Duration: 12 Days
Set out on the journey of a lifetime as you meet the women who climbed Mount Everest in Kathmandu, step back in time to the Mughal Empire in Old Delhi and barter for the best deals at the fragrant spice markets in Jaipur. Enjoy an esteemed dinner at Dera Amer, a protected wilderness close to Jaipur, that connects you to nature like never before, with elephants roaming free across this vast reserve. Journey from Jaipur to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Tour this architectural wonder and explore the nearby village of Kachhpura, where a stop at a rooftop cafe serves up tea, pakora and stunning views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. In the Holy City of Varanasi, rise before dawn for a spectacular sunrise boat cruise on the River Ganges. Day 1
Welcome to Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by an Insight representative and transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Kathmandu. At 17:00 meet your Travel Director and venture out in Thamel on a rickshaw ride. Later, head to a local restaurant for a Welcome Reception, drinks and dinner.
Day 2
Kathmandu the City of Beauty
Start with a morning visit to the city of Kathmandu and see the tranquil Swayambhunath temple. Later, stop in Patan, the third largest city in Nepal, for lunch.In the afternoon, explore the city's stunning architecture with a Local Expert. Highlights include the Golden Temple, Durbar Square and Mul Chowk. Enjoy the flavors of the region in the evening with an indulgent dinner.
Day 3
Kathmandu's Spiritual History
Delve into Kathmandu’s spiritual history with a morning visit to the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River and take in the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Next you’ll head to the city of Bhadgaon, before visiting a local pottery workshop where a local craftsman will provide a demonstration. In the evening head to an inspirational talk by a woman who summited the Earth’s highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest. She’ll talk to you about her experience guiding some of the world’s most interesting people through some of the most challenging terrain on earth.
Day 4
On to Vibrant Delhi
Head to the airport for your onwards flight to Delhi, India. On arrival you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in, before this afternoon joining your group and Travel Director for a trip to Akshardham Temple. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this Hindu temple is a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, ask your Travel Director for recommendations on where to explore, or perhaps relax at your hotel’s spa?
Day 5
Exploring New and Old Delhi Relaxed Start
This morning, head on an exciting sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi with your Travel Director. Drive past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. Founded in 1526, the Mughal Empire compromised the majority of the Indian subcontinent until 1707. In the afternoon, visit a Sikh temple and visit its community kitchen, a place preparing and serving free vegetarian meals to those in need. Later, drive past the President Palace, India Gate and Parliament House, before ending the day with a tour of Humayun’s Tomb with your Travel Director.
Day 6
The Pink City Relaxed Start
Travel to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City, after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 for a visit from Queen Victoria. Before lunch, enjoy a visit to the Heritage Transport Museum in Haryana, a fascinating showcase of the evolution of transport in India. Later, join your Travel Director for an evening visit to a flower and spice market. Dine at the esteemed Dera Amer. Situated in the wilderness close to Jaipur, this outdoor dining experience truly connects you to nature. With elephants roaming free on its land, the venue’s primary purpose is to maintain an area of natural beauty, while protecting its wildlife.
Day 7
Delve into Jaipur
Ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerise with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Once here, experience India’s spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Jaipur and see the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, featuring the world’s largest stone dun dial, or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.
Day 8
Jaipur to Agra
In the morning depart for Agra, home to the spectacular phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal. Along the way stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Agra, the evening is yours at leisure. Why not make the most of the amenities at your hotel, Jaypee Palace? Home to a spa, salon and fitness center, unwind before tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 9
The Taj Mahal
Wake early for a visit to the Taj Mahal, to see the world phenomenon in its best light. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Continue on to Agra Fort. Explore Agra with Insight Choice. Choose to join a guided walk through Kachhpura to discover the life of local farmers. Enjoy tea and pakora on a rooftop with views of the Taj Mahal. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit the ‘Sheroes’ Café. This local business supports female victims of acid attacks who refuse to give up and instead fight for a better life. Catch up with your fellow travelers over dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 10
On to Varanasi
In the morning, take a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. On arrival you’ll be checked into your luxury hotel, the Taj Ganges. A contemporary ode to its classical city, this five-star accommodation includes a pool, fitness center, traditional Indian Spa Therapies and a beautiful flower garden. In the evening, participate in an Aarti on the ghats, where you’ll offer prayers to the River Ganges. This spiritual ceremony is performed daily to honor the River Goddess Ganga. It is a Hindu religious ritual of worship and involves hundreds of diyas and flowers being released onto the river, as the words “Har Har Gange!” are chanted.
Day 11
The Holy City of Varanasi
Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise boat cruise on River Ganges, followed by a visit to an Akhara. Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading on a tour of Varanasi. This involves seeing the Sarnath, a sacred deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence through Kondanna’s enlightenment. Later, enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner with your fellow travelers and Travel Director at your hotel.
Day 12
Leave Varanasi for Delhi
End your trip with a relaxing early morning yoga session at your hotel, before breakfast and a transfer to the airport. Head back to Delhi before your onward flights. Please do not schedule flights before 9pm.
- 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Jaipur: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.
- Jaipur: Visit the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, a collection of 18th century architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone dun dial.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Agra: Visit the 'Sheroes Café', a local business run by women survivors of acid attacks. Be inspired by their resilience in rebuilding a life for themselves, while supporting their efforts to reintegrate back into the community. Sheroes Cafe actively recruits and employs people from underrepresented populations who may otherwise find getting work difficult. The ‘Sheroes’ are women who are on the way to becoming true fighters. Join them in a celebration of courage, forcing society to re-evaluate its norms about beauty and appearance. Sheroes Cafe, ran and operated solely by women, advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- Agra: Embark on a guided tour through Kachhpura and discover the locals’ agricultural lifestyle, as you enjoy tea and pakora on a rooftop with views of the Taj Mahal.
- Kathmandu: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Jaipur: Enjoy a special outdoor dining experience at the esteemed Dera Amer. With elephants roaming free on its land, the venue’s primary purpose is to maintain an area of natural beauty, while protecting its wildlife.
- Agra: Dine for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur.
- Varanasi: Toast to your travels over a Celebration Dinner at your Hotel.
- Kathmandu: Hear an inspirational talk led by women who summited Mount Everest, the highest point above sea level on Earth.
- Varanasi: Join an expert in India's religious rituals to learn more about the colorful candlelit tradition of Aarti as you participate in the sunset ceremony in the Ganges, against a backdrop of ringing bells and chanting music.
- Agra: Visit the 'Sheroes Café', a local business run by women survivors of acid attacks. Be inspired by their resilience in rebuilding a life for themselves, while supporting their efforts to reintegrate back into the community. Sheroes Cafe actively recruits and employs people from underrepresented populations who may otherwise find getting work difficult. The ‘Sheroes’ are women who are on the way to becoming true fighters. Join them in a celebration of courage, forcing society to re-evaluate its norms about beauty and appearance. Sheroes Cafe, ran and operated solely by women, advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- : Choose between two experiences in Agra.
- Kathmandu: Visit sacred Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple for its mischievous inhabitants.
- Kathmandu: Tour Durbar Square and Royal Palace.
- Kathmandu: See the holiest of Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath Temple.
- Kathmandu: Visit the colossal stupa, Boudhanath.
- Bhadgaon: Enjoy an excursion to the ancient capital Bhadgaon.
- Kathmandu: Visit a pottery workshop, where a local craftsman will provide you with a demonstration on this age-old craft.
- Delhi: Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Delhi.
- Delhi: Visit the Hindu Temple of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony.
- Delhi: Ride by rickshaw through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi.
- Delhi: See the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Drive along the Rajpath to view the India Gate and Parliament House.
- Delhi: Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. A black stone platform marks the spot where he was cremated. And see the Tomb of the Emperor Humayun, built in 1570. The tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
- Jaipur: Visit the flower market and spice market and take in the sights and sounds.
- Haryana: Visit the Heritage Transport Museum, a fascinating showcase of the evolution of transport in India.
- Jaipur: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.
- Jaipur: Visit the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, a collection of 18th century architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone dun dial.
- Jaipur: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort. Enjoy the shimmering mirrored walls and ceilings, the airy rooms that housed queens and concubines, and the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
- Jaipur: Join your Travel Director who will show you the marvel of Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Its 953 windows were designed to allow the ladies of the royal court to watch the drama of the street below, unobserved behind their delicate latticework.
- Agra: Embark on a guided tour through Kachhpura and discover the locals’ agricultural lifestyle, as you enjoy tea and pakora on a rooftop with views of the Taj Mahal.
- Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal, a monument of love, built by a king in everlasting memory of his beloved queen. Enjoy fast-track access through the gates meaning you have even more time to admire this architectural marvel.
- Agra: Enjoy the scenery as your flight emerges from the Himalayas to reach Varanasi.
- Varanasi: Take a dawn cruise past the Ghats on the Ganges River - an experience never to be forgotten.
- Varanasi: During your brief orientation of the city, visit some of the famous temples. You'll also visit Sarnath, where Buddha first taught the Dharma.
- Varanasi: Enjoy an early morning yoga session at your hotel - your Travel Director will confirm if this experience is possible on your departure.
- Delhi: Board your short flight to Delhi.
Start Date: 2023-10-16
End Date: 2023-10-27
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