Signature: India's Jaipur, the Taj Mahal, Varanasi & Delhi

Signature: India's Jaipur, the Taj Mahal, Varanasi & Delhi

• Trip code: 485X043
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Explore the legacy of emperors and sages across India’s historic heartland. From the pink-hued palaces of Jaipur to the white marble of the Taj Mahal, immerse yourself in a world of royal grandeur and enduring devotion. Alongside specialists and local storytellers, witness sacred rituals on the Ganges and connect with the living history of Delhi.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Group Size Notes

Max 22

Highlights

Explore City Palace after hours, gaining access to private chambers before dinner, Witness the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, followed by a guided tour of Agra Fort, Board a private boat for a classical performance before witnessing the sacred Ganga Aarti, Walk Mehrauli Archaeological Park with an INTACH scholar before a private high tea talk, Discover Jaipur's vibrant streets on a tour driven by the women of a local social enterprise

Introduction

Explore the legacy of emperors and sages across India’s historic heartland. From the pink-hued palaces of Jaipur to the white marble of the Taj Mahal, immerse yourself in a world of royal grandeur and enduring devotion. Alongside specialists and local storytellers, witness sacred rituals on the Ganges and connect with the living history of Delhi

Meal Budget

Plane USD55-75 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Jaipur nach Delhi

Transport

Private Vehicle, Walking, Jeep, Train, Plane, E-Rickshaw, Boat

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Women-led Rickshaw Tour, Jaipur
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Sheroes Cafe Visit, Āgra
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Old Delhi Walking Tour with Salaam Balak Trust, Delhi
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Jaipur
Signature Moment: Delhi Heritage High Tea, Delhi. Arrival transfer. Amber Fort exploration by jeep. Exclusive City Palace “Royale Grandeur” tour with private dinner. Abhaneri stepwell visit. Sunrise guided Taj Mahal visit. Guided Agra Fort exploration. Sheroes Café lunch. Private boat experience featuring Banaras Gharana classical music on the Ganges. Ganga Aarti ceremony. Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and guided walk through Old Varanasi. Sarnath Buddhist site visit with expert guide. Flight from Varanasi to Delhi. Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride. Departure transfer. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 7 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Jaipur

Welcome to India. Your expedition begins in the colourful, and captivating city of Jaipur. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and insights that bring the region's royal history to life. Afterward, step into a world of culinary delights with a welcome dinner

Day 2 Jaipur

Breathe in the scent of jasmine and spices as you explore the vibrant morning streets of Jaipur. Board an upgraded vehicle with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, a G Adventures supported project empowering women entrepreneurs. Return to the hotel for lunch before heading to the 16th-century Amber Fort. Ride up to the hilltop fortress to marvel at the Sheesh Mahal, where thousands of mirror tiles catch the afternoon light, and examine the intricate underground water systems engineered for cooling. As twilight falls, experience the grandeur of Jaipur's City Palace after hours on a curated private tour, gaining deep insight into royal legacies. Conclude the evening with a majestic multi-course dinner inside the palace grounds, where traditional flavours are served beneath the stars

Day 3 Jaipur/Āgra

Leave the Pink City behind and watch the rural landscape unfold on the drive toward Agra. Pause en route at Abhaneri to stand over the breathtaking Chand Baori stepwell. One of India’s deepest and most visually striking architectural wonders, its 3,500 symmetrically arranged steps form a geometric maze plunging into the earth, built over a millennium ago. Continue to the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace for a grand, family-style lunch that highlights regional cooking. After, continue to Agra and check into your hotel as the evening sky softens. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind, perhaps watching the sunset over the Yamuna River

Day 4 Āgra

This morning, you have a choice of guided tours to India’s most famous site: wake early as the first light of dawn bathes the ivory-white marble of the Taj Mahal in soft pink tones then enjoy breakfast, or choose to take your guided exploration after morning breakfast. Delve into the Mughal legacy at Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress that served as the principal imperial residence, where your guide brings historic court intrigues to life. Afterward, share an inspiring lunch at Sheroes Café, a G Adventures supported project operated by acid attack survivors. Listen to their powerful stories of resilience and community empowerment before enjoying a free afternoon. Gather back at the hotel in the evening for a specially prepared dinner celebrating northern Indian culinary heritage

Day 5 Āgra/Varanasi

Board the Vande Bharat Express train, settling into the spacious Executive Car where dedicated staff cater to your comfort. Watch the North Indian plains blur past as you speed toward Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. After checking into your hotel, step onto the stone ghats as the air thickens with incense. Board a private boat along the sacred Ganges for a special Banaras Gharana classical music performance, immersing yourself in a revered Hindustani lineage. As darkness falls, witness the hypnotic fire, chanting, and bells of the Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water before dining at the heritage Brijrama Palace

Day 6 Varanasi

Watch the morning mist lift during a sunrise boat ride on the Holy River Ganges, observing pilgrims performing centuries-old prayers along the water's edge. After, set out on a walking tour through Varanasi's labyrinth of ancient, narrow lanes, where hidden shrines and local market stalls come to life, before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. Later, travel to the peaceful ruins of Sarnath, the cradle of Buddhism where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the soaring ancient stupas, monolithic columns, and the onsite archaeological museum. Enjoy some time later to explore Varanasi’s spiritual energy at your own pace before dinner

Day 7 Delhi

Fly from the sacred banks of Varanasi to Delhi, marking your arrival in the capital for the final chapter of the trip. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, dive into the city's layered history with a private heritage walk through the verdant Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Led by a senior member of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), you will weave past centuries-old tombs and stepwells, learning about critical conservation efforts and local legends. The afternoon concludes with a high tea discussion at a local café, where you can engage with your host over refined pastries and Indian teas

Day 8 Delhi

Explore the bustling streets of Old Delhi on a walking tour hosted by the Salaam Baalak Trust. Along the way, gain a deeper understanding of the neighborhood and the organization's meaningful work empowering former street youth. Next, climb into an upgraded rickshaw for a thrilling ride through the historic, bustling market lanes of Chandni Chowk, passing historic bazaars and sweetshops. Indulge in a curated tasting menu featuring refined Indian cuisine inside a beautifully restored Mughal-era mansion. In the evening, join your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert and fellow travellers to reflect on the highlights of your trip before celebrating with a grand farewell dinner

Day 9 Delhi

Take in the sights and sounds of Delhi over a final breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the transitions from the palaces of Rajasthan to the spiritual devotion of the Ganges. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Jaipur

Day 2 Jaipur

Day 3 Jaipur/Āgra

Day 4 Āgra

Day 5 Āgra/Varanasi

Day 6 Varanasi

Day 7 Delhi

Day 8 Delhi

Day 9 Delhi