Itinerary:

 

DAY 1: Delhi, India

Welcome to India's capital! A major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. 

 

This evening enjoy a festive welcome dinner!

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Overnight in Delhi: Le Meridien (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

 

DAYS 2: Delhi / Varanasi

Today you will explore Old Delhi. A combination of Food, Heritage & Cultural experience with walking and Rickshaw ride to make an authentic and unique, off the beaten path experience. You will experience local culture, see some hidden heritage treasures, walk through the local bazaar, visit the regions oldest spice market and taste the best (and safest) street food. Finally, you'll visit a Haveli for a traditional home cooked meal. 

 

Later, you'll transfer to the airport to board a flight for Varanasi.

 

Varanasi, also commonly known as Benaras, is the oldest living city in the world. It is situated on the banks of holy river Ganges. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the river Ganges and the river's religious importance. People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples," "the holy city of India," "the religious capital of India," "the city of lights," "the city of learning" and the "culture capital of India".

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Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, you'll transfer to the hotel.

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This evening, you'll witness Aarti ceremony on The Ganges. Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of workship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to one or more deities.

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Tonight you'll enjoy a special dinner with classical Indian dances at 19th century Amrit Rao Peshwa Palace. 

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Overnight in Varanasi: Gateway Ganges (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 3: Varanasi

Early this morning, you'll transfer to the river Ghat for a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. You'll board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you.

 

After the boat ride enjoy the yoga session on the banks of river Ganges. On the way back to your hotel you'll visit Vishwanath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. The original temple was destroyed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb which was later restored by Rani Ahilyabai of India in 18th century.

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Return to the hotel for buffet breakfast.

 

In the afternoon you'll visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.

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After an early dinner, you'll walk through the city of learning  & burning and see Banaras when it is known as "Mahashamstana", the great cremation ground of Shiva. 

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Overnight in Varanasi: Gateway Ganges (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4: Varanasi / Khajuraho

After breakfast you'll transfer to the airport to board a flight for Khajuraho.

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In the afternoon you'll arrive to Khajuraho, a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambiance and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. 

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Upon arrival, you'll visit the Temples of Khajuraho. The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period.

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Overnight in Khajuraho: Radisson (or similar) 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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DAY 5: Khajuraho / Orchha / Jhansi / Agra

After breakfast, you'll transfer to Jhansi railway station to board your train for Agra. 

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En route, visit Orchha Fort complex that consists of three palaces namely - Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal & Rai Parveen Mahal. Other monuments in the complex are Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, Phool Bagh, Sunder Mahal, Chhatris, Shahid Smarak and others...

 

Continue drive to Jhansi to board train for Agra.    

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On arrival at Agra Railway station, you'll be transferred to your hotel.

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Enriched with an affluent historical and cultural backdrop, the city of Agra goes back to several centuries. 

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Overnight in Agra: Trident Hotel(or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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DAY 6: Agra

Early this morning, you'll visit the famous Taj Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this stunning mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. 

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Return to the hotel for buffet breakfast.

 

You'll also visit Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar began the construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565.

 

In the evening you'll attend Mohabbat The Taj show. The world of romance and eternal love personified in the epic love story of the emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, is woven into the mesmerizing Dance-Drama, Mohabbat The Taj. Set in the 16th century, the dance-drama portrays the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era. Embellished costumes and the extravagant stage settings make for an interesting portrayal of the 16th century and allows one to see Mughal grandeur coming alive.

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Overnight in Agra: Trident Hotel(or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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DAY 7: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur

After breakfast, you'll visit Fatehpur Sikri, and continue driving to Jaipur.

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This magnificent fortified city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Today, it remains a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire's splendour.

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This afternoon, you'll arrive to Jaipur "The City of Victory". Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a grand visionary and architect, helped Jai Singh II design and develop his vision of the city.

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Overnight in Jaipur: ITC Rajputana (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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DAYS 8: Jaipur

Today, after breakfast, you'll visit Amber Fort, one of the most important of all Rajput cities. It was the ancient capital of the Kacchwaha Rajputs from the 12th century until the foundation of Jaipur in the early 18th century.

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Enjoy the elephant ride while climbing the magnificent fort of Amber.

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En route to the fort, you'll have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal. An elaborate palace exterior, the clever facade trapped the breeze, earning it the name "Palace of Breezes". 

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Later you'll continue to the spectacular City Palace, the residence of the former ruling family of Jaipur. It occupies the center of the city, covering one-seventh of its area and surrounded by a high wall - the Sarahad. The architecture combines elements of Rajput beauty with Mughal spaciousness and English linear planning. 

 

Finally you'll visit Jantar Mantar, literally "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". Astrologers were hired to regulate actions within the palace and, by extenuation, within the entire kingdom.

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This evening you'll enjoy a walking tour of Jaipur - On this fascinating evening walk, mingle and talk with locals while sampling some of the regions culinary delights and most popular street food. 

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Overnight in Jaipur: ITC Rajputana (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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DAY 9: Jaipur / Delhi

After breakfast, hotel check out, you'll be transferred back to Delhi. 

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Upon arrival to Delhi, you'll have an afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi. 

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The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to hte Qutub Minar, a drive past the imposting India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan. 

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Overnight in Delhi: Le Meridien (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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DAY 10: Delhi / Home 

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Delhi airport for your departing flight home. 

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Meals Included: Breakfast

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