Highlights:

Day 1: Arrive at Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon arrival, after you collect your luggage, our travel facilitator will greet you at the airport. You will then be driven to your hotel and assisted with your check-in. After making you comfortable, our travel facilitator will hand over your travel documents and briefly go over the next day’s program.

Day 2: Delhi

Your exploration of India will commence at Old Delhi, the citadel of the Mughal Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. You will visit the impressive Red Fort, built in 1648, and marvel at its imposing 1.24-mile-long red sandstone walls. Next, experience a thrilling cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant alleys of Chandni Chowk, past sacred temples, and old houses with fascinating architecture, providing an insight into the real India. You will also visit India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan in 1658. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, marked by a humble black marble amid lush green lawns on the banks of the river Yamuna.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to New Delhi, built by the British as a regal capital. You will visit the Qutab Minar, a 234-foot-high sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The tour includes a drive past India Gate, a 138-foot-high stone arch of triumph bearing the names of 90,000 Indian Army soldiers. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure. Drive through Lutyen’s New Delhi, including the Diplomatic enclave, various Victorian-era Government buildings, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, and the ornate Hindu Birla Temple. Finish your tour at Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping, business, and tourist center.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Agra (about 4 hours) on North India’s newest highway. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

In the afternoon, visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. During Shah Jahan’s reign, it was converted into a palace and later became his prison. The fort features numerous courtyards, private chambers, and a marble mosque. Visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628 by Nur Jahan in memory of her father, the first monument constructed entirely of marble inlaid in Pietra Dura.

In the late afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. This white marble mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the world, was built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1653 AD. It took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build. The white marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns. The Taj houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur

Check out of your hotel by noon and drive to Jaipur. En route, stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri, one of the oldest, deepest, and largest baoris in Rajasthan, dating back to the 8th century. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel. Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, also known as the 'Pink City'.

Day 5: Jaipur

After breakfast, drive 7 miles north of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort and Palace. Mount an elephant (or use a jeep) to ascend to the main gate of the splendid Amber Fort. The fort, completed in the early 18th century, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers, especially the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors.

In the afternoon, continue your tour of Jaipur city by visiting the City Palace Complex, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Visit the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a pink sandstone five-story building with a fascinating façade of intricately designed windows.

Day 6: Jaipur – Varanasi

Check out from your hotel and drive to the airport for your morning flight to Delhi. Connect with the flight to Varanasi upon arrival in Delhi. Check into your hotel in Varanasi.

In the late afternoon, proceed for a city tour of Varanasi, situated along the banks of the river Ganga. Visit the numerous temples along the banks and explore the markets by walking through the narrow alleys.

Day 7: Varanasi

Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the river Ganges to visit the Ghats, starting at Dasadwamedh Ghat. Dawn is the best time to visit the Ghats when pilgrims take their morning dip. Return to your hotel after the sunrise boat cruise and relax until early afternoon.

In the early afternoon, drive to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon. Return to Varanasi after the spiritual tour of Sarnath.

Day 8: Varanasi – Delhi

Enjoy the facilities at your hotel this morning. Check out by noon and drive to the airport for your mid-afternoon flight to Delhi. Our services end at Varanasi airport.

Lodging Options

Luxury Level Lodging

• Delhi: The Oberoi New Delhi - Premier Plus Room
• Agra: Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Balcony Room with Taj View
• Jaipur: Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Room
• Varanasi: Taj Nadesar Palace - Palace Room
  
  

Deluxe Level Lodging

• Delhi: Taj Palace – Superior Room / Lalit – View Room
• Agra: Taj Gateway - Taj View Room / The Trident - Garden View Room
• Jaipur: The Trident - Lake View Room / Rajputana Sheraton – COE
• Varanasi: Taj Gateway – Standard Room / Radisson – Deluxe Room
  
  

Inclusions

• 7 nights stay at the hotels
• Breakfast at all hotels
• All transfers and sightseeing by personal A/C SUV
• Hotel check-in time is 2 pm, and checkout is at noon
• Cycle-rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
• One elephant ride (per couple) at Amber Fort, Jaipur
• Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary
• Sunrise & Sunset boat cruise in Varanasi
• Services of an accompanying Tour Director till Jaipur / Guide in Varanasi
• Representative for assistance on all arrivals and departures
• Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives
• All applicable taxes
  
  

Not Included

• Personal expenses (tips, laundry, drinks)
• Meals other than those specified
• Personal Travel Insurance, visa, etc.
• Camera fees (still and video)
• International flight tickets
• Miscellaneous