Day 1: Arrival At Delhi
Traditional welcome upon arrival at Delhi International Airport by our representative, followed by transfer to the hotel (Rooms available from 12:00). Overnight at the hotel.
(Meals: N/A)
Day 2: New Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. The city of Delhi is a bustling capital, a legacy of the eight cities that have succeeded one another over the last few centuries. In Old Delhi, the former Mughal capital, you will discover the Red Fort (exterior) and the Jama Masjid mosque, then stroll through the Chandni Chowk market (some shops are closed on Sundays) and visit Gandhi's house, now converted into a museum in his memory.
You will take a walk around India Gate until you reach the President's House, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and visit the Sikh temple and New Delhi. You will discover the Qutb Minar, a famous minaret and fantastic monument 73 metres high, standing in a park where many turquoise parrots nest, one of the oldest monuments in Delhi (12th century). Overnight stay at the hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 3: New Delhi – Jaipur (270 Kms/5–6h)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the "Pink City," capital of Rajasthan, founded in the 18th century. It's one of India's most colorful and picturesque cities. Check in at your hotel and stay overnight.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 4: Jaipur – Amber Fort – Jaipur
After breakfast, departure for the visit to Amber Fort. During the Mughal era, the region had to be ready for war at any time. Amber was the residence of the Maharajas. When you see the defensive forts surrounding the site, you can imagine the power of the ruler. Ascend and descend the walls by jeep (if there are more than 4 participants). Visit the palace with its rooms decorated with mirrors and the ancient harem, a true labyrinth.
Today, you will visit the textile block printing workshops where you can make your own clothes during the day. The art of block printing: wooden block printing is a manual printing technique, an ancestral skill from Rajasthan, northern India. In the afternoon, visit the astronomical observatory or Jantar Mantar. Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The monument was completed in 1734. It includes the largest stone sundial in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Then, pass by the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), with its red façade, and the "Pink City," a residential and business district. Visit the city with the City Palace, the Maharaja’s palace with its museum of royal garments, ceremonial pavilions, and also beautiful miniatures. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old city of Jaipur. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 5: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (250 Kms/5–6h)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you'll drive towards Agra. On the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient and astonishing capital built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571 and abandoned after just a few years. It's a truly remarkable site, both artistically and architecturally, that you'll discover. The imperial city contains a wide variety of palaces, columned buildings, pavilions, courtyards and ponds, mosques, and caravanserais. Its buildings, both sober and baroque, form an extraordinary synthesis of the most varied architectural styles.
The journey continues to Agra, a privileged place for any trip to India, as it's a city where the essence of love reigns. Famous during the reign of the Mughal emperors, the "City of the Taj Mahal" was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals were passionate about architecture and constructed some of the world's most impressive monuments. Check in at your hotel and stay overnight.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 6: Agra – Varanasi (Train) (10h – 11h)
Departure for an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Then, visit the Red Fort. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to board the overnight train to Varanasi (Banaras) in 2nd class with air conditioning. Overnight on board.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 7: Varanasi
Assistance on arrival in Varanasi and transfer to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 2:00 PM.) In the afternoon, we'll depart for Sarnath, considered one of Buddhism's prominent locations. This is where Buddha had the revelation of "The Wheel of Law," his first sermon. You'll find remnants of buildings erected by Emperor Ashoka himself, including the main temple from the 6th century, Ashoka's column, and the Dhamek Stupa.
We'll continue with a visit to the museum (closed on friday), which houses one of the pillars Emperor Ashoka erected in the 3rd century BCE. Designed as a Buddhist monastery, it contains many magnificent examples of ancient art. In the evening, we'll enjoy the Aarti experience (prayers) on the sacred Ganges. You'll spend the night at the hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 8: Varanasi – Delhi (By Domestic Flight)
Early in the morning, at dawn, we'll start with a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. In Varanasi, a spiritual atmosphere is created as an incredible number of people flock to the Ganges ghats to pray to God. The deeply mystical Hindu religion is present everywhere: in a decorated gateway to a luminous temple, in a sacred bell, in the sound of Hindu priests' voices, in the aroma of flowers and incense.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Transfer to Varanasi Airport for a flight to Delhi. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
Day 9: New Delhi – Depart
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Delhi airport for your return flight. End of our services.
(Meals: Breakfast included)
