Historic and Spiritual Journey

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival Delhi

  On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel and relax.

  Overnight in Delhi.

  Note: Generally the check in time at most of the hotels is 2 pm

• Day 2 : Delhi – visit to New Delhi & Old Delhi

  After breakfast proceed to explore Delhi. You can visit Red Fort -A UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of India's rich history. Jama Masjid- One of the largest mosques in India. Raj Ghat- The memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated. Chandni Chowk- A bustling market area in Old Delhi, famous for its narrow lanes, vibrant bazaars, street food, and historical landmarks like the Red Fort. Humayun's Tomb- Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, Humayun's Tomb is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and serves as the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Qutub Minar- another UNESCO World Heritage site, Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, built in the early 13th century. The complex also includes several other ancient and medieval structures like, Iron Pillar- Located in the courtyard of the Qutub Minar complex and it dates back to the 4th century CE. It stands over 7 meters tall and has not rusted in over 1,600 years, a testament to the advanced metallurgical skill of ancient Indians. Then driving past Rajpath (Parliamentary road) in Delhi offers a scenic and symbolic journey through the heart of India's capital, encompassing several significant landmarks and government buildings and then visit India Gate- an iconic war memorial, located at one end of Rajpath, commemorates the Indian soldiers who died during World War I.

  Overnight in Delhi.

• Day 3 : Delhi – drive to Agra

  After breakfast, leave Delhi and drive to Agra. The sprawl of India’s capital is extensive and you may feel that you’ve already encountered a good percentage of Delhi’s 15 million population by the time you reach the outskirts of the city. The drive to Agra takes around 4 hours. On arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch, before meeting up with your guide (if you have opted for the guide service) and exploring the Agra city. First visit to Agra Fort also known as Red Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then visit to Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb -often referred to as the "Baby Taj," this tomb is a precursor to the Taj Mahal and is known for its intricate marble inlay work and beautiful gardens.
  Then visit to the Taj Mahal - India’s most famous monument is one of those places which still delights and exceeds expectations no matter how many time you have seen pictures or images of it. (Indeed, one visit is often not sufficient so you will have time for a return visit the next morning, but the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

  A knowledgeable local guide (if you have opted for the guide service) will explain some of the history of the Taj and describe the incredible level of craftsmanship which was required to create this remarkable building. You will also have ample time to explore on your own- the Taj cannot be summed up in words and really needs to be experienced at your own pace. The Taj and grounds are closed at sunset.

• Day 4 : Agra –drive to Gwalior –drive to Orchha

  Optional dawn visit to the Taj Mahal (depending on the time of year and weather conditions, a sunrise at the Taj can be utterly spellbinding) and later depart from Agra and drive 03 hours to Gwalior. This historic town sits at the foot of a small hill and in the shadow of the 3 kilometre long Gwalior Fort which is perched atop the hill. Many aspects of the fort are remarkable- not least the mural of ducks and crocodiles which adorns the towers of Man Singh Palace at the fort’s northern end. Also impressive in a more ‘traditional’ sense are the Jain statues on the roadside as you approach from the west, and the small and intricate Vishnu and Shiva temples from the 11th and 9th centuries respectively which over the old city of Gwalior below. After lunch, depart from Gwalior and drive a further 3 hours to Orchha, at the heart of the Bundela region which was once the political and military heart of central India. Orchha is one of those delightful places which can be explored on foot with little concern for crowds or traffic- it is compact, laidback and rather photogenic.

  Overnight in Orchha.

• Day 5 : Orchha – sightseeing

  The historic town of Orchha is situated on an island in the middle of the Betwa River (although the channel to the west is normally dry) and has many interesting historic buildings as well as a friendly, inviting central market area surrounded by temples. Among the sites you can visit today are the riverside cenotaphs of the local royals from centuries past, the hilltop palace complex and the Lakshmi Narayan temple which offers commanding views of the countryside from its central tower. Most of all Orchha is an excellent place to experience a small Indian town as well as offering a chance to relax in the confines of your hotel.

  Overnight in Orchha.

• Day 6 : Orchha – drive to Khajuraho

  This morning, if you wish to spend more time in Orchha, you can do so. Later, you can take a drive to Khajuraho in the late morning or afternoon, check into your hotel, and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy your own activities.

  Overnight in Khajuraho.

• Day 7 : Khajuraho – sightseeing

  After breakfast, explore Khajuraho at a relaxed pace. The temples of Khajuraho with their famously erotic carved embellishments are now one of India’s most famous and iconic tourist destinations- it is hard to believe that the entire complex of temples lay neglected and covered by encroaching jungle for several centuries until it was ‘rediscovered’ in the 1830s. Tour the main group of temples with a guide (if you have opted for the guide service). This group houses the most spectacular of all the temples of Khajuraho including Kandariya Mahadev, considered by many to be the finest temple in North India. There are dozens of temples in the area and many people appreciate a return afternoon visit to wonder around and explore at their own pace or to simply sit and absorb the brilliance of the surroundings. Then tour the eastern group of temples and in the evening attend the stunning Sound and Light show at the main (western) group of temples.

  Overnight in Khajuraho.

• Day 8 : Khajuraho – drive to Varanasi

  After a relaxed breakfast, take an eight hours drive to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi, check in at your hotel and relax.

  The ghats (steps) which line the western bank of the Ganges are awash with people from the pre-dawn hours until well into the night and Varanasi is one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in all of Hinduism. The nightly Aarti ceremony, when thousands of tiny oil lamps are set alight to a soundtrack of myriad clanging bells and gongs, chants, poetry and general mayhem and then cast onto the waters of the Ganges, is one of India’s most celebrated rituals. Despite its reputation as one of the most chaotic cities in India, Varanasi is a friendly and welcoming place and you will be most welcome to sit and absorb the events going on around you.

  Overnight stay in Varanasi.

• Day 9 : Varanasi – sightseeing

  Arise before dawn and meet your guide (if you have opted for the guide service) for a boat ride on the Ganges. This is another ‘must do’ while in Varanasi and cannot be adequately described in words. A total overload for all the senses and a photographer’s dream, the ancient dawn rituals of Varanasi are essentially unchanged in modern times and retain a primal quality which makes them truly compelling. After an hour or so on the water where you will see the burning ghats, crumbling old buildings and an incredible parade of humanity cramming every inch of the river’s edge, disembark the boat and take a walking tour of the ‘old city’ of Varanasi, returning to your hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, visit the important Buddhist centre, Sarnath, with its ancient sites, modern temples and a great museum. Varanasi is a place which is very intense and immediate but it does reveal more and more of its charms over time.

  Overnight in Varanasi.

• Day 10 : Varanasi – FLY – Delhi

  A quiet morning (something of a misnomer in Varanasi) and later transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening or explore the local markets.

  Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 11 : Delhi – Departure

  Today you will be transferred to Delhi airport to catch your international flight according to your flight schedule

  Tour Ends

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