Day 01   Abroad – Delhi
Arrive: Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Day 02    Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi – the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cycle rickshaw’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Overnight at hotel

Day 03   Delhi – Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (258 km). Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04    Jaipur
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant (subject to availability) for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon at leisure for own activities.
Overnight at hotel

Day 05   Jaipur – Agra
Morning drive to Agra (221 km), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.

Continue drive to Agra and check into the hotel.

Day 05    Jaipur – Agra (contd.)
Afternoon visit the famous Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Overnight at hotel

Day 06    Agra – Delhi – Varanasi
Morning visit Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Thereafter drive to Delhi (203 kms). Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi.

On arrival in Varanasi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Evening proceed to the "ghats", a long stone stepped embankment built on the riverbank. Here, watch the evening "aarti" ceremony, a deeply moving spectacle where devotees release leaf borne lamps on to the water at sunset.
Overnight at hotel

Day 07    Varanasi
Early morning take a short trip by country boat on the sacred river Ganges to see the Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition. Also visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges and stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.

Afternoon visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Archaeological Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. The main attraction at this excellent Archaeological Museum is the superb capital from the Ashokan pillar. It has the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back lions which has been adopted as the state symbol of modern India. (The museum is closed on Fridays).
Overnight at hotel

Day 08   Varanasi – Delhi – Onward journey
Morning at leisure for own activities.

Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to the international airport for your onward journey.

Leave: Delhi