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Day 1: Join tour Delhi
This afternoon we will take a city sightseeing tour of New Delhi with a local guide to visit the Raj Path, India Gate, Parliament, Humayun's Tomb and Qutb Minar.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Maidens Hotel
Maidens Hotel
The elegant Maidens Hotel is one of Delhi's oldest hotels. Built in the early 1900s and now managed by the prestigious Oberoi group, the hotel has retained its colonial charm and architecture. Guest rooms are modern and spacious and the hotel's setting amidst eight acres of lush gardens, shady trees and tennis courts makes this a peaceful retreat from the hectic city.
Day 2: Old Delhi sightseeing tour
This morning we plan a tour of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw and on foot – to include the Jami Masjid mosque and view of the Red Fort, ending in the bustling Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter and the true hub of the Old part of the city. Following this, there will be some free time after which you may make your own way back to the hotel, or you can return with your tour leader.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Maidens Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Drive to Jaipur; visit Amber Fort
Today we drive to Jaipur. Sometimes called the 'Pink City', Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. En route we plan to stop at the nearby hill fortress of Amber, which contains an amazing chamber of mirrors and affords spectacular views across the surrounding plains. We aim to ride elephants up to the entry gate
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in The Trident Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
The Trident Hotel
Overlooking Lake Mansagur, the Trident Hotel Jaipur is located on the outskirts of the city. Built in the style of the historic forts and palaces, this modern hotel has the charm of traditional architecture whilst boasting all mod cons, including a swimming pool set in an elegant courtyard. Rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated with period features and overlook the peaceful gardens.
Day 4: In Jaipur
Today we take a sightseeing tour of Jaipur with our tour leader by rickshaw and on foot. We'll visit the lavish and well preserved City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armoury and the Palace of the Winds with its famous 5-storied facade which has been the subject of countless Indian posters. Jai Singh, the great Maharajaha astronomer built his extraordinary (and very accurate) star-gazing Observatory (Jantra) here right opposite the City Palace. This afternoon is left free for further personal exploration of this fascinating city.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in The Trident Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Drive to Agra
We head east this morning, reaching the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri late morning (approx. 4 hours drive). Founded in 1569 and abandoned scarcely 16 years later, it is a perfectly intact example of Akbar's imperial court. Among the many noteworthy buildings is the 5-storied Panch Mahal, probably a pleasure pavilion for the ladies of the harem. In the centre of the courtyard is the Pachisi Board where the emperor played a game like chess with dancing slave girls as pieces. Perhaps the finest structure of all is the lotus shaped carved central pillar of the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), its extraordinary capital supporting a vaulted roof. Later we drive on to Agra.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in The Trident Hotel Agra Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
We visit the Taj Mahal, the world's most perfect and poetic building, at sunrise. Over 300 years have elapsed since its construction, yet it stands today, largely unscarred by age, its beauty and symmetry seemingly beyond man, time & space. Created by Shah Jahan as a funerary monument to his favourite wife Mumtaz, it took 22 years to build (1630-52). The Great Moghul lies beside his beloved under the white marble dome. Inlaid with precious gems, the building cost a fortune and later Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi before being overthrown by his son, Aurangzeb. We'll visit the Agra Fort this afternoon; built by Akbar the Great, the fort stands in an imposing position on a bend in the Yamuna River with wonderful views of the Taj Mahal further along its banks. The fort contains some stunning and very intricate designs. There may be time before sunset to revisit the Taj, or to the exquisite Itimad-ud-Daulah (baby Taj).
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in The Trident Hotel Agra Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Train to Allahabad
From Agra we take the early morning train to Allahabad, situated at the confluence of India's most sacred rivers; the Ganges and the Yamuna. An important administrative and educational centre, Allahabad is associated with 7 out of 14 former Prime Ministers of India, including Jawaharlal Nehru - the first Prime-Minister of India, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, who were either born or educated in the city. Our afternoon city tour will take in the Nehru's home and gives us an insight into modern Indian life in a city quite off the tourist track.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Kanha Shyam Included meals: Breakfast
Hotel Kanha Shyam
Promoting itself as "the only four star hotel in Allahabad" the Kanha Shyam is a comfortable business-style hotel with large, albeit a little old fashioned, guest rooms.
Day 8: Sail to Ganges camp
This morning we drive to Batoli Ghat where we board our very simple and traditional sailing boats for the 2-day boat journey through the sacred and fertile Gangetic plain to Varanasi. Life on shore varies as we drift peacefully along; the ornate temples and crowded bathing ghats, the fields of wheat and rice paddies, everyday life and stunning sunsets.
Overnight Comfortable Camping (C++) in The Tent Retreat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Tent Retreat
Our accommodation on the shores of the sacred river is in a tented camp. Our walk-in tents are well furnished with chairs and table, proper beds and bedding provided. Each tent has an attached bathroom with western style toilet, though water (hot and cold) is supplied by bucket rather than plumbed in. Lighting is provided by means of oil lamp. This is a simple, peaceful and unusual nightstop we are sure you'll enjoy.
Day 9: Arrive Varanasi (Benares)
We drive a short way before rejoining the river a plethora of bird life accompanies our route to Varanasi and we should see varieties such as kingfisher, sunbird, heron, egret, barbet and babbler. In the afternoon we reach the holy city of Varanasi where we disembark at Asi Ghat and transfer to our hotel. Varanasi (Benares) has been the centre of Hinduism since the dawn of history, its age is contemporary with Babylon and Thebes. Often known as 'Kashi' (City of Light) by Hindus it attracts over a million pilgrims each year – many of whom come to spend their last years here in the holy city. This evening you can return to the ghats to witness the evening aarti ceremony when the Ganga is venerated with a display of light and sound.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Radisson Hotel, Varanasi Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Radisson Hotel, Varanasi
Located away from the hustle and bustle of the river, the Radisson Hotel Varanasi is a popular five-star hotel featuring spacious and comfortable rooms with an on-site spa and multiple restaurants.
Day 10: In Varanasi; excursion to Sarnath
We visit nearby Sarnath. Having gained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. The city was at its peak in the 5th century, when it was a respected centre of religious activity, learning and art. Muslim invaders destroyed much of the city and today remains of several monasteries and stupas can be seen along with the small museum which has a well displayed collection. The afternoon is left free in Varanasi to enable you to explore the labyrinth of streets, bazaars and temples that line the banks of the river or perhaps this evening, it may be possible to attend an optional classical musical performance.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Radisson Hotel, Varanasi Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
A highlight of any trip to Varanasi is an early morning boat trip along the Ganges to see the Hindu devout bathing in its sacred waters. Later in the morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Shanker Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Shanker Hotel
The Shanker Hotel is truly a Heritage hotel with a history. This hotel is a converted 100 year old palace situated in the heart of the capital city of Nepal. It captures the old charm and style of Kathmandu's Rana period, while providing the modern amenities for a more than comfortable stay.
Day 12: In Kathmandu
During our stay in Kathmandu, it may be possible to take an optional flight to see Mount Everest (weather permitting). Your tour leader will advise you upon arrival and will depend on weather conditions in the Everest region. Local airlines operate this flight every morning. It lasts 1 hour and offers outstanding views of Mount Everest before turning back to Kathmandu. There will be views from both sides of the aircraft as those on the left get good views on the outbound leg and those on the right get them on the return. This morning, we have arranged a walking tour of this fascinating historic city, visiting the bazaar and temples of old Kathmandu, accompanied by a local Nepali guide. Much of the day to day life of Kathmandu takes place in the local bazaar: a fascinating mixture of people selling spices; potters spinning their wheels; rickshaw wallahs honking their horns and the ever present sacred cow wandering amongst it all. We end up in Durbar Square at the heart of the city. In the afternoon we plan to visit the temple of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River, the holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal, and also to visit Bodnath, the largest stupa in the country and a destination for Buddhist pilgrims from all over Nepal. The afternoon is free for last minute sightseeing or shopping. During the afternoon, there is the opportunity of an optional visit to Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved city within the Kathmandu Valley, which has retained much of its medieval character and contains some notable 17th century art.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Shanker Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13: In Kathmandu
A full free day for you to enjoy more of this fascinating city or indulge in some last minute shopping. Should you be interested in exploring further, it may be possible to arrange trips out (optional) to Bhaktapur. Also known as 'Bhadgaun or 'City of the Devotees', the almost perfectly preserved town of Bhaktapur feels more like a huge medieval village with its potters wheels and its many intricate stone and wooden carvings.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Shanker Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Tour ends Kathmandu
Included meals: Breakfast
