Classical India

This morning, you will be visiting the Old Delhi, once the Mughal city of Shahjahanabad, with its vibrant market lanes, old havelis (mansions) and colourful neighbourhoods. Explore Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw through lanes or gallis, where everything from spices, brassware, antiques, jewellery and perfumes are sold. Visit the highly decorative Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and later drive past the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat.

In the afternoon, visit New Delhi which showcases the story of modern India with its open spaces, government buildings, museums and wide tree-lined avenues. Your sightseeing tour starts with a drive to see the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, Raj Path and the India Gate. Visit the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly visit Humayun's tomb, the first garden tomb built by the Mughals in India. Overnight at Delhi.

This morning after breakfast transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Varanasi. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

In the evening, you will witness the ceremonial worship of Ganges River with oil lamps. This ritual is called aarti and is a mesmerizing experience, performed every evening to the chants of holy Vedic mantras to accompaniment of musical instrument that is perhaps as old as the city. Overnight at Varanasi.

You will rise early today morning and take a boat ride on the Ganges to view the sunrise. Early morning sun, as seen from the boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. One of the highlights of the trip is to experience city on the Ganges at sunrise and bathing ghats. From dawn to dusk the riverfront (ghats) are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, the "NIRVANA”.

Later, enjoy a walk through this old town visit the ghats, temples and the narrow gallis.

In the afternoon, you will visit Sarnath – on the outskirt of the city. Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres of India. It is the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, preaching the middle path for attaining 'Nirvana'. Realising the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. built some of the finest monuments and legacies. The 34-metre-high 'Dhamekh' Stupa stands as a remarkable structure. Overnight at Varanasi

Morning is at leisure. In good time you will be transferred to Varanasi Railway Station. Board the Vande Bharat Express train to Agra at 15:20 hrs. Arrive Agra Railway Station at 22:20 hrs.

You will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Agra.

After breakfast, visit Taj Mahal to see this beautiful monument at sunrise. Built in memorial of Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's beloved wife, this magnificent building is made entirely of marble and decorated with elaborate geometric forms and inlay work. Later visit the Agra Fort. The elegant building inside reflecting an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural style built by Emperor Akbar. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.

In the evening, visit Mehtab Bagh to enjoy the view of Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight at Agra.

Early morning, after breakfast, drive towards the Pink City of Jaipur (6 hrs), the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. With broad avenues and spacious gardens, the city is steeped in history and culture. Here, the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. Enroute, you will stop to explore the fascinating ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was once the capital of the Mughal empire and includes a stunning mosque, which is still in use today. Overnight at Jaipur.

This morning, you will visit the stunning 17th century hilltop Amber Fort. Set in the rugged hills just outside the city; ascend the fort by jeep for striking views of the surrounding gorges and lake. Inside the fort, tour the extensive Maharaja's apartments that are decorated with murals and mosaic as well as the glistening Hall of Mirrors.

In the evening, proceed for a culinary experience. Visit an Indian family, learn the traits of cooking a traditional Indian dinner and savour the same. Overnight at Jaipur

Today after breakfast visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, built for the royal ladies to catch a glimpse of the outside world through delicate screened windows and balconies. Stop to see the Royal Observatory or Jantar Mantar as it is known locally which was built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur and a passionate astronomer and builder. Also visit the City Palace complex's collection of rare manuscripts, armoury and costumes.

Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant markets of Jaipur, where colours, crafts, and culture come alive at every turn. Overnight at Jaipur

Early morning, drive to Jodhpur (5-6 hours), the dazzling Blue City of Rajasthan.

Enjoy a guided tour of Jodhpur City this afternoon, including a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort. This stunning fort, constructed from red sandstone, sits atop a steep cliff and offers breathtaking views of Jodhpur. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Jaswant Thada, a memorial cenotaph, and take a brief trip to the Mandore Garden, where you can see the cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Overnight at Jodhpur.

Today you will visit the Bishnoi village. You will have the rare privilege of being welcomed into the local people's homes with a famous opium ceremony that is an integral welcome ritual at the house of a Bishnoi. You will also learn about the handicraft art forms of this region such as the making of the dhurry and the ancient method of pot making that has survived till today. Overnight at Jodhpur.

This morning, a scenic drive of about 5 hours brings you to Udaipur, also known as the ‘City of Lakes’. The ochre-coloured stately buildings on the banks of shimmering lakes, against the backdrop of Aravalli mountains create a magic atmosphere. En route, stop at Ranakpur to see the intricately carved Jain Temple complex.

Udaipur, an erstwhile capital of Mewar Kingdom, is also known as the City of Lakes. The ochre coloured stately buildings on the banks of shimmering lakes, against the backdrop of Aravalli mountains create a magic atmosphere. Overnight at Udaipur.

Your morning city sightseeing includes the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-Bari, a garden built for the Maids of Honour.

Late afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the 14th century Lake Pichola (shared boating). Sailing on its placid waters, you will pass the façade of the impressive City Palace complex, heritage haveli’s and bathing ghats as well as the many islands in the lake, notably the Lake Palace Hotel and Jagmandir. Overnight at Udaipur

Today after breakfast transfer to Udaipur airport to board a flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport for onward international flight.