Overview
14 Days
Delhi
Varanasi
Exploration
4 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
20
Fully Guided
COL292
Itinerary
A paradise of contradiction, Delhi features a bustling energy, age-old monuments, and an all-encompassing vitality that courses its way through the busy streets. Experience everything this dynamic metropolis has to offer, from modern New Delhi to historic Old Delhi. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Dinner tonight is on your own. Stay: Jaypee Vasant Continental (3 Nights)
Start your morning at the expansive Humayun's Tomb, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments dating back to the 1500s. This sprawling complex inspired countless mausoleums, including the legendary Taj Mahal. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. Gather with your group in the evening for a welcome dinner featuring Indian specialties. (B/D)
Cut through Old Delhi's buzzing streets on a rickshaw – your mode of transportation for an exhilarating tour of Old Delhi. See the city's friendly vendors as you travel down narrow streets and busy corridors. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and stand in awe before its iconic red sandstone towers. Your exploration of New Delhi continues on a journey by the city's famous monuments, including the India Gate and Parliament building. (B/L)
Wish the city goodbye and embark on a scenic drive through the countryside. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant before arriving in Jaipur, the “Pink City.” See Hawa Mahal, the former home of a maharaja (Indian prince). Marvel at the city's architectural brilliance as you stroll through the heart of the old city during your free time. (B/L) Stay: Radisson Jaipur City Center (3 Nights)
Take in the extensive palace complex of Amber Fort, India's former seat of power. Head to the palace by means of a vintage jeep, scaling the hills overlooking Jaipur.
In the evening, get to know a local family as you join them for a hosted dinner in their home. (B/D)
Experience an Impact Moment as you explore the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur on an eco-friendly e-rickshaw. With Pink City Rickshaw Company, which employs women from low-income households, you'll get a peek into the soul of the old city as your driver steers the way.
Continue your exploration of the beautiful city, starting with the City Palace. Nearby, take in the impeccable masonry of the Jantar Mantar – the world's oldest stone sundial. The afternoon is yours to discover Jaipur however you please. (B)
Travel to Ranthambore National Park where we will seek out tigers in their natural habitat. Learn about Project Tiger's conservation efforts and the impact the organization has had on the Ranthambore sanctuary. Connect with a naturalist, introducing you to India's extensive wildlife. (B/L/D) Stay: Juna Mahal (2 Nights)
Board a canter (open-air truck) for your first game drive. Seek out barking deer, Indian gazelles, and exotic birdlife. Follow the tigers' paths in search of the sanctuary's renowned wildlife. Then, it's your choice! Enjoy some leisure time to relax at the hotel and explore your surroundings at your own pace -OR- take a short trip for an Impact Moment at Dastkar Ranthambore, a social enterprise renowned for empowering local women artisans. No matter what you choose, return to the wild for another chance to seek out marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, and the park's famous Bengal tigers. (B/L/D)
Today, we depart early as we make our way to Agra, a city rich with the splendors of the past. Along the way, visit the impressive Abhaneri step well. Built over 1,000 years ago, it is an architectural marvel hidden from visitors until recently. Then, stop for lunch and get another taste of local flavors. Home to stone forts and marble mausoleums, Agra features a lively culture and picture-perfect architecture. (B/L) Stay: Jaypee Palace Hotel (2 Nights)
The Taj Mahal, a stunning vision in white marble and sandstone, was built as an expression of love by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the romantic spirit of the Taj Mahal in the early morning, when the colors of the sky dance on the bright façade and shimmer in its reflective pool. Visit Agra Fort, the seat of the Mughal Empire. During an Impact Moment, enjoy lunch at Sheroes' Hangout – a café that empowers female survivors of violence, allowing them to reclaim their lives through employment and sisterhood. (B/L)
Start your morning with a train ride to Jhansi where you will connect with your coach and make your way to Khajuraho. In the shadow of the Vindhya mountain range, find a city of stone temples and mystifying sculptures. Make the most of time at leisure this afternoon to explore the area on your own. (B/L/D) Stay: Radisson Jass Hotel
Take in the Chandela Temple complex, home to unparalleled temple architecture and intricate stone carvings. Fly to Varanasi – India's holiest city – where spiritual energy radiates from the ground up. Sail along the Ganges River and pass by the ghats (banks) where locals wade into the river. From the Dasaswamedh Ghat, enjoy a reserved seat to experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony as it illuminates the night sky. (B) Stay: Radisson Hotel (2 Nights)
Take advantage of a morning boat ride for an opportunity to see the sunrise on the Ganges River. Travel to Sarnath, where Siddhartha Gautama – later known as Buddha – gave his first sermon in the 6th century B.C. Discover this holy site and gain insight into the country's divine past. Celebrate your adventure through India alongside new friends at a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Enjoy a morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi, where a room has been reserved for you to freshen up before your return flight home. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Venture through the main streets and back roads of Old Delhi via rickshaw.
- Travel to Khajuraho on an exciting train journey.
- Marvel at the illuminated Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- Cruise the waters of the famous Ganges River.
- Behold the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
- Watch for tigers in the wild during game drives in Ranthambore National Park.
- Explore the majestic Amber Fort and vibrant Jaipur, the “Pink City.”
- Learn the secrets to preparing incredible Indian food at a home-hosted dinner.
- Savor the flavors of authentically brewed chai tea at a bustling street-side stall in Jaipur.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special. Let us show you the world!
With a maximum of 24, dive deeper into your destination & access places and experiences that larger groups can’t. Read more
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Trip Optionals
- Location: Agra. Cost: $59.
- Climb aboard your tuk tuk and travel to impressive Itmad-ud-Daula, a Mughal mausoleum. This is the first mausoleum made completely of marble, the same kind that was used for the Taj Mahal. This monument may be smaller than the Taj Mahal, but it is just as remarkable. The tomb is often described as a “draft” of the world-famous Taj Mahal and has been nicknamed "Baby Taj." Continue on to behold the mysteriously beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. Stop at Mahtab Bagh – the “Moonlight Garden” on the banks of the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal – for a picture perfect view of the ornate white structure surrounded by the vibrant colors of the setting sun and see for yourself why it was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Conclude your evening with dinner at a nearby local restaurant. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Ranthambore. Cost: $29.
- Venture to the amazing vantage point of Ranthambore Fort, a fortress atop a hill within a prominent tiger reserve. Hike up the steps of the 10th-century fort enclosed by a magnificent stone wall. Explore its elaborate ruins, including palaces, monuments, and temples. See the daily rituals that take place at the famous Trinetra Ganesha Temple, dedicated to the beloved elephant god. Enjoy a traditional tea or coffee with cookies during your exploration. Don’t forget a good pair of binoculars – the view of Ranthambore National Park from atop the fort practically puts you eye-to-eye with soaring eagles. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Travelers must be in good physical condition to partake in this optional tour and have proper footwear to hike on uneven terrain, rocky or loose surfaces, and be able to climb 250 steps.
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Collette Explorations (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
