Classic India & Kathmandu (3 Star)

Welcome to Delhi. On arrival at the airport, you will be collected and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin your sightseeing in India's capital.

After breakfast, set out to explore Old Delhi. Begin with a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of its narrow alleys, colourful markets and local shoppers. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most impressive mosque complexes in Asia, before driving past the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan.

Next, visit Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. There's a stop for lunch at a local restaurant before you continue your sightseeing in New Delhi, beginning with Humayun’s Tomb, an elegant 16th-century mausoleum and a fine example of early Mughal architecture.

Drive past India Gate, the war memorial built in 1931 to honour Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and the Afghan Wars, then pass the President’s House, the official residence of the President of India. Today's sightseeing concludes with a visit to the towering Qutub Minar.

Delhi - Jaipur. This morning, depart by road for the 5-6 hour journey to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Widely known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur was colour-washed pink in 1883 to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, one of India’s most remarkable rulers, the city is surrounded by hills crowned with imposing forts, palaces, mansions and gardens.

In the afternoon, you will have free time, or the opportunity to enjoy traditional cultural activities such as turban-tying and saree-draping demonstrations, as well as consultations with an astrologer and palmist (available for group bookings only - please enquire at time of booking).

Today, set out to explore magnificent Amber Fort, located just outside Jaipur. Enjoy a scenic Jeep ride to and from the hilltop on which the fort stands, offering splendid views of the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, an impressive complex at the heart of Jaipur known for its elegant blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Nearby stands the Central Museum, followed by Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. You'll also view the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, an intricately designed façade that once allowed royal ladies to observe street processions unseen.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore Jaipur’s markets, famous for textiles, gemstones, carpets and handicrafts.

Jaipur - Agra. Leaving Jaipur, you'll transfer to the beautiful city of Agra (4 - 5 hours). En route, you visit Fatehpur Sikri - the fascinating abandoned capital of the Mughal Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to several splendid monuments from the Mughal era, including the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti. You also stop to see the remarkable stepwell at Abhaneri, an ancient architectural marvel.

On arrival in Agra, the rest of the day is at leisure. You may wish to explore the local markets and enjoy some shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs.

Early this morning, you visit one of the most beautiful monuments in the world - the Taj Mahal, where you witness its breathtaking beauty at sunrise. This architectural masterpiece, often described as a modern wonder of the world, is a fusion of various architectural styles and a timeless symbol of love. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal stands as one of the most graceful and perfectly proportioned structures ever built.

After a well-deserved breakfast, continue your exploration of Agra with a visit to the imposing Agra Fort, constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Built from red sandstone, the fort is surrounded by massive battlements and contains several magnificent buildings, including the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Moti Masjid, and the beautifully decorated Sheesh Mahal. From the Musamman Burj, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

Please Note: The Taj Mahal remains closed to visitors on Fridays and your itinerary will be adjusted to accommodate a visit if this day falls on a Friday.

Agra - Delhi - Kathmandu (Nepal). After breakfast, say goodbye to Agra as you head back to Delhi, where you'll be dropped at the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Nepal's capital, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel.

Please note: The flight from Delhi to Kathmandu is not included in the cost of your tour - we can book this flight for you on request, for a supplement. Please contact us for this.

Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu. Today, set out to explore Kathmandu and the nearby city of Patan. Your sightseeing begins at Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Kathmandu. This square, once the royal residence of Nepalese monarchs, is a blend of temples, courtyards and palaces dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. The intricately carved wooden facades of the old palace now house the King Tribhuwan Memorial and Mahendra Museums.

You then visit the Swoyambhunath Stupa, one of Nepal’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites. Perched on a hill overlooking the valley, this ‘Self-Existent’ stupa is believed to date back over 2,500 years. Surrounded by shrines and statues of both Buddhist and Hindu deities, it remains an important place of worship and learning.

Your tour concludes at Patan Durbar Square, situated five kilometres southeast of Kathmandu. Known as Lalitpur, or the City of Fine Arts, Patan is renowned for its stunning Newari architecture. The square, another UNESCO-listed site, is a remarkable cluster of temples and palaces that once formed the royal palace complex. Back in Kathmandu, your evening is at leisure.

Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Kathmandu. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s holiest Hindu pilgrimage site, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This striking pagoda-style temple features a gold-plated roof, silver-plated doors and intricate wooden carvings. Surrounding the main shrine are numerous smaller temples dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist deities. Set beside the sacred Bagmati River, the site also includes the traditional cremation ghats used by Hindu devotees. Please note that only Hindus are permitted inside the main temple courtyard.

You then visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and the most significant Tibetan Buddhist site outside Tibet. Situated on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, Boudhanath serves as the spiritual heart of the city’s Tibetan community. Following the arrival of Tibetan refugees in 1959, it became a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism and remains a vibrant place of pilgrimage, meditation and cultural exchange.

Later, drive to Nagarkot, a peaceful hill station on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. Renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas, Nagarkot offers breathtaking panoramas and, on a clear day, even a distant glimpse of Mount Everest. Return to Kathmandu for the final night of your tour.

Your tour ends after breakfast and hotel check-out. An included transfer takes you to the airport.