Rajasthan tour and Varanasi
For a first glimpse of the sub-continent, this tour in North India takes you to the main cities of Rajasthan to which we added the Taj Mahal, the jewel of India.
The ancient capitals still resound with the grandeur of their maharajas, and the palaces that carry on their legacy, welcome you.
The trip ends in Varanasi (formerly known as Benares), said to be the oldest city in the world. Located on the banks of the Ganges, the sacred river, Varanasi is the holiest of all Indian cities. The special atmosphere here will amaze and move you. You will not be unmoved by the "show" of the rituals performed by thousands of pilgrims every day at sunrise. Here is your tailor-made tour to North India.
Rajasthan and Varanasi tour
12 Days / 11 Nights
Stops in Delhi - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Bundi
Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi
Day 1 • New Delhi
Upon arrival at New Delhi international airport, we greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2 • New Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of India's capital city. In the morning, you will explore the colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk district in the old town, in the middle of which stands Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India. You will return to New Delhi for a visit to the magnificent Humayun's Tomb as well as a walk around India Gate and near Rashtrapati Bhawan, the presidential residence. If time allows, you will end the day at the site of the magnificent Qutub Minar, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art.
Day 3 • Delhi - Jodhpur
In the morning, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of the airport for your flight to the blue city of Jodhpur. Upon arrival, you will be driven to the hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, you will explore Mehrangarh Fort, a luxurious palace now turned into a museum, and will stop at Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial of Jaswant Singh II.
At the end of the day, you will stroll through the colourful alleys of Sardar Bazar around the Clock Tower.
Day 4 • Jodhpur - Udaipur
In the morning, you will continue your journey towards the white city of Udaipur. On the way, stop at Ranakpur to visit the magnificent Jain temples, built in the 15th century, including that of Adinath. Some 1440 pillars are covered with ever-changing and more refined designs. Only one of them is tilted! Upon arrival in Udaipur, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure to stroll the narrow streets at your own pace.
Day 5 • Udaipur
This full day is dedicated to the visit of Udaipur, starting with the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan which has been a royal residence for centuries. Thereafter, visit of the nearby Jagdish Temple before taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola which offers the best panoramic view over the city. To end the day, you will go to the "Saheliyon-ki-Bari", the beautiful Garden of the Maidens which is a peaceful haven to stroll through.
Day 6 • Udaipur - Bundi
In the morning, you will drive on to Bundi which has retained all the charm of a 17th century city.
On the way, you will discover the most important fortress of Rajasthan: Chittorgarh, surrounded by five kilometres of high ramparts. Upon arrival in Bundi, check-in at the hotel.
Day 7 • Bundi - Jaipur
In the morning, you will visit Garh Palace, home to the amazing Chitrasala, the walls of which are covered with beautiful frescoes painted in the 18th century. Next visit will be at the baoli (stepwell) built around 1700 and into which one descends by a huge staircase topped with an arch decorated with elephants.
After the visits, you will drive on to Jaipur, the pink capital city of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure to visit the numerous bazars.
Day 8 • Jaipur
Full day sightseeing tour starting with a stop in front of the astonishing Palace of Winds, a finely carved facade of pink sandstone behind which the ladies of the court used to hide when watching the parades in the street below.
Later, you will leave for Amber Fort, the ancestral home of the Maharajas of Jaipur perched on a hilltop. You will then explore the palace, a fabulous maze of courtyards, interior gardens and rooms decorated with mirrors and mosaics.
In the afternoon, you will visit the City Palace, the walls of which are home to a museum and the residence of today's royal family. Visits will end at Jantar Mantar, the amazing observatory that Jai Singh II built and where astrolabes and sundials form a surreal landscape.
Day 9 • Jaipur - Agra
Morning drive to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal emperors. On the way, you will explore Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of emperor Akbar that he built in the 16th century and abandoned 15 years after its completion, probably due to lack of water. Six centuries later, this perfectly preserved city brings us back to the past glory of the Mughal Empire. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel.
Day 10 • Agra - Delhi
The whole day will be devoted to visiting the tourist capital of northern India: Agra. It is home to one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum, an icon of India, stands along the Yamuna River in the middle of shady gardens with numerous fountains. It is the architectural jewel left by the Mughal Empire and it features on any tour of India.
You will then go to the other side of the river, to visit the Red Fort. Within its ramparts, the complex is a complete city with mosques, palaces and gardens. Finally, you will discover the small mausoleum of Itimad-ud-Daulah, nicknamed "Baby Taj", which is remarkable for its polychrome murals. At the end of the day, you will drive back to Delhi where you will dropped to spend the night.
Day 11 • Delhi - Varanasi
Early in the morning, transfer to New Delhi Railway Station where you will board one of the country's three high-speed trains. Inaugurated in 2019, the Vande Bharat Express will take you to Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges. On arrival, you will be met and taken on an excursion to Sarnath, one of the major centres of Buddhism in India. It was here that Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the stupas and temples and return to Varanasi in the late afternoon, when at sunset you can watch the Puja from the ghats, a Ganges worship ceremony in which thousands of small lights are thrown on leaves onto the still waters of the holy river.
Day 12 • Varanasi - Delhi
Early in the morning, about 30 minutes before sunrise, you will return to the ghats to witness the ablutions, certainly the most fascinating "spectacle" of Varanasi. From one end of the city to the other, following the curve of the river, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come every morning to bathe in the river. From the Dashaswamedh Ghat, you will take a boat to observe these rituals from the river.
After the boat ride, you will take a stroll along the ghats to observe the daily life of the city: under the large umbrellas, a part of the social, religious and commercial life takes place. You will come across astrologers, gurus, barbers, flower sellers and many other surprises. You will also go to the Chowk, the old part of the city along the ghats, a labyrinth of narrow and winding streets where cars and carts cannot go.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi. On arrival, welcome and transfer to the international terminal for your flight back home.
This tour is only a suggestion of an itinerary; it can be booked as is or used as a basis to create your own tailor-made tour in India. This tour is also available with 4 and 5 star hotels.
IDEAS FOR A TAILOR-MADE TRIP TO RAJASTHAN
- From Agra, add a few days and continue by road to the state of Madhya Pradesh and the sites of Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho to end in Varanasi with a flight back to Delhi.
- Climb Amber Fort or participate in activities with elephants.
- Ride a camel or cart through the sand dunes of Jaisalmer.
- Plan a movie at Jaipur's "Raj Mandir" for a "Bollywood" film.
- Best time to go: all year round, although we prefer October-November and February-March.
1260 US$ / pers.
(base 2 pax)
965 US$ / pers.
(base 4 pax)
Season: Summer 2024 (April - September). . Price per person including accommodation on double occupancy in 3* hotels (4* in Delhi) with breakfasts, travel in a private air-conditioned chauffeur-driven Toyota Innova Crysta vehicle, English-speaking guide and boat ride on Ganges river while in Varanasi, domestic flights and train tickets as mentioned in the itinerary. . The price does not include international flights, entrance fees to monuments, guides, meals, visas and insurance. . Prices are indicative only. May vary according to taxes, exchange rate fluctuations and travel dates.
