Delhi, Palaces, Ganges

On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India's capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.

This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Jama Masjid - India's oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King's Way' and see the famous India Gate monument.

This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

This morning, we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most renowned monument. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, this iconic white marble mausoleum is an unparalleled symbol of love and devotion, standing as one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world. Be sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of photos!

Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, we'll journey to the impressive Agra Fort. This massive red sandstone fortress houses some of India's most exquisite Mughal buildings, all safeguarded behind its towering fortified walls. It's a site rich with history and grandeur, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Mughal era. (B)

This morning we journey to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer). (B/D)

This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments. (B)

Early this morning why not experience an optional hot-air balloon ride (booked and paid locally, see trip notes for further information). Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. (B)

Today you fly to Varanasi, India's holiest city. You will be transferred to the airport where you will take a flight to Varanasi. Depending on flight schedules this may be an indirect flight connecting via another city. On arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel. (B)

We set off on a morning city tour. We will get to visit sites including Banaras Hindu University, Durga Mata Mandir, and Bharat Mata Mandir. There will be an optional excursion to visit the Sarnath Temple Ruins and Museum (booked and paid locally). A holy Buddhist site, Sarnath is said to be the location where Buddha held his first sermon.

Later, we enjoy an evening visit to the Ganges to see the Aarti ceremony. The Ganga Aarti is a ritual performed by use of fire, lamp and chants, on the ghats of River Ganga. We will watch as small lamps are lit with fire and oil, decorated with flowers, and floated onto the River Ganges as a ritual offering for the Indian deity, Ganga. (B)

Rise and shine, for an early morning boat ride along the Ganges River, where you can watch the sunrise illuminate the ancient city. Not only will we experience breathtaking views of the Varanasi Ghats from the water, we will also get to witness locals performing Hindu puja - sunrise rituals that involve prayer, songs and ritual bathing.

Later today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Once in Delhi, you will take a transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Please note: included flight from Varanasi to Delhi varies between afternoon and evening. (B)

Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer can be booked for an additional supplement if required. (B)