Tour members gather for the overnight flights to India.

On arrival in Kolkata, we transfer directly to our hotel. 

Peerless Kolkata Hotel (2 nights)

Our tour of Kolkata, the City of Joy, showcases its history and architecture, a blend of neo-Gothic, Baroque, neo-Classical, Oriental, and Islamic influences. Next, visit Kumartuli, the Potters Colony, where 400 artisans create vivid works from river clay, straw, and beads. After lunch, we explore the Victoria Memorial and Hall.

Fly to Jorhat and embark on our riverboat. Enjoy the afternoon cruising and an evening talk on Sivasagar and the Ahom civilization. 

mv Mahabaahu (7 nights)

Drive through the scenic Assamese countryside to Sivasagar, the 13th-century capital of the Ahom dynasty. Later, we tour Haroocharai tea estate to learn about Assam tea, a variety grown only here and in parts of China. Savour a buffet lunch of traditional Assamese cuisine, a tea tasting, and an insightful talk with tea experts.

Rise early for optional yoga before heading to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, for a performance by Satriya singers and dancers. At Kamalabari Satra, Vaishnavite priests bring ancient devotion to life through rhythmic chants and dances. Later, visit a Mishing village. This evening, following dinner and a talk on Assam’s geography, we relax under the stars on a deserted island.

Walk through a traditional village built on bamboo stilts, reflecting the unique lifestyle of the Mishing people. Watch women weaving colourful textiles beneath their raised homes. Then, sail to Kaziranga for a two-hour boat safari, exploring the river’s edge in small tenders. This evening features a cooking demonstration by the chef.

Explore Bishwanath Ghat, a village where weavers, fishermen, and boatmakers shape daily life. Continue to Silghat to tour a cooperative jute mill and see how this golden fibre is processed. At the Kaliabore Tea Estate, visit the factory to learn how Assam’s famous tea is cultivated and processed. Return to the ship for a lively cultural dance performance by local artists.

Begin the day early with a sunrise elephant safari through the misty grasslands of Kaziranga, looking for swamp and hog deer, wild water buffalo, and the park’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros. After breakfast at the resort, set out on a jeep safari for another opportunity to encounter Kaziranga’s diverse wildlife. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard before an Assamese-themed evening featuring regional music and a specially curated dinner.

Morning yoga is offered this morning as the ship sails toward a river island inhabited by a Bangla-speaking Muslim farming community. After lunch, we dock at Peacock Island, home to the sacred Umananda Temple. Later, we gather for a farewell dinner, “Alvida Bhoj.”

After disembarking, we visit Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s oldest Shakti shrines, before flying to Paro, the gateway of Bhutan. Time permitting, we explore Ta Dzong, now the National Museum, with its rich collection of art, textiles, and artifacts. A short walk takes us to Rinpung Dzong to see vivid murals of Buddhist legends. 

Kaachi Grand Hotel (2 nights)

Today, we hike to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest, perched on a cliffside above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress, making it one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Then, we discover Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th-century.

Drive eastward over the scenic Dochula Pass, offering sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas. In Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital and the winter residence of the Chief Abbot, we visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress known as the ‘Palace of Great Happiness,’ and once the seat of Bhutan’s government. Later, enjoy a short walk through traditional farmhouses and rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to the colourful Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman.” 

Lobesa Boutique Hotel (2 nights)

A 2-hour hike through the lush countryside takes us to the striking Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. Built to promote peace and harmony, this elaborately decorated monument stands as a beacon overlooking the Punakha Valley. Later, we visit a meditation center and nunnery.

En route to Gangtey, we explore Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, with traditional mud-brick homes nestled among terraced fields. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, noted for its wonderful location and exceptional stonework. 

Dewachen Hotel (2 nights)

This morning, tour Gangtey Goenpa, a majestic hilltop monastery and the largest Nyingmapa institution in Bhutan. Then, take a 2-hour walk through flower-filled meadows and forests along the Gangtey Nature Trail, offering views of the glacial Phobjikha Valley.

Transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and the only city in the world without traffic lights. A unique blend of tradition and modernity, it offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s evolving identity. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, followed by a walk along the main street and the market area of Ka Ja Throm. 

The Seva Hotel (2 nights)

At Dochula Pass, we experience the vibrant Druk Wangyal Festival, a unique and colourful celebration featuring sacred mask dances performed by members of the Royal Bhutan Army, dedicated to the previous King as an expression of loyalty. Back in Thimphu, we will stop by Trashichhoedzong, the home to Bhutan’s throne room, central monastic body, and seat of the Chief Abbot.

After breakfast, we drive to Paro airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Peerless Kolkata Hotel (2 nights)

Start the day amid the vibrant chaos of Asia’s largest flower market, Mullick Ghat. Pay respect to Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, then uncover centuries of history at the Indian Museum. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before our farewell buffet dinner.

Spend the morning exploring before we head to the airport in the late afternoon.

Arriving in Toronto this morning, we make connections to our homes across Canada.