Northern India : New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN DELHIArrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport with meet and greet by a representative, followed by transfer to your hotel. Delhi is a bustling metropolis where the past and the present merge, and where the Old and the New cities define the capital’s cultural and architectural heritage. Overnight at the hotelDAY 2 | IN DELHI Today morning, after breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit the beautiful historic Jama Masjid – a stupendous architectural marvel and one of the largest mosques in India. At the end of the day, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in the narrow streets of Old Delhi. Later, drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers), the President's Residence–formerly the Viceroy's Palace, the Parliament House and the Secretariat Buildings–an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Also visit, Humayun’s Tomb, one of the earliest examples of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated and restored to its former splendour, complete with beautiful gardens and fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb. Qutab Minar complex has many historical monuments, including one of the earliest mosques in India – The Quwwat-Ul- Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples. The construction of the Qutab Minar itself was started in 1199 by Qutb ud din Aibak and later completed by his successors. This mighty tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 3 | DELHI – JAIPUR (277 KMS – 06 HRS) After breakfast at the hotel, depart Delhi, heading to Jaipur, arriving in the ‘Pink City’, as it is popularly known, in the afternoon. Check in on arrival with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 4 | IN JAIPUR Morning excursion to Amber Fort – Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples, and landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by Sheesh Mahal, a room with all the four walls and the ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. Admire the frescoes of the Ganesh Pol gate and the colonnade of the Diwan-i-Aam. En route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal–the Palace of Winds. Afternoon visit to Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal Residence, part of it is converted into a museum. A private portion of the palace is still used by the Royal Family of Jaipur. Also visit Jantar Mantar, the world famous stone and marble crafted observatory is still in working condition. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 5 | JAIPUR – AGRA (245 KMS / 05 HRS) After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra On arrival, check in to the hotel Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. Over time, the city turned into a thriving crafts centre, also famous for marble inlay work and carpet production. In the afternoon, go out on a sightseeing tour of Agra, which includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th century by the heartbroken Shah Jahan following the death in childbirth of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, you can admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument. (Closed on Fridays) Visit Agra Fort, whose forbidding red sandstone battlements hide a number of majestic Mughal palaces. Explore the delightful Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) where the emperor once sat on his throne to address his people, and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) where he hosted kings and foreign dignitaries. The white marble Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque) stands in contrast to the rest of the Red Fort. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 6 | AGRA –– LUCKNOW (336 KMS / 4.5 HRS) After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Lucknow, known for its cuisine and fascinating cultural heritage. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Lucknow is one of those few places that cling on to their original character and refuse to let go even in the face of the fiercest of the storms of change. Majestic old monuments all but scream out the tales of an ephemeral yet rich tangible past. Descendants of royal chefs still serve cuisine prepared from recipes secretly handed down over generations. The tradition of Tehzeeb (courtesy) inculcated by the Nawabs (royal retainers) of the yesteryears often springs forth from the small gestures and language of the folks living here. Small wonder that all the sights, smells and sounds of Lucknow connive to become obsessive yet endearing memories. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 7 | IN LUCKNOW This morning, after breakfast, start with your sightseeing tour of Lucknow- the city of Nawabs! Located in what was historically known as the Awadh region, Lucknow has always been a multicultural city. Courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persia-influenced Nawabs of the city characterize the city. Present day Lucknow is a vibrant city that is witnessing an economic boom and is among the top ten fastest growing non-major-metropolitan cities of India. Lucknow and the region around it are also known for a wide variety of mangoes and delectable melons. Lucknow is also famous for its small scale industries like the oil based perfumes ittar, kite making, and unique styles of embroidery, namely Chikan and Lakhnawi Zardosi. Sightseeing of Lucknow includes visit to the exquisitely decorated Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate, the magnificent Bara Immambara, the Husainabad Immambara, and the Asafud-daula Immambara, which reflect the quintessence of Awadhi architecture. Visit the Picture Gallery, which houses a collection of life-size oil paintings of the Nawabs of Oudh and also visit Chattar Manzil, Moti Mahal and the British Raj Residency, which was the site of Mutiny in 1857. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 8 | LUCKNOW – VARANASI (TRAIN) Today, early morning transfer to railway station to board train for Varanasi. Lucknow / Varanasi LKO BSB Intercity Express 07:00/13:30 hours Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel for check in Evening visit to the Ganges to witness the Aarti ceremony. Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals. In the traditional Aarti ceremony, the flower represents the earth (solidity), the water and accompanying handkerchief correspond with the water element (liquidity), the lamp or candle represents the fire component (heat), the peacock fan conveys the precious quality of air (movement), and the yak-tail fan represents the subtle form of ether (space). The incense represents a purified state of mind, and one’s "intelligence" is offered through the adherence to rules of timing and order of offerings. Thus, one’s entire existence and all facets of material creation are symbolically offered to the Lord via the Aarti ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 9 | IN VARANASI Early morning boat ride on river Ganges. The ride gives you an unforgettable experience as you see the bathing and cremation sites. The boat ride takes you till Manikarnika Ghat- the cremation ghat and back. After boat ride, take a small walking tour through the narrow lanes of Varanasi passing by Vishwanath temple- also called The Golden temple because of the gold-plating on its roof and Durga temple (Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple). Later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, excursion to Sarnath, which is 10 km from Varanasi. Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the principals of his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa Marks the location of a once resplendent monastery. A large complex of ruined monasteries covers the area north of the stupas. Some of the buildings belong to the Kushan and Gupta period. The first monk communities probably settled here in the 3rd century BC. Near the Dhamek Stupa is a new Monastery built by the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society. The major events of Buddha’s life are depicted here in wall paintings by a Japanese artist. Sarnath has an interesting archaeological Museum, which has preserved the famous Sarnath pillar, whose capital forms India’s national emblem. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 10 | VARANASI – DELHI (FLIGHT) Today, in time, transfer to Varanasi airport to board the flight for Delhi Meeting and assistance at airport and transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight at the hotel.DAY 11 | DEPARTURE DELHI At the appropriate time, transfer to Delhi International Airport to board your onward flight