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India, 10 Days · Classic tour
Golden Triangle and Varanasi
Soak up the unforgettable India experience
When people say that this is a life-changing trip, it's because India - a kaleidoscope of colours - will make such an impression on you and give you an experience you will never forget. You'll feel that sense of being in a different world as soon as you set foot in Delhi, the capital, a huge administrative hub that does, however, have some surprisingly peaceful spots. The city will serve as the gateway to a fascinating itinerary that will take you to Jaipur, the chaotic, electrifying pink city; to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, an eerily silent place where you will feel as if you have stepped back into a bygone century; to Agra and the quintessential romantic monument, the Taj Mahal; and to Varanasi, the mystical holy city on the banks of the Ganges. Are you ready for the thrill of India?
Departure date
Departures from May 2024 till March 2025
From
Dublin, Knock, Galway, Shannon, Donegal, Cork, Kerry county...
Travel details
City of origin - Delhi
Departure with destination Delhi. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Delhi
Breakfast. In the morning, we will visit Old Delhi, stopping at the Jama Masjid, the country's largest mosque, and the Red Fort (one of the opulent forts from the time of the Mughal Empire). We will also take a fascinating rickshaw ride through the old streets of the capital's historic centre. We will continue our tour by going to New Delhi, visiting the Raj Ghat (memorial to Gandhi), as well as important buildings such as the India Gate, the Parliament building, the Presidential Palace and the amazing Qutub Minar, which, at 73 metres, is the highest minaret in the world. And to round the day off, a tour of a fascinating Sikh temple. Dinner and overnight stay.
Delhi - Jaipur
Breakfast. Morning departure by road to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with its famous dark pink buildings, the colour representing hospitality in Rajput tradition. Founded by Raja Jai Singh in the eighteenth century, it's surrounded by hills crowned by forts and palaces that have inspired many a fairy tale. Camels roaming around and locals dressed in bright colours reflect the unique cultural heritage of Jaipur. Meanwhile, the markets are bursting with wonderful handicrafts that reflect the true Rajasthani character. A perfect day in the city of love, legends and traditions. In the afternoon, we will visit a Hindu temple. Dinner and overnight stay. Note: a technical visit to a textile factory is included.
Jaipur - Amber - Jaipur
Breakfast. Early departure from the hotel to Amber Fort. We'll climb to the top of the hill where we'll find Amber Fort and its ramparts, which command fantastic views over the historic city of the Kings of Amber and over to Maota Lake. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Jaipur, stopping at places such as the Maharaja Palace (also known as the city palace). It's a former royal residence converted into a museum, although a small wing is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. The tour continues with a stop at Jantar Mantar, which is the world's largest astronomical observatory, built in stone and marble by Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. En route there'll be a brief stop for the typical photo of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Breeze). This five-storey palace was built in 1799 and is one of the best examples of the artistic talent of the Rajputs, who built it so that the ladies of the court could entertain themselves by watching the hustle-and-bustle of the city. Dinner and overnight stay.
Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Breakfast. Morning departure by road to Agra, En route we'll visit the Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri. Onward journey to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri and its palace, built by King Akbar in the sixteenth century, where prominent civil buildings include Diwan-i-Am (the Hall of Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (the Hall of Private Audiences), the Jodhabai Palace, Birbal's House, Mariam's House, and the Panch Mahal Palace. Onward journey to Agra. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Agra
Breakfast. At first thing, we'll head off to the Taj Mahal, a truly jaw-dropping monument to love with architecture in white marble. Shah Jahan ordered its construction as an expression of his love for his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Work of Persian architect Ustad Isa, it took twenty-two years to build and has become one of the wonders of the world. Its design is imposing, with a perfect symmetry that is broken only inside the main building. It boasts elegant carved domes and, among other examples of outstanding craftsmanship, the best stone inlay work ever seen. Later we'll visit Agra Fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573 and reflects the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. This fort-palace was started by Akbar the Great as a purely defensive citadel and was later completed by two successive generations, who added the delicate marble mosaic work and the magnificent palaces. The fort commands a magical view of the Taj Mahal. Then we'll visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, nicknamed the Baby Taj, an exquisite tomb in honour of Mirza Ghiyas Beg built by his daughter. Dinner and overnight stay. Note: a technical visit to a marble workshop is included.
Agra - Delhi - Varanasi
Breakfast. In the morning, we will drive from Agra to Delhi airport. Once there, we'll take a domestic flight to Varanasi, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival, and in the evening, we will attend an aarti religious ceremony dedicated to the river. Dinner and overnight stay.
Varanasi
Departure from hotel at dawn for a boat ride on the River Ganges. During the ceremony, we will see pilgrims immersing themselves in the river's waters in order to cleanse their souls. Then we'll visit the University of Varanasi and the Bharat Mata temple. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later, we will head out to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon, the Maha-Dharma Chakra Pravartan, known as the Wheel of the Law. In Sarnath, among other structures, we will visit the ruins of the temple representing the Mulagandha Kuti, and other monasteries and stupas, including the Dhamekh Stupa. Sarnath also has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures featuring numerous images of Buddha and Bodhisattva, which can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight stay. Note: During the monsoon season, it may not be possible to take boat trips on the Ganges.
Varanasi - Delhi
Breakfast. Time at leisure until the pick-up time arranged for transfer to the airport. Flight to Delhi and farewell dinner there (depending on the departure time of your return flight). Then transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Delhi - City of origin
Flight with destination the city of origin. Arrival. End of the trip and our services.
Your trip includes
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Return flight.
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Internal flights.
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Overnight stay in the listed hotels, or similar.
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Transfers according to the itinerary.
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Regular tours mentioned in the itinerary, not stated as optional.
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English-speaking local guides.
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Meal board as per itinerary.
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Diet: 8 breakfasts, 8 dinners.
Your trip doesn't include
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Electronic Visa to enter in India.
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Any other service not previously mentioned as included.
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Insolvency protection.
Destinations Visited
Expected Hotels (or similar)
In this section you will find a selection of hotels according to the category specified in the itinerary.
Category B
Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida
13B Mayur Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi
Eros Hotel New Delhi, Nehru Place
Nehru Place, Delhi
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
1 Cbd, Maharaja Surajmal Road, Near Yamuma Sports Complex, Delhi
Category A
Holiday Inn Hotel New Delhi Noida Mayur Vihar
13A, Mayur Vihar District Center, Phase 1 110091 Delhi, Delhi
Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara
Plot 32, Delhi
Fortune Park, East Delhi - Member ITC's hotel group
DDA Community Center, Fortune, Plot D, opp. to East End Club Delhi, Block C, Vivek Vihar, Nueva Delhi
Important remarks
- Triple rooms in India are generally rooms with twin beds or a double, in which a folding bed is installed to accommodate the third person. Due to the inconvenience this causes, we advise against using this option as far the possible.
- The baggage allowance on domestic flights of most airlines in India is usually 15 kg per person, so lower than on international flights. Please take account of this when packing your bags.
- Please check with your international vaccination centre about the recommended healthcare measures in India.
- The tours include cultural stops at local workshops so you can learn about the production of traditional crafts.
- To reconfirm services at the destination, please send us your passport details within 24 hours of booking.
- Please check which documents are required to enter the country.
- During the monsoon season, it may not be possible to take boat trips on the Ganges.
- The order of the itinerary may be altered for logistical reasons, without prior notice, but no scheduled trips will be cancelled (except in the case that adverse weather conditions prevent its realisation).
- A credit card is considered a guarantee, so sometimes you will need one for check-in at hotels.
- Prices are calculated based on admission fees to the sights as of the date of publication. If there is an increase in these prices, you will be promptly informed.
- If you are a person with reduced mobility, please contact us to confirm the suitability of the trip.