Colors of India's Golden Triangle & Rajasthan with Varanasi & Khajuraho

Welcome to Delhi, a magnetic blend of old and new, and the capital of modern India. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)

Around 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)

Fly to Khajuraho, known for its magnificent ancient temple complex. (B)

Sightseeing with your Local Guide takes you to the stunning Khajuraho Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 950 AD but was only rediscovered in 1838 after centuries hidden by jungle. Their unique design mimics the form of the Himalayas, with rising terraces and towers that soar skyward like mountains. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (B/L)

Fly back to Delhi today, where the evening is at your leisure. (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 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). Your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B/L/D)

Drive 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)

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, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” (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. After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. The balance of the day is yours to explore Jaipur. (B)

Settle in for today's drive from the pink hues of Jaipur to the blue charm of Jodhpur, passing through rolling desert landscapes and colorful villages. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight. (B/D)

Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerizing old city is ringed by a 10-kilometer, 8-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. On your guided sightseeing tour, marvel at the grand palaces of Mehrangarh Fort, then admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II Memorial, beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets that allow sunlight to filter in.

This afternoon is at your leisure. Or follow adventure with an optional jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribe, also known as India's original eco-warriors, to hear about their deeply rooted Niyamas principles honoring the sanctity of life, environment, and animals. (B)

This morning, visit the spectacular Jain Temples at Ranakpur, known for its intricate marble carvings. Continue to Udaipur, a beautiful maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavillions, and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the “City of Lakes.” (B/L)

Your morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan. Then, visit the Jagdish Temple and the Crystal Gallery. After free time in the middle of the day, embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. Or put a new spin on nightlife by attending a colorful and passionate optional Rajasthani folk dance performance. (B)

Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a fascinating history. This vibrant city is now India's premier seaport and home to the “Bollywood” movie industry. (B)

Your guided tour starts with an orientation for photos at famous Mumbai sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai's fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you'll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by color for final delivery.

Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)