After breakfast, begin your journey through time with a guided exploration of Old and New Delhi.
Wander the labyrinthine lanes of 17th-century Chandni Chowk, a bustling market founded by Emperor Shah Jahan, now selling everything from spices and fabrics to jewellery and electronics. Stop at Agrasen Ki Baoli, a hauntingly beautiful stepwell believed to date back to the 14th century. Visit Raj Ghat, the serene riverside memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and pass by the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, once the seat of Mughal power.
In New Delhi, admire the soaring Qutub Minar, a 73-metre minaret (mosque tower) from the 12th century. Drive past India Gate, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace, symbols of colonial ambition and independent India.
Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, depart for Agra – a city synonymous with architectural splendour. After check-in, visit the mighty Agra Fort, a red sandstone citadel where Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, was later imprisoned by his son after a legendary power struggle for the throne.
In the evening, arrive at the Taj Mahal in time for sunset. Commissioned in 1632, this spectacular world wonder is the ultimate ode to love, carved from white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones. As the sun dips below the Yamuna River, watch the marble glow with hues of rose and gold – a moment you won’t soon forget.
Travel time: Drive – 4 hours approx.
After breakfast, drive toward Jaipur, pausing en route at the abandoned, red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri – once the Mughal Empire’s capital under Akbar the Great. With palaces, mosques and audience halls left intact, this 16th-century city is a masterpiece frozen in time.
Continue through Rajasthan’s rugged terrain to Jaipur, the iconic ‘Pink City’. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is a living museum of Rajput architecture – a swirl of ancient forts, colourful bazaars and grand boulevards. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Travel time: Drive – 4.5 hours approx.
Begin your day with a jeep ride to Amber Fort, perched high on the Aravalli Hills. Completed in the 18th century, its intricate mirror work and Rajput-Mughal design reflect the power of the Maharajas who once ruled here.
Return to the city to visit Jantar Mantar, a remarkable 18th-century observatory, and the City Palace, home to Jaipur’s royal family. Later, stop for a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal, the famed Palace of Winds, whose pink sandstone facade once allowed royal women to observe street life unseen.
This morning, you will journey to Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s premier tiger reserves. Once the private hunting ground of Jaipur’s royalty, Ranthambore National Park is now a sanctuary teeming with wildlife.
In the early afternoon, arrive at the breathtaking white facade of your resort in time for lunch. Later, set out on a thrilling game drive in a shared canter (open-air jeep) with an expert naturalist.
Keep your eyes peeled for Bengal tigers, sambar deer, sloth bears and over 300 species of birds. The park’s ancient ruins and forested lakes create a cinematic backdrop for your adventure.
Travel time: Drive – 3 hours approx.
Rise early for a second game drive through the park’s rugged landscape. The early morning hours offer the best chance of tiger sightings, along with glimpses of leopards, crocodiles and shy jungle cats.
Return for lunch at your resort. In the afternoon, join an optional visit to the thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site commanding sweeping views over the park. Discover its royal pavilions, whispering courts and sacred springs, still visited by pilgrims and wildlife alike.
After breakfast, say goodbye to Ranthambore National Park and prepare for your drive back to Delhi. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure – perfect for last-minute shopping or simply relaxing after the long journey.
Travel time: Drive – 6 hours approx.
Today, board your included domestic flight to Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart. Considered one of the world’s oldest living cities, Varanasi is a major centre of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions, tracing its roots to the 6th century BCE.
This evening, witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – a mesmerising fire ceremony performed by priests in honour of the goddess Ganga. Watch from a boat as flames dance against the night sky and chants rise into the air. It’s a profoundly moving ritual that captures the sacred rhythm of the river.
Travel time: Flight – 1.5 hours approx.
Begin your day with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges. As the city awakens, witness rituals of purification, prayer and cremation – life and death side by side on the ghats. The golden light and devotional chants lend a surreal calm to this deeply spiritual experience.
Return to the hotel for breakfast before touring the city. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, unique for its marble relief map of India, and explore the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Spend your afternoon at leisure or browsing local silk markets.
After breakfast, meet your transfer to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (VNS) for your included onward flight to Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), carrying with you the vivid colours, ancient stories and enduring spirit of northern India.