North India uncovered

Explore Mumbai's diverse communities through an immersive tour, featuring historical sights, unique cultural experiences, and a Bollywood dance class. End the day with Konkan cuisine, a visit to the spice market, and a ride on the suburban train network, concluding at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

An internal flight will bring you to Varanasi, the holiest city in India for Hindus, lying alongside the Ganges. The afternoon is at leisure. In the early evening, explore Varanasi’s ghats on a boat ride. Experience how the ghats come alive once more as hundreds of pilgrims return for Ganga aarti, the evening worship.

Spend the day exploring the city's oldest, labyrinthine streets with a passionate guide who will uncover hidden sights, like concealed temples, an inner city garden, and viewpoints over the ghats, making this personalised and worthwhile excursion truly captivating.

This morning you will be driven to the culture-rich city of Lucknow, which has architectural marvels, deeply rooted artistic heritage and a rich culinary legacy of the Nawabi era, the Awadhi cuisine. To experience this legacy, you will visit the bustling old and new quarters this evening, sampling the city's amazing cuisine at local eateries in narrow bylanes of the bazaar and at smart restaurants.

With the help of a private guide, you will explore Lucknow's history, culture, and cuisine on a five-to-six-hour tour, featuring key sights like Dilkusha, Rumi Darwaza, and Chota Imambara, with fascinating insights from your private guide. The rest of your day will be at leisure.

After breakfast, a five-and-a-half-hour journey westwards will bring you to Agra, a city by the River Yamuna famous for the Taj Mahal. You will visit a garden, located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River, to get your first glimpse of the iconic monument.

Make an early start this morning to capture the Taj Mahal at sunrise with your private guide. Return to the hotel for breakfast. The remainder of the morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning — the two were built during the same period and have a lot of shared history.

You will travel by road to Gwalior, a journey of roughly three hours. The rest of the day will be at leisure for well-deserved rest and relaxation. Enjoy a walk through their beautifully landscaped gardens, pamper yourself at the spa, or take a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool.

Today you will embark on a private, history-rich tour exploring Gwalior's massive sandstone fort, Jain prophet statues, and Jai Vilas Palace with its ornate furniture and Durbar Hall.

After breakfast, you will travel to Orchha, a hidden gem on the banks of the River Betwa, home to powerful dynasties like the Chandelas and Bundelas. Take an evening stroll to the Ram Raja Temple, the only palace-turned-temple in India where Rama is worshipped as a king. Though not as visually stunning as other temples, the enthusiasm of worshippers singing a hymn to Rama is uplifting.

With the help of your private guide, explore Orchha's hidden treasures, including the Fort Palace, three beautifully restored palaces, cenotaphs by the river, and the Ram Raja Temple with its rousing prayers. After the tour, you will travel east to reach Khajuraho. Instead of staying in the town, you have the option to stay a bit further away at an owner-managed safari lodge with the option to visit the beautiful Panna National Park in addition to the temples.

Today you will explore the temples at Khajuraho, a World Heritage Site, built in the period 950 to 1050 AD, but only rediscovered in 1838. The temple design mimics the shape of the Himalayas, with steps leading up to the shrines and tall towers reaching to the skies, and are covered in exquisite intricate carvings depicting scenes from daily life. Later this evening you may want to consider attending a captivating Sound and Light Show held in the garden of the Western Group of Temples.

The morning will be at leisure. This afternoon you will fly to Delhi. You will be met and transferred to your airport hotel.

This morning, your driver will transfer you to Delhi Airport for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.