Mystical India
Tours, temples, and the Taj Mahal
Take a rickshaw ride through Delhi, snap a photo in front of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then feast your eyes on the Pink City of Jaipur! Check India off your bucket list with this magical 9-night vacation through the country's most vibrant cities and cultural villages. Explore ancient temples, meander through local markets, and enjoy a boat ride along the Ganges River. With transportation and guided tours included, this Indian adventure is no stress and all play.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Delhi (DEL)
- All airport, rail station, and inter-city transfers
- 2 nights in Delhi at The Suryaa New Delhi, or similar
- Sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi with rickshaw ride
- 2 nights in Jaipur at the Sarovar Premier, Jaipur, or similar
- Visit to the Amber Fort & photo stop at Hawa Mahal
- Folk dance show with traditional dinner at a local restaurant
- Visit to Chand Baori stepwell & the Harshat Mata Temple (en-route to Agra)
- 2 nights in Agra at the Grand Mercure Hotel, or similar
- Visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise*
- Transfer from Agra to Lucknow
- 1 night in Lucknow at La Place Sarovar Portico Lucknow, or similar
- Lucknow City Tour
- Intercity Express rail from Lucknow to Varanasi
- 2 nights in Varanasi at Rivatas by Ideal, or similar
- Visit to the Ganges River for the Illuminates Aarti Ceremony
- Morning boat ride on the Ganges River
- Sightseeing tour to Vishwanath Temple, old city bazaars & Sarnath
- One-way, economy class flight from Varanasi (VNS) to Delhi (DEL)
- Breakfast daily
*Please note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so your Day 6 visit will be rescheduled to another day in the itinerary if necessary.
Great Ways to Explore
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Discover legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.
- Treat yourself to authentic Indian cuisine. Try roti, dosas, biryani, and other delicious dishes.
-
Feast your eyes on jaw-dropping architecture at sites like Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal.
-
Enjoy scenic drives and train rides between destinations.
-
Explore Old and New Delhi on an exciting rickshaw ride!
Ready, set, explore! This vacation package takes you to the postcard-worthy, culture-rich India you've always dreamed about. Start off in the buzzing capital of Delhi, ripe with fascinating history, sacred sites, bustling markets, and government buildings. Feel like a local as you explore Old and New Delhi on a thrilling rickshaw ride!
Next, you'll venture to the dreamy "Pink City" of Jaipur, famous for its pastel-colored architectural wonders, like the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. Enjoy included visits to these famous sites. While in Jaipur, you'll be treated to a traditional dance show with dinner! On your way to Agra, you'll make a stop at Abhaneri Village, home to the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Once you're all settled in Agra, you'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise visit to the picture-perfect Taj Mahal! Did someone say new profile picture?!
Next, you will be transferred to the city of Lucknow, known for its renowned architecture and cuisine. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, small villages, and breathtaking structures! From Lucknow, you'll take a scenic train ride to Varanasi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India! Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River, interact with Buddhist Monks, visit old city bazaars, and explore Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his very first sermon.
Helpful links for travel to India:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Delhi (DEL)
- All airport, rail station, and inter-city transfers
- 2 nights in Delhi at The Suryaa New Delhi, or similar
- Sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi with rickshaw ride
- 2 nights in Jaipur at the Sarovar Premier, Jaipur, or similar
- Visit to the Amber Fort & photo stop at Hawa Mahal
- Folk dance show with traditional dinner at a local restaurant
- Visit to Chand Baori stepwell & the Harshat Mata Temple (en-route to Agra)
- 2 nights in Agra at the Grand Mercure Hotel, or similar
- Visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise*
- Transfer from Agra to Lucknow
- 1 night in Lucknow at La Place Sarovar Portico Lucknow, or similar
- Lucknow City Tour
- Intercity Express rail from Lucknow to Varanasi
- 2 nights in Varanasi at Rivatas by Ideal, or similar
- Visit to the Ganges River for the Illuminates Aarti Ceremony
- Morning boat ride on the Ganges River
- Sightseeing tour to Vishwanath Temple, old city bazaars & Sarnath
- One-way, economy class flight from Varanasi (VNS) to Delhi (DEL)
- Breakfast daily
*Please note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so your Day 6 visit will be rescheduled to another day in the itinerary if necessary.
-
Discover legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.
- Treat yourself to authentic Indian cuisine. Try roti, dosas, biryani, and other delicious dishes.
-
Feast your eyes on jaw-dropping architecture at sites like Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal.
-
Enjoy scenic drives and train rides between destinations.
-
Explore Old and New Delhi on an exciting rickshaw ride!
Ready, set, explore! This vacation package takes you to the postcard-worthy, culture-rich India you've always dreamed about. Start off in the buzzing capital of Delhi, ripe with fascinating history, sacred sites, bustling markets, and government buildings. Feel like a local as you explore Old and New Delhi on a thrilling rickshaw ride!
Next, you'll venture to the dreamy "Pink City" of Jaipur, famous for its pastel-colored architectural wonders, like the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. Enjoy included visits to these famous sites. While in Jaipur, you'll be treated to a traditional dance show with dinner! On your way to Agra, you'll make a stop at Abhaneri Village, home to the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Once you're all settled in Agra, you'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise visit to the picture-perfect Taj Mahal! Did someone say new profile picture?!
Next, you will be transferred to the city of Lucknow, known for its renowned architecture and cuisine. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, small villages, and breathtaking structures! From Lucknow, you'll take a scenic train ride to Varanasi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India! Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River, interact with Buddhist Monks, visit old city bazaars, and explore Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his very first sermon.
Helpful links for travel to India:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Delhi!
Immerse yourself in colorful culture and fascinating history as you land in Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and check in. Once you're settled, head out and explore on your own! Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal of local cuisine.
Transfer to Delhi hotel
The Suryaa New Delhi is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of the city. The hotel has a total of 4 eateries and bars including a breakfast café and rooftop dining experience. Here, guests can choose to relax at the hotel's spa in the sauna, or jacuzzi, or opt for the special jet-lag treatment for guests flying in from other countries. The hotel also features a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym that guests can utilize during their stay.
Guest rooms are designed with modern comforts to ensure a delightful and effortless stay. Amenities include a private bathroom with a rain shower or bathtub, free Wi-Fi, a TV, an in-room safe, a hair dryer, minibar, iron and board, as well as a coffee maker. Additionally, room service is available.
Delhi International Airport is closest to this hotel. In addition to that, the National Zoological Park, and Humayun's Tomb are both within a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Lotus Temple and the shops at Nehru Place are both within a 7-minute drive.
Sitting over seven acres in the center of New Delhi, the relatively new Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka is conveniently located just 6.2 miles from the Delhi International Airport and Cyber City. Other nearby tourist attractions include Dwarka Sector 21 Metro Station, Connaught Palace, and the Red Fort. It's prime location close to some of the best things to do in New Delhi is just one of the reasons this hotel earned 5-stars.
Guests have access to many amenities on-site including three restaurants that specialize in Italian and Punjabi cuisine as well as a wonderful cocktail bar and bakery. There's also a beautiful outdoor pool with a sundeck, a chic lounge, spa, fitness center, and more.
Each room at the Vivanta Dwarka New Delhi is comfortably decorated and feature air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea-maker, minibar, and a private bathroom with a rainfall shower. There is also a seating area and city or airport views.
Day 2. Delhi
Rise and shine! Grab your camera and get ready for a fun first day in India. After breakfast, hop in a rickshaw and explore Old and New Delhi the traditional way! See the once water-filled square of Chandni Chowk, then discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque! You'll continue onto Raj Ghat, a striking memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.
In the afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings on the way to Qutab Minar, the five-storied victory tower that signifies the beginning of the Muslin rule in India by the first Muslim ruler, Qutab-ud-din-Aibak.
Sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi with rickshaw ride
Zip through the old city by rickshaw and begin your tour at the Red Fort, a 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 as his capital. The magnificent fort built of red sandstone dates from the very peak of the Mughal power and served as the royal residence until 1857. Opposite the fort is the black and white dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Drive past the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla fort with the Ashokan Pillar dating back to 3rd BC, and end your old city tour with a visit to Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was laid to rest in 1948.
In New Delhi, visit the capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the secretariat buildings - the center of all government activity. Here you'll see Qutab Minar, representing the first Islamic monument that marked a shift of power in the country. While exclusively Islamic in conception, its execution was the work of Hindus, and its unique designs accompany arabesque verses of the Quran, in a synthesis of two distinct styles meeting for the first time.
Day 3. Delhi - Jaipur
Say "see ya" to Delhi and get ready for your next stop! This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to the "Pink City," also known as Jaipur. Filled with pastel-colored palaces and exquisite forts & temples, this city is a feast for the senses. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a culture hub packed with bazaars and traditional markets selling everything from colorful turbans so aromatic spices.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your luxurious accommodation. Once you're all settled, do some independent exploring!
Check-in - Sarovar Premiere Jaipur
This stylish 4-star hotel is located right in the center of Jaipur. The hotel features multiple multi-cuisine restaurants that overlook the hotel gardens, and a bar where guests can enjoy craft cocktails. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, free parking on-site, and 24-hour room service.
Guest rooms are elegantly designed and decorated with a pop of color. Featured amenities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a television, minibar, work desk, and coffee maker.
The hotel is just ten minutes away from public transportation station Jaipur Junction making it easy to get around. Additionally, the hotel is 4 miles or less away from great attractions such as World Trade Park, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace.
Day 4. Jaipur
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy a morning visit to the impressive Amber Fort. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, this structure is a true example of authentic Rajput architecture. Be sure to look out for one of its most spectacular buildings: the Hall of Mirrors! Next, stop for a photo-op at the eye-popping Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)! Marvel at this beehive-shaped red and pink sandstone structure and take in its grand beauty.
Spend the afternoon at leisure; you may want to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace, or visit a local temple in the evening to watch the prayer ceremony.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk dance show with dinner!
Sightseeing tour including the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal
Visit Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal! In the morning, your first stop is Amber Fort. Amber Fort is set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake and offers an authentic example of Rajput architecture. Step into the Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors, to experience one of the fort's most spectacular buildings. After, stop at the Palace of Winds, or Hawa Mahal. The beehive-like structure is made of pink and red sand stone and makes for a great photo opportunity!
Visit to Jantar Mantar
Enjoy a special visit to one of the world's astronomical treasures!
Built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is an fascinating astronomical observatory, located at the heart of the city. This is one of the largest observatories in the world, comprised of interesting stone structures that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur attracts architects, mathematicians, geographers, historians, and tourists, alike.
Jantar Mantar was built between 1728-1734, and its stone instruments are considered some of the most accurate in the world. The best time of the day to visit Jantar Mantar is around noon. During mid-day, the sun sits directly vertically above, and it is easy to understand the process of interpretation of the readings of each instrument.
Day 5. Jaipur - Agra
After an energizing breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Agra. Along the way, you'll stop at Abhaneri Village to experience the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Be sure to have your camera ready; Chand Baori is the largest and deepest stepwell in all of India!
Settle into your accommodation in Agra, a charming city filled with bustling streets, narrow alleys, and fascinating architecture. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure and get to know this historical city.
The Grand Mercure Agra is a 5-star hotel just minutes away from the Taj Mahal. The hotel features a daily breakfast buffet and a fitness center. Guests have access to the hotel's spa where services such as massages are offered.
There are three on site restaurants as well. Lattice, a 24-hour restaurant serves a multi-cuisine buffet, and Skygrill is a poolside rooftop restaurant with live music. The Tea Lounge is the perfect place for guests to sip some tea or coffee and relax.
Guest rooms have a private bathroom with a shower, hair dryer, bathrobes, and slippers. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a TV, phone, iron, desk, in-room safe, coffee maker, and minibar.
Top attractions like the Taj Mahal, Taj Ganj, and Ara Fort are all located close to the hotel.
Step into sophisticated elegance at the Crystal Sarovar Premiere Agra, where tradition meets modernity. Check in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then make your way up to your beautifully decorated room. Open the door and find plush bedding, crisp air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities.
Once you're all settled, unpack your swimsuit and head up to the rooftop pool! Work all your stresses away in the fitness center, or treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at the spa. When you work up an appetite, consider a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, then say "cheers" with a drink at the bar!
Day 6. Agra
Feel yourself flutter with excitement as you embark on an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal! Enjoy this special experience, as you see this monument by the first orangey-pink light of the day. Be sure to take tons of photographs of this awe-inspiring scene; it's surely a sight you'll never want to forget.
What a morning! Return to your hotel for breakfast, then enjoy a day of independent exploration. You might want to check out the Agra Fort and North India's oldest Christian cemetery.
Visit to the Taj Mahal
Built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the late wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan, the Taj Mahal is a stunning display of architecture. Some say it is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, with incredible lacy-white decoration, graceful domes, and pure grandeur. Built out of love, this stunning palace-like structure is extravagant both at a distance and up close.
Day 7. Agra - Lucknow
This morning, you will be transferred to the buzzing city of Lucknow. Enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour ride through the state of Uttar Pradesh and check-in to your next accommodation upon arrival.
Quickly get settled, then grab your camera and enjoy an afternoon city tour of Lucknow! Experience the Lucknow Residency, the Bara Imambara, the clock tower, and much more.
Transfer from Agra to Lucknow
Step into luxury and elegance at this beautiful hotel near the main shopping area in Lucknow. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then head up to your spacious room. Open the door and find crisp air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, a minibar, and more! Take a nap in your comfortable bed, then treat yourself to dinner at the Terrace Grill, an onsite rooftop restaurant. Looking for a quick snack or a cup of coffee? Head to the Pavilion and recharge!
The Renaissance Lucknow is the city's tallest five-star hotel, complete with deluxe amenities and lavish furniture sure to make any guest comfortable during their stay. Enjoy international cuisine at the hotel's restaurants, or a cup of coffee and pastries at the on-site coffee house. After a long day of exploring, head up to the hotel's rooftop bar and relax with a drink by the gorgeous pool while soaking in panoramic views of the city.
There are tons of attractions near the Renaissance Lucknow Hotel – it's only seven minutes away from the Lucknow Zoo, and twenty minutes from Dream World Amusement Park. Ambedkar Memorial Park is only a five minute drive away, as well as Hazratganj, the main shopping center of Lucknow.
Lucknow City Tour
Lucknow, is the cultural region of Awadh and sits along the banks of Gomti river. The city, along with the rest of Awadh, fell to the British during the colonial era. Today, Lucknow is dotted with remnants of its rich cultural past!
Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture, and music of Northern India. In particular, the city was famous for its Adab and Tehzeeb (manners and hospitality), intricate embroidery (Chikankaari), beautiful gardens, and dance forms such as Kathak. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-symbiosis that was the epitome of India for hundreds of years! It was made famous by the soft-spoken, and sweet tongued, Awadh-Lucknowai culture that was based on civilized behavior toward fellow human beings. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages. The city became known as a center for Urdu poetry and courtly presence and diction, being the birthplace and city of residence for many poets. In addition, Awadhi and Mughlai food is the delight of the visitors to Lucknow.
In the afternoon, you'll embark on a half-day city tour of Lucknow's most iconic sites! First, you'll visit “British Lucknow”. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India! The British Residency was the place that served as a refuge for approximately 3000 British inhabitants during the time of the uprising of 1857. Lucknow was center of all British activities during the siege and the Residency became the monopolistic center of the British for almost 90 days. The Residency still has within its walls, the graves of around 2000 British soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857. The people of Lucknow tell intriguing stories of British who fled from their homes to seek shelter in these red buildings. Only about 1000 inhabitant survived this tough ordeal. Today, the British Residency of Lucknow serves as a government office. The residency also has a museum that is well-maintained by the authorities. At this site, you will also find the tombs Sadat Ali Khan, who was the first Nawab of Awadh, Kaisarbagh Palace, and an observatory built for Colonel Wilcox, who was a British astronomer.
Next, you'll visit Bara Imambara. Construction of Bara Imambara was started in 1784, a year of a devastating famine, and one of Asaf-ud-Daula's objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted. It is said that ordinary people used to work in the day building up the edifice, while noblemen and other elite worked at night to break down anything that was raised that day. Construction of the Imambara was completed in 1791. Even after completion, the Nawab used to spend between four and five hundred thousand rupees on its decoration annually! The building also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and Bowli, a step well with running water. Two imposing gateways lead to the main hall, and it is said that there are 1024 ways to reach the terrace, but only one to come back.
You will also see the 'Rumi Darwaza,' or the Turkish Gate - it is an imposing gateway which was built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-daula in 1784 and stands at sixty feet tall! Later, visit the clock tower. Built in 1881, the Clock Tower is known to be the tallest among all the clock towers in India. In fact, it was built as a replica to the Big Ben clock tower of London! Lavishly decorated, this beautiful structure is one not to miss.
Day 8. Lucknow - Varanasi
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in Lucknow, then hop on the train to Varanasi! One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Varanasi is so sacred that the Hindu people believe that dying there ensures an instant route to heaven.
As the day comes to a close, enjoy a scenic drive to the ghats alongside the banks of the River Ganges to watch an illuminated aarti ceremony. This blessing is an offering to the holy river, in which Hindu holy men worship with flowers, incense, sandalwood, and milk. During this unforgettable evening, you'll see twinkling oil lamps floating on the river, and you'll hear the sounds of jingling bells and people chanting mantras.
Train from Lucknow to Varanasi
Check-in - Rivatas by Ideal
Rivatas by Ideal is perfect for business or pleasure. Step into your room and slip into the plush bathrobes and slippers before brewing yourself a cup of coffee or tea. Relax in the comfort of your bed, or perhaps at the onsite Udaya spa. Dine onsite at one of the two restaurants serving authentic Indian, Chinese, or European cuisine before enjoying a nightcap at The Blue Bar. Soak up the sun at the outdoor pool before working out at the fitness center. Let the hotel staff assist you with tours of nearby attractions to truly enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Day 9. Varanasi
Yes, it's your last day in India, but the fun is nowhere near over! This morning, take an early boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Watch the purples, oranges, and pinks of the sunrise as you meander along the sacred river by boat. Back on land, visit Vishwanath Temple and take a walk through the old city bazaars, filled with locals starting their days.
After breakfast at your hotel, head to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his very first sermon. Feast your eyes on impressive stupas and a large complex of ruined monasteries. You'll have the opportunity to interact with a Buddhist Monk to learn more about the religion from a monk's perspective!
The afternoon is yours to spend as you'd like. Explore on your own and do some sightseeing, or relax and treat yourself to local cuisine!
Morning boat ride on the Ganges River
An early morning wake-up call leads you to a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River! Referred to as the "elixir of life," the Hindus believe the Ganges is responsible for bringing purity to the living and salvation to the dead. You'll watch firsthand as people worship at the ghats - an extraordinary experience!
Day 10. Depart India
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport, for your first flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi airport (DEL), you'll find the gate for your connecting flight home.
Until next time, India!
Transfer to Varanasi (VNS) airport
Fly to Delhi!
Fly to Delhi for your connecting flight home.