zIndia, Nepal & Bhutan

Depart the capital and journey through the colorful Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur, where you’ll check in to the deluxe ITC Rajputana Hotel. This evening, stroll with your personal guide through a bustling city market filled with colorful shops and vendor stalls, many owned by the same family for generations. Along the say, your guide will show you hot to don a traditional saree and turban.

Tour the extravagant Amber Fort, home to palaces, courtyard gardens and the lovely Chamber of Mirrors. See the oft-photographed Palace of Winds, tour the City Palace Museum and visit Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary observatory with accurate stone instruments built in 1726.  Meals B

Explore the magnificent “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri, built and then mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century – but still in pristine condition! Continue to Agra and check in to the opulent ITC Mughal Hotel.  Meals B

Arise early this morning for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, an unforgettable spectacle as the sun casts its first golden light upon the iridescent marble of this monument to love. Return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast and then tour the impressive Agra Fort, begun in 1565 by the great Emperor Akbar.

This evening, you’ll return to the Taj Mahal to watch as the setting sun seems to magically change the hues of its glowing, pearly white façade.  Meals B

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted by private car to the rail station to board the Shatabdi Express Train bound for Jhansi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and driven to Orchha for a private sightseeing tour of this celebrated medieval city, the site of several magnificent temples and palaces of the Bundela Dynasty. After lunch, continue to Khajuraho and check in to the 5-star Taj Chandela Hotel. Meals B,L

This morning’s private sightseeing shows you the most significant of the town’s spectacular 10th-century temples. Many are famously adorned with erotic carvings and all are notable for the near-perfect balance they strike between architecture and sculpture. Then transfer to the airport for your included flight to Varanasi where you’ll be met and driven to the Taj Gateway Hotel. After time to refresh, you’ll visit Sarnath – revered as the place where Buddha gave his first sermon.

This evening, we’ve arranged for you to observe the Aarti Ceremony, an evocative Hindu ritual of light and praise which unfolds along the sacred River Ganges.  Meals B

Set out at dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges as thousands of devotees descend to the holy waters for purification. It’s a daily ritual which has unfolded here for thousands of years, and it is one of the most powerful scenes of humanity you will ever witness. Then tour the most important shore temples of the Ganges and later learn how the city’s intricately beautiful silks are woven.  Meals B

Enjoy a morning Yoga session at your hotel and then transfer to the airport for you flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and driven to the 5-star ITC Maurya Hotel for the start of your 9-day Private Tour.  Meals B