17 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour
India's architectural wonders and history will capture your imagination. The contrasts of bustling bazaars and ancient ruins will bring to life everything you expect from this incredible country.
Our Highlights of India tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Discover the stunning architecture of India’s ‘City of Lakes’
Visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort in 'sun city'
See the striking Temples of Khajuraho
Cruise on the spiritual Ganges River taking in the stunning views
Experience the electric atmosphere created by the flickering candles and tinkling bells of a puja held on the banks of the River Ganges, a ceremony dedicated to the river goddess.
Soak up the sights and smells of one of Jodhpur's bustling local markets, where the stalls will be piled high with locally grown fruit and vegetables, and you will learn about the essential herbs and spices needed for Indian cuisine.
Venture into the old alleyways of Jaipur to try your hand at block printing, the practice of hand printing textiles with a carved wooden block, a traditional art of the city.
Arrive in Indira Gandhi International Airport, India's rambunctious capital city, your National Escort or Local Guide from Wendy Wu Tours will meet you at the Delhi International Airport in the Arrivals Hall. Together with other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to your hotel and check-in.
This morning the tour introduction will either be held in the hotel or on the coach. After your breakfast we will embark on a full-day of sightseeing around Old and New Delhi, involving approximately 03- 3.5 hours on foot. Travel approximately 30 – 40 minutes to Khari Baoli Spice Market and enjoy a rickshaw ride before visiting Jama Masjid. Next, head to Lakshmi Marayan Hindu Temple, followed by a brief photo stop at India Gate. Continue to Gandhi Smriti (closed on Mondays) and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. End your day with a visit to Qutub Minar and the Iron Pillar.
Drive approximately 04 Hrs to Agra and discover the magnificent Agra Fort. Sightseeing here involves approximately 45-60 Minutes on foot with some steps. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Taj Mahal, where you will board small electric carts to take you to the entrance. You will have approximately 90 –120Minutes here to explore. For admission to the main mausoleum area, you are required to wear shoe covers (these may be provided on site, but be prepared to bring an additional pair of socks).
Take a train to Jhansi this morning, with a change in Orchha en route. Continue to Khajuraho, home of the famous Khajuraho temples. This evening enjoy a cultural dance performance.Transfer to the train station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi station. Your train journey will take approximately 2 hrs & 50 min. From here, drive approximately 3.5 hrs to Khajuraho and visit the medieval city of Orchha en-route, where sightseeing will take up to 02 hours. This evening, you will enjoy a cultural dance performance. Please note: As your train is a day train, your seats will be in an AC Chair Car. More than likely you will not be able to purchase any food or drink on the train, so if you need snacks make sure to pre-purchase them before boarding. The train carriages are shared, so please be aware of your belongings at all times.
This morning, drive approximately 15-minutes to the Khajuraho temples. You will spend 02 – 03 Hrs here exploring the Vamana Temple and the Javari Temple before boarding your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. This evening, enjoy rickshaw ride through the streets of Varanasi to the ghats of the River Ganges, where you will witness the Puja Ceremony of Ganga Aarti. Please be prepared for many crowds through the streets, especially leading up to the ghats, and remember to wear closed toe shoes. Please note it would be unwise to wander around Varanasi without your National Escort or Local Guide at night as there have been reports of pickpockets operating in the area. Always speak to your National Escort or Local Guide before making your own arrangements in Varanasi.
Rise early and board your 45 Min – 01 hours cruise on the River Ganges to view the ghats at sunrise. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast then spend the remainder of the day with some leisurely sightseeing around Varanasi. Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple and Vishwanath Temple before driving past Banaras Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia. This afternoon, travel approximately 40min to Sarnath to visit the Buddhist sacred sites.
Transfer to the airport today for your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival, transfer approximately 45 min – 01 hrs to your hotel for check-into. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant this evening along with a traditional dance performance. (Depending on the flight timing for Varanasi – Jaipur sector this dinner in Jaipur might get shifted to next day and on this day, dinner would be arranged at the hotel)
After breakfast, make a brief photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) from the outside. Tourists are unable to enter so you will view it from the busy road opposite. Next, take a jeep ride from the bus park to the entrance of the impressive Amber Fort. Please note that sightseeing here will be approximately 1.5 – 02 hours and there are a number of steps inside the fort. Later you will visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Finally, you will pay a visit to a nearby craft centre for the opportunity to try your hand at block printing and carpet weaving.
Drive approximately 06 – 06.5 hrs to Jodhpur this morning and check-in to your hotel on arrival. The afternoon will be at leisure, followed by an early evening walking tour of Subzi Mandi spice market.
Visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort this morning, which involves approximately 02 hrs on foot and some steps of varying difficulty. The coach will drop off and collect passengers at the same point, so anyone unable to complete this portion of the tour may return and wait for the rest of group. Continue to Jaswant Thada before strolling through the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Sightseeing here involves approximately 45 min – 01 hour of easy walking. Finally, enjoy an auto-rickshaw ride to a local restaurant in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Drive approximately 06 – 06.5 hrs to Udaipur and embark on a relaxing cruise along Lake Pichola, admiring the city’s palaces from the water (**). Afterwards, proceed to your hotel for check-in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (**) The boat ride may need to be shifted to Day 12 as it would be dependent on the arrival time in Udaipur on day 11. The last boat cruise departs at 4 pm in winter due to shorter days and early nightfall.
After breakfast, take a drive around the Fateh Sagar Lake and visit the Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens, the Folk Museum and Mewar Art Gallery. Afterwards, spend approximately 02 hours exploring the City Palace on foot. Please note that some steps at this location are without handrails, so please be cautious.
Drive approximately 06 – 06.5 Hrs to Bundi, stopping en-route to explore Chittor Fort and Vijay Stambh. One of the largest forts in India, Chittor sprawls across a hilltop overlooking the town of Chittorgarh. On arrival in Bundi, take a leisurely stroll through the town and discover the unique stepwells before checking-in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Commence the 03 Hrs drive to Ranthambore National Park. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Enjoy morning and afternoon canter safaris in the national park for the chance to spot the local wildlife. Each safari involves 02 – 03 hours driving on uneven and unsealed tracks. Please bear in mind that there will be no bathroom breaks during the canter safaris. You will need to bring your passport each day to gain access to the park. Please note: You will need to bring your passport each day to allow entry into the park.
Catch the 0720 hrs train to Delhi, with the journey taking approximately 05 hours. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning, transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight back to home.
The best time to visit India is from November to March when you’ll enjoy pleasant warm dry days and low humidity.
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and a single room throughout your tour.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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