Golden Triangle & Varanasi

Welcome to Delhi. On arrival, you will be collected and transferred to the hotel. The rest of your first day is at leisure to sleep off your jet lag or head out to start exploring India's vibrant capital city.

Delhi - Jaipur. This morning, we embark on a guided city tour of Delhi. We begin at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the country, which was built by Shah Jahan, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. We also have a photo stop at the UNESCO-listed Red Fort and Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Admire the towering minaret of Qutub Minar and see important sites in the preservation of the world's largest democracy - India gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace.

This afternoon we drive to Jaipur, a journey of around 5 hours. Arriving in the Pink City in the early evening and check in to our accommodation. Your evening is at leisure in Jaipur.

Today we're exploring the second "point" on India's Golden Triangle route, Jaipur. Its nickname is the "Pink City" - this is because the Maharaja of Jaipur commanded that many of the buildings in the city be painted pink to welcome the visit of Britain's Prince Albert in 1876.

We visit the lofty Amber Fort and the fascinating astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar. We also take in the impressive Rajasthani and Mughal architecture at City Palace before returning to our accommodation for a second night in Jaipur.

Jaipur - Agra. We leave Jaipur this morning, making the 5-hour drive to Agra. In the afternoon we visit the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most renowned monument. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, this iconic white marble mausoleum is an unparalleled symbol of love and devotion, standing as one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world. Be sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of photos!

After our Taj Mahal visit we head to Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed treasure that served as the main residence of countless Mughal emperors. Your evening is at leisure in Agra.

Agra - Varanasi. This morning we transfer to the train station in Agra for our early train to Varanasi, departing at 06:00. We will arrive at India's spiritual centre at around lunchtime, and will transfer to our hotel in the city.

After some time to rest and freshen up, we head out on a short city tour to learn more about the city and its importance in Hinduism, particularly in regards to death. Later, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges to see some of the famous ghats, and witness an evening Aarti ceremony along the river.

You have a full free day to engage in independent activities such as visiting local markets, exploring ancient temples, or taking a walking tour of the ghats.

Varanasi - Delhi. It's an early start as we return to Delhi on the 06:00 train, arriving at just after 14:00. From here, there is an included transfer either to the airport, or to your hotel in the city, if you are staying for an additional night. We recommend not booking your international flights out of India for earlier than 20:00, and can assist if you would like to book post-tour accommodation.