Experience autumn's spectacular beauty with over 3,400 tours across Asia in January 2001. Perfect temperatures, stunning fall colors, and harvest celebrations await, rated by 17,800 autumn adventurers.
For those drawn to the spiritual pulse and vibrant life of India, the "Cruise on the Ganges: The Sacred Waters between Kolkata and Varanasi (port-to-port cruise)" delivers an unforgettable 10-day voyage. Starting in Kolkata and concluding in New Delhi, this luxury river cruise carries you through Varanasi, Kolkata, Matiari, and five other distinctive locations, offering an immersive tour package that reveals the country’s deep-rooted traditions and breathtaking landscapes.
The Ganges is far more than a river—it is a living symbol of India’s soul, revered by millions and central to daily rituals and spiritual renewal. Along this route, you’ll witness the authentic rhythms of local life, observe sacred ceremonies, and explore regions seldom touched by mass tourism. From the vibrant streets and colonial grandeur of Kolkata to the spiritual heart of Varanasi—where pilgrims gather in the early morning mist for ritual bathing—you’ll encounter a side of India that is both ancient and astonishingly alive.
Your stay aboard a luxury ship, outfitted with elegant canopy-style beds, adds an extra layer of comfort and exclusivity to the journey. Days are spent visiting remarkable historical sites, lush riverbanks, and bustling communities, while evenings invite you to relax and absorb the ambiance of this sacred waterway. This trip is a rare chance to experience India’s diverse culture and spiritual heritage in unparalleled style and ease.
The standout feature of this tour is its access to authentic, less-traveled regions of the Ganges, offering genuine cultural encounters and a deeper connection to the traditions that shape this remarkable country.
CruiseExplorer
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Ship Cabin
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Varanasi, Kolkata, New Delhi, Ka
Varanasi, Kolkata, New Delhi, Kalna, Matiari, Khushbagh, Murshidabad, Mayapur
Start your adventure in vibrant Chennai with a warm welcome and briefing. An optional city tour introduces you to its highlights. Afterward, embark on a scenic coastal drive south, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram to marvel at the Shore Temple and other ancient rock carvings. Arrive in charming Pondicherry for free time to explore.
Experience Pondicherry's unique blend of French and Tamil influences. Stroll the French Quarter, find tranquility at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and admire the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along Promenade Beach. Next, immerse yourself in Tamil Nadu's rural culture at the Mohanam Cultural Center. Witness traditional arts, create Kolam artwork, and enjoy a Tamil-style lunch while supporting the community's heritage preservation. Continue to the historical city of Tanjore.
In Tanjore, admire the architectural marvel of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a testament to the Chola dynasty's power. Journey south to the ancient city of Madurai. Feel the vibrant spiritual energy, explore bustling bazaars, and revel in the grandeur of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Reflect on your Indian adventure during a scenic train ride back to Chennai before your departure flight the following day.
Next we head to Kerala! Travel to the picturesque hill station of Munnar, passing plantations of many varieties along the way.
Let Munnar's tea-covered hills, crisp air, and swirling mists enchant you. Explore a spice-scented market, tour a tea plantation, observe tea pickers, and savor a tea tasting. Venture onward to Thekkady for wildlife viewing. Take a scenic boat ride through Periyar National Park, with the chance to spot elephants, water birds, and maybe even a tiger.
Our next stop is Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater paradise. Glide through palm-fringed waterways aboard a traditional Shikara boat, and immerse yourself in the heart of a local village, witnessing the age-old craft of coir making. Your backwater adventure reaches its peak with a luxurious overnight stay on a traditional houseboat, complete with modern comforts. Surrender to the gentle rhythms of the water, savor local delicacies, and witness a breathtaking sunset. Say farewell to Kerala in vibrant Kochi, exploring its rich history and culture. Perhaps even catch a captivating Kathakali dance performance, leaving you with cherished memories before your journey home.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chennai, Kumarakom, Kerala Backw
Chennai, Kumarakom, Kerala Backwaters, Kochi, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady
Starting in the heart of Asia you will feel as if you have almost returned to Europe. You will encounter friendly locals, a diverse and long history, a unique and varied culture, lively and cosmopolitan cities, and vast, stunning landscapes that range from arid desert to rugged mountains, with dense forests and snow-capped peaks as we reach the Caucus states of Armenia and Georgia.
Note: We have two options for our route on this trip, either travelling through Azerbaijan or through Iran to get from Turkmenistan to Georgia and Armenia. Which we take depends on whether Azerbaijan's land borders are open are not, the operating schedule and reliability of the Caspian Sea ferry, and the overall regional security situation. We will make a final decision on the route a few months before departure
Journey from Seoul to Busan on this 10-day escorted tour. Begin with extensive sightseeing in the South Korean capital, including traditional highlights such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Learn about K-Pop and record a music video, take a street food tour of Gwangjang Market and enjoy views over Seoul from Namsan Mountain. Visit the DMZ to peek into North Korea and meet a North Korean defector, stay at a traditional Buddhist temple and spend a night at a traditional Hanok guesthouse in Jeonju. Explore the UNESCO-listed sites of Gyeongju and end in Busan with a ride on the Songdo cable car and karaoke.
GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 49): Travel from Canggu to Ubud on this 12-day youth tour of Bali that also takes in the rural retreat of Lovina and the tropical Gili Islands. Discover ancient temples, meet local people and learn how to surf Canggu's epic waves. Spot dolphins on an included cruise, relax on the beaches of Gili T and explore the island on a bicycle tour. Snorkel with turtles on a Gili Islands boat trip, trek to the summit of a volcano at sunrise and visit Ubud's famous Monkey Forest. Plus enjoy plenty of beach time, and the odd night out (or three)!
Explore a little travelled part of Pakistan with a tour that journeys from Karachi to Lahore.
Here you will be able to take in the sights, sounds and importantly tastes of Karachi and its bazaars, find yourself immersed in the 5000-year-old history of the Indus Valley, taking in the sights of the striking Derewar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, before having the opportunity to watch the flag lowering ceremony carried out on the Indian border.
Our journey begins in Karachi where we'll have time to take in the sights, sounds and most importantly, the tastes of the city and its bazaars. As we head towards Hyderabad, we'll make time to visit Thatta and Makli Hills, which is perhaps the worlds largest necropolis. Once we reach Hyderabad, we'll have the opportunity to learn about some of the industries which the city is famous for, we'll see coloured pottery being made, woodwork, weaving and Ajrak production, a block printed cloth which this region is famous for.
Moving on, we visit the sufi shrine of saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and witness a sufi ceremony in Sehwan and join the Mohanas tribe for a boating experience on Lake Manchar.
After stopping in Larkana, our next visit is to Mohenjo-Daro, located on the banks of the Indus River. The 5000 year old city was the centre of the Indus Civilisation and one of the largest in the world at its peak and we'll have time to explore the incredible ruins. As our journey takes us in the direction of Bahawalpur, we'll stop in Sukkur and the Cholistan Desert to visit Derawar Fort.
As we pass through the former independant state of Bahawalpur, we'll visit the Nur Mahal and Bahawalpur mosques, along with the city museum and bazaar, before heading to Multan where we'll stay for 2 nights. Multan is known as the city of saints and our tour here will include the shrines of the great mystics, with their shimmering blue glazed tiles. We'll also visit the old walled city and the bustling bazaar, where we may spot local artisans at work.
For our final stop we head to Pakistans 2nd largest city, Lahore, stopping along the way in Harappa, which dates back to 3000 BC. Our time in Lahore will include a city tour, taking in some of the highlights of the city, such as the worlds largest mosque (the Badshahi Mosque), the Wagah Border with India and of course, 'food street' in the old town where you can try many different flavours and dishes.
Travelling in small air-conditioned vehicles with local guides, this journey gives you a unique experience of Pakistan which will last a lifetime
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Food lovers and culture seekers, embark on the "Culinary China Adventure (4-5 Star) – 10 days" for a mouthwatering exploration from Beijing to Shanghai. Enjoy luxury accommodations while sampling Peking Duck, hiking the Great Wall, and watching pandas in Chengdu. Join a Sichuan cooking class, visit herbal doctors in Hangzhou, and wander tea fields in Longjing. The journey ends in Shanghai with a Xiaolongbao tasting and a memorable farewell lunch. Perfect for travelers who savor unique flavors and local traditions, this easy-paced, private tour’s highlight is its immersive culinary experiences—connecting you to China’s diverse regions bite by bite.
GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 49): Discover Cambodia on this 10-day tour, exploring its vibrant culture, poignant history, and stunning landscapes. Begin in Phnom Penh with a tuk-tuk tour to the S21 Prison and Killing Fields, then head to Kampot for a serene riverside stay, pepper plantation visit, and Cambodian cooking class. Afterward, journey to the idyllic island of Koh Rong Sanloem for snorkeling, a long-tail boat tour, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Travel to Siem Reap to explore floating villages, followed by a visit to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and nearby Ta Prohm before ending in Siem Reap.
Let Thailand’s ancient wonders and vibrant traditions captivate you on this six-day tour—crafted with both seniors and experienced travelers in mind. Explore the mystical ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, discover Chiang Rai’s dazzling temples, and experience the allure of the Golden Triangle. In Chiang Mai, visit the Araksa Tea Garden and embark on a sustainable city tour, complete with a taste of authentic Khao Soi by the river. This easy-paced explorer trip is distinguished by its intimate blend of heritage, local cuisine, and scenic beauty—ideal for those seeking a meaningful, unrushed journey through Thailand’s heartland.
Curious about Cambodia’s wonders? The Angkor Wat Adventure 5D/4N (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh) tour invites young adults and seasoned explorers to discover the country’s vibrant heart. Over five relaxed-paced days, you’ll marvel at the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, delve into centuries-old temples, and soak up breathtaking sunrises. Guided walking tours unravel the region’s fascinating history and local culture, while market visits and authentic Cambodian cuisine provide a feast for the senses. The journey ends in Phnom Penh, where dynamic city life contrasts beautifully with ancient splendor. This tour package’s unique selling point is its balance of cultural immersion and leisure, offering travelers a seamless, well-rounded Cambodian experience in just a few days.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers