India & Nepal with Amritsar add-on

In Delhi you will stay at the Hyatt Regency. In Jaipur you will stay at the Four points by Sheraton and in Agra you will stay at the Clarks Shiraz Hotel. In Khajuraho you will stay at the Ramada Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn) and in Varanasi you will stay at the Gateway Ganges (formerly the Taj Ganges). In Kathmandu you will stay at the Hotel Himilaya and in Dhulikhel you will stay at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort.

All rooms have private facilities. Hotels are air-conditioned where appropriate although this cannot be guaranteed at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort.

Day 1: UK/Delhi

Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi

Morning arrival in Delhi, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Delhi is actually two cities - Old and New Delhi. New Delhi is a spacious open imperial city created by the British as the capital of India in 1911. By contrast Old Delhi is a 17th century walled city with city gates, narrow alleys, temples, mosques and bazaars. This is the Delhi of the Mogul Emperor Shah Jehan, and is largely preserved in its original layout. On the outskirts of the city stands one of its most lasting monuments - the Qtub Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone and marble built as a Moslem symbol of victory over the Hindu Kingdom in the 12th century.

This afternoon we have included a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb (aptly described as the predecessor of the Taj Mahal) and the Qtub Minar. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President and the Indian Gate.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Jaipur

This morning we have included a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb (aptly described as the predecessor of the Taj Mahal) and the Qtub Minar, one of the most perfect towers in the world. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President and the Indian Gate.

After lunch leave Delhi and travel south west to Jaipur. This famous pink city, set amongst barren hills is the capital of Rajasthan. Here India is arguably at its most colourful and exotic. Under the British, Rajasthan continued as a collection of princely states, each with its own Maharaja. Huge, battle - scarred forts dominate almost every town, the most spectacular of which is the Amber Fort, eight miles outside Jaipur. The journey is a fascinating experience and will afford close up views of Indian rural life. Upon arrival you will transfer to the hotel for a two night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Jaipur

Morning visit to the lovely Amber Fort, the old capital of Rajasthan, set high above its surrounding valley and lake. In the afternoon we have included a sightseeing tour of Jaipur. The old city itself is surrounded by a wall with seven historic gates. All the buildings are painted pink by Maharaja’s decree, and the central landmarks are the City Palace and the Hawe Mahal (Palace of Winds) which is considered to be one of the best known sights in all India. Built in pink sandstone, this stunning building is of unique design, consisting of tier upon tier of curved arches, surmounting casement and trellis work through which the wind whispers.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Agra

Morning drive from Jaipur to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This graceful sandstone city was built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son. Continue to Agra for a two night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Agra

The highlight of your tour will, of course, be a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River the Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Twenty thousand men took twenty years to complete the world’s most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man’s love for a woman. Completed in 1653 it is constructed in pure white marble and inlaid with millions of semiprecious stones in exquisite patterns. You will also visit Agra Fort.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Khajuraho

This morning, board the Shatabdi Express for the scenic train journey between Agra and Jhansi. In Jhansi you will rejoin your coach and continue south to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is a city famed for its magnificent temples dating back to the 11th century and rediscovered in the 19th century. These temples are renowned for the intricate carvings that adorn their walls. Typical Indian rural life continues in Khajuraho and you will be charmed by the peace and tranquillity here. Overnight stop.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Varanasi

Morning tour of the temples of Khajuraha before we fly to the sacred city of Varanasi. Known until recently as Benares, this ‘eternal city’ is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2,000 years. Its principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats - paved steps or landings - which line the west bank of the Ganges. It is here that the Hindus come to bathe, thereby cleansing themselves of sin. There are over 100 ghats in all, with two ‘burning ghats’ where the dead are cremated before their ashes are scattered in the holy river. Overnight accommodation has been arranged.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 9: Kathmandu

An early morning boat ride on the Ganges is included in the tour price. Sail past devout Hindus bathing and praying, women pounding their laundry and perhaps witness an elaborate funeral ceremony. Later you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepal and its capital Kathmandu.

Transfer on arrival to the hotel for a three night stay. This ancient kingdom lies in the Himalayan Mountains between India and Tibet. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile jungle lowland. Although its people are predominantly Hindu, there is a considerable overlap with Buddhism, and it is this vibrant mix of religion and culture which characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 10: Kathmandu

Morning visit to Patan, the ancient City of Golden Roofs. You will also visit the Tibetan handicrafts centre. This afternoon you will drive to Bhaktapur, city of devotees. Also included is a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the four most important pilgrimage sites in Asia.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 11: Kathmandu

This morning there will be an included city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the ancient Palace of the Kings of Nepal, the Temple of the Living Goddess and the 2,000 year old Stupa of Swayambhunath. This afternoon will be free for individual sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 12: Dhulikhel

This morning, weather permitting, you can enjoy an optional early morning flight over the Himalayas (skies are often clearer between October and April). Later you will depart Kathmandu for the short drive to Dhulikhel. Here you can relax and enjoy the peace and breathtaking views over the Himalayas. Overnight accommodation at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 13: Delhi (Gurgaon)

Morning departure from Dhulikhel for the return drive to Kathmandu to connect with your flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 14: Amritsar

Board the train from Delhi to Amritsar. During the evening you will be taken to Wagah, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan, to attend the spectacular sunset ‘banging on the gates’ ceremony. In the evening, visit the spectacular Golden Temple.

Day 15: Amritsar

Half day sightseeing tour of Amritsar. There are a number of religious and historical sites to see, including the Durgiana Temple, the Tower of Baba Atal Rai, the museum at Ram Bagh which houses ancient weapons and Jallianwal Bagh – the site of a massacre where bullet marks can still be seen. Make the most of this city, which is a centre of Sikhism and culture. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 16: UK

Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to the UK via Delhi.