Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Varanasi at any time. Arrival transfer included. Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city, where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die.
- Arrival Day: Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
- Meet and Greet Hotel Welcome Meeting: On Day 1 of the tour, a G Adventures representative will meet you at the hotel to go over the details of the tour, providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. The representative can also answer any questions about the tour or the general area.
Take a private city tour of one of the world's oldest cities and one of Hinduism's holiest sites; Varanasi is a fantastic spectacle of colours and pilgrim ceremonies. In the afternoon take an excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Later, take a sunset boat trip along the Ganges River where thousands of devotees perform holy rituals, hoping to attain eternal salvation. Witness the sunset prayers on the banks of the river. Varanasi is a pure vegetarian town – no eggs, meat, fish, or alcohol is allowed (within a certain distance of the river Ganges). Opt to visit Chaat Gali, a street of vendors selling the spiciest chaat (savoury snack) in the state. A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without tasting paan -- it is the perfect end to any meal and comes in many varieties – stuffed with gulkhand (rose petal preserve), cardamom, or grated coconut.
- City Tour: Explore this fascinating holy city with a local guide. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, and poke around some of the literally thousands of temples and shrines. Visit markets and enjoy some shopping. Stop at Sarnath and enjoy a short boat ride.
- Guided Tour of Sarnath: A day of exploration begins with a tuk-tuk ride from Varanasi towards Sarnath, where your local guide awaits. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is the birth place of Buddhism where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. For nearly 1700 years the site remained a centre for great learning, a place of pilgrimage, and a Vihara (Monastery) for monks and scholars. Guided by a local expert, discover the archeological ruins of the monastery, the ancient Dhamek stupa. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan. Stop to admire the Buddha statue located at the Thai Buddha vihara. Some eighty feet tall, it is considered to be the tallest standing Buddha statue at Sarnath. After three hours of guided exploration, your guide will bring you back to your awaiting tuk-tuks bound for your hotel.
- Cycle Rickshaw: Keep it clean and green on the busy streets aboard a pedal-powered taxi.
- Evening Ganges Boat Tour: Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.
Get up early for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges and observe the dawn rituals of bathing and burial. Tour ends upon return to the hotel.
- Cycle Rickshaw: Keep it clean and green on the busy streets aboard a pedal-powered taxi.
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour: Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.
Trip Inclusions
- Cruise the Ganges River and observe local traditions and rituals.
- Explore Varanasi's Old City and marvel at its ghats.
- See where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.
- Arrival transfer
- Varanasi city tour
- Sunset and sunrise boat trip on the holy Ganges River
- Guided excursion to Sarnath
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- This tour is an Independent Adventure with no group and no CEO (Chief Experience Officer)
- A G Adventures representative will meet you and give you a briefing to start your trip and there will be local guides provided at the included sights
- Comfort Hotels (2 Nights)
- 2 breakfasts
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Trip Reviews (1)
The Hotel read more Meadows was of poor standard, rooms dirty, noisy, poor quality linens etc. the food in the dining room was very basic and I had to leave the hotel for my meals and seek out better restaurants. The Surya Hotel was very close and much better hotel and I ate my meals there mostly. I did not get the rickshaw ride which I see now was meant to be included.
Driver was excellent and friendly. Amit the tour guide made my trip with his friendliness and helpfulness. He also arranged extra transport for me and took me to a great archaeological museum which was brilliant.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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 G Adventures. 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.
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