Highlights of India & Nepal

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Delhi, Varanasi, Kathmandu, Agra, Jaipur

This private tour explores the highlights of two of the world's most fascinating cultural destinations: India and Nepal.

Begin in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. During private touring, experience highlights such as the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar, the Lodi Gardens, and a rickshaw ride through the colorful bazaars of Old Delhi, as well as upscale shopping districts.

Next, visit Varanasi (Benares), one of the oldest cities in the world and, as the spiritual center of the Hindu world, a major Indian pilgrimage site. Watch as believers congregate on the ghats (stone steps) along the banks of the holy Ganges River to perform ritual ablutions. Visit local villages and explore Varanasi’s old town, with its ancient universities and renowned silk shops. Also take an excursion to Sarnath, believed to be the site of the Buddha’s first sermon. If desired, visit master silk weavers and enjoy a private recital in the home of a local musician.

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, the crossroads of the Himalayas. With your expert private guide and driver, explore the best of Kathmandu as well as the most interesting towns in the surrounding valley: Patan and Bhaktapur. Browse atmospheric streets lined with boutiques selling jewelry, prayer wheels, Hindu temples, Buddhist thangkas and more. See spectacular squares featuring traditional architecture. Also enjoy excursions to the much-photographed Buddhist temples at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, with their massive white stupas and fluttering prayer flags. One day, if desired, take a private fixed-wing scenic flight to view Mount Everest.

Fly to Delhi and then transfer by land to Agra for a spellbinding sunset or sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Also visit Agra Fort and local markets. Stay in the lavish Oberoi Amarvilas in a room with an uninterrupted view of the Taj.

Continue to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s great “Pink City,” visiting the centuries-old ruins at Fatehpur Sikri en route. See the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur’s merchants and maharajas—hill forts, palaces, the observatory, gardens, temples and havelis (courtyard mansions)—surrounded by stark desert. If desired, ride an elephant to Amber Fort. Marvel at the luminous saris of indigenous tribal women and the bright turbans of Rajasthani men. Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars selling textiles, leatherwork, woodblock prints, perfume, jewelry and Jaipur’s traditional blue pottery.

Conclude with a night in Delhi and enjoy last-minute shopping and sightseeing.