APT expands into lesser-explored parts of India for first time

APT & Travelmarvel has expanded into lesser-explored parts of India for the first time, with a new Kolkata and Lower Ganges tour-and-cruise itinerary.

The 12-day APT holiday is part of the new 2025-26 Asia Collection, which also features escorted tours, new ‘Small Group Journeys’ and river cruises.

Agents booking trips from the long-haul programme can save their clients as much as £2,100 per person on bookings made before February 28.

APT’s Kolkata and Lower Ganges itinerary features three nights in Kolkata plus a seven-night cruise aboard the Ganges Voyager river cruise ship, which accommodates 56 passengers.

Clients on the holiday can take a guided cyclo-rickshaw tour of Kalna, visit the village of Baranagar and learn about the culture of the Hari Krishna community in Mayapur.

The trip starts from £5,795 per person, with departures in March, September and November 2025, plus March 2026.

The Asia Collection also includes APT’s newest touring style, Small Group Journeys. With a maximum of 16 guests on each departure, the itineraries give access to lesser-known parts of India, Japan and Sri Lanka.

The 15-day Southern India – Quest of the Southern Senses journey costs from £3,195, while the 13-day Reveal the Traditions of Japan journey is priced from £5,995.

Brad Bennetts, head of sales and business development for APT & Travelmarvel, said: “We are very proud to bring our 2025-26 Asia Collection to market, comprising our inaugural season of Small Group Journeys, and a brand-new Indian itinerary that allows guests to access Kolkata and sail the lesser-known lower regions of the Ganges for the first time.

“Agents and their clients have access to some outstanding early booking discounts with our introductory savings of up to £2,100 per person, and we have a full suite of sales and marketing assets available to our trade partners to help them capitalise on this critical ‘peaks’ booking period.”

Pictured: Howrah bridge on the Ganges river at sunrise in Kolkata by Shutterstock/Roop_Dey