Northern India: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra & Varanasi — 11 Days
Ancient temples, Mughal monuments, and the Ganges at sunrise across North India's cultural capitals
This 11-day journey moves through northern India's principal cities and architectural legacy. Beginning in Delhi, the route encompasses the Pink City of Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra, the cuisine and heritage sites of Lucknow, and the spiritual geography of Varanasi on the Ganges. A local guide accompanies the group throughout, providing context for Mughal palaces, Rajput fortifications, temple complexes, and bazaar networks. The itinerary includes a heritage hotel stay in Jaipur (operational since 1928), a cooking class in Lucknow, and a sunset cruise on the Ganges accompanied by local musicians. Meals emphasize regional specialties: street food in Varanasi, a home-cooked dinner hosted by a local family in Jaipur, and Mughlai cuisine in a haveli in Delhi.
Highlights
- Amber Fort, Jaipur — ornate palace complex featuring jali stonework, frescoed arches, and views across the Pink City
- Taj Mahal at sunset, Agra — marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Varanasi — passage past temple ghats and bathing sites with local guide interpretation
- Bara Imambara, Lucknow — 1784 hall with labyrinthine passages and staircases, open to guided exploration
- Red Fort and Jama Masjid, Delhi — Mughal-era fortress and India's largest mosque, accessed via rickshaw through Chandi Chowk marketplace
- Home-cooked family dinner in Jaipur — meal and conversation with local residents at their residence
- Cooking class in Lucknow — instruction in regional techniques for the city's distinctive Awadhi cuisine
- Sarnath near Varanasi — Buddhist pilgrimage site with stupas and museums marking Buddha's teachings on enlightenment
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · Delhi Airport · hotel · one of Delhi's oldest restaurants
Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, a local representative provides transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled; the city's bazaars, museums, galleries, and historical landmarks are accessible independently. A welcome meeting takes place in the evening with the local leader and fellow travelers. Dinner follows at one of Delhi's oldest restaurants, established over 80 years ago and credited with introducing fine dining and ice cream to India.
2Old Delhi: Mughal Architecture and Sacred SitesOld Delhi's ancient quarters · Chandi Chowk marketplace · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara
The day begins with a leader-led tour of Old Delhi's ancient quarters, including navigation of the metro system to reach sites on foot. A traditional rickshaw ride threads through the streets surrounding Chandi Chowk marketplace, the main commercial hub of the old city. Stops include the Jama Masjid, India's oldest and largest mosque, and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple offering perspective on the city's religious diversity. The evening is unscheduled, with the leader available for recommendations on food and activities.
3Jaipur: Pink City Walking Tour and Family DinnerHotel Narain Niwas Palace · Jaipur's bazaars · a local family's residence
Travel to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, and settle at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, a heritage property managed by the same family since 1928. The hotel retains period features—chandeliers, stained glass windows, and grounds where peacocks roam. An afternoon walking tour navigates Jaipur's pedestrian-friendly layout, stopping at bazaars selling handcrafted textiles, folk art, and locally mined semi-precious stones. The day concludes with a home-cooked dinner at the residence of a local family, providing direct conversation about daily life in the region.
4Jaipur: Amber Fort and City PalaceJaipur · Amber Fort · City Palace · Jantar Mantar Observatory
A guided tour of Amber Fort follows breakfast, revealing the ornate chambers, murals, frescoed arches, and delicate jali work that characterize Rajput palace architecture. The City Palace, located in central Jaipur, blends Rajput and Mughal design; the guided visit covers its construction by Jaipur's founder and the ongoing use of portions by the royal family. The afternoon and evening remain free; optional visits include the Jantar Mantar Observatory (dating to 1729, noted for astronomical precision), a hot air balloon flight over the city, or sampling local street food such as pyaaz kachori (spiced onion pastry).
5Agra: Taj Mahal and Fort SettlementAgra · Taj Mahal · local establishments
A scenic drive leads to Agra. After checking into accommodation, the group visits the Taj Mahal, the marble mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a tomb for his wife. A guide narrates its history and that of the Mughal court while the group moves through the grounds at sunset. Dinner recommendations from the leader direct travelers to local establishments serving regional curries.
6Agra Fort and Journey to LucknowAgra Fort · Lucknow · a restaurant that employs and supports acid attack survivors · Agra to Lucknow
The morning encompasses a visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and seat of the Mughal Empire. The present structure was built by Emperor Akbar on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. Following the tour, travel continues to Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. Upon arrival, the leader guides an afternoon walk to orient the group. Dinner takes place at a restaurant that employs and supports acid attack survivors, providing both regional cuisine and context for the work these individuals undertake.
7Lucknow: Heritage Sites and Regional CookingLucknow · Bara Imambara
A morning tour with the local leader covers key landmarks, potentially including the Bara Imambara, a 1784 hall constructed for Shia Muslims featuring a complex arrangement of narrow passages and staircases best navigated with knowledgeable guidance. An afternoon cooking class follows, covering the techniques and flavor profiles distinctive to Lucknowi cuisine, allowing participants to practice methods applicable at home.
8Train Journey to Varanasi and Sunset on the GangesVaranasi · Ganges
An early departure by air-conditioned train carries you towards Varanasi. With more than 21 million people travelling by rail across India each day, the network is among the world's busiest—a reality you'll witness firsthand. Your packed breakfast travels with you, though the real experience lies in the stations themselves, where local vendors board to sell snacks and Indian Chai tea. The countryside unfolds from your seat, offering an unhurried view of rural India.
Upon arrival and hotel check-in, join the group for a walking tour of Varanasi, India's spiritual capital. The city reveals itself through its residential quarters and sacred spaces. As evening approaches, you'll set sail on the Ganges at sunset. Local musicians accompany you on board, performing as the flower and candle ceremony unfolds on the water—a moment of quiet intensity that lingers long after.
9Varanasi: Sunrise Ganges Cruise and Street Food TourGanges · Varanasi's street food quarter · Sarnath
An early-morning boat ride up the Ganges—timed for sunrise—passes the numerous temple ghats and bathing sites that line the riverbanks. The local guide explains the spiritual significance of the river and its role in Hindu pilgrimage and ritual. Following the cruise, a rickshaw tour navigates Varanasi's street food quarter, with stops at established eateries and stalls serving chaat (layered vegetable snacks), samosas, jalebi (fried batter in sugar syrup), lassi, and paan (betel leaf preparations), each accompanied by explanation of its place in the city's culinary heritage. In the afternoon, the group travels to Sarnath, one of Buddhism's four principal pilgrimage destinations, where Buddha preached his foundational teachings. The site contains several stupas and museums.
10Return to Delhi and Farewell Dinner at a Historic HaveliDelhi · Humayun's Tomb · Qutb Minar · a haveli built in 1887
You return to Delhi by air today. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish—a chance to revisit sites you may have missed the first time around. Humayun's Tomb, a garden tomb dating to 1570, and Qutb Minar, India's highest tower, are both worth exploring. Your leader can help arrange any activities you'd like to pursue. This evening brings your final group dinner, held in a haveli built in 1887. Set within these historical walls, you'll share a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food specialities, and kebabs—a fitting conclusion to your time in India.
11Departure from DelhiDelhi · airport
A final breakfast concludes the journey. Travelers departing on scheduled flights are transferred to the airport. Those wishing to remain in Delhi may arrange additional accommodation through their booking agent.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2hotel
- 3Jaipur
- 4Amber Fort
- 5City Palace
- 6Agra
- 7Taj Mahal
- 8Agra Fort
- 9Varanasi
- 10Ganges
- 11Sarnath
- 12Delhi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotel (8 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 5
- 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.