Delhi to Kathmandu Quest

Day 1  Delhi, India
Welcome to the intoxicating cacophony of colours, smells, spices, culture and chaos that is Delhi. Bond with your Contiki family today before kick starting your adventure.          

Day 2  Delhi to Agra      
Upon arrival in Agra, visit the Elephant Rescue Centre, where you'll meet over 20 rescued elephants and witness the only elephant hospital in Asia.  Then, you'll have the opportunity to get your bucket list ticked with an optional visit to one of mankind's masterpieces: the magnificent Taj Mahal.          

Day 3  Agra to Lucknow          
Opt for a locally guided cycle tour of 'unseen Agra' this morning to uncover the city's lesser spotted wonders. Then you're headed to Lucknow on an air-conditioned coach. Upon arrival, enjoy a free evening to admire Lucknow's ethereal bazaars, opulent Raj-era architecture and delicious food.          

Day 4  Lucknow          
Long regarded as India's centre for culture and art, Lucknow is full of wonders for you to explore this morning. Start off with a locally guided sightseeing tour, then later opt for a culinary walk of the city.      

Day 5  Lucknow to Varanasi      
Nestled alongside the Ganges is Varanasi, one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world - a place where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters and cremate their loved ones. This place can be described as India in a nutshell - not for the faint of heart, but spiritual, riotous and touchingly passionate.          

Day 6  Varanasi          
Rise and shine! You're headed down to the river, boarding a small boat as dawn alights the Ganges. Watch the Ghat in front of you slowly come to life as pilgrims bathe in the holy river. As the afternoon draws in, explore the ruins of Sarnath, another holy location. Located on the outskirts of the city, this is said to be the location from which Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Back to Varanasi in the evening, witness the Aarti Ceremony, a fascinating ancient ritual.          

Day 7  Varanasi to Chitwan National Parkk, Nepal
Catch a speedy flight to Kathmandu, Nepal, before heading to Chitwan National Park. A world heritage reserve, it’s teeming with rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, sloth bears, and even the majestic Bengal Tiger.  

Day 8  Chitwan National Park        
This morning, take a jungle walk to soak up some spectacular beauty, before heading out on your once-in-a-lifetime jeep safari. One of the last safe havens for the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger - both heavily endangered - Chitwan offers one of the best wildlife spotting experiences on the planet.      

Day 9  Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu
It's time to uncover Kathmandu on a locally guided tour of its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square - the old royal palace of the former kingdom, parts of which were tragically destroyed in the earthquake of 2015. As you walk, you'll marvel at the medieval temples, captivating courtyards and charming mayhem.    

Day 10  Kathmandu          
Your adventure ends today; depart at any time.