12 Day Golden Triangle of India with Varanasi

Depart for India

Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone Overnight: New Delhi

Begin with a visit to Humayun's Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, continue to the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Travel along the winding streets to Jama Masjid, the largest and best-known mosque in India. On a cycle rickshaw, continue along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. After lunch, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Enjoy a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life, that is now a museum. Visit the Sikh Temple and drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. This evening, meet with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for an orientation meeting on the incredible journey in India that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel Overnight: New Delhi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart New Delhi to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. En route, stop for some photos at the graceful sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world's tallest brick minaret, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it is nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to Silver and Art Palace: renowned for its quality and design. Silver and Art Palace, offers a spectacular array of gems, available loose, or uniquely set in gold, plus traditional gold enamel Mughal Jewelry, and an extensive collection of artwork. Then, visit a bargain-filled bazaar before dinner at the hotel Overnight: Jaipur Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and textures are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Spend the afternoon at leisure strolling through the city or, join the optional tour to view the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you're entertained by performers in traditional attire as they execute various dance moves to the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments Optional: Half Day Jaipur Tour (PM) Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance Overnight: Jaipur Meals: Breakfast

Depart Jaipur to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness - an architectural jewel. Then after lunch, continue on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delights. Relax and freshen up before dinner at the hotel Overnight: Agra Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps, this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period - considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop at Kalakriti Marble. The Taj Mahal inspired the Kalakriti family to become the manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. In the afternoon, participate in the not to be missed optional tour to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones. Enjoy the evening at leisure Optional: Half Day Agra Tour (PM) Overnight: Agra Meals: Breakfast

Depart Agra this morning and return to New Delhi. Upon arrival, time to freshen up before tonight's festivities. Tonight, dinner is at your hotel Overnight: New Delhi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a leisurely morning before heading to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. For centuries, pilgrims have come here for blessings and purification in the holy waters. In the evening, participate in the optional Sacred Prayer Ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat on the Ganges River, lit with oil lamps and candles illuminating the river. Here, you can witness the unique "Aarti" ceremony. The atmosphere is lively and bright - this is truly a not to be missed experience Optional: Evening Sacred Prayer Ceremony at the Ganges River (PM) Overnight: Varanasi Meals: Breakfast

Rise before dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges to observe the solemn sunrise ceremonies. Witness the riverbanks humming with activity as Hindu devotees perform their rituals on the "ghats" steps and offer prayers to the rising sun. Then, on to Bharat Mata Temple with its marble relief map of an undivided India, Durga Temple, and Benaras Hindu University. After the early morning tour, return to the hotel for breakfast. A stay in Varanasi would not be complete without a stop at leading silk weavers, Mehta Silk. Browse beautiful silk brocades, scarves, sarees and decorative household items, all crafted by highly skilled weavers. Leisure time for shopping in the bustling bazaars. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Sarnath, the holy city where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The major events of Buddha's life are depicted in colorful wall paintings. Visit the Deer Park, Museum and Buddhist Temple. Tonight, dinner is at your hotel Overnight: Varanasi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Varanasi this evening and return by plane to New Delhi on your last day in India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Tonight, bid farewell to your newfound friends and Tour Manager at a Farewell Dinner. Overnight: New Delhi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast