Delhi to Varanasi (3 Star) - Private - 8 Days

On arrival at the airport in Delhi, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recover from your journey.

This morning, after breakfast, you head to Old Delhi to experience a traditional cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Here, you can take in the vibrant atmosphere of narrow alleyways, colourful market stalls and busy local life. Next, visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest and oldest mosque complexes in Asia. Drive past the Red Fort, an iconic landmark built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, then stop at Raj Ghat, a simple yet powerful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

After a stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included), the tour continues in New Delhi. Highlights include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and early example of Mughal architecture, built in 1562. Drive past India Gate, a war memorial erected in 1931 to honour Indian soldiers who died in World War I, and see the grand President’s House. Finish the day at the Qutub Minar, a towering minaret and another UNESCO-listed site.

After the day’s sightseeing, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, there's an optional Delhi food tour. Explore the capital's legendary street food scene with stops at century-old shops. Sample sweet jalebis, crisp samosas, raj kachori, stuffed parathas, kulia ki chaat (fruit cups with masala and chickpeas), rabri-faluda, chole bhatura, and a chilled glass of lassi.

Delhi - Jaipur. After breakfast, depart by road for the 6 hour drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to head out and explore. Known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur was colour-washed in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, during his visit to India in 1883. In the early evening, you can opt to join a local family for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Indian dishes using age-old techniques. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner as part of the experience.

After breakfast, set out to explore Jaipur, beginning with an excursion to Amber Fort, located just outside the city. Enjoy a memorable jeep ride up the hill to reach the fort’s main entrance. Set atop rugged terrain, the fort offers a striking example of Rajput architecture and overlooks Maota Lake.

In the afternoon, you return to the city for a guided tour of the City Palace, a fine example of a fusion between Rajasthani and Mughal design. Nearby, visit the Central Museum and Jantar Mantar, the largest of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. You also view the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, built to allow royal women to observe street festivals unseen. Later, enjoy free time to explore Jaipur’s markets, where you can browse a wide array of textiles, gemstones, carpets, and local handicrafts – ideal for souvenir shopping.

The rest of the day is free, or you can opt to join a leopard safari, heading into the nearby wilderness in search of India's most elusive big cat.

Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra. Leaving Jaipur, you set off for Agra (approx 5 hours driving). En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a former Mughal capital, built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar. The city was abandoned shortly after its completion due to water shortages.

From Fatehpur Sikri, continue to Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra served as the Mughal capital from 1526 to 1628 and remains a key destination for its wealth of Mughal-era monuments. Among these, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites - you'll be visiting them both tomorrow!

On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. In the evening, opt for a 1.5-hour live performance that brings to life the romantic story behind the Taj Mahal. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the Mohabbatein Taj Show offers a captivating cultural experience in Agra.

Agra - Varanasi. Today begins with a visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. This vast red sandstone fortress features imposing walls and houses several notable structures, including the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal and Musamman Burj – from where you can enjoy a striking view of the Taj Mahal.

There's some free time in the afternoon before you take in India's most famous site: the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is celebrated for its exquisite symmetry and the fusion of architectural styles from across Asia and the Islamic world.

In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the railway station to board the overnight train to Varanasi.

Please Note: Depending on the availability of overnight trains, you may be transferred back to Delhi by road after visiting the Taj Mahal, in order to catch an overnight train from Delhi to Varanasi.

On arrival at Varanasi railway station, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some time to freshen up, set out in the afternoon for a city tour. Highlights include the Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, which reflects a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. You visit Dasaswamedh Ghat, one of the most vibrant riverfronts in Varanasi, and the Bharat Mata Temple, uniquely dedicated to Mother India and located within the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith.

In the evening, witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats – a deeply spiritual and unforgettable experience. You also have the chance to join an optional yoga class, led by a local instructor and drawing on ancient practices in one of India’s most spiritually significant cities.

After breakfast and hotel check out this morning, there is just time to visit Sarnath, one of the eight most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. After your visit, you will be transferred to the airport in Varanasi at the appropriate time for your onward flight. Safe travels!