Epic North India Delhi to Varanasi (5 Star)

On arrival at the airport in Delhi, you’ll be greeted by a representative and escorted to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recover from your journey.

Begin your exploration of Old Delhi with a rickshaw ride through the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk, filled with colourful markets, aromatic food stalls and bustling local shoppers. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most impressive mosque complexes in Asia, before driving past the grand Red Fort, built in 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan. Continue to Raj Ghat, the tranquil memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

After lunch at a local restaurant (not included), your tour continues into New Delhi, a striking contrast to the old city’s narrow alleys and centuries-old bazaars. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent Mughal monument built in 1562 and the architectural forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Next, see the Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret and a fine example of early Indo-Islamic design. Drive past India Gate, the memorial built in 1931 to honour Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars, and the stately President’s House, also completed in 1931. After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Delhi - Jaipur. After breakfast, depart for the 5 hour drive to Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City for its distinctive rose-hued architecture. On arrival, the rest of the day is free for you to explore.

In the evening, enjoy a complimentary dinner featuring a live Rajasthani cultural dance performance, a lively celebration of local music, costume and tradition.

Begin today with a Jeep ride to the majestic Amber Fort, located on a hill just outside the city.

In the afternoon, continue with a sightseeing tour of Jaipur’s key landmarks. Visit the City Palace, an elegant complex blending Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and explore the nearby Central Museum. Discover Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, and see the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, designed for royal ladies to observe street processions unseen from behind its delicately latticed windows.

Jaipur - Pushkar. After breakfast, depart for Pushkar, a journey of around two hours. On arrival, visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, as well as Gau Ghat, Nag Hill, Markandeya Rishi Ashram, Pap Mochini Temple, Agastya Muni Ashram and Gaya Kund.

During your free time, you may choose from a range of optional experiences, including camel rides, jeep excursions, or escorted visits to neighbouring villages, offering an insightful look into the traditions and lifestyle of the region.

Pushkar - Udaipur. Today, make the 6 hour drive to Udaipur. En route, visit Deogarh Fort, often referred to as the Castle of Gods. This charming and lesser-known heritage property offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s regal past. Take time to explore Deogarh Palace and its beautiful surroundings, or venture into the countryside with a local guide to visit nearby villages and experience the warmth and simplicity of rural life.

On arrival in Udaipur, check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.

Begin today with a visit to the magnificent City Palace and its museum, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Continue to Jagdish Temple, an intricately carved Hindu shrine, and enjoy the beauty of Udai Sagar Lake and the graceful Lake Palace, which appears to float on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. Also visit Saheliyon Ki Bari, a charming ornamental garden once designed for the royal ladies.

In the evening, enjoy a one-hour boat ride on Lake Pichola. As you glide past historic ghats and palaces, take in the stunning views of the City Palace and the Lake Palace illuminated against the twilight sky.

Udaipur - Bundi. After breakfast, drive to Bundi, a charming town known for its palaces, forts and stepwells. On arrival, check in at your hotel before setting out in the afternoon to explore the city’s highlights.

Visit Taragarh, also known as the Star Fort, a striking white fortress perched on a wooded hillside. The fort features a vast reservoir that once supplied water to the palace and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continue to Chhatrasagar, a beautiful pavilion adorned with exquisite miniature murals depicting vibrant scenes from the Ragamala and Raaslila - the timeless love story of Radha and Krishna.

End the day at Sukh Mahal, a graceful summer palace set beside the tranquil Sukh Sagar Lake. Surrounded by lush gardens, this palace is steeped in legend: an underground tunnel is said to connect it to the old palace.

Bundi – Ranthambore National Park. After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore, one of India’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. On arrival, check in at your jungle lodge and enjoy time at leisure. Relax and unwind, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

Dinner is served at the lodge this evening, followed by an overnight stay amid the tranquil sounds of nature.

Head out early this morning for your first wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, travelling by shared jeep or canter with an expert naturalist. The three-hour jungle excursion offers the chance to spot tigers, leopards, deer, sloth bears and numerous bird species set against the dramatic backdrop of lakes and ancient ruins.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and some time to relax. After lunch, embark on your second safari of the day, exploring a different zone of the park to maximise your wildlife sightings.

In the evening, return to the lodge to enjoy tea or coffee before dinner.

Ranthambore – Agra. After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of Emperor Akbar, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved red sandstone palaces, courtyards and mosques.

Continue to the village of Abhaneri, home to the incredible Chand Baori stepwell, one of the deepest and most architecturally striking stepwells in India. Built in the 9th century, this geometric masterpiece features 3,500 narrow steps arranged across multiple storeys.

After sightseeing, proceed to Agra and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure — explore the local markets or relax at your hotel.

This morning, visit one of the most exquisite monuments in the world - the Taj Mahal. This magnificent white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, stands as a timeless symbol of love and devotion. A masterpiece of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal blends Persian, Islamic and Indian design elements, making it one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time.

Your tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort, a grand fortress constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Built of red sandstone and encircled by massive walls, the fort houses some of the most beautiful structures of the Mughal era, including the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Nagina Masjid, Meena Bazaar, and the Sheesh Mahal. Within its walls lies the Musamman Burj, a marble pavilion that offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal. It was here that Emperor Shah Jahan spent his final years as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb, gazing across the Yamuna River at the monument he had built for his queen.

Agra - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho. After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board your included train to Jhansi. On arrival, continue by road to Khajuraho, stopping en route to explore Orchha, a charming town nestled on the banks of the Betwa River. Arriving by afternoon, visit some of its most notable landmarks, including the grand Jehangir Mahal, the Chaturbhuj Temple, the beautifully painted Laxminarayan Temple and the royal Chhatris (cenotaphs) that line the riverbank.

Continue your journey to Khajuraho and check in at your hotel on arrival. Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is renowned for its exquisite temples, celebrated as masterpieces of Indian art and architecture. These intricately carved stone temples, built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 12th centuries, depict scenes of everyday life, spirituality and divine love.

Khajuraho - Varanasi. Set out on a city tour of Khajuraho, beginning with a visit to the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of India. Built between 950 and 1050 AD during the Chandela dynasty, these temples are celebrated for their strikingly detailed erotic sculptures. While their exact purpose remains a mystery, many believe they symbolise fertility, spiritual energy and the harmony between the divine and the earthly realms.

The Western Group comprises 14 temples, including the Chaunsath Yogini, Lalguan Mahadev, Parvati, Varaha, Matangesvara, Lakshmana, Vishvanath and Nandi, Chitragupta, Devi Jagdamba and the grand Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, the largest and most ornate of them all.

You may also visit the Eastern Group of Temples, located around 2.5 kilometres from the main complex. This group includes both Jain and Hindu temples: the Parsvanath, Adinath, Shantinath and Ghantai temples of the Jains, and the Vamana, Javari and Brahma temples representing the Hindu tradition.

In the evening, transfer to Khajuraho railway station to board your overnight train to Varanasi.

Upon arriving at the Varanasi railway station, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel to check in. After settling in and refreshing yourself, set out in the afternoon for a city tour that highlights some of Varanasi’s key landmarks. Visit the Alamgir Mosque, an important site overlooking the Ganges, followed by a stop at Dasaswamedh Ghat, known for its lively atmosphere throughout the day. Continue on to the Bharat Mata Temple, situated within the grounds of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith.

As night approaches, make your way back to the riverfront to experience the captivating Ganga Aarti. This evocative ritual, performed with lamps and devotional chants, offers a powerful glimpse into the spiritual heart of the city.

After enjoying breakfast, complete your check-out formalities before heading out for a brief visit to Sarnath, an important pilgrimage centre where Buddha shared his first teachings. Afterwards, you will be driven to Varanasi Airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!