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Day 2 Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, we'll transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities. Maybe take a dip in the swimming pool or sip a refreshing drink at the bar – the choice is yours. Later, join us for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel, providing your first taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Meals included: D.jpg?format=webp)
Day 3 Delhi
Your day is filled with insightful experiences, starting with a short tour of Paharganj, in central Delhi. You’ll explore in the company of guides from the Salaam Baalak Trust, a charity supported by Travelsphere Cares that equips youngsters with a range of skills and helps them to better their lives. The guides, former street children now working with this charity, provide a perspective that reveals urban realities often hidden from tourists.Later, we’ll continue our sightseeing in Old Delhi. Explore the 17th-century walled city, where Mughal influences remain strong in the imposing Red Fort and the Jama Masjid Mosque before a rickshaw ride through the crowded streets and bustling markets provides insight into daily life. We’ll then step inside the poignant Gandhi Smriti Museum, located in the house where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and the place of his assassination.
This afternoon, a sightseeing tour will introduce us to New Delhi, a spacious, imperial city created by the British in 1911. We'll drive through elegant boulevards to see the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both grand reminders of the city's colonial past. At Humayun's Tomb, note the Persian influences that would later shape the Taj Mahal. After day full of discoveries, we'll return to the hotel for dinner. Meals included: B,D
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Day 4 Delhi - Agra
Today we'll travel south to Agra by train. The UNESCO-listed Agra Fort reveals the sophistication of 16th-century Mughal military architecture. Beyond its defensive exterior lies a complex of palaces, audience halls, and mosques that served as the imperial residence. The fort also bears witness to family tragedy - Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal, spent his final years imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb, able only to gaze at his masterpiece from a distance.This evening, there is the opportunity to watch a performance of “Mohabbat the Taj”. A cultural show that transports you to 17th century India and brings to life the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan, his wife and the history of the Taj Mahal through music and dance. Meals included: B,D
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Day 5 Agra
We have an early start this morning for what is sure to be a memorable highlight of the holiday – a dawn visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal. As the sun rises higher, witness how changing light transforms this masterpiece of white marble and semi-precious stones. Beyond its romantic symbolism, the monument represents the pinnacle of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining Persian, Turkish, and Indian elements.After returning to the hotel for breakfast, our sightseeing takes us to the Itmad ud Daulah tomb, known as “Baby Taj”. The monument is smaller but exquisitely detailed and pioneered the use of white marble that would go on to define Mughal architecture.
Our final stop of the day is Mehtab Bagh, this restored centuries-old garden complex sits on the other side of the Yamuna River and offers you the wonderful perspective of how the Taj Mahal was meant to be viewed with its riverside setting. Meals included: B,D
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Day 6 Agra - Lucknow
Today we'll travel to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its parks, gardens, monuments and fascinating bazaars. After checking in to our hotel, we'll take a tour of the city including The Residency - an invaluable testament to an essential chapter in India's journey towards independence, and Bara Imambara, an architectural wonder built in 1784 by Shia Muslims and is second largest imambara in the world.This evening, there is the option to join an evening food walk through the vibrant area of Hazratganj. As you enjoy the authentic local bites, the experience reveals Lucknow's contribution to North Indian cuisine. Meals included: B,D
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Day 7 Lucknow - Varanasi
Today's journey takes you to Varanasi. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is colourful, chaotic and considered Hinduism's spiritual heart.To get the most out of your time here, you need to experience the city with an open mind. The maze-like old city, with over 80 ghats connects the urban core to the Ganges where Hindus bathe in the water. Meals included: B,D
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Day 8 Varanasi
Before dawn, we’ll sail along the Ganges and witness devout Hindus bathing and praying beneath the rising sun. We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, we’ll visit the ruined city of Sarnath. This is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, as it was here that Buddha gave his first sermon.This evening we'll head out again to watch a traditional Aarti ceremony, considered a fundamental part of the Hindu faith. The choreographed ritual with fire, incense, conch shells, and bells honours the river goddess Ganga, believed to have descended from heaven to purify human souls. Meals included: B,D
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Day 9 Varanasi - Kathmandu
Today we'll fly to Kathmandu via Delhi. Nepal's capital sits in a valley that has been a cultural crossroads for centuries, where Hinduism and Buddhism evolved in close proximity. The Kathmandu Valley's position along trans-Himalayan trade routes saw a cultural blend originating from Tibet, India and China, and this is reflected in the distinctive pagoda-style temple architecture that later spread throughout Asia. Meals included: B,D.jpg?format=webp)
Day 10 Kathmandu
Today begins at incredible UNESCO-listed Boudhanath Stupa, one of Buddhism's most significant monuments outside Tibet. This is the centre of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and is rich in Buddhist symbolism. Thought to have been built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions, today it remains an important place of pilgrimage. The base of the stupa is made up of three large platforms which symbolise Earth, and here you can admire mountain views and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Be sure to gaze up to the square tower atop the building, which bears the Buddha eyes on all four sides representing all-seeing wisdom. We’ll then visit Kathmandu Darbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture, royal history, and vibrant atmosphere.After some time for lunch, we'll continue to Patan Durbar Square, a hub for cultural events, where you’ll discover ancient palaces and temples. Later you will be introduced to the unique singing bowls often used for sound healing and meditation. A maestro will explain how the bowls work, their historical significance, and their use for relaxation and healing.
This afternoon you’ll learn about the unique tradition of Paubha painting known for colourful depictions of deities before a seasoned artisan will lead a guided Lotus design painting session. Take home your finished painting as a meaningful souvenir from Nepal.
This evening, we’ll venture to a Nepalese restaurant to enjoy a cultural show which includes traditional food, music, dance, and hospitality. Meals included: B,D
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Day 11 Kathmandu - Pokhara
After breakfast, our journey continues to Pokhara, enroute, we’ll stop at a suspension bridge which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Here, you'll visit a Himalayan village to experience the local culture, traditions, and lifestyle.We’ll arrive in Pokhara and the evening is free for you to make your own discoveries, why not take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside? Meals included: B,D
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Day 12 Pokhara
This morning we’ll head to the local Gurung village of Kalabung for a hike through mixed terrain of up and downhill trails that are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, terraced fields, forests, and traditional Gurung architecture. During the 3 hour hike, we’ll stop at a local tea shop where fruit, tea and coffee is available.This afternoon, we’ll visit the International Mountain Museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and ecology of mountains, focusing on the Himalayas with displays of mountaineering gear and equipment. Our next stop is the Gorkha Museum, dedicated to the history and legacy of the Gorkha region, particularly focusing on the Gorkha soldiers (known as Gurkhas) and their contributions to Nepalese and British military history. Meals included: B,D
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Day 13 Pokhara - Chitwan
Early this morning, we offer the opportunity to join our optional excursion to Sarangkot. Here we’ll watch the sun rise over the Annapurna ranges, a breathtaking experience, and perfect moment for photography, as the colours of the sky and the mountains change rapidly with the rising sun.We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast before we head to Chitwan where a free afternoon awaits. Later, enjoy an evening of traditional Tharu dance. The performance is known for its vibrant, energetic movements and rhythmic footwork, and it holds significant cultural and social value within Tharu communities. The dance is often performed during various celebrations, will be followed by dinner. Meals included: B,L,D
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Day 14 Chitwan
After breakfast, enjoy a jeep safari in the Chitwan National Park, which is one of the best ways to explore the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site in Nepal. Located in the Terai region, Chitwan National Park covers an area of over 900 square kilometres and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, wild elephants, and a variety of bird species.We’ll have lunch at the hotel before a canoe ride along calm waters offers a unique perspective on the park's biodiversity. Paddle at your own pace, taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings, whether it's the sight of trees lining the shore, wildlife nearby, or the vast sky above. We’ll stop on the bank of Naryani river to enjoy a sundowner before returning to the lodge for dinner. Meals included: B,L,D
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Day 15 Chitwan
Chitwan hosts over 500 species of bird, and this morning in the company of a naturalist, we’ll go birdwatching to try and spot some of the local avian inhabitants.After lunch we’ll take a second jeep safari in the Chitwan National Park to search for more of its diverse wildlife.
Later, drive to a Tharu village to experience the life of Tharu (local tribes) community. You can learn how they cook, tend to animals, and care for their families, providing a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life. Meals included: B,L,D
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Day 16 Chitwan - Nagarkot
Today we’ll travel to Nagarkot, a hill station northeast of Kathmandu Valley that historically served as a retreat for Nepali royalty. At 2,175 meters, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. Enjoy the spectacular vista over a sundowner cocktail this evening. Meals included: B,D.jpg?format=webp)
Day 17 Nagarkot - UK
Relax this morning or take the time to enjoy your final sunrise over the Himalayas before we'll transfer to Kathmandu for the return flight back to the UK. Meals included: B.jpg?format=webp)
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