Zen Oriental Journeys | Bengal: Journey down the Ganges

Praying in Varanasi, A Hindu rowing, A Hindu Ritual, India

Bengal: Journey down the Ganges

24 March to 5 April 2021

You’ll meet saree weavers, goldsmiths, bronze workers and pottery makers along the riverbanks and in the towns, and be inspired by their beautiful, colourful works of art. Visit villages and dine watching Gangetic dolphins leap in the sunset. Uncover all the history, colour and life of this mystical river. This is rural India at its most idyllic. By the end of the cruise, you will have been given a unique perspective on modern life along the Ganges, alongside a compelling insight into Indian history.

Zen Oriental Journeys appoints tour managers and leaders who have significant experience in management at senior levels and are experienced in professional tour leadership. Bengal Dispatch; Journey down the Ganges will be led from Australia by Ruth Flaherty, an experienced Arts educator and currently an Academic Tutor, Flinders University’s Faculty of Education. Ruth specialised in textiles and design at the SA School of Art. She has taught textile art at TAFE SA and in schools. Her textile work has been exhibited in many exhibitions including RSASA, SALA and the exclusive fibre and textiles exhibition 'Stranded'. Ruth also holds a M.Ed. (Studies of Asia) and has been a tour manager for many Asian and European tours. For educators, this tour may be tax deductible, but it is open to anyone desiring to embrace ‘Amazing India’.

On this Journey you will be accompanied by our travel partner in India, Mr Abhijit Verma. Abhi is a Graduate in History and Geography and started his career in the travel industry at a very young age. He has over 25 years of experience, gained whilst working with some of India’s premier travel companies. A nature lover and wildlife enthusiast at heart, he has travelled the length and breadth of India and has had the opportunity to lead tours for some renowned organisations like the Smithsonian Institute and American Museum of Natural History. Travel is the adrenaline which makes him tick round the clock and he is never too tired to help prepare a special holiday for his discerning travellers. At each destination you will also have a knowledgeable local guide.

Departure date: 24 March 2021
Duration: 13 Days
Hotel & Cruise ship Standards: 4 – 5 star standard

PRICING FOR A MINIMUM OF 14 CABINS:

Double or Twin Share Cabin on Upper Deck: AUD 4752.00 per person
Double or Twin Share Cabin on Main Deck: AUD 4317.00 per person
Single Cabin Main Deck only: AUD 4752.00 per person (SOLD OUT)
Single Occupancy of double/twin cabin on Upper Deck or Main Deck: AUD 4752.00 per person plus AUD 2990.00 (for those taking the bigger Double Cabin on single room basis)
Supplement for Single Room in the Kolkata Hotels: AUD 390.00 per person

PRICING FOR A MINIMUM OF 16 CABINS:

Double or Twin Share Cabin on Upper Deck: AUD 4481.00 per person
Double or Twin Share Cabin on Main Deck: AUD 4061.00 per person
Single Cabin Main Deck only: AUD 4481.00 per person (SOLD OUT)
Single Occupancy of double/twin cabin on Upper Deck or Main Deck: AUD 4481.00 per person plus AUD 2890.00 (for those taking the bigger Double Cabin on single room basis)
Supplement for Single Room in the Kolkata Hotels: AUD 390.00 per person

PRICING FOR A MINIMUM OF 18 CABINS:

Double or Twin Share Cabin on Upper Deck: AUD 4172.00 per person
Double or Twin Share Cabin on Main Deck: AUD 3770.00 per person
Single Cabin Main Deck only: AUD 4172.00 per person (SOLD OUT)
Single Occupancy of double/twin cabin on Upper Deck or Main Deck: AUD 4172.00 per person plus AUD 2520.00 (for those taking the bigger Double Cabin on single room basis)
Supplement for Single Room in the Kolkata Hotels: AUD 390.00 per person

As there are limited cabins on both Decks, your choice of cabin will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Single Cabins are SOLD OUT.

Airfare ex Adelaide or (other capitals by arrangement): TBA

Please register your interest to receive the details by sending an email to Lee Grafton or ring 0401 123 347

FINAL PAYMENT & CLOSE OF BOOKING: 21 MAY 2021

REGISTER NOW AND SELECT YOUR CABIN. A DEPOSIT OF AUD 750.00 PER PERSON IS DUE ON 20 MARCH 2020.

Costs have been based on prices prevailing at the time of the finalization of the tour program and are subject to change based on currency exchange fluctuations, your departure city (other than Adelaide) and minimum group size contingency. Please visit http://www.smartraveller.gov.au or ring 1300 139 281 for information on current Government travel advice.

Bookings will be processed in order of receipt. Any bookings after this date will be accepted subject to visa processing, flight availability, land content and room availability. Such booking must be paid in full after confirmation of your acceptance in the tour. Special conditions and additional charges to airfares and package prices may apply depending on date of booking