Days 1, 2, & 3: New and “Old” Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, a bustling metropolis in which ancient and modern are folded together. Explore the opulent Red Fort (Lal Qilah), built when the capital was moved to Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and Humayun’s Tomb, a model for the Taj Mahal. View the eternal flame of Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Gaze up at the Iron Pillar of Qutab Minar and then ride a rickshaw through the old market area of Chandi Chowk.

Days 4 & 5: The Hallowed Varanasi and Sarnath

Fly to Varanasi (Kashi), a sacred destination for followers of Hinduism. Located on the Ganges River, more than 1,000,000 pilgrims journey here yearly to bathe in the river and cleanse themselves of sin. Watch these sacred rituals as you boat down the Ganges along the ghats (stone steps). Walk through Vishwanath Lane and view a revered Jyotirlinga Shrine of Lord Shiva and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. See the Dhamek and Chaukhandi Stupas of Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon upon achieving enlightenment. Visit the remains of early monasteries and participate in an evening Deepmala ceremony.

Days 6 & 7: Agra: Home of Jewel Box Mausoleums

Fly to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. One of the most expensive gifts in history, this awing mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife. Continue to Itmad-ud-Daulah, the tomb of Mirza Ghiyath Beg. Then go to the Amber Fort, which provides beautiful views of the Taj bathed in evening light. Visit the deserted Fatehpur Sikri, the imperial capital that lies frozen in time.

Days 8 & 9: Tales of Valor and Bravery: Jaipur

Tour the palaces, gardens, courtyards, and art that make up the City Palace of Jaipur. Explore the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), built in the form of Lord Krishna’s crown. Ride an elephant to the magnificent hillside Amber Palace and Fort, viewing Jaipur’s skyline and the serene Maota Lake en route. Enter Amber to explore the marble palace, the Temple of Victory, and Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) as a guide relates the magnificent legends that make up Jaipur’s history.

Day 10: Jodhpur and the Environmentally Minded Bishnoi Tribe

Tour the massive Meherengarh Fort before taking a heritage walk through the fascinating city with its many spice and cloth stalls. Take an excursion to the nearby tribal village region of the Bishnois, who are renowned for their concern for nature and protection of the black buck, which now survives only in Bishnoi areas.

Day 11: The Uncountable Pillars of Ranakhpur

Explore the princely palaces, lakes, and gardens of Mewar, before arriving at the Jain Temple Complex at Ranakhpur. Known for the 1444 exquisitely carved marble pillars that support this complex, no two pillars are exactly the same.

Day 12: Udaipur, Venice of the East

Tour the impressive Rajput-Era Palaces of Lake and City, which houses a museum and the Crystal gallery. Continue to the nearby Sahlekon gardens. Explore the cultural center of Neemach Mata Temple and the plethora of monuments and natural wonders. Take a cruise to Jag Mandir Island, located in Lake Pinhola.

Day 13: Mumbai (Bombay), the 2nd Most Populous City in the World

On your last day in India, discover the metropolitan hub of Mumbai, home of India’s Hindi film and television industry. Explore the architectural gems of the Old Fort area and the Crawford Market before boarding your plane for a safe flight home.