India: Delhi, Varanasi & Rajasthan — 11 Days
Delhi to Agra by sleeper train, with two nights in a 16th-century Rajasthani palace and sunrise on the Ganges
This 11-day itinerary moves through northern India's primary cultural landmarks with local guidance and structured free time woven throughout. The route begins in Delhi, where a local leader navigates the old quarters and bazaars; continues to Varanasi, where dawn boat rides along the Ganges reveal pilgrimage rituals; pauses at the Taj Mahal in Agra; and includes a night in Tordi Garh, a rural Rajasthani village few international travellers reach. Two overnight sleeper trains connect the main cities, offering an authentic and practical way to move between regions. The journey balances guided tours—including the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Varanasi's Old City—with substantial free time to visit bazaars, sample regional food, and set your own pace. Accommodation includes heritage hotels and palace stays alongside standard properties; one included dinner and nine breakfasts anchor the logistics, with vegetarian options available throughout.
Highlights
- Delhi Old City: cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara with a local leader
- Sunrise boat journey on the Ganges in Varanasi, watching Hindu pilgrims perform ablutions as light moves across the river
- Guided tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra, including its architectural history and construction
- Two nights in Tordi Garh, a rural Rajasthani village, staying in a 16th-century palace with the owner as host
- Jaipur's Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Amber Fort hilltop complex
- Two overnight sleeper trains (Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Agra): padded berths, onboard vendors, standard Indian rail experience
- Free time in Varanasi to visit Sarnath, Ram Nagar Fort, or visit the silk markets
- Jaipur's bazaars and street food, including raj kachori chaat and lassi from the city's oldest shop
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · hotel lobby
Welcome to Delhi. You arrive in India's capital—a city of dense crowds, vendor stalls thick with spice smoke, cycle-rickshaws honking through bazaars, and the constant hum of negotiation and commerce. The day is largely unscheduled, giving you time to rest after travel or venture into the streets at your own pace. The sensory overload is deliberate; this is Delhi as it is.
Attendance at the welcome meeting at 6 pm is essential. Insurance details and next of kin information will be collected, and you'll receive practical information for the days ahead. Check the hotel lobby for meeting location details, or ask reception. If you'll be late, notify your travel agent or the hotel.
After the meeting, an optional group dinner gives you the chance to meet fellow travellers. Whether you spend the day exploring or resting, use these hours to begin adjusting to the pace and rhythm of the city.
2Old Delhi Walking Tour and Overnight Train to VaranasiOld Delhi · Chandni Chowk · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara · Delhi to Varanasi overnight sleeper train
A local guide leads a walking tour through Old Delhi in the morning, beginning with the city's metro system and continuing by cycle rickshaw through the narrow streets and markets of Chandni Chowk. The route includes stops at Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque, and Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple. In the evening, the group boards an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi, a journey of approximately 13 hours. The sleeper car includes padded bunks and onboard vendors selling chai and samosas.
3Varanasi: Old City Walking TourVaranasi · Old City
Upon arrival in Varanasi this morning, a hotel check-in is followed by a guided walking tour through the Old City. Set on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi functions as Hinduism's principal pilgrimage destination. The narrow alleyways contain small shops, stalls, and Hindu shrines; the air carries incense smoke from the many temples. The tour passes through crowds of pilgrims performing rituals and encounters working spaces typical of daily life in the city—including passages where cows move freely through the streets. The remainder of the day remains free to rest or wander independently.
4Sunrise on the Ganges and Free Explorationthe Ganges · the ghats · Sarnath · Ram Nagar Fort · the silk markets
An early-morning boat journey departs at sunrise, moving downstream along the Ganges to observe the rituals performed by Hindu pilgrims cleansing themselves in the water. The sun's light passes through amber and orange tones across the river. The boat passes multiple ghats—stone staircases leading to the water—and temples lining the riverbank. Cremation ceremonies also take place along the ghats, part of the spiritual function of the site. The remainder of the day remains free. Independent visits to Sarnath (one of Buddhism's four principal pilgrimage sites, where Buddha taught the path to enlightenment), Ram Nagar Fort (a 17th-century structure on the Ganges's eastern bank), or the silk markets distributed throughout the city are possible options, as is practising yoga.
5Varanasi: Sarnath, Silk Markets, and the Overnight Train to AgraVaranasi · Sarnath · Ram Nagar Fort and Palace · Varanasi silk markets · Varanasi to Agra
Substantial free time allows exploration of Varanasi's spiritual and cultural offerings before your overnight sleeper train to Agra (approximately 13 hours). Consider visiting Sarnath, one of Buddhism's four main pilgrimage sites, where Buddha delivered his first sermon on the path to enlightenment. The crumbling 17th-century Ram Nagar Fort and Palace stand on the eastern bank of the Ganges. Varanasi's renowned silk-making industry fills markets throughout the city, offering insight into this ancient craft. Alternatively, use the day for yoga practice in one of India's most significant spiritual centres. As evening approaches, board your train for the journey north.
6Taj Mahal Guided Tour and Agra Free TimeTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Akbar's Mausoleum · Sheroes Hangout · local restaurants in Agra
Arrival in Agra is followed by a guided tour of the Taj Mahal, which includes the building's architectural history and context. The remainder of the day remains free for independent exploration. Optional activities include a motorised rickshaw tour to other monuments in the city, visits to Agra Fort (a red sandstone complex with palatial gardens), or Akbar's Mausoleum (a sandstone and marble tomb built for the Mughal emperor Akbar). The city's signature dish, butter chicken, is available in local restaurants, as is Sheroes Hangout, a cafe that provides employment and support to acid-attack survivors.
7Private Transfer to Tordi GarhTordi Garh · old village temple · local markets · 16th-century palace
Private transport departs in the morning for Tordi Garh, a rural village in Rajasthan that receives few international visitors. The drive covers approximately 8 hours through countryside. Upon arrival, the itinerary includes a meeting with local residents, a visit to the old village temple, and time spent walking through the local markets. The night's accommodation is in a 16th-century palace, with the owner acting as host. An included dinner features local cuisine.
8Jaipur: Pink City Orientation and Free ExplorationJaipur · Royal City Palace · Jaipur's oldest and most established lassi shop · Raj Mandir Cinema · family-run heritage hotel · Jaipur bazaars and backstreets · Jaipur street vendors
Private transport carries the group to Jaipur, India's Pink City, approximately 3 hours from Tordi Garh. A guided walk on arrival orients travellers to the layout and main areas of the city. Substantial free time follows, allowing independent exploration of the bazaars and backstreets where vendors sell textiles, semi-precious stones, and blue pottery. The Royal City Palace represents one of India's major palace complexes. Street food includes raj kachori chaat (a snack served with chutney, yogurt, chili, and potato) and lassi (a yogurt-based drink) available from Jaipur's oldest and most established lassi shop. Raj Mandir Cinema, a historic cinema in the city, screens Bollywood films. The night's accommodation is in a family-run heritage hotel.
9Jaipur: Hawa Mahal and Amber FortJaipur · Amber Fort · Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride is available at additional cost. Later in the morning, the itinerary includes a visit to Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a five-storey facade with honeycombed pink windows—the second-most photographed building in India after the Taj Mahal. The group then travels to Amber, the old capital, to visit the Amber Fort hilltop complex. The rest of the day remains free.
10Train Return to DelhiDelhi
A 5-hour train journey returns the group to India's capital. Delhi pulses with historic sites, museums, galleries, and sprawling bazaars—a place where people, cars, rickshaws, and cows move together in organised chaos. The day is yours to wander at your own pace. Sit back with a chai and absorb the city's rhythm, or dive into its streets with purpose. Your expert leader is on hand with insider recommendations for making the most of your remaining daylight. This evening, an optional group dinner offers a final chance to gather with fellow travellers and reflect on your adventures together.
11Delhi Departure
Your journey concludes following breakfast. Should you wish to extend your stay in Delhi, we can arrange additional accommodation subject to availability. Please advise in advance.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2Old Delhi
- 3Varanasi
- 4Sarnath
- 5Varanasi
- 6Sarnath
- 7Taj Mahal
- 8Agra Fort
- 9Sheroes Hangout
- 10Jaipur
- 11Amber Fort
- 12Delhi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Heritage Property (2 nights), Hotel (6 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 1, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 1
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.