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Day 1  Delhi                
Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be an important welcome meeting in the hotel at around 6pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers.                
Day 2  Delhi to Agra                  
Today, make the drive to Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. After working up an appetite, this evening, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture.                

Day 3  Agra to Ranthambore              
Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India, the magnificent Agra Fort. Learn about its fascinating history and explore the beautiful courtyards and gardens that surround this magnificent structure. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore, arriving in the late afternoon.        

Day 4  Ranthambore              
Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort.      

Day 5  Ranthambore to Jaipur            
Today you will travel to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan region. Arrive at your feature stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner from delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows to peacocks roaming the grounds. Once settled in, join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets of Jaipur. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Dinner this evening is something a little bit special – head to the home of a local Brahmin family for a wonderful home cooked dinner.                

Day 6  Jaipur          
Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort, the jewel of Jaipur. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. After, head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.      
           
Day 7  Jaipur to Varanasi      
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your feature stay accommodation then board a midday flight bound for Varanasi. On arrival, make a stop off at Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Continue on to the city of Varanasi.            

Day 8  Varanasi          
Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise joined by local musicians as you watch a beautiful flower and candle ceremony take place.        

Day 9  Varanasi to Delhi                
Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for further explorations, then come back together in the evening for a final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Day 10  Delhi          
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.