Taj to Varanasi Adventure

On arrival in Delhi, we assist with airport formalities and transfer you to your city hotel. You have time to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead. Later, we meet your guide for an overview of the itinerary and practical information about the local area.

We explore New Delhi’s landmarks – India Gate, imposing government buildings and Humayun’s Tomb. We step into a significant Sikh temple, known for its spirituality and community service. We ride the metro with locals from Connaught Place to Old Delhi, then wander one of its busiest bazaars – a whirl of colour and energy. We navigate narrow lanes specialising in brass, copper and traditional paper goods, before taking a cycle rickshaw through Old Delhi’s narrow streets. Along the way we watch daily life unfold at shops, temples and market stalls. We visit Jama Masjid and admire its vast courtyard and Mughal architecture overlooking Old Delhi.

We leave Delhi and drive through rural Uttar Pradesh towards Agra, passing small towns and fields on the way to the city of the Taj Mahal. We pause at Sheroes Hangout Café – run by survivors of acid attacks – for an included lunch that supports this inspiring initiative. We then join a guided heritage walk through Kachhpura village and surrounding farmland across the Yamuna from the Taj, learning about local life, traditional housing and small–scale industries. We continue to Mehtab Bagh, the riverside garden opposite the Taj, to stroll its paths and enjoy atmospheric sunset views across the river.

We greet the day at the Taj Mahal, watching its colours shift in the first light of morning. We then drive into rural Rajasthan to the small town of Suroth for a stay in a heritage palace hotel. With our guide, we wander village lanes, browse local shops and soak up the rhythm of traditional streets. As evening falls, we gather at Suroth Mahal for a cooking demonstration, learning how classic dishes are prepared in this historic setting before dinner.

We continue towards Jaipur, pausing in Abhaneri to visit Chand Baori – one of India’s largest and deepest stepwells. We admire the striking geometric pattern of its steps and the sheer scale of this remarkable ancient water structure, then carry on to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant capital.

We make our way up to Amber Fort, the hilltop palace complex overlooking Jaipur, and wander through ornate courtyards and grand halls of marble and sandstone. Back in the city, we take in Jaipur’s highlights with visits to Jantar Mantar and the City Palace. We step into a block–printing workshop to watch designs being hand–stamped onto fabric, then try our hand at creating a simple pattern using carved wooden blocks. We also watch a gemstone demonstration, learning how stones are cut and polished – and why Jaipur is a major centre for the gem trade.

We depart Jaipur and drive back to Delhi – a steady journey across the broad plains of northern India from Rajasthan to the capital.

We board the Vande Bharat train for the journey across northern India to Varanasi – later, we gather by the sacred river to witness the atmospheric evening aarti ceremony.

We welcome sunrise on the Ganges as daily rituals unfold along the riverbanks. We wander Varanasi’s ancient streets, time–worn temples and vibrant markets – then continue to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.

We return to Delhi by train. On arrival, you have free time to unwind after the journey. Later, we meet our representative for a briefing on the days ahead.

You have some free time in Delhi to relax and recover from your journey. We then meet our representative for a briefing on the days ahead, before we transfer to Delhi Airport in good time for your international departure.