganges Voyager II.
The all-suite ship has a maximum capacity of 56 guests, and features the Maharaja Suite, two Viceroy Suites, two Heritage Suites and 20 Standard Suites.
Guests can relax in public areas such as the Governor’s Lounge with onboard entertainment and cultural events, the observation deck with 360-degree views, a spa and fitness centre, and the East India Restaurant with menus featuring both Indian-inspired cuisine and Western fare.
“India is one of the world’s most complex, colourful, and exotic destinations,” said Guy Young, president of Uniworld. “This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking exotic new horizons, something completely unlike anything else they’ve ever experienced.”
The itinerary covers Delhi, Jaipur, Mother Teresa’s tomb and former home in Kolkata, a Vedic temple in Mayapur, and fully hosted excursions to five UNESCO World Heritage sites including Delhi’s Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, Agra’s Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar.
Guests will stay at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts Collection, including The Oberoi New Delhi, The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra and The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, during the five-day land portion of the itinerary.
The river cruise on the Ganges will offer encounters with a variety of wildlife, including freshwater dolphins, parrots, etc.
Travellers can also opt for a two-night extension to the holy city of Varanasi, known in India as the holiest spot on its holiest river. The tour includes a city tour, a scenic boat ride to observe a Ganga Aarti fire ceremony at sunset and a private boat ride along the river at sunrise.
Uniworld’s new India programme will be available for reservations on October 15, 2014.
