Delhi to Varanasi (3 Star)
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PRIVATE TOUR: Explore the highlights of northern India on this 8-day journey from Delhi to Varanasi, staying in 3-star hotels. You’ll dive into Old and New Delhi, ride a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, and see the Mughal splendour of Humayun’s Tomb. In Jaipur, visit Amber Fort and browse lively bazaars, before heading to Agra to witness the majestic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Stop at the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. The tour ends in spiritual Varanasi, where you'll see the Ganga Aarti and explore sacred temples and ghats, plus enjoy a visit to the pilgrimage site of Sarnath.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3-star hotelsStarts
DelhiEnds
VaranasiMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Services of local, English-speaking guides for included sightseeing & activitiesCountry
IndiaMeals included
Breakfast: 6Choose your desired standard of accommodation. See Hotels for more information
Passengers
$680.00
$189.00
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of local, English-speaking guides for included sightseeing & activitiesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourTranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
3 Star
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
On arrival at the airport in Delhi, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recover from your journey.
Day 2 - Exploring Delhi
This morning, after breakfast, you head to Old Delhi to experience a traditional cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Here, you can take in the vibrant atmosphere of narrow alleyways, colourful market stalls and busy local life. Next, visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest and oldest mosque complexes in Asia. Drive past the Red Fort, an iconic landmark built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, then stop at Raj Ghat, a simple yet powerful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
After a stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included), the tour continues in New Delhi. Highlights include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and early example of Mughal architecture, built in 1562. Drive past India Gate, a war memorial erected in 1931 to honour Indian soldiers who died in World War I, and see the grand President’s House. Finish the day at the Qutub Minar, a towering minaret and another UNESCO-listed site.
After the day’s sightseeing, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, there's an optional Delhi food tour. Explore the capital's legendary street food scene with stops at century-old shops. Sample sweet jalebis, crisp samosas, raj kachori, stuffed parathas, kulia ki chaat (fruit cups with masala and chickpeas), rabri-faluda, chole bhatura, and a chilled glass of lassi.
Day 3 - Delhi to Jaipur
Delhi - Jaipur. After breakfast, depart by road for the 6 hour drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to head out and explore. Known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur was colour-washed in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, during his visit to India in 1883. In the early evening, you can opt to join a local family for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Indian dishes using age-old techniques. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner as part of the experience.
Day 4 - Exploring Jaipur
After breakfast, set out to explore Jaipur, beginning with an excursion to Amber Fort, located just outside the city. Enjoy a memorable jeep ride up the hill to reach the fort’s main entrance. Set atop rugged terrain, the fort offers a striking example of Rajput architecture and overlooks Maota Lake.
In the afternoon, you return to the city for a guided tour of the City Palace, a fine example of a fusion between Rajasthani and Mughal design. Nearby, visit the Central Museum and Jantar Mantar, the largest of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. You also view the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, built to allow royal women to observe street festivals unseen. Later, enjoy free time to explore Jaipur’s markets, where you can browse a wide array of textiles, gemstones, carpets, and local handicrafts – ideal for souvenir shopping.
The rest of the day is free, or you can opt to join a leopard safari, heading into the nearby wilderness in search of India's most elusive big cat.
Day 5 - Fatehpur Sikri & Agra
Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra. Leaving Jaipur, you set off for Agra (approx 5 hours driving). En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a former Mughal capital, built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar. The city was abandoned shortly after its completion due to water shortages.
From Fatehpur Sikri, continue to Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra served as the Mughal capital from 1526 to 1628 and remains a key destination for its wealth of Mughal-era monuments. Among these, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites - you'll be visiting them both tomorrow!
On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. In the evening, opt for a 1.5-hour live performance that brings to life the romantic story behind the Taj Mahal. Through music, dance, and storytelling, the Mohabbatein Taj Show offers a captivating cultural experience in Agra.
Day 6 - Exploring Agra & Taj Mahal
Agra - Varanasi. Today begins with a visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. This vast red sandstone fortress features imposing walls and houses several notable structures, including the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal and Musamman Burj – from where you can enjoy a striking view of the Taj Mahal.
There's some free time in the afternoon before you take in India's most famous site: the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is celebrated for its exquisite symmetry and the fusion of architectural styles from across Asia and the Islamic world.
In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the railway station to board the overnight train to Varanasi.
Please Note: Depending on the availability of overnight trains, you may be transferred back to Delhi by road after visiting the Taj Mahal, in order to catch an overnight train from Delhi to Varanasi.
Day 7 - Exploring Varanasi
On arrival at Varanasi railway station, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some time to freshen up, set out in the afternoon for a city tour. Highlights include the Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, which reflects a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. You visit Dasaswamedh Ghat, one of the most vibrant riverfronts in Varanasi, and the Bharat Mata Temple, uniquely dedicated to Mother India and located within the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith.
In the evening, witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats – a deeply spiritual and unforgettable experience. You also have the chance to join an optional yoga class, led by a local instructor and drawing on ancient practices in one of India’s most spiritually significant cities.
Day 8 - Varanasi
After breakfast and hotel check out this morning, there is just time to visit Sarnath, one of the eight most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. After your visit, you will be transferred to the airport in Varanasi at the appropriate time for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Delhi food tour
Join a food tour of Delhi and enjoy some sweet jalebis and samosas from a 100-year-oldshop. Try Raj Kachori, some gorgeous parathas, Kulia ki chaat, rabri-faluda, chole bhatura and finish off with a chilled glass of Lassi!
Add-on
Mohabbate Taj Show in Agra
Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of love and romance with the mesmerizing Mohabbate Taj Show in Agra. Witness the magic of the Taj Mahal come to life through captivating performances and storytelling during this evening show. The show lasts 1.5 hours.
Add-on
Leopard Safari in Jaipur
Embark on an exciting adventure through the rugged terrain of Jaipur in search of the elusive leopard. Get up close to these magnificent creatures and witness their natural habitat in the heart of Rajasthan
Add-on
Cooking Class and Dinner with a Family in Jaipur
Experience the rich flavours and aromas of Indian cuisine first hand with a cooking class hosted by a local family in Jaipur. Learn traditional recipes and techniques, and indulge in a delicious dinner prepared by your hosts.
Add-on
Yoga Class
Join a 60 minute Yoga class and leave the class feeling relaxed!
Add-on
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.
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