Classical India Tour

Upon leaving the aircraft at Delhi International Airport, follow the signs for passport control and baggage collection. Complete the immigration formalities, collect your checked luggage, and clear customs.

Then proceed to the arrival area and you will be greeted by our company representative and assisted with transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions

Begin the day with a visit to Old Delhi. Visit the famous Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi which is the bustling soul of the capital city of India.

Visit Jama Masjid, which Shah Jahan built to dominate his city. Built using red sandstone and marble by over 5000 artisans, the Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings.

Explore three major streets of old Delhi, each dedicated to a certain trade. Stroll down Dariba Kalan which is dedicated to the work of the silver smiths, Kinari Bazaar which is a colourful place to shop for haberdashery and finally Khari Baoli the legendary Delhi wholesale spice market. Get to enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride that will allow you to weave through some of the busiest streets in the city. Witnessing the bustling alleyways on the back of a cycle-rickshaw is one of the best ways to see the merchants selling their wares.

Next, head to Humayun’s tomb, the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome. Built using red sandstone as well as white and black marbles to relieve the monotony in the structure, this tomb is noteworthy for its harmonious proportions and is said to have inspired the building of Taj Mahal.

Drive past the imposing India gate, President’s palace and important government buildings.

Visit Gandhi Smriti memorial and museum where Gandhi spent the last few months of his life before assassination. Later, visit Bangla Sahib, the holy place of worship for Sikhs. A visit to the open kitchen here is recommended, you will see volunteers working hard to prepare a meal. The kitchen serves meals to over 22,000 people every day.

Before Concluding your day, you may stroll through the Janpath Market on your own.

Hotel: The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions

After Breakfast, departure for Jaipur.

Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis.

Hotel: The Trident, Jaipur

This morning, head out early to explore the bright flower market of Jaipur. This wholesale market supplies flowers to the numerous temples located in the city.

After the visit, drive to the majestic Amber Fort. Stop along the way up to the fort to visit an ancient stepwell. Continue up to the fort. If there is one quintessential fort that pays homage to the illustrious Rajput empire, then it is Amber Fort. You will spend some time meandering through the complex with our guide, admiring its glory and intricate lattice and marble work. The beauty of Amber Fort continues to inspire designers and artists from all over the world, with its spectacular archways, and Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). The Ganesh Pol gateway is a sight to behold and one for the camera.

In the afternoon explore the City Palace compound which houses a museum detailing the contents on display from the royal palace, which includes a fascinating insight into costume and textiles. Seeing the elaborately decorated gates inside the inner courtyard is a real highlight, with the colours and patterns providing yet more marvellous inspiration for designers.

Take a Pink Rickshaw ride – A unique initiative supporting the livelihood of underprivileged women – The initiative aims to provide employment to 200 women from low income households in Jaipur.

Hotel: The Trident, Jaipur

After breakfast, bid farewell to Jaipur and set off to Abhaneri and visit the Oldest and Grandest stepwell of Rajasthan. It is also arguably the most visually stunning among them. This remarkable stepwell features a deep, four-sided structure with a grand temple on one side. The other three sides are lined with 3,500 terraced steps, symmetrically descending 13 stories to a depth of 100 feet, creating a breathtaking architectural feat. Built in the 10th century and dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness, Chand Baori showcases ancient engineering at its finest. Though no longer in use (the water has turned green from algae), it’s easy to imagine how this cool haven once provided relief to locals in Rajasthan's arid climate.

Optional: Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital city of Emperor Akbar. This magnificent, fortified red sandstone city was designed as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, who had predicted the birth of Akbar's son and heir to the throne. The city with its forts, palaces and mosques served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 and was abandoned just 15 years later due to a shortage of water. Today, it remains a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire's splendour.

Visit Mehtab bagh for a magnificent view of Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna river.

Hotel: The Trident, Agra

Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Counted among the seven wonders of the modern world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is a gleaming mausoleum of flawless symmetry. It was built from milk-white marble and rose sandstone and is studded with a fortune in precious jewels. Head back to your hotel for breakfast.

Visit the splendid Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar began the construction of Agra Fort in 1565, with additions to the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan. The Fort, which stands on the banks of the Yamuna River, was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s reign. The citadel consists of marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions.

Then, continue to the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Often referred to as the 'baby Taj', this tomb is an

exquisite building and is thought to be a forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Return to your hotel and rest of the time is free for Independent activities.

Hotel: The Trident, Agra

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Agra Railway Station to board the Gatimaan Express (0955 – 1135 HRS).

Upon arrival in Jhansi, you will met by our representative and afterwards drive to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is an ancient city known for its magnificent temples and intricate sculptures. The Khajuraho city is located in the Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh and holds spellbinding historical tales and architectural grandeurs

Visit the beautiful, detailed and expressive - the Khajuraho temples. Visit will leave you in awe and wonder. These temples are divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern.

Hotel: Chandela, Khajuraho

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.

In Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. This city is located on the Ganges river in northern India, which holds a central place in the pilgrimage, death and mourning traditions of the Hindu world.

In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony on the Ganges. The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi is a mesmerizing ritual every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This ceremonial worship of the Ganges involves priests using fire as an offering in the oil lamps, accompanied by rhythmic chants and ringing bells.

Hotel: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Early morning boat ride on river Ganges and experience Varanasi. Visit temples, ghats and walk through Bazaars of Varanasi.

In the afternoon, an excursion to Sarnath - where the Buddha first shared his teachings, leaving an imprint on humanity.

Hotel: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Varanasi airport and board your flight for Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Evening free at leisure.

Hotel: The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions

You will have a private transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight.