Jewels of India

Upon arrival in Dehli, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, following breakfast, explore Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1562 and 1572 AD with the assistance of Persian architects from Herat. Architecturally, it reflects influences from Samarkand and served as a precursor and inspiration to the Taj Mahal. Afterward, embark on a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, a bustling wholesale market in Old Delhi with a history of over 300 years. This market offers a vibrant and chaotic glimpse into the city's life. Your journey will also include a visit to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, where you can admire its grandeur and historical significance.

This morning, enjoy a private transfer to the airport ahead of your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for some rest before your evening activities. Varanasi, one of India's seven sacred cities, is a major pilgrimage destination for devout Hindus, who often aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. This evening, you will be transferred to the banks of the Holy Ganges, where a boatman will be ready to take you on a private boat ride. As you sail on the river, you'll reach Dashashwamedh Ghat in time for the mesmerizing evening aarti (worship) ceremony. Experience the enchanting ritual of chanting, clanging bells, and waving lamps—a tradition performed daily for over three thousand years. After the aarti, your boat will gently drift to a local temple, where a private priest will conduct a personalized blessing ceremony just for you. You’ll receive a special lamp to ward off evil, and for one night, you’ll have the honor of participating in a symbolic ritual to help put the river to bed.

Today, begin your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, offering a peaceful contrast to the evening's vibrant aarti ceremony and a timeless glimpse into daily life along the river. After the boat ride, explore the Old City of Varanasi, where you’ll stroll through narrow, historically rich lanes with your expert guide. Next, visit Sarnath, located a short distance from Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment, traditionally dated around 500 BC. Enjoy a guided walk “In the Footsteps of The Buddha,” tracing his journey from Prince Siddhartha to becoming The Buddha, including participation in a chanting ritual with the monks. For dinner, savor a Satvik Thali at a local restaurant. Satvik food is pure, fresh vegetarian cuisine, prepared without onion and garlic and with minimal spices, offering a balanced meal that nurtures both body and soul.

This morning, following breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Agra. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and together you will visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtaking mausoleum, a symbol of devotion and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, will be visited at sunset to capture its most enchanting light. After your visit, return to your hotel for the evening.

Today, following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a private transfer to Jaipur, including a stop en route to Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar to honor Saint Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of Akbar’s heir, Fatehpur Sikri served as the Mughal capital for a period. Enjoy lunch at the heritage hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before continuing your journey to Jaipur. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

This morning, visit the City Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture where parts of the palace are still occupied by the ex-royal family. Enjoy a private tour of typically closed residential areas, followed by a delicious high tea. Next, explore the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage astronomical observatory. Capture photos of the iconic Hawa Mahal with its ornate pink façade. Finish with a walk through the vibrant Old City bazaars, interacting with traditional merchants and experiencing the lively atmosphere, with opportunities to see Jaipur’s famous “minakari” jewelry and more.

Today, following breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, a stunning example of Rajput-Mughal architecture that reflects the grandeur of Mughal courts and fort-palaces. Next, explore the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, dedicated to preserving Rajasthan's traditional hand-block printing techniques. Jaipur is famous for its heritage sites and vibrant shopping scene, offering exquisite Rajasthani artwork and textiles known for their quality and craftsmanship. Spend the rest of the day shopping in the bustling markets, or simply relax at your hotel with your guide and vehicle at your disposal.

Today, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and begin a walking tour of the Old City before checking into your hotel. You’ll also visit the home of a local artist to witness the ancient and rare art of ‘painting on water.’ This intricate craft, practiced by only a few artisans today, can take 4 to 10 hours to complete. You’ll arrive just in time to see the artist adding the finishing touches to a painting, and children are welcome to participate in this unique experience. Afterward, enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola in a private boat, taking in the views of its scenic ghats and majestic palaces.

This morning, begin your day with sightseeing at the City Palace, a vast complex developed over the span of three centuries, featuring a blend of Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal-inspired interiors. Visit the Crystal Gallery, which showcases a rare collection of crystal art and furniture. Next, explore Jagdish Temple, a stunning example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Enjoy the afternoon shopping for local paintings and traditional clothing. In the evening, enjoy a lovely dinner at your hotel.

Following breakfast today, you will be transferred to the Delwara region of Rajasthan to explore the stunning temples of Nagda and Eklingji. Start with a visit to the Nagda temples, commonly known as the "Sas-Bahu Temples" (Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law). These 10th-century temples are elaborately carved and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Next, visit the 8th-century Eklingji Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which holds significant importance in the region. Afterward, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Today, immerse yourself in Mumbai’s vibrant life with a tour starting at the bustling docks, where you'll witness the Koli fisherfolk and the unique auction of Bombay Duck (a type of fish). Observe vendors sorting newspapers and learn about the city's food distribution as 100 tons of produce enter the markets. Your guide and vehicle will be available for additional exploration. Join a local food expert to sample Mumbai’s renowned street food, including visits to Khau Gully (an eating lane), an Irani Café, Girgaon Chowpatty (a beach), Kulfi Centre (for Indian ice cream), and, if time permits, Babulnath Dosa Point. This tour offers an authentic taste of Mumbai’s street food and daily life.

Today, embark on a full-day tour in Mumbai designed to engage your sense senses: Visual: Begin with a walking tour through Colonial Mumbai, exploring the Fort area and its impressive colonial and neo-gothic architecture. Auditory: Experience Bollywood music and dance with a 30-minute workshop, where you’ll immerse yourself in the lively rhythms and movements of Bollywood. Gustatory: Delight in a coastal Indian meal at a well-known local restaurant, savoring the diverse flavors of regional cuisine. This sensory-rich tour offers an engaging and comprehensive experience of Mumbai’s vibrant culture.

This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight.