ARRIVAL IN DELHI & SIGHTSEEING

Qutub Minar - The tour begins at 10 AM. If arriving in the morning on the tour start date, an MTA representative will greet you at the airport. Alternatively, pick-up from your Delhi hotel is available. Check-in will occur after sightseeing. Upon arrival in Delhi, after completing customs, meet the MTA representative. They will be waiting outside Gate Number 5 with a placard displaying your name.

Visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid) - Explore Old Delhi, also known as Shahjahanabad. Visit the renowned Jama Masjid, India’s largest Friday Mosque, accommodating up to 20,000 worshippers. Afterward, enjoy a pedal rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Market.

Raj Ghat - Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the Father of the Nation.

India Gate - Explore colonial Delhi monuments, driving through Rajpath to view the Parliament House, the President’s House, and India Gate.

DELHI – AGRA (200 KM – Approximately 4 Hours, Excluding Stops)

Taj Mahal - Travel to Agra, arrive, and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a stunning legacy of Mughal architecture in India. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in white marble and semi-precious stones in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Please Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Agra Fort - Continue to Agra Fort, located a kilometer from the Taj Mahal along the river. This complex of palaces and royal gardens housed Mughal rulers for many years. Built by Akbar in 1565 on the foundations of the old Lodi dynasty fort, it was expanded and modified by his successors.

AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – ABHANERI – JAIPUR (260 KM – Approximately 5 Hours, Excluding Stops)

Fatehpur Sikri - Drive to Jaipur, stopping to visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar and abandoned after twelve years. The citadel retains its medieval charm.

Chand Baori (Stepwell) - Stop at Abhaneri to visit the famous monumental stepwell “baoli” built in sandstone in the ninth century, then proceed to Jaipur.

Please Note: There are limited guides at Abhaneri, so guided sightseeing may not be possible.

JAIPUR

Amber Palace - Morning excursion to Amber to visit the Fort of Man Singh, a splendid example of Rajput architecture. The fort, situated atop a hill, was once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. En route, take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal.

City Palace of Jaipur - Later, visit the City Palace, a complex of princely buildings including the Maharaja’s private apartments. Its museum, filled with carpets and miniatures, is unique worldwide.

Jantar Mantar - Jaipur - Adjacent to the palace is Jai Singh’s Astronomical Observatory, a seventeenth-century marvel. The observatory includes sophisticated tools for calculating eclipses and star positions. The main attraction is a 27-meter-high sundial, capable of calculating time with 2-second precision.

JAIPUR – DELHI - VARANASI (5 Hours to Delhi and Flight to Varanasi)

Sarnath - Early morning transfer to Delhi and the airport for a direct flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, meet the representative and begin a guided tour. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities and one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities, is known as “the city of life.” According to legend, Varanasi, or Benares as the English called it, was founded by Shiva. The first urban settlements date back to the 11th century BC. Situated on the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi is a place of spiritual significance for Hindus, where they can atone for sins and break free from the cycle of reincarnation. The afternoon is dedicated to Sarnath, a revered Buddhist site where Buddha Sakyamuni first revealed Buddhist teachings.

Please Note: If available, a direct domestic flight from Jaipur to Varanasi may be provided instead of from Delhi.

Ganga Aarti - In the evening, enjoy an excursion on the ghats to witness the Aarti Puja, a light ceremony on the Ganges banks, where Brahmins celebrate the river and thank the gods with sacred songs and music.

Please Note: Visiting Ganga Aarti is not possible during the monsoon season if the Ganges water level is high.

VARANASI - ALLAHABAD (150 KM - 3-4 Hours, Excluding Stops)

Ganges River - Wake up before dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges, observing devotees bathing to cleanse their sins.

Please Note: In August and monsoon months, high water levels may prevent boat rides.

Triveni Sangam Allahabad - Transfer to Allahabad, where the Ganga meets its tributaries, the Yamuna and the hidden Saraswati. Arrive at Prayagraj and explore the city, visiting Sangam, the confluence of three rivers.

Anand Bhavan - Visit Anand Bhavan, the paternal home of Jawaharlal Nehru, now a museum.

Khusro Bagh - Visit Khusro Bagh, the tomb of Amir Khusro.

ALLAHABAD - KHAJURAHO (277 KM – 7 Hours, Excluding Stops)

Khajuraho - Transfer to Khajuraho, a village renowned for its temples with erotic sculptures. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy leisure time or optional activities. Overnight stay.

KHAJURAHO - ORCHHA (150 KM – 4 Hours, Excluding Stops)

Khajuraho Temples - Morning tour of the magnificent temples built between the ninth and eleventh centuries. Visit the western temples dedicated to Hindu deities, known for their architectural value and erotic sculptures. Originally, there were around 84 temples, one for each Kamasutra posture, but many were destroyed in the Middle Ages, leaving 33 today. They continue to represent the rich history of this fascinating place. After visiting the western temples, explore the eastern area dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara and Jain religion. Later, transfer to Orchha, once a famous feudal state of Bundelkhand, now a vibrant village with colorful temples and high Shikhara, known locally as Chattris.

ORCHHA - GWALIOR (150 KM – 4 Hours, Excluding Stops)

Jahangir Mahal - Morning visit to Orchha and its renowned Jahangir Mahal and other 16th-century monuments. Transfer to Gwalior.

GWALIOR - DELHI (Train)

Gwalior Fort - Explore Gwalior, a princely state known for its culture and heritage. Visit the spectacular Gwalior Fort, famous for its Hindu architecture and nearby temples. While descending from the fort, stop at Gopachal Parvat to photograph the giant Jain saint statues carved in rock. Transfer to the railway station for a train to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the airport.

• All taxes, parking, tolls and driver expenses
• Local assistance
• Breakfast
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis with bed & breakfast plan as per the itinerary
• Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by AC vehicle
• Two bottles of water per day per person
• Local English speaking guides as per the sightseeing

• Flights, Visa & Insurance.
• Tips, personal expenses & additional visits or extra use of vehicles.
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions & itinerary.

Embark on an exhilarating journey from Delhi to Varanasi, discovering the best of northern India. Experience the Mughal grandeur of Agra and Delhi, delve into the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, immerse yourself in the sanctity of Varanasi, and marvel at the sensual carvings of Khajuraho. This captivating introduction to the enchanting India includes opulent palaces, lively markets, Kama Sutra temple imagery, Varanasi’s Ghats, and the unparalleled TajMahal. Brimming with memorable moments and undiscovered gems, this tour promises to bewitch you. Set aside some time to experience India’s magic. The tour is all-inclusive – covering hotels, transport, guides, and monument fees. Experience a rickshaw ride through the winding lanes of Chandni Chowk market in Delhi. Visit the monument of love, the Tajmahal, and the Abhaneri Step well, a marvel of 8th-century architecture. Enjoy an Elephant Ride at Amber Fort and discover Varanasi, where spirituality meets belief on the banks of the sacred River Ganga.

• Dress code is smart casual
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.