Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll arrive at Delhi Airport and get transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to wander around this busy capital on your own, checking out historical sites, museums, galleries, and markets at whatever pace works for you. At 6 pm, meet up with your group and leader for an orientation, then head out for dinner at one of Delhi's oldest and most famous restaurants.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at iconic Delhi restaurant with over 80 years history, credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at iconic Delhi restaurant (80+ years old)
- Welcome meeting with local leader and fellow travellers
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Delhi's historical landmarks, museums, galleries and bazaars
- Day 2
Delhi
Your leader takes you through Old Delhi, first showing you how to use the metro system before walking through Mughal architecture on the streets. From a traditional rickshaw, you'll get the full experience of Chandi Chowk marketplace's energy and activity. After that, visit Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque) and Sheeshganj Gurudwara to see the city's religious side. Your evening is free to relax or explore however you like.
Included Activities
- Leader-led Old Delhi city tour
- Mughal architecture exploration on foot
- Traditional rickshaw ride around Chandi Chowk marketplace
- Visit to Jama Masjid (India's oldest and largest mosque)
- Visit to Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh temple)
- Shoe keeper service at Jama Masjid
Optional Activities
- Free evening exploration with leader recommendations for food and activities
Landmarks/POIs Chandi Chowk Jama Masjid Sheeshganj Gurudwara - Day 3
Delhi to Agra
You'll drive south to Agra, a four-hour journey through the countryside. Once settled at your hotel, head out with an expert guide to see the Taj Mahal at sunset, hearing the full story of this wonder and walking the grounds. Later in the evening, join a food tour that takes you through 19th-century shops and neighborhood spots serving traditional Braj region food for dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Street food tour with visits to hyperlocal eateries and 19th-century shop serving age-old Braj region recipes)
Included Activities
- Taj Mahal visit with expert-led sunset tour
- Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
Landmarks/POIs Taj Mahal - Day 4
Agra to Jaipur
Start with Agra Fort, learning how Akbar built it from red sandstone in 1565 and how Shah Jahan later turned it into a palace. Then travel to Jaipur and check into Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, a heritage property run by the same family since 1928 with chandeliers, stained glass, and peacocks around the grounds. Walk through Jaipur's busy streets and bazaars with your leader, seeing textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones, then enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
- Meals
- Dinner (Home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family)
Included Activities
- Agra Fort visit
- Leader-led walking tour of Jaipur bazaars
- Home-cooked dinner with local family
Landmarks/POIs Agra Fort - Day 5
Jaipur
Your leader takes you through Amber Fort, sharing stories of its past while you see ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches, and jali work. Next, visit City Palace, which mixes Rajput and Mughal styles. Then ride a rickshaw to a royal haveli where the owner will show you photos and tell stories about his family's history.
Included Activities
- Amber Fort visit
- City Palace tour
- Royal haveli tour with owner
Landmarks/POIs Amber Fort City Palace - Day 6
Jaipur to Lucknow
You'll have a relaxed morning before flying east to Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader guides the group on an afternoon walk to help you get familiar with the area. Your evening is free, though your leader can suggest restaurants serving local specialties like Tunday Kebabi.
Included Activities
- Orientation walk in Lucknow
Optional Activities
- Free evening exploration with leader restaurant recommendations
- Day 7
Lucknow
Morning starts with a leader-led tour of Lucknow's highlights, including Bara Imambara, built in 1784 with a confusing layout of narrow passages and stairs that benefit from local guidance. In the afternoon, join a cooking class to learn Lucknow's culinary techniques and pick up skills you can use at home.
- Meals
- Dinner (Sheroes Dinner)
Included Activities
- Lucknow city tour
- Bara Imambara visit
- Awadhi cooking class
Landmarks/POIs Bara Imambara - Day 8
Lucknow to Varanasi
You'll wake early for an air-conditioned train to Varanasi with packed breakfast. Along the way, local vendors board selling snacks and Indian chai, and you'll see Indian countryside from your window. After checking in, take a walking tour of Varanasi, India's spiritual heart. That evening, sail on the Ganges at sunset while local musicians play and you watch the flower and candle ceremony.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Packed breakfast)
Included Activities
- Train journey to Varanasi (air-conditioned)
- Walking tour of Varanasi
- Sunset cruise on Ganges with local musicians
- Ganges candle flower ceremony
Optional Activities
- Interaction with local vendors selling snacks and chai on train
Landmarks/POIs Ganges River - Day 9
Varanasi
Early risers can join a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader explains the river's spiritual importance while you float past ghats and temples. You'll have free time in the morning to do what you want, then meet up with the group at Sarnath, one of Buddhism's four main pilgrimage sites where Buddha taught enlightenment. Explore the stupas and museums there.
Included Activities
- Sunrise boat ride on Ganges
- Sarnath visit
- Sarnath Stupa visit
- Sarnath Museum visit
Optional Activities
- Free morning to set your own schedule
Landmarks/POIs Sarnath - Day 10
Varanasi to Delhi
You head back to Delhi today. Your afternoon is open for exploring sites you might have missed on day one, like Humayun's Tomb (from 1570) or Qutb Minar (India's tallest tower), with your leader helping you arrange activities. Your final group dinner is at a haveli built in 1887, where you'll eat Mughlai cuisine, street food, and kebabs in a historical setting.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner at Haveli Dharampura (1887 heritage property) featuring Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner at Haveli Dharampura (1887 heritage property)
Optional Activities
- Humayun's Tomb visit - INR600
- Qutb Minar visit - INR600
Landmarks/POIs Humayun's Tomb Qutb Minar - Day 11
Delhi
Your trip ends after breakfast. Head to the airport and fly home. If you want to stay longer, contact your booking agent beforehand to arrange extra nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Additional accommodation can be arranged with advance notice
