Depart London Heathrow on British Airways morning flight to Kolkata (9½ hours).

Arriving in Kolkata in the early hours of this morning, you will be met and transferred to the Oberoi Grand for a 3 night stay. After a free morning, you will enjoy an afternoon sightseeing around the city, taking in the grandeur of the city’s impressive Victoria Memorial and wandering through the local handicraft markets, where a rich display of jewellery, spices and textiles await you. Later this afternoon, board a private river boat for a cruise up the Hoogly River, affording an ideal opportunity to see Kolkata from the unique vantage point of the water, taking in the daily events along the riverside Ghats and passing under the city’s famous bridges. The afternoon ends with drinks and snacks at the renowned Bengal Club, before returning to the hotel.

This morning follow in the footsteps of an expert guide to enjoy a Heritage Walk of Dalhousie Square, taking a leisurely stroll through some of the city’s finest architecture; buildings that evoke the colonial splendour of the 18th and 19th centuries. Pass the magnificent Governor’s House and the Charnock Mausoleum and take in the former headquarters of the East India Company and the site of the infamous ‘Black Hole’ of Calcutta. Have breakfast with Mr Surojit ‘Bompti’ Iyenger in his historic home, presenting an opportunity to enjoy some traditional home-cooked fare in the company of one of the cities most unique characters. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Transferring to the Millennium Park Jetty this morning embark on the M.V. Paramhammsa for a 4- day cruise through the Sunderbans. Turning south sail along the mystical Ganges towards Namkhana, the gateway into the unique treasures of the Sunderbans. The area provides a chance to learn something of the traditions and lives of the local villagers and fishermen, as you wander through the busy harbour. Casting off once more, head into the narrow channels, taking your first look at the dense mangroves and network of creeks that make up this spectacular landscape. Mooring up at Namkhana for the evening there will be the opportunity to partake in some educational film shows and lectures and enjoy some traditional Bengali music over dinner.

The next 2 days soak up the rich cultural and natural diversity of the Sunderbans, enjoying the glorious sunrises and the daily rituals of life amongst the mangroves. Visit the Estuarine Crocodile Project at Bhagabatur and stop on some of the neighbouring islands to visit watchtowers and enjoy walks through the lush canopy.

Accompanied by a local expert discover something of the local bird and wildlife population, learn about the indigenous flora and mangroves and hear stories about the surrounding islands and villages. The evenings are spent visiting local communities, watching farmers and fishermen at work, delighting in the traditions of mythological folk dramas and star gazing under the dazzling blanket of an Indian sky.

Passing Namkhana once more the boat makes the journey back to Kolkata today, arriving around midday (dependent upon tides). Disembark the boat and transfer back to the Oberoi Grand for 2 nights. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, or perhaps take to the city once more to enjoy something of Kolkata’s myriad of charms.

Today has been left free or you may wish to take an optional sightseeing tour of the city in the company of a member of the Shova Bazar royal family, one of the oldest aristocratic families in Calcutta. The tour will take in the heritage buildings of north Calcutta, traversing the narrow streets and alleys of ‘Black Town’, affording an alternative outlook on the colonial rule of the British through the eyes of their Bengali subjects. These majestic mansions, including the extraordinary Marble Palace, present a rare insight into another India. The tour also takes in the potters market of Kumartuli, a visit to a textile factory, lunch at the famous Star Theatre and tea at a weaver’s studio. This evening visit the Victoria Memorial for a sound and light show before returning to the hotel.

Depart Kolkata early today on a British Airways flight back to London, arriving in Heathrow later this morning.