Jewel in the Crown - 11 day tour

Welcome to India! You will be met upon arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Delhi

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi this morning, taking in the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi, designed by the eminent Sir Edward Lutyens. Highlights include the India Gate, Rajpath and bustling Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minar, essentially a massive tower built to proclaim the arrival of Islam in the 11th century and a carpet emporium.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast

Delhi - Jaipur. Drive to UNESCO-listed Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan affectionately known as the Pink City and relax in the afternoon. On day 4 take a jeep to the 15th Century Amber Fort, after which enjoy a city tour of the City Palace, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar space observatory. Don’t miss the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its incredible façade of balconies.
Overnight: Jaipur  |  Breakfast x 2

Jaipur - Agra. En route to Agra, enjoy a visit to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra, the rest of the day is at your disposal. On day 6, enjoy a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Possibly the most recognized of all India’s landmarks, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century. Later, enjoy a visit to the colossal 15th century Agra Fort and also a marble craftshop. Rest of the afternoon free.
Overnight: Agra  |  Breakfast x 2

Agra - Khajuraho (via Jhansi & Orchha). Transfer to the rail station for the morning train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, the journey continues by road to Khajuraho. En route a visit is made to Orchha. On the banks of the River Betwa, Orchha is famed for its temples and palaces built by the 16th century Bundela rulers.
Overnight: Khajuraho  |  Breakfast

Khajuraho - Varanasi. Close behind the Taj Mahal and up there with Varanasi and Jaipur, are the amazing temples of Khajuraho. Immortalized in stone is a wealth of sensuous and erotic sculptures. This morning visit these famous temples before a flight to the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India – Varanasi.

Please note: Flights from Khajuraho to Varanasi are not operating currently, although it is expected that this flight route will commence operations again soon. If not operational at time of travel then we will drive to Varanasi. (Distance 430km, approx 7-8 hours drive time)
Overnight: Varanasi  |  Breakfast

Abundant with temples and a labyrinth of streets, Varanasi is exciting, enticing and a city not to be missed. Early this morning we enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to view the sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the ghats (riverside steps). Enjoy a tour of the city, with its numerous temples and wonderful historic feel; with time later to relax.
Overnight: Varanasi  |  Breakfast

Varanasi - Delhi. After a leisurely morning, we return to Delhi by air.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast