India, New Delhi

Private Tour Taj Mahal and the Sacred Soul of the Ganges 3^*

You will receive a traditional welcome at the airport from our English-speaking guide and driver, who will then transfer you to your hotel.

Rooms will be available from noon.

You will then spend the night at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Delhi, a cosmopolitan capital with an exceptional heritage shaped by the eight different cities that have succeeded one another in this land, over the millennia.

In the morning, you will visit Old Delhi, the former Mughal capital. Admire the exterior of the majestic Red Fort, a symbol of imperial power, before immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Chandni Chowk market on a rickshaw ride (shops are closed on Sundays).

Next, visit Gandhi’s house, now a museum in his memory (closed on Mondays).

In the afternoon, you will explore New Delhi, passing by the India Gate on the way to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. You will also visit an iconic Sikh temple to gain insight into the religion and its traditions.

You will then return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Have breakfast at the hotel, then depart by road for Shekhawati, a region of Rajasthan known as "Rajasthan's open-air art gallery".

Nestled amongst the dunes are the famous havelis, former residences of wealthy merchants who prospered through the caravan trade between India and Pakistan. These small palaces are distinguished by their fresco-adorned walls, which are true works of art.

On arrival, check in to the hotel. In the late afternoon, visit a village in the region where a peaceful atmosphere now reigns. Although the great families have left, the villages of Shekhawati still harbour numerous havelis, some of which are abandoned, bearing witness to a flourishing past. You may be woken by the cry of the many peacocks that inhabit the villages. The peacock is India’s national bird.

Spend the night at the hotel.

Journey: 250 km / 5 hours

After breakfast, you will set off for Shyampura, a small, little-known village off the beaten track that is not featured on tourist maps. You will receive a traditional welcome from the villagers and check in at the eco-lodge. Lunch will be served there.

In the late afternoon, you will head to a farm to meet a farming family. You will tour the farm and enjoy a generous cup of masala tea. In the evening, you will be invited to experience the local cuisine at a villager's home, observe their cooking techniques, and enjoy a convivial dinner with them.

Spend the night at the eco-lodge.

Journey: 188 km / 3–4 hours

You will have breakfast before setting off to meet the villagers and experience rural life for yourself. You will visit the state school, where you can chat with the children and find out more about their education and aspirations. We recommend bringing school supplies such as pens, pencils, sweets and books to give to the pupils. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated (please note that visits are not possible during school exams and public holidays).

Next, you will meet a family of artisans who make bracelets and a cobbler, and continue exploring the village. After that, you will explore the old town in a tuk-tuk. This excursion will introduce you to its very own bustling market and havelis, and you will have the opportunity to stroll through the heart of a very active fruit and vegetable market, which will be an unforgettable experience.

Then it's on to magnificent Jaipur, the "Pink City" and capital of Rajasthan, which was founded in the 18th century. It is one of the most colourful and picturesque cities in India. Check in to the hotel.

Then, enjoy a restful night at your hotel.

Journey: 120 km / 2–3 hours

After breakfast, set off on a tour of Amber Fort. During the Mughal era, the region was constantly on alert for war. Amber was home to the Maharajas. Seeing the defensive forts surrounding the site, you can imagine the power of these rulers. Travel up and down the ramparts by jeep (if there are more than four participants).

Visit the palace, which has mirror-lined rooms, and the former harem, which is a veritable labyrinth. Today, you will visit textile block printing workshops where you can have clothes made to order. Block printing is an ancient craft from Rajasthan in northern India, and involves using wooden blocksto print designs onto fabric.

In the afternoon, visit the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Jaipur is home to a collection of 19 such instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The monument was completed in 1734. It features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you will pass the famous Palace of the Winds with its red façade and the "Pink City", a residential and business district. Finally, take a rickshaw ride through Jaipur’s old town.

In the evening, you will be transferred to a cinema where you can watch a Bollywood film at one of India’s most famous venues. You will experience the film in a huge, ostentatious cinema, where you can shiver, laugh or cry alongside the local audience.

Then, get a good night's sleep at your hotel.

Have breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Agra. This city is an essential destination on any trip to India, as it is a place where love reigns supreme. Famous during the reign of the Mughal emperors, "The Taj City" was once the Mughal Empire's capital. Passionate about architecture, the Mughals built some of the world’s most impressive monuments.

Check in to your hotel. Begin your city tour with a visit to the Red Fort, which was built by Akbar in 1565. Originally designed as a fortress, it was later converted into a palace. Afterwards, visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). This Mughal monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth after giving birth to 14 children.

Construction of this magnificent monument to love, crafted from white marble, began in 1631 and took 22 years to complete. Over 20,000 workers and artists were recruited from across India and Central Asia to work on it, alongside French and Italian decorators.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

Journey time: 250 km / 5–6 hours

In the early morning, you will be transferred to Agra railway station to catch the train to Varanasi. You will arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Benares, the eternal and sacred city, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. According to Hinduism, travelling to Varanasi to purify oneself breaks the cycle of reincarnation, and dying there allows one to go straight to heaven.

The old town is located on the western bank of the Ganges and extends along the ghats in the form of narrow, winding alleys. Depart for Sarnath, which is considered one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. It was here that the Buddha delivered his first sermon, "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma Sutra". You will find the remains of buildings here that were erected by Emperor Ashoka himself, including the main temple from the 6th century, the Ashoka Pillar and the Dhamek Stupa.

Next, visit the museum, which houses one of the pillars that Emperor Ashoka erected in the 3rd century BC (the museum is closed on Fridays). Originally designed as a Buddhist monastery, it contains many superb examples of ancient art. In the evening, experience the aarti prayers on the sacred Ganges.

Enjoy a restful night at your hotel.

Journey: 8-hour train journey (please note that the train runs daily except on Wednesdays).

Early in the morning, at sunrise, you will take a boat trip on the sacred Ganges. Should the river be in flood, however, we reserve the right to cancel the trip.

Varanasi has a spiritual atmosphere as an incredible number of people gather on the banks of the Ganges to pray. Evidence of the highly mystical Hindu religion is everywhere: on a decorated gateway, in a luminous temple, on a sacred bell, in the sound of Hindu priests' voices and the scent of flowers and incense.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Varanasi airport for the domestic flight to Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi airport, transfer to the hotel.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your return flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can either travel directly to the airport or spend an extra night in Delhi before your departure.

Your return flight may be scheduled for the evening of day 9 or the morning of day 10. Breakfast at the hotel will be arranged accordingly.

This concludes your trip.

• The final night of the tour is scheduled to be spent in Delhi. However, Air France flights typically depart at around 1am, meaning that the hotel stay will only be partially utilised.
• The return flight may be scheduled for the evening of day 9 or the morning of day 10. Depending on the flight schedule, breakfast at the hotel will be arranged accordingly.
• If you have booked the "Hotel only" option (without an international flight), please provide us with your flight details as soon as possible via the contact form located under "Help and Contact" at the bottom of the page. This will enable us to arrange your transfers.
• Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, a member of staff will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign bearing your name.
• Should rooms be unavailable, we will endeavour to re-accommodate you in a similar standard hotel.
• For domestic flights, luggage must not exceed 15 kg; any excess weight will incur additional charges. Furthermore, e-cigarettes and power banks are not permitted on domestic flights.