Itinerary
Namaste
Delhi!
Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces and spice-crammed street food. We’ll gather for the first time at the start hotel (normally the Florence Inn) before departing for Jaipur, a drive which may take between five and seven hours depending upon traffic.
Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)
Explore
Jaipur
Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum. Close to the palace is the observatory of Jai Singh, an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur’s impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear.
Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which the Mughul Emperor Shah Jahan built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Meals included: Breakfast
Relax in
Varanasi
We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. Immerse in its rich Hindu culture, explore narrow lanes, visit temples, and witness Hindu ceremonies. In the afternoon, opt to visit the sacred Sarnath Temple, significant to Buddhists. Your leader can arrange additional activities during your two-day stay.
Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Dawn Boat Ride
on the Ganges
Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi. A great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner will be served onboard and you will arrive into Delhi and transfer onto your hotel late evening.
Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore
Delhi
Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh.
Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Alvida
Delhi
Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
