10-Day Golden Triangle, Lucknow and the Holy Ganges

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You'll start your tour to India with a visit to Rajghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi (also known as Father of Nation). You'll continue your day with an orientation tour of New Delhi, the foundation stone of the city was laid by Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. You'll drive past the President House, Indian Parliament, India Gate and Connaught Place. You'll continue to visit Humayun’s Tomb and later, you'll proceed to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

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In the morning drive to Jaipur, the enthralling pink city, capital of Rajasthan state. Later visit the City Palace, built with the establishment of Jaipur, and the 18th-century astronomy observation site, Jantar Mantar, home to a collection of 20 astronomy instruments built by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Later you'll have an introduction to Ayurveda, the Science of Life, that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago, including a gentle massage with pre-medicated warm oil.

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Begin the day with the famous Amber Fort constructed in the 16th century by the trusted general of Emperor Akbar. After a photo stop at Jaipur’s most photographed building, the Hawa Mahal, you'll have some time to relax before going to a local family's house for dinner. You'll have time to get to know the family and learn about Indian cooking and spices. Lady travellers may wish to learn how to wear an Indian sari. They will also share Mehndi, a decorative pattern that covers the hands and feet.

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This morning, you'll leave Jaipur and drive to Agra with a stop en route at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri to visit this ghost town. Built during the second half of the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years. It is comprised of a complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. After the visit, you'll continue to Agra, once a Mughal capital.

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In the morning, you'll visit the Taj Mahal, an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal, built of shimmering white marble, seems to change colour depending on the daylight. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich history. Later, you'll visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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In the morning drive to Lucknow, known as a home of the Nawabs of Avadh, who were very creative. Visit the beautiful La Martiniere, built by Frenchman Claude Martin as his palatial home. Then, continue to the ruins of Lucknow Residency the site of the Indian Uprising in 1857, the beginning of the end for the British Raj. Visit a well-known site, Asafi Imambara Complex then make a photo stop at the 220-foot Clock Tower, the tallest in India. Later in the evening, walk through the local market.

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Early morning transfer to the railway station to connect train to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India. This evening you'll observe the Aarti ceremony on the ghats. Thousands of locals and pilgrims gather to offer their prayers to the Mother Ganges. This is a prayer to the Goddess Ganga, performed by a group of young Hindu priests. The ceremony begins with the blow of the conch shell as the priests make a circle with large flaming lamps to rhythmic chants and the clang of cymbals.

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Early morning, take a boat ride on the River Ganges to enjoy the sunrise and observe the devotees having their ritual bath and performing prayers to the rising sun, an ancient tradition that is still followed today. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading out again for a half-day tour of Varanasi with your guide to discover the ancient relics and stories of this special city.