Day 1 : Jaipur
Welcome to India. Your expedition begins in the colourful, and captivating city of Jaipur. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and insights that bring the region's royal history to life. Afterward, step into a world of culinary delights with a welcome dinner.
Arrival Transfer
Jaipur Airport - Jaipur 0h30m - 0h30m
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Jaipur
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2 : Jaipur
Breathe in the scent of jasmine and spices as you explore the vibrant morning streets of Jaipur. Board an upgraded vehicle with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, a G Adventures supported project empowering women entrepreneurs. Return to the hotel for lunch before heading to the 16th-century Amber Fort. Ride up to the hilltop fortress to marvel at the Sheesh Mahal, where thousands of mirror tiles catch the afternoon light, and examine the intricate underground water systems engineered for cooling. As twilight falls, experience the grandeur of Jaipur's City Palace after hours on a curated private tour, gaining deep insight into royal legacies. Conclude the evening with a majestic multi-course dinner inside the palace grounds, where traditional flavours are served beneath the stars.
Women-led Rickshaw Tour
Jaipur
Explore Jaipur’s vibrant streets aboard a women-led rickshaw tour, a G Adventures supported project, to discover colourful markets, hidden lanes, and the lively spirit of the Pink City from a unique local perspective.
Explore Jaipur’s vibrant streets aboard a women-led rickshaw tour, a G Adventures supported project, to discover colourful markets, hidden lanes, and the lively spirit of the Pink City from a unique local perspective.
Amber Fort Guided Tour
Amber Fort
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Almost blending in with the terrain, the fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill beside Maota Lake, reflecting a mirror image in the water perfect for photography. Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Almost blending in with the terrain, the fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill beside Maota Lake, reflecting a mirror image in the water perfect for photography. Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.
Amber Fort Jeep Ride
Jaipur
Jump into a jeep and drive up to the Amber Fort through some of the lanes of Amber Town. En route, make a photo stop at the famous Hawa Mahal.
Jump into a jeep and drive up to the Amber Fort through some of the lanes of Amber Town. En route, make a photo stop at the famous Hawa Mahal.
Jaipur Royal Grandeur
Jaipur
Enjoy a Royal Grandeur tour of the City Palace, with access to areas beyond the standard visit, followed by a private seven-course dinner.
Enjoy a Royal Grandeur tour of the City Palace, with access to areas beyond the standard visit, followed by a private seven-course dinner.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 : Jaipur/Āgra
Leave the Pink City behind and watch the rural landscape unfold on the drive toward Agra. Pause en route at Abhaneri to stand over the breathtaking Chand Baori stepwell. One of India’s deepest and most visually striking architectural wonders, its 3,500 symmetrically arranged steps form a geometric maze plunging into the earth, built over a millennium ago. Continue to the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace for a grand, family-style lunch that highlights regional cooking. After, continue to Agra and check into your hotel as the evening sky softens. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind, perhaps watching the sunset over the Yamuna River.
Private Vehicle
Jaipur - Āgra 5h - 5h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 : Āgra
This morning, you have a choice of guided tours to India’s most famous site: wake early as the first light of dawn bathes the ivory-white marble of the Taj Mahal in soft pink tones then enjoy breakfast, or choose to take your guided exploration after morning breakfast. Delve into the Mughal legacy at Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress that served as the principal imperial residence, where your guide brings historic court intrigues to life. Afterward, share an inspiring lunch at Sheroes Café, a G Adventures supported project operated by acid attack survivors. Listen to their powerful stories of resilience and community empowerment before enjoying a free afternoon. Gather back at the hotel in the evening for a specially prepared dinner celebrating northern Indian culinary heritage.
Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Choose between an early sunrise visit or a tour after breakfast as you explore India’s most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble masterpiece draws visitors from all over the world.
Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Choose between an early sunrise visit or a tour after breakfast as you explore India’s most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble masterpiece draws visitors from all over the world.
Agra Fort Guided Tour
Āgra 1h - 3h
Enjoy a guided tour of this palatial Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble. One of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857 happened at this fort, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India.
Visit Sheroes' Hangout, a cafe that supports acid attack survivors. Through employment at the cafe, Sheroes helps these women support their families, raise their children and support them on a journey of self love.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to shop, explore additional sights, or simply relax at the hotel.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 : Āgra/Varanasi
Board the Vande Bharat Express train, settling into the spacious Executive Car where dedicated staff cater to your comfort. Watch the North Indian plains blur past as you speed toward Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. After checking into your hotel, step onto the stone ghats as the air thickens with incense. Board a private boat along the sacred Ganges for a special Banaras Gharana classical music performance, immersing yourself in a revered Hindustani lineage. As darkness falls, witness the hypnotic fire, chanting, and bells of the Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water before dining at the heritage Brijrama Palace.
Train
Āgra - Varanasi 7h - 7h
Board the Vande Bharat Express for an early morning departure to Varanasi, with a breakfast to go provided before boarding. Travel in the comfort of the Executive Chair Car, enjoying onboard tea, coffee, and lunch as the landscapes of northern India unfold outside your window en route to the country’s spiritual capital and one of its most sacred destinations.
Board the Vande Bharat Express for an early morning departure to Varanasi, with a breakfast to go provided before boarding. Travel in the comfort of the Executive Chair Car, enjoying onboard tea, coffee, and lunch as the landscapes of northern India unfold outside your window en route to the country’s spiritual capital and one of its most sacred destinations.
Auto Rickshaw
Varanasi 0h15m - 0h30m
Journey by e-rickshaw to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where centuries of ritual and daily life unfold along the Ganges.
Ganges Music and Aarti
Varanasi
Board a private boat for a Banaras Gharana musical performance with local musicians. Watch the evening Aarti ceremony from the boat before continuing to dinner.
Board a private boat for a Banaras Gharana musical performance with local musicians. Watch the evening Aarti ceremony from the boat before continuing to dinner.
Auto Rickshaw
Varanasi 0h15m - 0h30m
Continue by e-rickshaw through Varanasi's bustling streets back to your hotel.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 : Varanasi
Watch the morning mist lift during a sunrise boat ride on the Holy River Ganges, observing pilgrims performing centuries-old prayers along the water's edge. After, set out on a walking tour through Varanasi's labyrinth of ancient, narrow lanes, where hidden shrines and local market stalls come to life, before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. Later, travel to the peaceful ruins of Sarnath, the cradle of Buddhism where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the soaring ancient stupas, monolithic columns, and the onsite archaeological museum. Enjoy some time later to explore Varanasi’s spiritual energy at your own pace before dinner.
Auto Rickshaw
Varanasi 0h15m - 0h30m
Travel by e-rickshaw back to Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi's most iconic riverside gathering place.
Ganges Sunrise & Varanasi Walk
Varanasi
Enjoy a sunrise boat journey along the sacred River Ganges, followed by a walking exploration of the historic old city of Varanasi.
Auto Rickshaw
Varanasi 0h15m - 0h30m
Return to your hotel by e-rickshaw for breakfast.
Guided Tour of Sarnath
Varanasi
Embark on a guided excursion to Sarnath, one of the world’s most sacred Buddhist sites and the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore ancient monastery ruins, the Dhamek Stupa, the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree, and the Sarnath Museum, along with international temples built by Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan. The visit also includes the towering 80-foot Thai Buddha statue, the tallest standing Buddha in Sarnath.
Embark on a guided excursion to Sarnath, one of the world’s most sacred Buddhist sites and the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore ancient monastery ruins, the Dhamek Stupa, the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree, and the Sarnath Museum, along with international temples built by Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan. The visit also includes the towering 80-foot Thai Buddha statue, the tallest standing Buddha in Sarnath.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 7 : Delhi
Fly from the sacred banks of Varanasi to Delhi, marking your arrival in the capital for the final chapter of the trip. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, dive into the city's layered history with a private heritage walk through the verdant Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Led by a senior member of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), you will weave past centuries-old tombs and stepwells, learning about critical conservation efforts and local legends. The afternoon concludes with a high tea discussion at a local café, where you can engage with your host over refined pastries and Indian teas.
Plane
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport - Indira Gandhi International Airport 1h15m - 1h15m
Board a short flight from Varanasi to Delhi, tracing a route that connects two of India's most storied cities.
Delhi Heritage High Tea
Delhi
Step into the quiet history of Mehrauli Archaeological Park, where centuries of Delhi's forgotten dynasties lie among ancient ruins and lush greenery. Explore with a senior member from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), uncovering stepwells, crumbling palaces, and intricately carved tombs while hearing the stories of sultans and emperors. Afterwards, gather for high tea at a local café, where chai and regional treats accompany a thoughtful discussion of the day's historical insights.
Step into the quiet history of Mehrauli Archaeological Park, where centuries of Delhi's forgotten dynasties lie among ancient ruins and lush greenery. Explore with a senior member from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), uncovering stepwells, crumbling palaces, and intricately carved tombs while hearing the stories of sultans and emperors. Afterwards, gather for high tea at a local café, where chai and regional treats accompany a thoughtful discussion of the day's historical insights.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 8 : Delhi
Explore the bustling streets of Old Delhi on a walking tour hosted by the Salaam Baalak Trust. Along the way, gain a deeper understanding of the neighborhood and the organization's meaningful work empowering former street youth. Next, climb into an upgraded rickshaw for a thrilling ride through the historic, bustling market lanes of Chandni Chowk, passing historic bazaars and sweetshops. Indulge in a curated tasting menu featuring refined Indian cuisine inside a beautifully restored Mughal-era mansion. In the evening, join your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert and fellow travellers to reflect on the highlights of your trip before celebrating with a grand farewell dinner.
Old Delhi Walking Tour with Salaam Balak Trust
Delhi
Explore Old Delhi on a Salaam City Walk with the Salaam Baalak Trust, led by former street children who share their personal stories and a unique perspective on the city’s resilience.
Explore Old Delhi on a Salaam City Walk with the Salaam Baalak Trust, led by former street children who share their personal stories and a unique perspective on the city’s resilience.
Auto Rickshaw
Delhi 0h30m - 0h30m
Enjoy an upgraded rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi’s oldest and most iconic markets.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 9 : Delhi
Take in the sights and sounds of Delhi over a final breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the transitions from the palaces of Rajasthan to the spiritual devotion of the Ganges. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Departure day
Delhi - Indira Gandhi International Airport
Individual airport transfers will be provided for your onward journey.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
