Day 1
Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your luxury hotel in New Delhi.
This custom itinerary provides an excellent introduction to the highlights of India and focuses on culture: India’s history, religion, people, and art. It’s an excellent overview for the first-time India traveler seeking to visit India’s must-see attractions, including the Golden Triangle, enhanced by some lesser-known but equally intriguing stops.
Your trip will begin and end in New Delhi, India’s capital city and a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Explore the colorful, chaotic streets of Old Delhi on foot and by rickshaw with your private guide, taking in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the markets and mosques. The tree-lined boulevards and architectural marvels of New Delhi are a fascinating contrast to the old town, and you will visit some of Delhi’s most significant historical and architectural sites.
From here, you will begin a grand tour through Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the most iconic and culturally important sights. Witness the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Glide across the sacred waters of the Ganges River in Varanasi by boat, watching Hindu pilgrims and evening prayer rituals along the way. Savor the grandeur and opulence of the sprawling historic forts and palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur while learning all about the royal empires from your expert, private guide. End each day nestled in the modern comforts of your luxury hotel, with accommodations ranging from historical mansions and palaces to luxury resorts and boutique hotels.
A highlight of any trip to India is savoring the aromatic spices and rich flavors of Indian cuisine, and you will enjoy a wide array of culinary delights, from butter chicken to paneer (indian cheese) and naan (bread) to lots of fresh vegetables and herbs. Everywhere you go, you will experience the warm embrace of Indian hospitality and you will encounter friendly locals eager to share about their culture. From an afternoon cooking lesson hosted in a local home to a traditional Rajasthani puppet show, your experiences will be enriched by authentic interactions along the way.
This itinerary can serve as a foundation for longer explorations of India that can also incorporate some of the country’s magnificent wildlife and stunning national parks. If tracking tigers in the jungle or visiting the endless expanses of the Himalayas appeals to you, give us a call to brainstorm extensions.
Welcome to India! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your luxury hotel in New Delhi.
This morning you will be transported back in time as you enjoy a private tour of the colorful, chaotic streets of Old Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride through winding alleys, enjoy the sights and smells of the spice market, and sample sumptuous street snacks as you visit the local markets and mosques. Take in the impressive architectural landmarks of New Delhi in the afternoon, from Humayun’s Tomb to India Gate, before heading back to your hotel.
This morning you will enjoy a private transfer to the city of Agra, where your private guide will take you on an afternoon tour. Immerse yourself in the history of the Mughal Dynasty as you explore Fort Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then take in stunning views of the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh Garden.
Today you will awaken early in order to experience the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Return to your hotel for a mid-morning breakfast before embarking on a private road transfer to Jaipur, the Pink City. Spend the afternoon being warmly welcomed in the home of Thankur Durga Singh, where you will help prepare a traditional Rajasthani feast while learning all about local history, religion, culture, and traditions.
Enjoy a morning walking tour to explore the town of Amber’s rich heritage before making your way to the extravagant Amer Fort, where you will get a glimpse of the opulence and grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal history. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour with you private guide, taking in the rich art traditions and culinary delights of Jaipur.
After breakfast your private driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Upon arrival, you will take a boat ride up the sacred waters of the Ganges River to reach your hotel, passing ancient ghats and Hindu pilgrims along the way.
A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges is the perfect way to start this day, with morning light and fog creating a magical ambiance as you watch the world around you come to life. Disembark the boat with your private guide and enjoy a walking tour to visit Varanasi’s temples, ghats, and shrines. Lose yourself in the maze-like streets of old town during some free time mid-day before witnessing the mesmerizing sight of an evening arti along the riverbanks.
Today is a busy travel day! You will get an early start to take a boat ride back down the Ganges to meet your private vehicle transfer to the airport. You will fly to Jodpur via Delhi and then enjoy a private vehicle transfer to Mihirgarh. The rest of the day is yours to relax.
Today starts with a morning walking tour through the countryside with your private guide. You will encounter local shepherds, weavers, and farmers and learn all about their rural lifestyles. In the afternoon you will head into the Blue City of Jodhpur to enjoy lunch with a local family and get a glimpse of the local handicraft and textile trades. Top off the day with a visit to the massive Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive forts in India, before heading back to your hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, you will enjoy a private transfer to Dev Shree, a boutique accommodation that is considered the best home stay experience in Rajasthan. The afternoon is yours to relax on the verandah or stroll the picturesque gardens of the property.
Start the day by boarding a local train with your private guide for a whimsical ride down the Aravalli Hill section, taking in the sights and sounds of daily life along the way. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided artisan walk to admire the works of the local Deogarh villagers, from the potter to the flag lady to the lady with the henna cones.
This morning your private driver will transfer you to Udaipur, a hub of Rajashtani culture and tradition known for its beautiful lakes. Spend the afternoon exploring the exquisite architecture and serene surroundings of the Taj Lake Palace before ending the day with an exclusive boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
Today you will explore the sprawling Udaipur City Palace, one of the largest architectural marvels in Rajasthan. Your private guide will dive deep into the palace’s storied history while revealing the intricate mosaics, gardens, courtyards, palaces, and royal residences found within. Overnight at Taj Lake Palace.
Depart the Taj Lake Palace by boat and transfer to the Udaipur Airport to catch your flight back to Delhi. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you will enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Your private driver will transfer you to the New Delhi airport to catch your international flight home. Note: these are often very early morning flights.
