Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, an Insight representative will welcome you and arrange your transfer to the Hyatt Kathmandu. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a rickshaw ride through Thamel. The evening concludes with a Welcome Reception, including drinks and dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency or similar
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Day 2
Kathmandu the City of Beauty
Begin your day with a serene morning visit to Kathmandu's Swayambhunath temple. Then, head to Patan, Nepal's third largest city, for a lunch break. Spend the afternoon admiring the city's magnificent architecture guided by a Local Expert. Explore the Golden Temple, Durbar Square, and Mul Chowk. End the day with a delightful dinner, savouring the local flavours.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
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.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency or similar
Melas Included: Breakfast
Day 4
On to Vibrant Delhi
Fly to Delhi, India, and upon arrival, check into your hotel to freshen up. Later, join your group and Travel Director for a visit to Akshardham Temple, a remarkable Hindu temple complex symbolizing devotion, learning, and harmony. Enjoy the remainder of your day at your leisure, seeking recommendations from your Travel Director or unwinding at the hotel spa.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dehli or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
Exploring New and Old Delhi
Embark on a captivating tour of Old and New Delhi this morning with your Travel Director. Begin by driving past the Red Fort, the Mughal dynasty's main residence until 1856. Later, explore a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, which provides free vegetarian meals to the needy. The afternoon includes a drive past the Presidential Palace, India Gate, and Parliament House, culminating in a visit to Humayun's Tomb, guided by your Travel Director.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dehli or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
The Pink City
Journey to Jaipur, the "Pink City," named for its pink-hued buildings since Queen Victoria's 1876 visit. Start with a morning tour of the Heritage Transport Museum in Haryana, showcasing India's transport history. In the evening, explore a flower and spice market with your Travel Director, followed by dining at Dera Amer near Jaipur. This unique outdoor experience amidst free-roaming elephants emphasizes wildlife protection and natural beauty.
Accommodation: Hotel ITC Rajputana or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 7
Delve into Jaipur
Ride by jeep to the majestic Amber Fort, a 1592 marvel with ivory, mirrors, and art-rich halls. Experience a spiritual blessing ceremony there. Afternoon brings a Jaipur city tour, featuring Hawa Mahal, City Palace Museum, and the royal observatory. With Insight Choice, opt between exploring Jantar Mantar's giant sundial or a guided walk through historic lanes, observing traditional artisans at work.
Accommodation: Hotel ITC Rajputana or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8
Jaipur to Agra
Set off in the morning for Agra, the city of the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. En route, enjoy lunch at the stunning Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. Upon reaching Agra, spend the evening relaxing at your hotel, Jaypee Palace, which offers a spa, salon, and fitness centre, setting the stage for tomorrow's adventures.
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
The Taj Mahal
Experience the Taj Mahal at dawn, basking in its beauty and love story. After visiting this architectural wonder, explore Agra Fort. With Insight Choice, opt for a guided walk in Kachhpura, observing farmers' lives and enjoying tea with Taj Mahal views, or support the inspiring ‘Sheroes’ Café, aiding acid attack survivors. Reconvene for dinner with your travel companions at the hotel.
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10
On to Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi, a sacred Hindu city, and check into the luxurious Taj Ganges. This five-star hotel offers a pool, fitness centre, Indian spa therapies, and a lush garden. In the evening, join the Aarti ceremony on the ghats, offering prayers to the River Ganges. This daily ritual honours the River Goddess with hundreds of diyas and flowers, amidst chants of “Har Har Gange!”
Accommodation: Taj Ganges or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
The Holy City of Varanasi
Embark on an early morning boat cruise on the Ganges at sunrise, then visit an Akhara. After breakfast at your hotel, tour Varanasi, including Sarnath, the deer park where Buddha first taught Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha originated. Conclude the day with a celebratory dinner with your group and Travel Director.
Accommodation: Taj Ganges or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12
Depart Varanasi for Dehli
Conclude your journey with a tranquil early morning yoga session at the hotel, followed by breakfast. Then, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi, ensuring your onward flights are scheduled after 9pm.
Meals Included: Breakfast
