Journey to Varanasi

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: No Meals)

Day 2: Delhi

Explore the historic city of Old Delhi including the magnificent Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Rajghat and a rickshaw ride through the silver street in Chandani Chowk. Afternoon visit to New Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb, Bhai Temple, Qutab Minar, India gate and government buildings. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3:  Delhi – Jaipur 

Morning drive to Jaipur, renowned for its blue pottery, carpet weaving and semi-precious stones.  Remainder of the day is left at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4: Jaipur

Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge outside Jaipur City and enjoy the elephant ride for the climb up to the main gate. Tour continues in the afternoon, visiting the Pink City and including the City Palace, still home to the Maharaja, Hawa Mahal “Palace of the Winds”, and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory which hosts a vast collection of astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Jaipur (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra 

En route to Agra, enjoy a visit to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra, the rest of the day is at your disposal. On day 6, enjoy a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Possibly the most recognised of all India’s landmarks, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century. Later, enjoy a visit to the colossal 15th century Agra Fort and also a marble craftshop. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight in Agra (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: Agra

Morning tour of Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal. Possibly the most recognised of all India’s landmarks, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century. Later, enjoy a visit to the colossal 15th century Agra Fort and also a marble craftshop. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight in Agra (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7: Agra – Jhansi – Khajuraho

Transfer to the rail station for the morning train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, the journey continues by road to Khajuraho. En route a visit is made to Orchha. On the banks of the River Betwa, Orchha is famed for its temples and palaces built by the 16th century Bundela rulers. Overnight in Khajuraho (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: Khajuraho – Varanasi

Close behind the Taj Mahal and up there with Varanasi and Jaipur, are the amazing temples of Khajuraho. Immortalised in stone is a wealth of sensuous and erotic sculptures. This morning visit these famous temples. To avoid a long drive, you will fly to the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India – Varanasi.

*Please note: Flights from Khajuraho to Varanasi are not operating currently, although it is expected that this flight route will commence operations again soon. If not operational at time of travel then you will take a train from Satna train station (03 hours from Khajuraho) to Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9: Varanasi

Abundant with temples and a labyrinth of streets, Varanasi is exciting, enticing and a city not to be missed. Early this morning we enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to view the sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the ghats (riverside steps). Enjoy a tour of the city, with its numerous temples and wonderful historic feel; with time later to relax. Overnight in Varanasi (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10: Varanasi – Delhi

After a leisurely morning we transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11:  Delhi – Departure

Transfer to airport for onward journey.