Wednesday, March 24 - WELCOME TO KATHMANDU
Keep a keen eye out for the rainbow-colored prayer flags flapping in the wind as your transfer from Kathmandu Airport takes you to your hotel. Spirituality is the cornerstone of Nepalese culture, as evident in the numerous shrines and temples that adorn its capital, which you will have the opportunity to explore in the days to come.
This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
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Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 6:45 pm
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Accommodation: Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights
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Included Meals: Dinner
Thursday, March 25 - STUPAS AND TEMPLES OF KATHMANDU AND PATAN
MAKE TRAVEL MATTERS
Your first stop today is the UNESCO-listed shrine of Swayambhunath. Uncover its history spanning millennia. Admire the galleries of prayer mills and gleaming white stupa, whose gilded spire provides the colorful eyes of Buddha a lofty vantage point from which to survey the surrounding valley. Share the intricately carved stone façades with the resident monkeys and admire the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. You'll see all this as you walk through the remnants of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, said to be around 2,000 years old.
Proceed to the heart of the old town and Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of its role in the centuries of rule over this mountain kingdom. See the traditional pagoda-style architecture reflected in the temples and palaces surrounding the square, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex, the Mahadev Temple, the House of the Goddess Kumari, and Taleju Temple. After some free time for lunch, journey to nearby Patan, renowned for its collection of ancient temples, carvings, and palaces, which you will see first-hand during a visit to Patan, renowned for its collection of ancient Buddhist heritage of the City of Beauty, and visit the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple.
Later, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience during your visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, which features a handicraft center and provides shelter to the families of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Among these were gifted Tibetan carpet weavers whose talents remain on display today at the Jawalakhel Handicraft Center. You could choose to buy some traditional Tibetan handicrafts as a memento of your trip. Then it's back to Kathmandu for a well-deserved evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Friday, March 26 - EXPLORE KATHMANDU
The UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur and its impressive Durbar Square are the main attractions today. While the city is rebuilding its fallen temples, it remains a cultural center. Stroll along narrow alleys and admire artisans at work. Watch how they weave cloth, carve timber, and make pottery, which dries in all its terracotta brilliance in open squares for all to admire. Dive Into Culture and join a local potter for a workshop to learn how Bhaktapur has been a pottery center for centuries. You'll see firsthand how traditional techniques are still used. Large spinning wheels are coaxed into action with a long stick and the rapid stirring of the talented potters to shape all sorts of ceramics out of lumps of clay. Get your hands dirty and hone your own pottery talents as you make your own creation to take home as a memento of your visit.
If you have time, stop in one of the squares and sample the famous Juju Dhau, Newari yoghurt treat, enjoyed in a 'takeaway' pottery bowl. Later, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to witness an opulent Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Accommodation: Mercure Kathmandu Sukedhara Heights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Saturday, March 27 - KATHMANDU TO DELHI
Your soulful encounter with Nepal at its end, but your journey through India is just beginning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable experience through northern India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable experience through northern India's most exquisite sights. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Park Plaza CBD Shahdara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday, March 28 - DISCOVER THE DELIGHTS OF OLD DELHI
Savor the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries.
Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colorful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today, the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation.
Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure, or consider one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Towers
Included Meals: Breakfast
Monday, March 29 - SEE THE SIGHTS OF DELHI
This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This non-profit organization aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop every day.
Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see firsthand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavors for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO-listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings, and elegant balconies.
Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades that the British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Towers
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tuesday, March 30 - SUNSET AT THE TAJ MAHAL
It's time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travelers.
This evening, you can choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show before dinner.
Accommodation: Saura Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday, March 31 - FROM THE TAJ TO THE TIGERS
There's more to Agra than the Taj Mahal, as you’ll discover during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Walk through the chambers of this 17th-century residence, once home to Mughal emperors before the capital moved to Delhi. You’ll then explore Fatehpur Sikri, the once-grand 'Ghost Town' built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned soon after. Its red sandstone buildings remain hauntingly intact. After visiting Bharatpur, board a train to Ranthambore, where you’ll stay at The Shergarh Resort, one of our Stays with Stories. This simple, family-run hotel was founded by a local who grew up near the park and now supports his village through tourism.
Accommodation: The Shergarh Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday, April 1 - ROAM RANTHAMBORE IN SEARCH OF TIGERS
Head out on an early morning game drive, one of the best times to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. Animals spotted and breakfast eaten, visit Dhonk Textile Studio, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where local women create handcrafted textiles as part of a conservation initiative that supports ethical livelihoods and protects wildlife. Enjoy some time to unwind before heading back into the park for your second game drive, making the most of your last chance to spot Ranthambore’s incredible wildlife.
Accommodation: The Shergarh Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday, April 2 - ONWARDS TO JAIPUR
Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a hand-block printing workshop, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. From beautifully embroidered textiles to exquisite blue pottery, you’ll find plenty of treasures to admire and perhaps a special keepsake to bring home. This evening, enjoy true Indian hospitality at Jaideo and Devika’s guesthouse in Jaipur for a Be My Guest experience. Your hosts, a family from the royal Rajpoot community, welcome you into their home, share stories of life in India, and serve traditional dishes like daal and bati for a real taste of Jaipur’s culture.
Accommodation: Club Mahindra Resport
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Saturday, April 3 - EXPLORE COLORFUL JAIPUR
One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household.
Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, join our optional Aarti ceremony, and offer a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receive one in return.
Accommodation: Club Mahindra Resport
Included Meals: Breakfast
Sunday, April 4 - VENTURE TO VARANASI
Depart Jaipur this morning and board your flight to Varanasi, the sacred city at the heart of Hinduism. On arrival, there’s free time for lunch before sightseeing introduces the city’s temples, old ghats, and deep connection to the Ganges, where daily rituals and centuries of belief shape life along the riverbanks. Later this evening, cruise along the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti, watching as lamps and flowers are set afloat on the water during this important act of devotion, before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Madin Varanasi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday, April 5 - WITNESS LIFE ALONG THE GANGES
Rise early for a boat ride on the Ganges as Varanasi stirs to life along the riverbanks. Back on land, take a heritage walk through the city’s old lanes and temple precincts before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later, visit Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites, to see its sacred monuments and remarkable collection of artifacts. Then join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to meet local weavers and learn about Varanasi’s centuries-old silk tradition. This evening, perhaps choose an Optional Experience to watch a performance of Indian classical dance before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Madin Varanasi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Tuesday, April 6 - FAREWELL VARANASI
With Varanasi at its end, it's time to bid farewell to our spiritual and cultural encounter with India. Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
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Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 10:30, 1:00
Included Meals: Breakfast