Following a warm reception at the airport with fresh floral garlands by a representative or guide, guests will be transferred to their hotel. The representative will assist with check-in procedures upon your arrival at hotel. (Check-in times differ by hotel, but are typically between 1400 and 1500 hours.)

Mystery, magic, mayhem. Welcome to Delhi, City of Djinns, and 25 million people. Like an eastern Rome, India’s capital is littered with the relics of lost empires. Delhi is a vibrant blend of rich history, diverse culture, and modern development. As a traveller, you'll encounter a fascinating mix of ancient monuments, bustling markets, and contemporary amenities. The city is divided into Old Delhi, with its narrow lanes and historical sites like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, and New Delhi, characterized by wide avenues, government buildings, and iconic landmarks such as India Gate and Humayun's Tomb.

Overnight at the hotel in Delhi. 

Accommodation:

• Superior: Best Western Maharani Bagh
• Deluxe: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, an IHG Hotel
• Premium: VIVANTA By Taj

Breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of New Delhi. 

The tour begins with a visit to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a serene Sikh temple. Take in the spiritual atmosphere and witness the community kitchen where volunteers selflessly serve meals. Next, embark on a drive past India Gate, a grand war memorial and prominent government buildings, showcasing the city's modern architecture and historical significance. Stop at Laxmi Nayarayan Temple, also known as Birla Temple, built by the industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Proceed to Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the tallest brick minaret in the world. Explore the intricate carvings and the surrounding archaeological complex. Drive to Humayun’s Tomb, the most perfectly proportioned and captivating of Delhi’s mausoleums, the monument that strongly influenced the Taj Mahal. A photography stop at Lotus Temple, a stunning Bahá'í House of Worship known for its distinctive lotus flower-inspired architecture and serves as a place of meditation and prayer for people of all faiths.

Overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: Best Western Maharani Bagh
• Deluxe: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, an IHG Hotel
• Premium: VIVANTA By Taj

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of Old Delhi.

Starting your tour with visit to Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial complex. Visit Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, and immerse yourself in its architectural splendour. Rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, absorbing the lively atmosphere and local life. Chandni Chowk (old Delhi market) one of the oldest and busiest markets, offering a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and cultural diversity, where narrow lanes are lined with shops selling spices, textiles, jewellery, and street food. Steeped in history, this bustling market provides a vibrant glimpse into Delhi's rich heritage and serves as a delightful maze for exploration. A walk in the aromatic spice market, a sensory delight with its colourful array of spices and herbs. A photography stop at the Red Fort while you drive past the grand monument.

later drive to Jaipur (300kms/6hours). 

Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is a captivating destination in India that offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and vibrant culture. As a traveller, you'll find an enchanting blend of royal heritage and modern attractions. The city's most famous landmark is the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, a stunning pink facade with intricately designed windows. The City Palace, a magnificent complex that houses museums and courtyards, and the Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory, showcase Jaipur's architectural prowess. A must-visit is the Amber Fort, a majestic fortress located on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Jaipur is also renowned for its colorful markets, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. With its palatial architecture, lively markets, and cultural richness, Jaipur provides visitors with an immersive experience in India's royal history and contemporary vibrancy.

On arrival, check in and overnight at the hotel in Jaipur. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: Park Prime
• Deluxe: Ramada by Wyndham Jaipur
• Premium: Hilton Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of Amer & Jaipur City. 

We start with Amber Fort. Uphill & downhill by Jeeps at the fort. Amber (pronounced Amer) is at a distance of about 11 kilometres from Jaipur. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber. The palace is a beautiful melange of Hindu and Mughal styles. The contrast between the harsh exterior and the inviting interior couldn’t be more surprising. During downhill, visit a very heritage structure – Panna-Meena ka kund, which is a square-shaped stepwell, with adjoining stairs on all four sides and a room on the northern wall.
We will make our way back to the city, en-route we will stop at Jal Mahal, Possibly the most serene sight amidst the chaos of Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal Jaipur, the Water Palace. Short stops at the Jewel & Carpet Workshops in Jaipur are must to witness how the local artisans create marvels from raw materials.

Later in the second half of the day, visit Jantar Mantar, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It contains sixteen geometric devices, designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and observe the orbits of the planets around the sun.
City Palace, A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace.  The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen).
Before you start exploring the local markets, stop for photography at the one world’s most famous façade Hawa Mahal.

Evening free time for Jaipur local markets. Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: Park Prime
• Deluxe: Ramada by Wyndham Jaipur
• Premium: Hilton Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel & drive to Agra (280kms/5 hours). En-route visit the Chand Baori Stepwell at Abhaneri. 

Chand Baori is a stepwell situated in the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It extends approximately 30m (100ft) into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India.

On arrival in Agra.

Agra, a city in northern India, is renowned for being home to one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Taj Mahal. This exquisite white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love. In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra boasts other historical gems like the Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed fortress with a mix of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. The city also offers a glimpse into the Mughal era through structures like Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and Mehtab Bagh, providing panoramic views of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.

Check in and overnight at the hotel in Agra. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Deluxe: Grand Mercure Agra
• Premium: Courtyard by Marriott Agra

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal at early hours. 

Sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal was built by a grief stricken Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in its beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for attention.Lapis-lazuli, Cornelian, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlaid in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

Post sightseeing of Taj Mahal, return to hotel for breakfast & daily routine.

After the visit, return to the hotel for the daily routine & breakfast. 

After rest, proceed for a sightseeing of Agra. 

Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in 1565 A.D, this Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the Fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas etc. Itmad-ud-daula: Built entirely in white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna exhibits a strong Persian influence. Marble Workshop; local artisans showcase their skill of Marble Inlay work in these workshops. The artisans in Agra are believed to be the descendants of the artists who were actual workers of Taj Mahal. 

Overnight at the hotel in Agra. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: Howard Plaza The Fern - An Ecotel Hotel, Agra
• Deluxe: Grand Mercure Agra
• Premium: Courtyard by Marriott Agra

Breakfast at the hotel and drive from Agra to Khajuraho. Enroute visit Orchha.

Orchha

Exhibiting the wonderful Bundela-era legends, Orchha remains steadfast as the major historical site that has maintained the culture and legends of the rulers of the Bundela dynasty. Chieftain Rudra Pratap Singh founded Orchha on a piece of land along the Betwa river. This amazing town will fascinate you during your adventure, as it is a perfect destination to tour with friends and family.

Orchha Sightseeing

Visit the Orccha Fort, one of Bundela dynasties pride. Orccha Fort complex includes; Jahangir Mahal was built in the 17th century by the Bundela ruler, Veer Singh Deo. It was constructed to honour the first visit of Emperor Jahangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal Palace, a square structure in which two wings have five floors on three sides and four floors on one side, the ceiling of the royal chamber has been delicately painted with vibrant colours. Many other paintings, illustrating scenes from Ramayana and the glory of Bundela Court are hung on the walls of the palace. 

On arrival in Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is an ancient city known for its magnificent temples and intricate sculptures. The city is located in the Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh and holds spellbinding historical tales and architectural grandeurs.. As per the historical archives, the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples during the 12th century spread over 20 square kilometres. Among these, only 25 temples have survived the course of time, spread over six square kilometres.

Check in and overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: Clarks Khajuraho
• Deluxe: Hotel Chandela
• Premium: The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for sightseeing of Khajuraho.

Proceed for the sightseeing of Khajuraho, the Western group of temples includes the temples of Lakshmana, Matangeshwara, Varaha, Kandariya Mahadev, Chitragupta, Parvati, Vishwanatha and Nandi. This group of temples has approximately 870 marvellous sculptures engraved on the interior and exterior walls. Just after entering the Western group, the plaque on the right gives a brief introduction to the history of the Khajuraho. The main attraction of this place is a Shivling and the beautiful floral carving in the Sanctum of the temple. The three outer sections of the walls depict the sculptures of gods, goddesses and Hindu mythological creatures.

Later, drive to Varanasi (transfer to airport if flight is operating). 

On arrival in Varanasi.

Brace yourself. You're about to enter one of the most blindingly colourful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth. Varanasi takes no prisoners. But if you're ready for it, this may just turn out to be your favourite stop of all. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and is regarded as one of Hinduism's seven holy cities. Pilgrims come to the ghats lining the River Ganges here to wash away a lifetime of sins in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones. It's a particularly auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), making Varanasi the beating heart of the Hindu universe.

Check in and overnight at the hotel. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: New Hotel Broadway
• Deluxe: HHI Varanasi
• Premium: Madin Hotel

Transfer to Ganges for boat ride in the Ganges. Ride along the Ghats, followed by the Varanasi city tour.

Early morning Ganges boat ride,  pass through many Ghats and experience the Ganges life. Each Ghat comes with its purpose, could be religious, for yoga, for cremation, for laundry or just for fun. A walk in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor brings you closer to the locals and their beliefs. 

 

Return to your vehicle and drive past Banaras Hindu University, long regarded as a centre of learning, Varanasi’s tradition of top-quality education continues today at Benares Hindu University, established in 1916.

The Bharat Mata Temple, built in 1918, has an unusual marble relief map of the Indian subcontinent inside.

 

Return to the hotel for breakfast & short rest.

 
Continue your tour with a visit to the Sarnath Museum & Stupa. 

Your Sarnath tour brings you to, Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins: Set in a peaceful park of monastery ruins is the impressive 34m Dhamekh Stupa, which marks the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon. Archeological Museum, This fully modernised, 100-year-old sandstone museum houses wonderfully displayed ancient treasures such as the very well preserved 3rd-century BC lion capital from the Ashoka Pillar, which has been adopted as India’s national emblem. Visit the temple here in Sarnath.Late afternoon, transfer on rickshaws to the ghats for Ganges Aarti. 

In the evening, proceed for the Aarti ceremony at the Ganges. Start on an e-rickshaw ride which will navigate you through the chaotic street until you reach the pedestrian zone. Walk among the frenzy of locals reaching the famous Dhashashwamedh Ghat.

 

Witness the evening aarti ritual, A group of young saints dressed up with silky saffron and white robes conduct this ceremony. Each pandit or saint takes up a specific spot in the Ghat and start the ritual by offering flowers to the river. The ritual includes many oil lamps like snake hood lamp which are waved in a synced motion. Conch shells are blown during the ceremony too. Yak tail fans and peacock feather fans are also waved during the ceremony. The priests end the ceremony by pouring a bowl of water into the river.

Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Superior: New Hotel Broadway
• Deluxe: HHI Varanasi
• Premium: Madin Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to airport/railway station for Delhi. 

Tour ends on arrival in Delhi. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast