Classical India

Day 01. ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive late evening in Delhi where our representative will meet you outside the customs area and escort you to your hotel. He will then assist you in checking in.

Stay overnight in Delhi.

Day 02. IN DELHI
After an early breakfast today we will take you for a tour of Old and New Delhi.

Old Delhi - A visit to the fortified old city of Delhi with its crumbling walls, 17th century havelis (mansions) and narrow galis (lanes) teeming with people and commerce is a journey to another world. We will drive past the majestic Red Fort built of Red sandstone from 1639 - 1648 AD by Emperor Shah Jehan and then visit Jama Masjid - the biggest mosque of Asia built in 1650 AD by Shah Jehan. After the visit we will also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk (the silver market of the bygone era). This will be followed by a visit to Rajghat - memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi.

New Delhi - India's capital city is a medley of history and culture juxtaposed with the new and the brash. We will visit the Humayun's Tomb - the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, followed by a visit to Qutab Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibek. Drive past the secretarial offices and the Parliament house. Visit the India Gate-war memorial and Connaught Place, the city center of New Delhi.

Stay overnight in Delhi.

Day 03. DELHI - JAIPUR (163 MILES)
This morning after breakfast we drive on to the city of Jaipur. We arrive in Jaipur, also called the Pink City, in the afternoon and proceed directly to the hotel.

Later in the evening take a short orientation tour of the city to get a feel of it.

Stay overnight in Jaipur.

Day 04. IN JAIPUR
After breakfast we drive on to Amber Fort, where we will ascend to the fort on elephant back (depending on availability of elephants). Later we visit City Palace, which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. It has been the principal residence for the Maharajas of Jaipur. The main attraction is its museum, which houses paintings, clothes and armouries. Later visit Jantar Mantar (Observatory) and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind).

In the evening enjoy a walk through the local markets of Jaipur and feel the pulse of the city around you.

Stay overnight in Jaipur.

Day 05. JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA (146 MILES)
This morning after an early breakfast we drive on to Agra, the city famous for the Taj Mahal.

Before we enter Agra, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the city of victory. It was built by Emperor Akbar but was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water

We continue to Agra city and arrive there in the afternoon. After checking in at the hotel we proceed to the beautiful Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World built by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. It's a symbol of enduring love. This will be followed by a visit to Agra fort, built by Emperor Akbar. The maze of its courtyards, mosque and private chambers echoes the story of the Mughal Empire. The view of the Taj from this fort is spectacular. (Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday)

Stay overnight in Agra.

Day 06. AGRA - JHANSI BY TRAIN AND THEN BY ROAD TO KHAJURAHO ENROUTE VISITING ORCHHA (108 MILES)
After an early morning breakfast you will proceed to the railway station to board the Shatabdi express train and travel by A/C chair car to Jhansi. Our representative, who will then accompany you till Khajuraho with a stop in the medieval town of Orchha enroute, will meet you on arrival at the Jhansi railway station. Arrive late evening in Khajuraho and check into a hotel.

Stay overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 07. KHAJURAHO - VARANASI BY FLIGHT
This morning after an early breakfast we visit the eastern and western group of temples famous for their erotic postures.

Later we proceed towards the airport to connect to the flight for Varanasi. You will be met on arrival in Varanasi by our representative and on your way to the hotel will visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Arrive at the hotel and check in.

Later in the evening our representative will take you to the ghats (Banks) of River Ganges to witness the Pooja (prayer done with oil lamps) ceremony, which leaves one with a feeling of awe and purity.

Stay overnight in Varanasi.

Day 08. VARANASI - DELHI BY FLIGHT
This morning you start early and make a second trip to the ghats to enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy the sunrise and see the multitudes of faithful take a dip in the holy waters. Return to the hotel for breakfast. This is followed by a city tour of Varanasi and visit to Bharat Mata temple, Durga temple and Vishwanath temple. Later drive back to airport in time for the flight to Delhi.

Arrive late evening and you will be met at the airport. You can either relax in the lobby of the airport hotel or do your last minute shopping before proceeding to the airport to connect to your flight for onward destination. .

Day 09. LEAVE DELHI
Transfer to the airport in time to connect to the flight for onward destination.

NOTE: YOU CAN TAKE AN EXTENSTION TO KATHMANDU FROM VARANASI ON DAY 08.
Please contact us for more details.