Classic Journey

India's history goes back at least five thousand years making it oldest culture in the world. Their chequered fortunes are reflected in the infinite verities of its monuments - Forts, Palaces and Temples. In this tour we will take you some of the classical and best-known sites of India including The Capital City -Delhi where every crumbling wall has a story to tell. The city has lived through wars and resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. The city of Royal Splendor -Jaipur with its magnificent fort - Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal - The landmark of this beautiful Pink city. Agra -City of love and home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The temples of Khajuraho, where Life, in every form and mood, has been capured in stone. Varanasi - Oldest city in the world, the city of Nirvana and Ghats where people still are having their daily prayers and rituals and Temples and centuries old culture. The mix of all these attractions makes a perfect blend of Classical Journey."

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Assistance and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, explore the sights of Delhi. In Delhi the march of history and the imprint of time are a part of its ethos. Many dynasties have added to the diverse cultures and have developed their own identity. The essence of Delhi can be found in the narrow lanes around the Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Jama Masjid area. New Delhi is dynamically different where the broad roads are tree-lined and during springtime are ablaze with different colours. A drive around the white colonial circular arcade at Connaught Place, Presidential Palace and the government buildings made of red sandstone gives the experience of being in a totally different city. One can sample the different cuisine, the museums and art galleries. The imposing victory tower called the Qutab Minar named after its builder Qutab-ud-din is 73 meters tall and is the finest living example of the early Afghan architecture built in 1193 AD. It is also the first monument to be built by a Muslim ruler. Of the earliest example of Mogul architecture, the Humayun's Tomb built by wife of Humayun, the Mogul emperor in the 16th century is of great significance. Its design - a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens led to define the making of the Taj Mahal. Our first stop is the Red Fort built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. A short drive brings us to the great mosque - the Jama Masjid built by Shah Jahan. We then walk around the lanes of Chandni Chowk the 'silver street' imbibing an ambiance of a bygone era. Continue on to see the memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before returning to our hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 02: DELHI

Today you will explore other sights of Delhi. Contemporary history unfolds as we see the Qutab Minar - the tallest stone tower in India built in 1191 AD. Close by are the cloisters of one of the first mosque built in India, the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. In the center of its courtyard is an amazing 2000 year old iron pillar erected in 4 AD, cast of such pure iron that it has never rusted. We continue to Humayun's tomb built by the widow of the Mughal Emperor Humayun (some say the inspiration for the Taj Mahal). A drive through Delhi's broad tree-lined avenues brings us to India Gate- a memorial to the "unknown soldier", Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the president of India), past Rajpath and leading to Connaught Circus a shoppers paradise, you can bargain and get the best price ever. Afternoon free, overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: DELHI - JAIPUR (By Surface 265 kms/ 6 hrs):

Morning proceed to Jaipur by road, on arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit the City Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture is now a museum, containing all the paraphernalia of Jaipur's princely past. Jai Singh, notable astronomer, built for himself the curious Jantar Mantar, an observatory of immense brick and mortar instruments of astonishing accuracy. Not far from Jantar Mantar, is the beautiful Hawa Mahal (palace of winds), tall and pink, faced with delicate pierced stone, it is not really a palace. The queens of Jaipur and the royal ladies once used this decorative façade to watch, unobserved, numerous festive processions winding through the streets of their city.

DAY 04: JAIPUR

In the morning excursion to Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant ride on the ramparts of the fort, for six centuries the capital of the state. The pavilions and courtyards of the palace ascend in successive levels up the hill The Sheesh Mahal, or pavilion of mirrors, the finest of its kind, is studded with small mirrors which reflect flame in a thousand flickering lights. Afternoon free for leisure / independent activities, overnight stay.

DAY 05: JAIPUR - AGRA (By Surface 235 km / 6 hrs):

After breakfast drive to Agra, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - a fascinating Ghost town, lies a little before Agra. Emperor Akbar, wearying of Agra built a new capital here, only to abandon it a few years later for lack of water. And there it remains, its fortifications, massive gateway and palaces, in a wonderful state of preservation. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of the Saint Salim Chishti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens. Arrive Agra and check-in at hotel, later in the day visit Taj Mahal - built by a grief-stricken emperor, Shah Jahan, as a memorial of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, retains its pristine beauty. Agra Fort - perhaps the most moving view of the Taj Mahal is from a little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort across the River Jamuna. Overnight stay.

DAY 06: AGRA - KHAJURAHO (By Train):

After breakfast in the morning transfer Railway station on time to board fast train # 2002 to Jhansi, 08:01/10:26. On arrival drive onto Khajuraho, assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 07: KHAJURAHO - VARANASI (By Air):

Morning sight seeing tour of temples, the Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950 - 1050 AD, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. Some of the famous ones are temples of Kandariya Mahadev, Chausath Yogini, Chitragupta, Vishwanath, Lakshamana, Duladeo, Chaturbhuj and Parsvanath. Later transfer to Khajuraho airport for flight to Varanasi, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel, overnight stay.

DAY 08: VARANASI

The oldest city in the world, the city of Nirvana and Ghats where people still have their daily prayers and rituals and Temples and centuries old culture. Rarely does any place influence the life of a religious community in such totality Varanasi, an ultimate pilgrimage, a city dedicated to the Gods. This eternal city is one of the most important pilgrimage cities of the world. Situated on the banks of the river Ganges this city has been the centre of learning for more than 2,000 years. The ancient names of Varanasi are Kashi and Banaras as described in the Hindu mythology. The present name is derived from two rivers Asi and Varuna. Sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges and later city tour of Varanasi, visit Vishwanath Temple. The gold plating on the shikharas was a gift of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835. On account of this it is popularly known as Golden Temple. Bharat Mata Temple, a novel temple dedicated to Mother India, And drive through the Bazaar. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, here in this peaceful Deer Park, the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon more than 2500 years ago. The site is marked by the massive Dhamek Stupa which is believed to date back to 500 AD. The remains of the great Ashoka Pillar still stand before the main shrine. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 09: VARANASI - DELHI

Transfer to Mughalsarai Railway station on time to board train # 2301, to New Delhi 00:45/ 09:50. Assistance and transfer to International airport for return flight.