Be welcomed to North India with a traditional floral garland and red tikka before arriving at your hotel for the next two nights, the luxurious The Imperial New Delhi. A Grand Dame of the East since 1936, this iconic heritage hotel evokes the opulence of a 19th-century palatial estate with its blend of Victorian, Art Deco and Lutyens’ architecture.

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.

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 exceptional views and includes complimentary butler service.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
This evening, choose your Scenic Freechoice dining experience, Indian barbecue at Bon Barbeque Restaurant, Chinese cuisine at C’est Chine at the Hotel Jaypee Palace, or an Asian and Western buffet at Bellevue Restaurant at your hotel.

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 visiting Agra Fort, built in the 16th century primarily by Emperor Akbar. Once the main residence of the Mughal emperors, it showcases remarkable Islamic architecture and includes the balcony where Shah Jahan was later imprisoned, gazing towards the Taj Mahal. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at your hotel before your evening function.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Gather for evening drinks to admire the Taj Mahal at sunset from the close proximity of your hotel.

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

Afterwards, drive to Bharatpur for lunch and then board a train to Ranthambore National Park, one of North India’s most renowned tiger reserves. Settle into your two-night stay at Taj Sawai Ranthambore.

Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now one of India’s key tiger conservation areas.

Accompanied by an expert wildlife naturalist, set out on private morning and afternoon game drives in search of the elusive Bengal tiger and other wildlife that inhabit this rugged landscape.

Travel to the Pink City of 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.

Continue to Castle Kanota for lunch, the filming location of the Viceroy Club in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. On arrival in Jaipur, discover the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famed for its intricate honeycomb façade of 953 windows designed to capture cooling breezes.

Stay for two nights at Jai Mahal Palace, an authentic luxury palace built in 1745 and now a lovingly restored Rajasthani landmark set amid 18 acres of landscaped gardens. This evening, enjoy a cultural show at the hotel.

This morning, visit the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here take a short walk to the City Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur and its museum. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant attached to the City Palace before returning to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon, 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, before dining at the Restaurant 1136 at Amer fort, located at the top of the complex with commanding views over the fort and countryside.

Pass small villages and towns, including the “Snow Yard” at Kishangarh, as you travel to Nagaur and your magnificent hotel, Ranvas. Set within the 5th-century Ahhichatragarh Fort, this restored former Mughal residence once belonged to the queens of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, for your Scenic Enrich event, step back in time with an exclusive dinner in the Bakht Singh Courtyard Baradari inside Ahhichatragarh Fort. Dine dressed in traditional turbans and saris, just as the former residents once did.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the fort and village at your own pace.  After lunch drive to Jodhpur via Mahavira Jain Temple, known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan in Osian. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, marvel at the close-up view of the Mehrangarh Fort from your room at The Raas, a boutique hotel located inside the old walled city and your home for the next two nights.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose from your three Scenic Freechoice excursions. Enjoy a ‘Flavours of Jodhpur Food’ walk, try jutti making with Mohanlal and Chanda Gujar, renowned master craftspeople of leather jutti (mojari) crafting, or take a guided walking tour that dives deep into the heart of Jodhpur to uncover the city’s lesser-known treasures.

After lunch, visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, which overlooks the city from a rocky hill rising 400 feet above the surrounding plain. Considered one of the best-preserved forts in India, its palaces and courtyards were built over a period of 500 years following its mid-15th-century foundation. Afterwards, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

See rural tribal hamlets as you drive to the small village of Narlai. Settle into Rawla Narlai, a former 17th-century royal hunting lodge now transformed into a heritage boutique hotel.

Scenic Freechoice:
Later this afternoon, enjoy your Scenic Freechoice excursion. Choose to set out on your first jeep safari to spot leopards and peacocks in the hills surrounding your hotel or take an afternoon jeep drive to a scenic vantage point for tea overlooking the lake and desert landscape.

Dinner tonight is on the Jharokha Terrace facing Elephant Rock.

Rise early to watch sunrise over the lake on your jeep safari, with the hope of seeing a leopard on its morning prowl. Later, take a leisurely walk around town to observe local rural life. Your afternoon is at leisure.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, for your Scenic Enrich activity, begin with a drink in the bar with a member of the local royal family. Then travel by bullock cart to tonight’s dinner venue and enjoy a delicious meal beside a candlelit 1,100-year-old stepwell—a uniquely romantic experience.

Drive to the ‘City of Lakes’ via Ranakpur, set in a secluded valley, and discover the spectacular 15th-century Jain temples. Rising majestically from a hill, the complex features exquisitely carved marble domes and 1,444 intricately sculpted pillars.

Continue to Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities set at the southern end of the Aravalli Hills, for your two-night Scenic Special Stay at Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola, overlooking the City Palace.

Scenic Freechoice:
Begin the day with a serene cruise on Lake Pichola before disembarking to undertake your chosen Scenic Freechoice excursion. Choose to explore the 400-year-old City Palace (Raj Mahal), considered the largest of its kind in Rajasthan, and the nearby Jagdish Temple, or join a Pichwai painting experience with artist Rajaram Sharma. Alternatively, take part in a classical and folk dance workshop.

After an afternoon at leisure, indulge in your sumptuous private Mewar Terrace farewell dinner at Taj Lake Palace. Overlooking the magical City Palace and Lake Pichola, this is a truly memorable way to conclude your journey.

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.

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’.

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.

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 Enrich
Visit the exquisite Kathgola Palace, where a signature Scenic Enrich 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.