Day 1 - Arrive Delhi

Arrive late evening at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport. You will be met by our representative outside the customs gate and escorted to your hotel.

Day 2 - Delhi

Enjoy a full day guided tour of Delhi.

The city consists of two parts - Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries and has many mosques, monuments and forts.

Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the Royal Mosque which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes followed by a short walk on the main street of Old Delhi - the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk. Drive past the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon visit New Delhi - the imperial city created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi. Drive through the majestic boulevards - the Rashtrapati Bhawan is where the Viceroy once lived and is now the official residence of the President of India. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Visit Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the first great example of Mughal architecture in India. The day’s tour ends at Qutab Minar (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) - a soaring tower of victory which is 72.5 metres high and has five distinct stories.

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Delhi - Jaipur

This morning leave for Jaipur.

Jaipur, known as "The City of Victory" and “The Pink City”, was first intended to be "Sawai Jaipur", named after the boy prince who commissioned it, Maharaja Jai Singh II. In spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history, a beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modernity. The massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens are reminders of the glorious past of Jaipur.
 
Afternoon arrive in Jaipur and check-in at your hotel.

Later enjoy an orientation tour of Jaipur city. Visit the City Palace and museum. It has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords, antiques and artifacts. Proceed to Jantar Mantar, a stone astrological and astronomical observatory which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride in the colourful bazaar of the old city.

Also visit Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of the Winds." This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur. The ornately carved windows were designed so that the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. There is also time to shop for Jaipur blue pottery and block-printed cotton linens.

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Jaipur

This morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort.

This beautiful fortified palace was the capital of the state of Jaipur until 1728 and the architecture is a melding of the Mughal and Rajput styles. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for the excellence of their design and decoration including the spectacular “Hall of Mirrors”.

Remainder of the day will be at leisure for independent activities.

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Jaipur - Agra

This morning drive to Agra. En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century.

Arrive Agra late afternoon and check-in at your hotel. 

Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat, which means seat of the Emperor. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices whilst experiencing the irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains.

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Agra

Early morning proceed for a sunrise visit to the mesmerising Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem - created by Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Please note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays

Return to hotel and enjoy breakfast.

Later visit Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The fort was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan.

Rest of the afternoon at leisure for independent activities at your hotel.

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Agra - Gwalior

This morning transfer to railway station for your journey to Gwalior.

Gwalior has made a successful transition into a modern Indian city. A multitude of reigning dynasties of the great Rajput clans have left indelible etchings in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal which is unique and timeless.

Meet and greet on arrival at Gwalior railway station and transfer to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of Gwalior.

Visit the magnificent Gwalior Fort. The city’s most famous landmark has within its walls several interesting temples and ruined palaces. Continue onto the Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum. Located in the new town, the palace belongs to the Scindia family.

Please note: Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum is closed on Mondays.

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Gwalior - Jhansi - Khajuraho

This morning transfer to railway station for your train journey to Jhansi. Arrive in Jhansi and transfer to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is world renowned for its temple architecture. The famous sculptures in the sandstone temples of Khajuraho are truly beautiful, they are widely acknowledged as some of the most exquisite temple art in India. The 22 temples, located in three distinct groups, were built by the Chandela dynasty that died out in the 10th century.

Late afternoon, visit the Western Group of Temples (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

The Western Group constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art in existence. The largest is the Kandhariya Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by Chaunsath Yogini, a granite temple.

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Khajuraho - Varanasi

This morning visit the Eastern Group of Temples. The Eastern Group is comprised of two historic Jain temples, the Adinath Temple which is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures and the Parsvanath Temple which is sculpted with charming detail and is the largest Jain temple.

After the visit you will be escorted to the airport for the flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi is probably the place in India that has the most profound impact on visitors. Formerly known as Benares, it sits on a bend of the Ganges and has been a pilgrimage site since the 6th century BC. The Old City, a maze of tiny alleys, has several temples, including the Golden Temple which is only accessible to Hindus - and many cows, which have traffic priority!

Arrive in Varanasi and proceed directly to the Sarnath Ruins. This is the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Also visit the Archeological Museum, full of Buddha art treasures. Please note: Sarnath museum is closed on Fridays.

Meal Plan: B

Day 10 - Varanasi - Kathmandu

Rise at dawn for a boat ride on the River Ganges. Varanasi's principle attraction is the string of bathing ghats which line the western bank of the River Ganges. Witness pilgrims taking a holy dip and Hindus performing the last rites for departed souls.

Later a representative will escort you to the airport for a midday flight to Kathmandu.

It is difficult to match Nepal for dramatic scenery. Home to the world famous 8,848 metre (29,029 ft) high Mount Everest, it is completely dominated by the Himalayan range. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley alone, most of them ancient temple or palace complexes that display extraordinary craftsmanship. The Nepalese blend of religious beliefs and traditions is reflected in the exquisite thangkas, gold-painted stupas and intricate carvings seen at every turn.

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel.

Rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Meal Plan: B

Day 11 - Kathmandu

This morning leave for a city orientation of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Begin the tour with a visit to Kasthamandap. This three storied temple is believed to have been built from the timber of a single tree. During the tour you will also visit Akash Bhairab Temple. Next visit Kathmandu Durbar Square which is the historic seat of Nepalese royalty. "Durbar" means the palace, and with its old temples the square palace epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. This is where Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnised.

Later visit the Kumari Temple - home to the world's only living Goddess. When she reaches puberty, she is replaced by another Kumari. Afternoon, visit Swayambunath Stupa - one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist stupas (Chaityas) which is believed to be more than 2,000 years old.

Afternoon visit the Patan City. Patan City, like it's counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange of Palace buildings, artistic courtyards and former Royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses and museums containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is 16th century temple dedicated to Hindu god Krishna, build entirely of stone.

Meal Plan: B

Day 12 - Kathmandu

This morning leave for an excursion to Bhaktapur (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Also known as Bhadgaon, it is situated 14 kilometres east of Kathmandu city at an altitude of 1, 401 metres. Bhaktapur is perhaps the most popular of the three cities of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur, literally translated means the “city of devotees”, and was founded by King Ananda Deva in AD 889.

Later return to Kathmandu. En-route, visit Boudhanath Stupa Pashupatinath- one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, pashupatinath lies 5 km east of city center. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of lord Shiva. Chronicle indicates the existence of temple prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple, also a World heritage site. Boudhanath was built in the fifth century by Lichchhavi King Mana Dev on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world.

Meal Plan: B

Day 13 - Kathmandu - Delhi

After breakfast, morning will be at leisure for independent activities.

In the afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Meet and greet upon arrival, with assistance for your departure flight to onward destination, late in the evening or in the early hours of day 14.

Meal Plan: B

Day 14 - Depart Delhi

Depart Delhi.