Introduction to North India

Take an overnight flight to New Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Once you have checked in and freshened up, head out with your guide to explore Old Delhi with its magnificent Red Fort, winding alleys and bazaars, and take a cycle rickshaw to the magnificent mosque at Jama Masjid.

A full day to venture out with your driver and guide and explore some of the gems of Delhi like the tomb of the emperor Humayun, and the medieval tower at the Qutab Minar.

It’s a 1h30m flight from Delhi to Varanasi, the oldest city in the world. After checking in to your hotel on the banks of the holy river Ganges, head out to wander the winding alleyways, the ghats (sacred riverside steps) and take in the evening prayer rituals on the Ganges.

Get up early for a magical sunrise boat ride on the Ganges while the prayers being on the river bank. Explore the city and markets, and later drive a few miles to stroll alongside Buddhist pilgrims in the deer park where the Buddha first preached.

From Varanasi it’s a 1-hour flight to Khajuraho, a quiet village with some of India’s most fascinating temples to explore in the afternoon. Later we will drive you a short distance to your accommodation on the edge of Panna National Park.

It’s up early today for a game drive through the forests of Panna National Park with lots of wildlife to see and if you’re lucky, perhaps a tiger. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the river Ken and visit some nearby waterfalls.

You will be driven 3-4 hours to Jhansi to board your train to Agra, stopping on the way to explore the beautiful historic town of Orchha. At Jhansi board the Shatabdi Express train at 18:10 – with dinner served on the train - and arriving at Agra at 20:30 to transfer to your hotel.

Wake up early to see the sun rise over the Taj Mahal – sure to be one of the most memorable moments of your trip. Before leaving the city also visit the historic Red Fort. From Agra it is a four-hour drive to Jaipur, with a stop on the way at Akbar the Great’s deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.

A full day to explore the Pink City of Jaipur. There’s a lot to see, so start at the milk market and move on to the Amber Fort with its palace of mirrors, the City Palace and museum, the astrological observatory of Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal – the palace of winds. Then put your feet up and enjoy the evening.

It’s about a 6-hour drive to Jodhpur. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Today we will take you for a half day tour of Jodhpur exploring the majestic Mehrangarh Fort which looms over the blue city, the Jaswant Thada cenotaph and try your best haggling in the clock tower market.

Today’s journey entails a 5-hour drive through the desert country to Udaipur, the city of lakes. The drive is broken up with a stop in a remote valley to visit the elegant 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples.

You have all day to explore Rajasthan’s most romantic city, set around three large lakes and surrounded by ancient mountains. In the morning we will take you for a private guided tour to the City Palace, Sahelion-ki-Bari and Jagdish Temple.

Check out of your hotel by 12 noon and we will drive you to the airport to fly to Delhi and connect with your flight home.