India Holi &
The Ganges River All-Gay Cruise & Tour 2026

13 nights from/to New Delhi, India

February 24 – March 09, 2026
RV Ganges Voyager

We invite you to join us for an all-gay, all-inclusive and guaranteed full ship charter journey as we explore the splendors of India’s Golden Triangle and cruise the Lower Ganges River during Holi, the the festival of colors, love, and spring. Stay in a luxurious New Delhi hotel as you explore the capital territory. Fly to exotic West Bengal for an unforgettable cruise along the lower Ganges River with powerful visits to Bandel, Kalna, Murshidabad, and Chandernagore. We cruise the mother Ganges during Holi Festival, which celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a cultural celebration that gives Hindus and non-Hindus alike an opportunity to have fun banter with other people by throwing colored water and powder at each other. Not only do you get to witness this colorful spectacle but you’ll have the opportunity to “play Holi” with your fellow guests and the friendly cruise staff of the Ganges Voyager.

Back in Kolkata, the journey continues to Rajasthan and India’s Golden Triangle, with astounding visits to the fabled pink city of Jaipur, the 11th century Agra Fort, and the legendary Taj Mahal.

During the river cruise, you’ll return home each night to a soothing atmosphere of relaxation aboard the elegant, all-suite Ganges Voyager. Breathe in the scenery from the comfort of a top deck lounge. Explore the healing sensations of Ayurvedic or traditional European spa treatments. Gather with your new friends and discuss the meaning of enlightenment as you watch the world go by. No matter where you are on board, you’ll feel a renewing energy and comforting sense of peace.

Splendors of India All-Gay Cruise & Tour Highlights

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, and the Taj Mahal

• Go inside the walls of the ancient Mughal capital of Old Delhi to see the Jama Mashid Mosque and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi

• Board an excursion boat for a tour of the Hooghly Imambara in the port of Bandel

• Sail the Ganges River, Hindi Ganga, great river of the plains of the northern Indian subcontinent

• Celebrate Holi, the festival of colors during your cruise on the Ganges River

• Visit the Mosque of Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan in Khushbagh and the Rani Bhabani temples in Baranagar

• Tour the Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad and visit the Katra Mosque

• Visit Jaipur, formerly Jeypore, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan

• Visit Kolkata is the educational, commercial, and cultural center of India known for its stunning iconic landmarks

• Visit the Sacred Heart Church

Splendors of India Gay Cruise & Tour Inclusions

• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED!

• Welcome reception in New Delhi

• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Imperial Room at Imperial Hotel New Delhi including breakfast

• One lunch and one dinner in New Delhi

• Flight from Delhi to Kolkata

• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation

• Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise

• Free flowing house wine and local beer with lunch and dinner during cruise

• One hour pre-dinner cocktails of domestic spirits throughout the cruise

• Flight from Kolkata to Jaipur

• Two nights accommodation in Palace Room at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur including breakfast

• One night accommodation at the Taj Hotel in Agra

• One night accommodation at an airport hotel in Delhi

Your Ship - Ganges Voyager

Accommodating just 56 guests in old-fashioned luxury that rivals the fine hotels of India, the family-friendly Ganges Voyager river cruise will take you back in time with the grace and style of the British colonial era. With 35 crew members, you’re assured a gracious and personalized onboard experience while gaining an in-depth perspective of one of the most culturally significant parts of India from Kolkata to Murshidabad

With 28 large, high-ceilinged suites, in five different room categories, your personal space for the journey is equipped with everything that you could possibly need. You can look forward to regal décor, characterized by beautiful hand-painted murals, wooden furniture, teak floors and Bengali antiques, as well as an ensuite bathroom, sliding patio doors and a private panoramic balcony offering an extraordinary perspective on slow river life and the beauty of the Ganges.

The communal areas on board include a dining room, a bar, an air-conditioned indoor lounge and an outdoor lounge with a viewing deck, ensuring that you’ll find plenty of spots to relax. Relish a relaxing massage or choose from a wide range of traditional Indian and contemporary spa treatments at the Voyager Spa, which has two treatment rooms. Adjoining the spa is a gym with a treadmill, an exercise bike and an elliptical machine. Complimentary yoga classes, geared towards beginners, are offered to all guests early each morning. Cooking classes are another onboard activity.

Atop the ship’s partially covered Sun Deck, the Governor’s Lounge is a lovely place to relax over a drink and take in the splendid views through its large windows. Furnished with reclining chairs, and thoughtfully outfitted with shaded areas, the alfresco Observation Deck is a delightful place to unwind, while enjoying some sunshine, a full drinks service, and panoramic views.

In the ship’s elegant East India dining room, meals are served buffet style three times a day, and while each meal presents the chance to dine on the incredibly flavourful cuisine of India, Western-style favourites are also served here. The chef will be happy to accommodate special requests and dietary requirements. A wide range of Indian and international wines is available, along with specially handcrafted cocktails, teas, coffees, and other beverages.

Your Hotels

The Imperial New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi
February 24 - 26, 2026

Reminiscent of a 19th-century Indian Palace, in the land of Maharajas and Maharanis, The Imperial New Delhi was opened in 1936 as the first hotel in New Delhi. One of the Grand Dames of the East, its architecture has subtle traces of Victorian, Art Deco and Lutyen styles. White marble colonnades, verdant gardens and rooms & suites replete with Italian marble floors, polished Burma teak, Persian hand-knotted carpets, antique Chandeliers and Rosewood furniture, set the tone. The storied hotel blends rich heritage, exceptional service and modern-day comforts for today’s business and leisure travellers.

Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
March 5 - 7, 2026

The Rambagh Palace, is a royal resort set in a breathtaking oasis of beautiful landscaped gardens. Built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favorite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.

Taj Hotel Agra, Agra
March 7 - 8, 2026

Agra’s newest landmark, the Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, lies a short walk away from the Eastern Gate of this fabled monument. This modern 5 star hotel near Taj Mahal reimagines all that Agra can be. A refreshing rooftop infinity pool with magical views of the Taj Mahal, an invigorating spa and a buzzing fitness center are at hand to rejuvenate every guest. There is also an abundance of dining options to delight the epicurean. The generously appointed rooms in Taj Hotel, Agra make for an opulent affair. With luxurious bathrooms that feature a standing bath tub and walk-in rain shower. Exquisite inlay work that showcases the local artisanship of Agra in all its glory. Rooms include free wifi and King or twin beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule my flights or train?
Arrivals:
You should schedule your flights to arrive in Delhi (DEL) by February 24, 2026. The first scheduled activity on the 24th is a welcome reception at approximately 5:30pm.
Departures:
You should schedule to fly home from Delhi (DEL) at 10pm or later on March 8 , 2026 or the morning of March 9, 2026. Hotel check-out time is by Noon on March 9th.

For those participating in the Varanasi post-program extension, you should plan to fly home from Delhi (DEL) at 10pm or later on March 10th or the morning of March 11, 2026. Hotel check-out on the 11th is at Noon.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers are provided from the Delhi International Airport (DEL) to the Imperial Hotel.
Departure transfers are provided from the Roseate Hotel to the Delhi International Airport (DEL).

Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
Excursions during your travel program are mostly in groups of 25 people led by expert English speaking local guides. Utilizing wireless audio guides enables you to hear every word of your travel guide at absolutely all times. It provides maximum flexibility and convenience without missing a moment of fascinating commentary and is compatible with hearing aids.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck.

Is there a dress code?
You are on vacation as the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. We will however appreciate you wearing more than a thong or mankini at dinner and in the bar/performance area. Be as dressed up or down as you see fit as long as you are comfortable and dress appropriately for for changeable weather.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.

What are the passport and visa requirements?
A passport, which is valid for six months after your last date of travel, is required for this trip.
Visa Requirements – citizens of almost every country require tourist visas to enter India. Our program only requires a single entry visa, which may be obtained through an online application process HERE.
If you have made other independent arrangements which require multiple entries into India, check with your nearest Indian consulate for the appropriate visa application process. Use care to be sure you are accessing information from the official consulate and not an intermediary.

What weather can i expect from this trip?
Average Temperatures in February/March will be in the range of
New Delhi Delhi 83 /56 °FC
Kolkata 85 / 64°FC
Varanasi 85 57 °FC