Classical India

Days 2-3

Delhi

There’s no place in the world quite like Delhi: the vibrant colours and eclectic sounds will bombard your senses from the moment you touch down in this vivacious capital. You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel, where you can refresh and relax after your flight. The next day, tour the sights of Old Delhi by rickshaw, gazing in wonder at the dominating Red Fort and marvelling at the enormous Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Barter to your heart’s content at the bustling bazaars selling everything, from jewellery and books, to spices and wall-hangings, and even souvenir Ganesh T-shirts. In contrast to Old Delhi’s traditional atmosphere, hop on board the metro and take a look around much more modern New Delhi, with its leafy boulevards and verdant gardens, visiting the sandstone and marble Humayun’s Tomb and the looming tower of the Qutub Minar.

Days 4-5

Jaipur

Head to the fort-filled city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the distinct colour of the buildings, which were painted for the arrival of the Prince of Wales in 1876 and have remained that way ever since. Admire the Rajput architecture of the exquisite Amber Fort, whose halls and corridors are inlaid with coloured glass and ivory, with some gorgeous wall paintings adding to the splendour. Later, tour the city sights, where highlights include the 18th-century Jantar Mantar, a collection of awe-inspiring astronomical measuring devices.

Days 6-7

Agra

Stop off at the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri on your way to Agra. The ancient walls are filled with the secrets of the emperors, and its grounds well preserved, making for some splendidly atmospheric photographs of a bygone age. In the evening take your seats for Mohabbat the Taj, a musical retelling of the Taj Mahal’s romantic backstory. The next day is the one you’ve been waiting for– tour the sights of Agra, including the impressive Agra Fort and, of course, the magnificent Taj Mahal. This monument to love is the world’s most famous building, and it’s most beautiful – you’ll never forget your first glimpse of its splendour.

Day 8

See the contrast of styles as you enter the modern streets of Gwalior. Despite the city itself embracing the 21st century, you’ll need to step back in time to see the main attraction of the superb 8th-century hill fort, filled with lofty palaces and age-old temples. The fort is built on a rocky outcrop surrounded by steep drop offs which, combined with its high walls, make it virtually impenetrable to outsiders. Within the walls, two palaces and numerous carved gates, decorated temples, pretty pavilions and sculpted monuments come together to create a fascinating piece of Rajput architecture, filled with historical significance.

Day 9

Board your express train to Jhansi, from where you’ll be driven to Khajuraho, with a lunch stop en-route. Discover Khajuraho’s World Heritage-listed erotic sandstone temples, where the detailed carvings of nymphs and gods tell the story of life over a thousand years ago. There’s nothing sordid about these sculptures – they are delicate examples of artistic stonework representing human beauty in its rawest form, with many of the likenesses shown washing, dressing or putting on makeup. Scenes of battles, hunting trips and musicians also feature in what must be one of the finest examples of temple art in the world.

Days 10-11

Fly to Varanasi and witness a magical Aarti Ceremony, a spiritual experience performed at sundown on the banks of the Ganges. The next morning, take a relaxing boat cruise on the river and observe the hustle and bustle of the riverbanks and the perpetual activity on the Ghats. Leave the city behind for your fascinating trip to Sarnath, symbol of the birth of Buddhism and one of the most important religious sights in the country. Returning into town, take a tour of Varanasi’s alleyways, museums and mosques.

Day 12

Delhi

At the end of your journey, refresh your mind and body with an early-morning yoga session on the Ghats of the Ganges River, before boarding your flight back to Delhi for one last night in this bustling city.