Palaces of Rajasthan & Ganges of Varanasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road through the arid lands leading to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major centre of trade during the 16th century.

In the afternoon visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort, with its impressively decorated interiors. End the day with a memorable Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Estimated transfer distance: 120 miles / 193 km. Approximate duration: 4-5 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enter the Thar Desert by road on your way to the city of Jaisalmer. This was an important trading centre for many centuries and presently one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for more discovery of this city. We recommend to visit the Thar Heritage Museum or the Maharaja's Palace for a taste of kingly splendour. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Estimated transfer distance: 142 miles / 230 km. Approximate duration: 6 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walk through the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Estimated transfer distance: 164 miles / 265 km. Approximate duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Estimated transfer distance: 164 miles / 265 km. Approximate duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amber Fort - The Old Capital of Thunder. En-route, take a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds. Arrive at Amber Fort by Jeep. Once inside, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory.

In the afternoon, take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Later, visit The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located.

Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of The Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra.

Estimated transfer distance: 150 miles / 240 km. Approximate duration: 8 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located.

Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of The Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra.

Estimated transfer distance: 150 miles / 240 km. Approximate duration: 8 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to visit this fascinating city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover Delhi's most iconic temples*. Overnight stay in Delhi.

*Optional Full-Day Delhi Temples Tour: Explore Delhi's most iconic temples. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lotus Temple, dedicated to the Baha'i faith and discover the extraordinary architecture of Akshardham Temple, dedicated to 10,000 years of Hindu culture. See the huge Jama Mosque and the downtown Sikh Temple with its golden dome before ending the tour at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Note: The Lotus Temple & The De Akshardham Temple are closed on Monday. For all the departures on Thursday will not be able to do the Full-day Delhi Temples tour.

Breakfast at the hotel*. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi, a place of immense spiritual significance to Hindu's, and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, savour the rare opportunity to witness an Aarti ceremony, ­a Hindu ritual of light and fire, which takes place on the banks of the Ganges every day at sunset. The air is filled with incense as Hindu priests begin their rituals and devotees place lamps laden with flowers on the illuminated waters of the river. Soak up the atmosphere of this unforgettable experience. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Varanasi.

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Take an early morning boat excursion on the sacred River Ganges to see the bathing Ghats and the haunting cremation site. Later on, take a walking tour of Old Varanasi before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, and the place where it is believed that Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. Hundreds of pilgrims come here every year and there are numerous Buddhist temples in the area. Visit the nearby Ashoka column, with its four lions, the current symbol of India, the ruins of the stupa Dhamarajika and the citadel of Ashoka. Return to Varanasi and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Varanasi. 

Breakfast at the hotel*. Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Delhi. Arrive, transfer to the hotel, and spend the remainder of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure, absorbing the colours, atmosphere and culture on your final evening in the 'Land of a Thousand Colors.' Overnight stay in Delhi.

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.