Day 1 • New Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi international airport. We meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2 • New Delhi
You will spend the day exploring the Indian national capital, formed by two distinct "cities". You will start with the colourful Chandni Chowk of Old Delhi in the middle of which stands Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India.
In the afternoon, you will visit New Delhi starting at the impressive Humayun's Tomb. Later, you will stroll around India Gate and pass in front of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the presidential palace. Finally, you will discover the magnificent Qutub Minar, a red sandstone minaret and a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art.
Day 3 • Delhi - Agra
In the morning, you will drive to Agra, the ancient capital of the Mughal emperors. Before arriving, you will visit the majestic tomb of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built in the early part of the 17th century, this mausoleum is one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture. Upon arrival in Agra, you will go and visit Red Fort, whose interiors form like a city with palaces, mosques and gardens, offering various architectural styles. You will check-in at the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 4 • Agra - Gwalior
At sunrise, visit the most famous site in India: the Taj Mahal. Built on the banks of the Yamuna River in the middle of large gardens with water features, the site is a haven of peace where it is pleasant to stroll. After the visit, drive south to the city of Gwalior, which is overlooked by an imposing fortress housing several temples and palaces. You will visit the fort after your check-in at the hotel.
Day 5 • Gwalior - Orchha
In the morning, you will visit Jai Vilas Palace, residence of the Maharajas of Gwalior, built in white sandstone on the model of Versailles at the beginning of the 19th century. You will thereafter continue to Orchha, en route visiting the temples of Sonagiri and Fort Datia, a palace of impressive dimensions containing some 400 rooms. Upon arrival in Orchha, check-in at the hotel.
Day 6 • Orchha
This day will be dedicated to the visit of the medieval city and its temples including the impressive Jehangir Mahal which offers, from the upper floors, a superb view of the surrounding countryside. The legend has it that the emperor Jehangir, for whom the palace was built, visited it only once ! Orchha's temples date back to the 17th century and you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city, palaces and temples, from the other side of the river that you will reach on foot.
Day 7 • Orchha - Khajuraho
In the morning, you will continue your journey towards Khajuraho which is famous for its temples, decorated with a profusion of sculptures, some of them very erotic. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and then discover a first group of temples.
Day 8 • Khajuraho - Varanasi
Of all the temples built in India, those of Khajuraho are unique. Twenty-two temples are still visible among the original 85 that were built between the 9th and 10th centuries by the Chandela dynasty. Thousands of sculptures, some very erotic, cover the facades of the temples, divided into three geographical groups. You will finish the visit of the last two groups before your transfer to the airport for the flight to Varanasi. Check-in at the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 9 • Varanasi
Early in the morning, about 30 minutes before sunrise, you will go to the gaths to see the ablutions, certainly the most fascinating "show" of Varanasi. From Dashaswamedh Ghat, you will take a boat to observe these rituals from the river. After the boat ride you will remain on the gaths for some time to see part of the social, religious and commercial life of the city under the large umbrellas.
In the afternoon, an excursion to Sarnath will take you to one of the major centres of Buddhism in India. It is in the old village that hundreds of weavers work the silk found in the shops of the Chowk of Varanasi. You will visit the stupas and temples and return to Varanasi late afternoon to watch the Puja from the gaths, the Ganga worship ceremony.
Day 10 • Varanasi - Delhi
Morning will be free to enjoy the city at your own pace before your transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. You will be greeted upon arrival and then transferred to the international terminal for your return flight.
