SIGNATURE MOMENT

Explore Kolkata, India’s artistic capital

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Discover the temples and traditions of peaceful, rural villages

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Watch the Ganges flow by from the deck of your comfortable river cruiser

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Take in expert onboard presentations in the comfortable lounge

SIGNATURE MOMENT

Explore readings in convivial company

Ganges River Cruise with Classical Pursuits

Oct 21 - Nov 02, 2025

13 days | India | Literary Adventures

Leader Melanie Blake hosted a webinar "The Historical Ganges: Friend of All That Lives". Watch the recording here. (56 min. + Q&A)

“Friend and benefactor of all that lives.” The Ganges winds its way through the hills and plains of northern India and through the lives of all those who have sought purification, protection, and fortune from this mighty river. We will be modern-day seekers on the Ganges, exploring the sacred and secular history of the river and learning how the Ganges continues to shape life in India.

 
We begin our adventure in Kolkata, India’s artistic and intellectual capital, and delve into the works of author Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray, hugely influential forces in modern Bengali and world culture.

Our river cruise takes us along one of the Ganges’ most important tributaries and for centuries an economic and cultural crossroads. Each day we’ll be ashore visiting Bengali temples, known for their terra cotta work, and vestiges of India’s complex colonial past. On board, we’ll continue our reading and discussion of contemporary literature. Our Classical Pursuits group will be on board with Worldwide Quest travellers, joining them for excursions and retreating to a private area for our literary discussions. And along the way, enjoy plenty of Bengali delicacies—the cuisine is known for its sweets, abundance of fish, and use of mustard oil.

Worldwide Quest has exclusively chartered the 28-cabin R/V Bengal Ganga for this special voyage. Based on teak 19th-century steamers, the river cruiser offers atmosphere and comfort in equal measure. Over eight leisurely days we will immerse ourselves in the diverse architecture, historical narratives, religious beliefs and cultural traditions of West Bengal.

This is an experience for the culturally curious and for adventurous travellers who relish discovery. This voyage combines hallmarks of Classical Pursuits—slow travel and learning in community—with an experience of the Ganges River that is beguiling, infinite, and profound.

Readings:
Hooghly, by Robert Ivermee
Excerpts from the Puranas
Selected works by Rabindranath Tagore
Contemporary Bengali fiction

Tour Cost (per person):

US$6875 - 7775 depending on cabin, incl. taxes & gratuities

Group Size:

Limited to 48 participants

What’s included: Airport transfers; accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels and in selected cabin on board the Bengal Ganga; most meals; all internal transportation by private, air-conditioned coach; sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides; all activities and entrance fees; taxes and gratuities.

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

Tour the Bengal Ganga

"Our lovely elegant colonial-style riverboat took us gliding in luxury through a gorgeous panorama of temples, vibrant colours, incredible scenery and waving children." - Quest traveller

"We saw many faces of India on this trip." - Leo P.

"Impeccable and attentive staff [on-board]." - Quest traveller

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Meet in Kolkata
2	Kolkata: Beth El Synagogue, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Kalighat Temple
3	Kolkata: College Street, coffee shop, ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore
4	Kolkata: Letterpress workshop in Kumartoli district, Belurmath
5	Visit the Mullik Ghat Flower Market and botanical gardens, embark our ship
6	Visit Serampore and Chandernagore colonial outposts
7	Learn about Bengali cuisine on-board, visit Shantipur - a region famous for its handloom weavings
8	Ride rickshaws to the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex
9	Mayapur, headquarters of the ISKCON (International Centre for Krishna Consciousness)
10	Guptipara's terracotta temples dating from the 17th and 18th centuries
11	Ride cycle rickshaws to the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel
12	Disembark in Kolkata
13	Depart Kolkata

Download Itinerary

Ship Information

Built in Myanmar in 2004 as a replica of the colonial Clyde steamers, the modern R/V Bengal Ganga has 28 outside staterooms. Brass and teak feature prominently in the colonial style. Staterooms are approximately 15 square metres large, have air conditioning and are equipped with twin beds, safe, hair dryers, and bath robes but do not have mini-bars, TVs or phones. Internet access is provided on two computers.

Fine Indian and European cuisine, excellent service, and a hospitable and caring on board team contribute to making this a very special experience. Passengers often describe feeling as if they were guests on a private motor yacht rather than passengers on a cruise ship. Although all staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, most passengers prefer to spend their time outside on the deck, observing the fascinating scenes and scenery along the Ganges River.

Every stateroom has an outdoor seating area, Burma teak floors and walls, and original art and fine local textiles.

Your Tour Leader

Melanie Blake is the executive director of Classical Pursuits and organizer of the annual Toronto Pursuits cultural salon. She studied English and French at Fordham University and the Université de Montpellier, and has an MA in literature and linguistics from the University of Nottingham. She loves languages, cocktails, and the unexpected.

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