Scenic Aura, 17 Night Golden Triangle and Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise ex Delhi to Kolkata ex Delhi India to Calcutta (Kolkata), India

Day 1
Be welcomed to North India with a traditional floral garland and red tikka before transferring to your hotel for the next two nights, the luxurious The Leela Palace New Delhi.

Day 2
Discover the contrasts of Old and New Delhi, beginning with a visit to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Then, take an exhilarating rickshaw ride past the Red Fort and through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, including Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market.Later, visit Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 and considered the architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Drive along New Delhi’s ceremonial boulevard past India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan before returning to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner.

Day 3
Begin your morning with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most prominent Sikh temples. Travel to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire, arriving mid-afternoon at your Scenic Special Stay, The Oberoi Amarvilas. Located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, every room offers uninterrupted views with complimentary butler service.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening choose your Scenic Free dining experience from the following options, Indian BBQ at Bon Barbeque Restaurant, Chinese at C’est Chine at the Hotel Jaypee Palace or enjoy a buffet meal of Asian and Western cuisine at the Bellevue Restaurant at your hotel.

Day 4
Rise early to witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enduring symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to discover the World Heritage-listed Red Fort of Agra, built in the 16th century primarily by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort served as the main residence for the Mughal emperors until 1638 when the capital moved to Delhi. It offers an intricate look at Islamic architecture at that time, plus see the famous balcony where Shah Jahan was imprisoned, overlooking the Taj Mahal. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure at the hotel before your evening function.

Scenic Sunset DrinksGather for evening drinks to overlook and appreciate the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal from the close proximity of your hotel.

Day 5
Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from Scenic Freechoice experiences exploring Agra by bicycle or tuk tuk, either through the surrounding countryside or the city’s vibrant streets.

Travel to the Pink City, Jaipur, stopping en route at Abhaneri Village to visit the remarkable Chand Baori stepwell, one of the largest and oldest in the world, dating back over 1,000 years.Stay at the Jai Mahal Palace for three nights, an authentic luxury palace now a lovingly restored gem of Rajasthani heritage in the heart of Jaipur. Originally built in 1745, the palace is set amidst eighteen acres of landscaped gardens. This evening, enjoy a cultural show at the hotel.

Day 6
Begin your day at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famed for its intricate honeycomb façade of 953 windows designed to capture cooling breezes. Continue to Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site.From here take a short walk to enjoy lunch in a restaurant attached to the City Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur. After exploring the City Palace and its museum, undertake a tuk tuk into small chowkris of the city before returning to your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening, choose a Scenic Freechoice dining experience from the following; a home-hosted cooking demonstration, undertake a jeep tour around Jaipur sampling local food haunts including a heritage liquor tasting at an ancestral Haveli with an erstwhile royal family, or enjoy Italian cuisine at Giardino Restaurant at your hotel.

Day 7
Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed hilltop fortress located just outside Jaipur. Explore its opulent palaces, richly decorated with intricate carvings, mirrored halls and exquisite artwork.After lunch, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure before your Scenic experience.

Scenic Enjoy sundowner drinks overlooking Jaipur’s old town from the terrace of Samode Haveli, followed by a magical farewell dinner set around a historic stepwell, illuminated by hundreds of flickering lamps and accompanied by local music.

Day 8
Fly to the vibrant city of Kolkata to continue your West Bengal river journey. You will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the wharf to board Scenic Aura. Settle into your luxurious surroundings before joining your fellow guests for an elegant Welcome Dinner.

Day 9
After an early morning visit to Kolkata’s flower market, one of the largest in India, step ashore at Serampore to explore one of Bengal’s most intriguing Danish colonial settlements, once described as the best-kept European town in India. A Danish enclave from 1755 until 1845, when it was sold to the British East India Company, the town still retains many buildings recently restored through the combined efforts of the National Museum of Denmark and the Government of West Bengal.Visit the historic St. Olav’s Church, built in 1806, along with the Governor’s House and the Denmark Tavern, where you can pause for a morning refreshment. Each site offers a fascinating window into Bengal’s European past.This afternoon, Scenic Aura calls at Chinsura, where you will visit the iconic Hooghly Imambara, one of West Bengal’s most revered Shia pilgrimage centres. Constructed in 1861, it features a sundial and an imposing clock tower acquired in 1852 from the London-based manufacturer who created ‘Big Ben’.

Day 10
Today, Scenic Aura arrives at Mayapur, the global spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and one of the 20 most visited and sacred places in the world.Admire the nearly completed Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, part funded by Alfred Ford and due for completion in November 2027, with opening celebrations planned through to March 2028. Engage with the welcoming Hare Krishna community and stroll through the vibrant pilgrims’ bazaar, a sensory celebration of colour, fragrance and devotion.

Day 11
This morning, arrive in Murshidabad, once the powerful seat of the Nawabs of Bengal and the region where the British East India Company began its expansion in India. It remained the capital of Bengal until it was moved to Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1773.Marvel at Hazarduari Palace, known as the Palace of a Thousand Doors, of which 100 are false. Built in 1837 and designed by Duncan Macleod, it is now one of the largest site museums under the Archaeological Survey of India.Travel in timeless style by toto (electric rickshaw) to the grand Katra Masjid. Built between 1723 and 1724 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, Katra Masjid is a significant religious site showcasing a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Scenic Visit the exquisite Kathgola Palace, where a signature Scenic High Tea awaits within its storied walls. Surrounded by lush gardens and water features, this elegant palace showcases the influence of Greek, Roman, and Indian architectural styles. A walk through its corridors will transport you back to the days of opulence and grandeur.

This afternoon, the ship will move to Azimganj and Baranagar, smaller cities in the municipality in Murshidabad district. In Azimganj visit the serene Jain temples, offering a captivating introduction to the influence of the wealthy merchant families of the region and the intricate temples of the Jainism, an ancient Indian religion centred on spiritual purity, self-discipline, and disciplined nonviolence (ahimsa) to all living creatures. In Baranagar visit the 260-year-old ornate terracotta Char Bangla Temples, a unique complex of four terracotta temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Day 12
Step ashore to explore the tranquil village of Khushbagh, known as the “Gardens of Happiness” where history and rural life intertwine. A serene early morning journey past farmland leads to a beautifully preserved mosque complex built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan, where the Nawab, his family and his grandson Siraj-ud-Daulah are laid to rest.Nearby lies the historic site of the Battle of Plassey (1757), fought on the banks of the Hooghly River. This victory by the British East India Company under Robert Clive marked a turning point, leading to British control of Bengal.

Day 13
Today’s destination is the village of Matiari, renowned for its long-standing tradition of copper and brass craftsmanship. Watch master artisans transform recycled metals into beautifully handcrafted pots, platters and decorative pieces using techniques passed down through generations. This visit offers an authentic glimpse into a living cultural tradition.

Day 14
Arrive this morning in the ‘City of Temples’, Kalna, which flourished in the late 18th century under the patronage of the Maharajas of Bardhaman.Explore the Rajbari complex, home to several remarkable temples, including the Lalji Temple built around 1739, the Krishna Chandra Temple with its 25 decorated spires, the Vijay Vaidyanath Temple dedicated to Shiva, and the intricately detailed Pratapeswar Temple. These temples are the magnificent Rajbari complex.Nearby is the Naba Kailash Complex, built in 1809, featuring 108 Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles, with alternating black and white lingas in the outer ring and white lingas in the inner circle.Spend the afternoon at Phulia (Fulia) weaving village where artisans craft hand-woven cotton and silk saris. The weaving history of the town is inextricably linked to the settlement of skilled refugees from Bangladesh who came down here after India’s Partition. It is famous for its Phulia Tangail saris, similar to the Dhakai Jamdani in technique with the motifs spaced out, but softer in feel. The Fulia Tangail incorporates vibrant colours and large, intricate designs woven in double jacquard. Apart from cotton, these saris are also woven in mulberry and tussar silk.

Day 15
Today’s call at Chandernagore transports you to a beautifully preserved corner of French colonial India. It was first established as a French colony in 1673 on the bank of the Hooghly River, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post. Since that time the town has changed hands with Britain in 1757, 1794 and then given back to the French control in 1815. There it remained until 1950 after the French Government recognised the right to determination of the Indian people of the French Settlements in India.Stroll the elegant riverside promenade, lined with French colonial buildings. Visit the Dupleix Palace, the former French Governor’s residence and now a museum, and the Sacred Heart Church, a fine example of French Gothic design built in 1691. Visit the former Hotel de Paris built in 1878, now the sub–Divisional Court and a reminder of the town’s colonial past.

Day 16
Your final full day returns you to the captivating streets of Kolkata. Visit Mother Teresa’s Mother House of The Missionaries of Charity before embarking on a private heritage tram tour, a nostalgic way to glide through the city. Continue to Tipu Sultan Masjid and the Victoria Memorial and Gardens before returning to the ship for lunch.

Scenic Freechoice: The afternoon is yours to enjoy with a selection of Scenic Freechoice excursions. Choose from a visit to Kumartoli, the traditional potter’s quarter and the Parshwanath Jain Temple, or undertake a tour of ‘Colonial Kolkata’ including Dalhousie Square, the Writers’ Building, College Street (Boi Para and Indian Coffee House). Alternatively visit the Indian Museum and South Park Cemetery.

This evening, enjoy your farewell on board with your fellow guests and crew.

Day 17
This morning, disembark Scenic Aura in Kolkata and transfer to the airport or hotel for your onward journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or festivities. Please refer to Scenic’s terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

From the moment you step on board our all-new river cruiser Scenic Aura, you will be immersed in our signature world of all-inclusive luxury. Delivering the ultimate Irrawaddy river cruising experience and our unrivalled on board inclusions ensure you will enjoy the most relaxing and majestic luxury experiences, from cuisine to culture and scenery to service.

The Scenic Story Established in 1986, for 40 years Scenic have been taking their guests to the most fascinating destinations in over 100 countries and every continent.

Uniquely, Scenic Group is now the only cruise company to design, build and operate its own ships through its in-house shipbuilding division, MKM Yachts. This fully integrated model ensures exceptional quality and a consistently elevated guest experience.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours sets the benchmark in truly all-inclusive, ultra-luxury travel. The Scenic Discovery Yachts including Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, with Scenic Ikon set to launch in 2028, offer unrivalled exploration across all seven continents, visiting more than 100 countries and 600 ports. Scenic’s river fleet is also expanding, growing from 13 to 16 ships with new additions planned for 2027 and 2028 in Europe, the Mekong and India, further strengthening their leadership in all-inclusive river cruising. Their handcrafted land journeys and extensions compliment the cruise experience, with immersive, seamlessly curated experiences around the world.

Cherish the Planet Scenic’s Cherish the Planet initiative is more than sustainability. It’s a commitment to creating positive change, from sustainability practices to rich community partnerships. They aim to leave as small a footprint as possible.

Award-Winning They are consistently recognised as the leading luxury cruise line and tour operator by respected consumer publications and industry groups. Scenic Eclipse was also named the Best Cruise Ship for Dining, Asia’s Best River Cruise Ship and Europe’s Best River Cruise Line at the inaugural World Cruise Awards in 2022.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Aura - Gem Deck

Scenic Aura - Jewel Deck

Scenic Aura - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Aura - Diamond Deck

Scenic Aura - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat RS - Royal Panorama Suite

At 70m²/753ft², this is the largest suite on the ship. Being up forward on the Diamond Deck, both suites enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi and day bed. Each Suite has a separate lounge and dining area, walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious oversized bathroom offering a separate toilet and shower. Including Private Outdoor Terrace – 70m/753ft

Cat RD - Grand Deluxe Suite

These two suites are on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury at 40m²/430ft² with more space, impeccable service and thoughtful touches.

Enjoy an outdoor balcony, separate lounge and dining area, walk in wardrobe plus a luxurious oversized bathroom with separate toilet and shower.

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 40m/430ft

Cat A - Deluxe Suite

These 16 spacious Suites at 32m²/344ft², located on the Jewel, Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and separate toilet and shower.

Cat B - Deluxe Suite

These 16 spacious Suites at 32m²/344ft², located on the Jewel, Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and separate toilet and shower.

Cat BA - Deluxe Suite

These 16 spacious Suites at 32m²/344ft², located on the Jewel, Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and separate toilet and shower.

Cat C - Deluxe Suite

These 16 spacious Suites at 32m²/344ft², located on the Jewel, Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and separate toilet and shower.

Cat CA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 24m/258ft. Located on the Jewel Deck both suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system.