Classical India with Nepal - Small Group
From NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room

Classical India with Nepal - Small Group

Operated by: Insight Vacations
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Overview
12 days
5 places
2 countries
5+ yrs
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
Call 0800 900 094
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Kathmandu
Delhi
Kathmandu
Delhi
Jaipur
Agra
Varanasi
Agra
Delhi
Varanasi
Delhi

Set out on the journey of a lifetime as you meet the women who climbed Mount Everest in Kathmandu, step back in time to the Mughal Empire in Old Delhi and barter for the best deals at the fragrant spice markets in Jaipur. Enjoy an esteemed dinner at Dera Amer, a protected wilderness close to Jaipur, that connects you to nature like never before, with elephants roaming free across this vast reserve. Journey from Jaipur to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Tour this architectural wonder and explore the nearby village of Kachhpura, where a stop at a rooftop cafe serves up tea, pakora and stunning views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. In the Holy City of Varanasi, rise before dawn for a spectacular sunrise boat cruise on the River Ganges.

Overview
12 days
5 places
2 countries
5+ yrs
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
Call 0800 900 094
Choose a tour option
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by an Insight representative and transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Kathmandu. Meet your Travel Director and venture out in Thamel on a rickshaw ride. Later, head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Inclusions
The Soaltee, Kathmandu
Dinner
Kathmandu

Start the day bright and early with a morning visit to Kathmandu City. See the tranquil Swayambhunath temple. Later, stop in Patan, the third largest city in Nepal, where you will enjoy an included lunch. Originally called Lalitpur or “City of Beauty” in Sanskrit, you’ll explore this pretty city with a Local Expert in the afternoon. Highlights include the Golden Temple, Durbar Square and Mul Chowk, the largest and oldest of the Royal Palace’s three main chow squares. Enjoy the flavours of the region in the evening with an indulgent dinner.

Inclusions
The Soaltee, Kathmandu
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Kathmandu

Delve into Kathmandu’s spiritual history with a morning visit to the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River and take in the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Next you’ll head to the city of Bhadgaon, before visiting a local pottery workshop where a local craftsman will provide a demonstration. In the evening head to an inspirational talk by a woman who summited the Earth’s highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest. She’ll talk to you about her experience guiding some of the world’s most interesting people through some of the most challenging terrain on earth.

Inclusions
The Soaltee, Kathmandu
Breakfast
Delhi, Kathmandu

Head to the airport for your onwards flight to Delhi, India. On arrival you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in, before this afternoon joining your group and Travel Director for a trip to Akshardham Temple. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this Hindu temple is a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, ask your Travel Director for recommendations on where to explore, or perhaps relax at your hotel’s spa?

Inclusions
Le Méridien, New Delhi
Breakfast
Delhi

This morning, head on an exciting sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi with your Travel Director. Drive past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. Founded in 1526, the Mughal Empire compromised the majority of the Indian subcontinent until 1707. In the afternoon, visit a Sikh temple and visit its community kitchen, a place preparing and serving free vegetarian meals to those in need. Later, drive past the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Parliament House, before ending the day with a tour of Humayun’s Tomb with your Travel Director.

Inclusions
Le Méridien, New Delhi
Breakfast
Delhi, Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City, after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 for a visit from Queen Victoria. Before lunch, enjoy a visit to the Heritage Transport Museum in Haryana, a fascinating showcase of the evolution of transport in India. Later, join your Travel Director for an evening visit to a flower and spice market. Dine at the esteemed Dera Amer. Situated in the wilderness close to Jaipur, this outdoor dining experience truly connects you to nature under the stars.

Inclusions
ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Jaipur

Ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerise with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Once here, experience India’s spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Jaipur and see the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory.  Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, featuring the world’s largest stone sundial, or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.

Inclusions
ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Breakfast and Dinner
Jaipur, Agra

In the morning depart for Agra, home to the spectacular phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal. Along the way stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Agra, the evening is yours at leisure. Why not make the most of the amenities at your hotel, Jaypee Palace? Home to a spa, salon and fitness centre, unwind before tomorrow’s adventure.

Inclusions
Jaypee Palace, Agra
Breakfast and Lunch
Agra

Wake early for a visit to the Taj Mahal, to see the world phenomenon in its best light. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Continue on to Agra Fort. Explore Agra with Insight Choice. Choose to join a guided walk through Kachhpura to discover the life of local farmers. Enjoy tea and pakora on a rooftop with views of the Taj Mahal. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit the ‘Sheroes’ Café. This local business supports female victims of acid attacks who refuse to give up and instead fight for a better life. Catch up with your fellow travellers over dinner at your hotel this evening.

Inclusions
Jaypee Palace, Agra
Breakfast and Dinner
Varanasi, Agra, Delhi

Drive to Delhi then take a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. On arrival you’ll be checked into your luxury hotel, the Taj Ganges. A contemporary ode to its classical city, this five-star accommodation includes a pool, fitness centre, traditional Indian Spa Therapies and a beautiful flower garden. In the evening, participate in an Aarti on the ghats, where you’ll offer prayers to the River Ganges. This spiritual ceremony is performed daily to honour the River Goddess Ganga. It is a Hindu religious ritual of worship and involves hundreds of diyas and flowers released onto the river, as the words “Har Har Gange” are chanted.

Inclusions
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Breakfast
Varanasi

Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise boat cruise on River Ganges, followed by a visit to an Akhara. Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading on a tour of Varanasi. This involves seeing the Sarnath, a sacred deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence through Kondanna’s enlightenment. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel.

Inclusions
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Breakfast and Dinner with Wine
Varanasi, Delhi

End your trip with a relaxing early morning yoga session at your hotel, before breakfast and a transfer to the airport. Head back to Delhi before your onward flights. Please do not schedule flights before 9pm.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Dates & pricing
29 Sept 2025
Monday
10 Oct 2025
Friday
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
8 Dec 2025
Monday
19 Dec 2025
Friday
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
7 Mar 2026
Saturday
18 Mar 2026
Wednesday
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
September
29 Sept 2025
Monday
10 Oct 2025
Friday
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
December
8 Dec 2025
Monday
19 Dec 2025
Friday
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
March
7 Mar 2026
Saturday
18 Mar 2026
Wednesday
From
NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
Additional ways to experience this tour
Tailor-Made Tour
Start crafting a personalised itinerary with our Tours Concierge for a fully refundable NZ$107 deposit.
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed. We are happy to assist you in arranging your flights, either via our website at http://luxuryescapes.com/flights or via our contact centre.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown https://le-prod-public-press-releases.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/20210224/le-covid19-health-and-safety-acknowledgement.pdf.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • For more than 40 years, we have delighted our loyal travellers with all the sights and the insights, up close and personal, in comfort and in style. We are renowned for our smaller groups, our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view, and our brilliant collection of more than 70 authentic and unique Insight Experiences, our deliciously authentic dining options, and the way we stay in style. We are committed to supporting initiatives which protect the people, planet, and wildlife so they remain vibrant for generations to come.
  • Stay in style - We take the greatest possible care in choosing highly rated 4.5+ star hotels with excellent style, location, and service. We want you to love your home away from home.
  • With more 2- and 3-night stays than any other operator, Insight gives you the time to spread out, relax and not have to pack and unpack each day. You have time to enjoy your fine hotel and all the exciting shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural options that await just outside its doors. Great food is at the heart of every journey. From thoughtful vegetarian options to seasonal specialties in amazing locations, you will sip, savour, and sense the local flair at every meal. Meet fascinating people and step into their homes and their lives. Learn about history and pioneering projects, take a cooking class or learn to dance with over 100 included Insight Experiences. Travel in style with more personal space - Your Insight coach is uniquely customised for extra space. Sit high above the traffic with unobstructed views and enjoy twice the legroom and personal space of a regular coach.
  • From the moment you arrive, our talented people are there to welcome you and ensure that you enjoy your guided holiday to the fullest. Your 'travelling concierge' lives in the destination and is with you all the way, a friendly face in a foreign land and a great travelling companion. They're exceptionally experienced, well-organised, knowledgeable and at the pinnacle of their careers. They make everything run smoothly and take time out to help you with your specific priorities and interests.
  • We are renowned for our smaller groups, and our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view. We now give you the option to travel in your preferred group size. Classic group tours feature a maximum of 40 guests, small group tours have no more than 24 guests, while private groups have a cap of just 12 guests. Please contact us to enquire about private tours.
From NZ$8,950 /person
Twin room
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