Incredible India -gliding the Ganges with Avalon

(250 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Ann Castagna Morin

Southampton, MA

Luxury River Cruise & European travel specialist

I have had a sense of wanderlust since I was a child, always yearning to go off and explore the world.

I will take my own personal passion for travel and use it to craft an extraordinary luxury experience for you.

Europe is my specia...

I have had a sense of wanderlust since I was a child, always yearning to go off and explore the world.

I will take my own personal passion for travel and use it to craft an extraordinary luxury experience for you.

Europe is my specialty, I have dual citizenship holding both Italian and US passports. I have personally traveled to more than 3/4 of the countries in Europe and have visited Italy over 40 times.

The first-hand knowledge I gain from my own adventures I will utilize to create your inspiring journey.

I work with many tour providers, whether you wish a private custom excursion, a rail package with a local concierge in each city, or a group tour, I not only can arrange it, I have personally experienced the product.

As much as I enjoy land tours, I have become enamored with luxury river cruises and small ship/yacht cruising.

After my first glide down the Danube I was hooked!

I have sailed 20 different small ship itineraries in both Europe and Asia and have two more currently booked. I make it a point to cruise at least once a year so that I can keep up with new ships, and offerings.

It is one thing to read about a product, to fully understand all the nuances of a journey, and how it will fit their client's personality, one needs to experience it first-hand, and more than once!

On a river cruise luxury abounds with high end bath products, indulgent linens, and extraordinary service all along your journey. River cruising is such a delightful experience, similar to staying in a high-end boutique hotel, except that it travels along with you.

No detail is overlooked for your comfort, but you can leave your fancy clothes at home, I call it "laid-back luxury".

A small ship/yacht cruise on Ponant, Scenic, Windstar, Azamara or Seabourn is a journey filled with pure indulgence. These small ships can visit ports the large vessels must bypass and are able to stay late into the evening. With guest capacity ranging from 189-700 there are no crowds or lines like the large ocean vessels.

Wading through all of the choices in ships and itineraries can be overwhelming.       I will answer all your questions and show you photos and videos from my own journeys to narrow down the perfect cruise for you.

As one of the top selling Key Partners in the world for both Globus Tours and Avalon Waterways I have the unparalleled experience and skills to ask the right questions to match you up with the perfect itinerary for your interests and budget.

I look forward to working with you!

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Ann Castagna Morin

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The amazing Taj Mahal

"Why India?" 

     I was asked that question from half the people that I told I was heading there on my next adventure.  My answer was simple, I find different cultures and religions fascinating and enjoy learning about them. As an artist myself I was very excited to see all of the beautiful monuments and I find the various religions of the world fascinating.         

     My journey began in Delhi, I went in several days early so I could adjust to the time change and have a chance to do some exploring on my own.  Although I had visited many countries where the majority of the population were either Muslim or Buddhist, this would be my first experience visiting Hindu and Sihka temples.

     I hired a private guide and driver who educated me for two days about Hinduism. It was my living classroom.The stories about the various Gods and Goddesses are very entertaining, there are 330 million deities if one wants to get technical. It was quite fascinating visiting the different places of worship and learning about their beliefs.          

     When the group arrived we set off to visit all of the main sites in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Did you know that there is a Great Wall of India? There is! You can see it from the Amber fort in Jaipur, it looks just like the one in China but it is just not as long.     

     It is hard to put into words the beauty and detailing of the temples, especially the Taj Mahal. I visited the Taj at both sunrise and sunset and ventured over to a park across the river to catch it from another angle. The colors of the building changed with the position of the sun. The detailing really gives you a sense of awe, I could have stayed there all day looking at it.          

     Yes, in India there is poverty, and chaos, and noise at times.You will see cows walking down the road and monkeys jumping around on buildings but it didn’t bother me. The positives far outweighed any negatives, I certainly wasn’t going to be able to see a snake charmer walking down the main street of my own town! That is an experience I won’t soon forget!          

     I was astonished as to how happy and friendly all the Indian people I met were. This was not just one or two people but a consistent welcome. Everyone was delighted to see us. They also wanted photos with me as my red hair is a rarity in their area. It was a great ice breaker for my being able to take photos of them. Even if we couldn't speak to each other a smile and the gesture of a camera worked and we knew what each other wanted.          

     Sailing the Ganges was very unique, we went round trip Kolkata with Avalon Waterways. The Ganges ( Lord Ganga) is worshiped by Hindu's, it gives life and is where reincarnation begins. I witnessed many ceremonies along the way from people bathing and praying, to a cremation.

    There were so many unique excursions, we ventured into small villages and saw how brass is made, visited ancient terra cotta temples, saw how idols are created, and went to the largest flower market in India.

     The time just flew by!

     After the cruise we continued on to Kathmandu Nepal for three nights which was a fascinating extension that I would highly recommend.  

     If you are looking for a unique adventure where you will feel like you are staring in your own travel show, his trip fits the bill!