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Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this exciting capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining!

Today, make the drive to Agra. Take some time to settle in, then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous Wonder of the World as you take a tour at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene, so tonight, 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. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. You’ll also pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra – one of the largest mosques in India.

Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore. When you arrive, you might like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Rise early for a morning safari this morning. 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. In 4WD safari vehicles, you’ll take game drives to search for animals, including the famed tiger that stalks this jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards. 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, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.

Today, you’ll travel to Jaipur – the capital of the Rajasthan region – and your Feature Stay, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This 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 – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a swimming pool and lush gardens, this place is a magical escape, away from the rush of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. 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. Head to the home of a local family for a homecooked dinner and chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life ad you learn their culinary secrets.

Begin the day with a visit to the Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. After, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings – the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds.’ Visit the striking City Palace, with its 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. You’ll meet the owner of the haveli for a tour of the property and they’ll share photos and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.

Depart your Feature Stay accommodation, then board a flight bound for Varanasi. When you arrive, make a stop 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. Then, continue to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, this is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality.

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as you pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, take 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. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over the sacred city, then you’re free for the rest of the night.

Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a day tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam, so you’ll hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. 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 metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, before your 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, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Delhi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.