India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi

Welcome to Kathmandu. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Today, travel to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Stop in Durbar Square, the city's centre of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. (B/L)

Your morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Later, fly to Varanasi. (B/L)

Near dawn, board a boat and watch a striking religious ritual-the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You'll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, practicing yoga, meditating, or dipping into the water for a cleansing ritual bath. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River. (B)

Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India. (B)

Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar, and visit Jama Masjid. After lunch, visit Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). (B/L)

Driver to Agra this morning. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. End your day with a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. (B/D)

Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. After lunch, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park. (B/L/D)

Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B/L/D)

Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the "Pink City." After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them employed and off the streets. Learn about the project and interact with the children and help them practice their English. (B/L)

Visit the legendary Amber Fort, the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan." This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Jaipur. (B)

Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)