Wendy Wu Christmas Beyond the Brahmaputra

18-day itinerary:

Days 1–2: Fly to Kolkata

Depart on your overnight flight to Kolkata, a vibrant metropolis in eastern India. Upon arrival, depending on the time, spend the remainder of the day easing into the city’s unique culture and energy.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Discover Kolkata

Explore the cultural heart of India, Kolkata. Today’s city tour takes in highlights like the Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and the striking white-marble Victoria Memorial. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour along the lively Park Street, known for its colonial charm and festive atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Colonial Kolkata

This morning’s walking tour reveals the legacy of the British Raj with a visit to Dalhousie Square and other colonial landmarks. In the afternoon, visit the Mother House – home of Mother Teresa and her sisters – where you can see her tomb and a museum dedicated to her inspiring life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Travel to Gangtok

Fly to Bagdogra and transfer by road to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Enjoy the dramatic Himalayan scenery en route.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Explore Gangtok

Uncover the spiritual and natural beauty of Gangtok. Visit the 18th-century Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and take in panoramic views from Tashi Viewpoint. Ride the cable car for sweeping vistas of the city and mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Christmas Eve – Journey to Darjeeling

Travel through the scenic Himalayan foothills to Darjeeling, passing tea plantations and stopping at Ravangla Buddha Park to admire its majestic copper Buddha. Arrive in Darjeeling, adorned in Christmas lights and festive decorations. Celebrate with a special Christmas Eve dinner and midnight mass.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Christmas Day – Sunrise Over Kanchenjunga

Greet the day with a sunrise trip to Tiger Hill for breath-taking views of Kanchenjunga (weather permitting). Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch, then board the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan ‘toy train’ to Ghoom. Visit the Ghoom Monastery, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and the Tibetan Refugee Centre. Finish the day browsing the cheerful Christmas market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Fly to Guwahati

Return to Bagdogra for your flight to Guwahati. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Embark on Your Brahmaputra Cruise

Transfer to Silghat and board your river cruise vessel. Settle into your cabin and take in the views from the sun deck as you begin your journey on the Brahmaputra River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Kaziranga National Park Safari

Disembark for a jeep safari in the central range of Kaziranga National Park, home to Indian rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and a wide array of wildlife and birdlife. After a riverside lunch, explore the western range of the park for even more wildlife encounters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Assam Tea Estate Experience

This morning, visit a picturesque tea estate to learn about Assam tea production, from leaf plucking to brewing. Return to the boat and continue cruising through Kaziranga’s lush wilderness, anchoring near Biswanath village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Explore Biswanath Village

Stroll through Biswanath, visiting its riverside temples including the historic Ahom-era Shiva temple. Later, continue upstream through the park, keeping an eye out for elephants and the elusive Ganges River dolphins.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: New Year’s Eve on the Brahmaputra

Enjoy a leisurely day of cruising with a stop at a small riverside village for a guided walk. Celebrate New Year’s Eve onboard with a festive dinner and a midnight toast as you welcome the new year.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Majuli Island – New Year’s Day

Happy New Year! Visit Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands, rich in Assamese culture. Tour serene satras (monasteries) and enjoy a traditional dance performance. Continue to Salmara Ghat and visit a local handicrafts village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Sibsagar Excursion

Travel to Sibsagar, former capital of the Ahom dynasty. Explore ancient temples and remnants of this innovative civilization before returning to your ship for a final night onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Return to Kolkata

Disembark and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. Enjoy your last evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Fly to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving later the same day or the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast

Celebrate Christmas at The Elgin, Darjeeling
Embrace the magic of Christmas at The Elgin, a charming heritage resort and spa nestled in the heart of Darjeeling. Once the summer residence of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, this elegant retreat blends colonial grandeur with warm Himalayan hospitality. Cosy up by the fireplace after a day spent exploring Darjeeling’s lively Christmas markets – there’s no better place to soak in the festive spirit.

Christmas Morning with Kanchenjunga
Begin your Christmas Day with a breath-taking view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak at 8,586 metres. Rise early to witness the snow-covered summit bathed in the golden-red glow of the morning sun. With a sprinkle of snow, the moment becomes even more magical—like stepping into a winter fairy-tale.

Ring in the New Year on the Brahmaputra
Welcome the New Year in unforgettable fashion with a river cruise along the Brahmaputra. Glide past serene landscapes as the sun sets, then enjoy a festive dinner onboard. As midnight approaches, raise a toast under the stars – an elegant and serene start to the year ahead.

• International flights and current taxes
• All accommodation
• 7 night cruise on board ABN’s Charaidew II
• Domestic flights and transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• All meals
• Drinks on board the cruise at lunch & dinner

Classic Group Tours

Thoughtfully crafted for travellers who want to experience the world’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures, Wendy Wu’s fully-inclusive Classic Tours offer exceptional value and complete peace of mind. From international flights and visas to handpicked accommodation and guided sightseeing – everything is taken care of.

Travel in comfort with their expert National Escorts, whose in-depth local knowledge and warm hospitality will bring each destination to life, creating moments you’ll never forget. Whether you choose a focused nine-day itinerary covering the highlights or a more in-depth journey through off-the-beaten-path regions, Wendy Wu’s Classic Group Tours are the perfect way to check off those must-see sights from your list.

Level 2

A moderate level of fitness is required, as each day includes some walking and time spent on your feet during sightseeing. You may also need to climb steps and get on and off coaches or boats from time to time.