India's Classic Tour

Day 2: Delhi - A Day of Contrasts in Delhi

Today, your private guide and driver will take you on a journey to explore the fascinating contrasts between Old and New Delhi. Start the day by driving past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Delhi. Then, experience the vibrant chaos of the city on a thrilling cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandi Chowk and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace.

Continue your journey to Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in Asia, where you can witness the trading of exotic spices and herbs. After lunch, head towards New Delhi to visit the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, surrounded by a complex of buildings that showcase Indian artwork dating back to the twelfth century. Then, visit the Humayun's Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features a series of Mughal-style buildings, offering the first example of this type of architecture in India.

Wrap up your day by returning to your hotel via private vehicle, having explored the best of Delhi's striking contrasts.

Day 3: Drive to Jaipur and Discover the City's Creative Energy

Today, after meeting your private driver, embark on a six-hour drive from Delhi to Jaipur. Upon arrival, you'll discover the creative energy and ingenuity that has made Jaipur a hub for skilled craftspeople and artisans for centuries. The city's royal families and nobles have long patronized the craft capital of India, resulting in a wealth of valuable and highly prized items that can still be found today.

Begin your exploration of Jaipur's vibrant culture in the Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji areas, where you can observe master craftsmen at work, including jewelers, silversmiths, gold painters, and tie-dying experts. Your private guide will accompany you on a colorful evening walking tour through the city's bazaars, starting in front of the iconic Palace of the Winds. As you stroll through the bustling streets, you'll have the chance to mingle with store vendors and locals alike, sampling some of the region's notable culinary favorites such as pakoras, aloo tiki, samosas, and ladoo from carefully selected street food vendors that meet the highest hygiene standards.

Observe the painstakingly careful craftsmanship of the artisans as you poke your head into local workshops. After the 2.5-hour walk through the bazaars, return to your hotel by private vehicle, having experienced the best of Jaipur's creative energy and traditional crafts.

Day 4: Tour Jaipur's Iconic Monuments
Begin your day with an early breakfast before meeting your private guide and driver at your hotel for a day of exploring some of Jaipur's most significant sights. Start your tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amber Fort, an impressive hilltop fort surrounded by fortified battlements that offer stunning views of Maotha Lake. Explore the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, including the mesmerizing Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors), where a single lamp light illuminates the entire room through numerous mirrors.

Next, visit Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds, an ornate pale pink facade with a tiered baroque-like build. This monument was designed to enable royal ladies to observe everyday life and public festivals in the streets below without being seen. After that, head to Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh II. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the world's largest sundial and massive astronomical instruments built from local stone and marble, showcasing 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period.

Lastly, visit the City Palace, an 18th-century royal residence to the rulers of Jaipur, which now serves as a museum showcasing the harmony of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Explore the sprawling complex and its various exhibits, including the off-limits home of the current Maharaja, the Chandra Mahal. After a day of exploring, return to your hotel by private transfer.

Day 5: A Journey to Agra and Sunset at the Taj Mahal

Meet your driver and settle in for a private transfer from Jaipur to Agra, with a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned ghost city, along the way. Meet with a local guide in Fatehpur Sikri to explore the ruins. Constructed during the second half of the 16th-century by Emperor Akbar, the "City of Victory" served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for approximately 14 years, until the capital was moved to Punjab and the city was later abandoned. The well-preserved complex of monuments and temples reflects the Hindu and Muslim architectural styles of the time, and houses one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. After your visit to the abandoned city, continue by private vehicle to Agra. Approximate travel time is 5-6 hours including touring.

In Agra, meet with your private driver and guide, and set out for a stunning natural display of light over the Taj Mahal during sunset. As daylight wanes, the translucent white marble comes alive with a faint blush of warm rose, giving way to a stunning golden hue depending on the angle. Walk through the compound surrounding the Taj Mahal as the sunset’s spectacle plays out against the dramatic backdrop of the marble dome, displaying the changing colors in the compound’s reflecting pools. Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site during the golden hour is a photographer’s delight. After your visit, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Day 6: Agra - Discovering History's Treasures

Embark on a private tour of the Taj Mahal, an exquisite example of Mughal architecture, commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Marvel at the intricate inlay work of precious and semi-precious stones that adorn the white marble monument. Afterward, travel by car to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, a red sandstone fort built on the banks of the Yamuna River that served as the main residence of Mughal emperors until the capital was shifted to Delhi. Explore the impressive monument with its rich architectural history, and visit the tower of Shah Jahan's imprisonment for a glimpse of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Return to your hotel by private vehicle at the end of the visit.

Day 7: Train Ride to Khajuraho

Meet Your Private Driver and English-speaking Assistant for a Train Station Transfer. Board a Train from Agra to Jhansi, with a travel time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival at Jhansi, meet your Private Driver for a transfer to Khajuraho. The approximate transfer time is 3 hours.

Day 8: Khajuraho - Marvelous Monuments

Embark on a private guided tour of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, located in the town of Khajuraho in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This unique location is a popular tourist destination and contains the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples in India. The temples are famous for their erogenous sculptures and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Khajuraho was once the capital of the Hindu dynasty, the Chandela Rajputs, who ruled the region from the 10th to the 12th century. Originally, over 80 temples were built within a walled area with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. Today, only 22 temples remain, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles. Marvel at the audacious architecture and intricate carvings that adorn these remarkable monuments, which are considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India.

Day 9: Varanasi's Spiritual Sights

Meet your driver and English-speaking assistant for a private airport transfer in Khajuraho. Take a short one-hour flight to Varanasi.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and assistant for a transfer to your hotel in Varanasi.

Experience the captivating Aarti Ceremony, a Hindu ritual performed at dusk on the banks of the Ganges River. Watch young priests in saffron robes perform the ceremony using fire as an offering to the goddess of the river. Afterwards, take a private boat ride with your guide to see Varanasi's stunning night views from the river, including the burning funeral pyres, a powerful reminder of the city's spiritual significance. Your guide will provide insight into the Hindu belief that a soul can escape the cycle of rebirth if their ashes are laid to rest in the Ganges at Varanasi.

This unique and unforgettable experience is a quintessential Varanasi sightseeing opportunity.
 

Day 10: Discovering Varanasi's Spiritual and Historical Sites

Varanasi, known as one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, is a fascinating destination that offers an immersive experience of the country's rich spirituality and history. Today, accompanied by your private guide, you will explore some of Varanasi's most significant spiritual and historical sites.

Begin your day with an unforgettable sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, accompanied by your guide. As you float past the ghats, where worshippers begin to appear on the banks, you will witness the unique culture of Varanasi associated with the river Ganges, where life and death intermingle. The living flock to the ghats to pray and bathe in the sacred waters, while the ashes of the dead are scattered in the river to break the cycle of reincarnation and attain enlightenment.

After the boat ride, you will visit Sarnath, about 20 kilometers from Varanasi, which is one of the four sacred Buddhist pilgrim centers and the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. Although many visitors to Sarnath don't realize it, the site was also an important place for the believers of Lord Shiva, as "Sarnath" means "Lord of Deer," which is another name of Lord Shiva. The ruins of Sarnath are found in a small, well-maintained area, with the Dhamek Stupa dominating the site. Originally built during the reign of King Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty, it marks the spot where Lord Buddha preached the first sermon to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Today, Buddhist pilgrims from around the world visit Sarnath to circumambulate the holy Stupa and pray.

Your private guide will also take you to the museum at the site, which boasts a great collection of archaeological artifacts. You will have time to browse the exhibits at your own pace and learn more about the fascinating history of Sarnath.

Day 11: Departure from Varanasi
Bid farewell to Varanasi as you meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer. As you make your way to the airport, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you have had during your time in this fascinating city. From the spiritual journey on the Ganges to the cultural immersion in the streets of Varanasi, you have explored the sights and insights of this ancient city in a way that few visitors have the chance to do. As you board your flight and take off for your next adventure, you can look back on your time in Varanasi with fondness, knowing that you have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for India's rich culture and traditions.