Leave London Heathrow in the evening, travelling by Jet Airways on a non-stop flight to Delhi (8½ hours).

On arrival this morning in India’s energetic capital, your Tour Manager will meet and transfer you to The Claridges Hotel.

This afternoon visit the spectacular 13th century victory tower of Qutb Minar, built to herald the arrival of the Muslim sultans, an event that marked the end of the reign of the Hindu kings. Also visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, a quite exceptional example of Mughal design, before finally ending the tour amongst the colourful Hindu temples of the Chattarpur complex. This evening dinner is included providing the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

A morning city tour of New Delhi is an introduction to some of the architectural delights of New Delhi, originally created for the British Raj during the 1930s. Much of the city’s colonial grandeur can be attributed to the talents of Edward Lutyens, the British architect who, over a period of some 20 years, created such architectural gems as the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (once the home of the Viceroy of India) and the private gardens in which the palace now stands. The afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure, perhaps taking in some more of the highlights of the old city, the former capital of the emperor Shah Jahan, whose magnificent architecture encapsulates some of the true majesty of Mughal power and nobility.

Flying to Varanasi this morning (1 hour 10 minutes) transfer to the Taj Ganges on arrival for an overnight stay. Located on the banks of the mighty Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi, one of the oldest in India, embodies much of the myth and culture of Hinduism and has been a centre for the worship of Shiva for over 1200 years. Many believe that this is the site where the spiritual and material worlds collide, affording it a mystic property that is enhanced by the countless thousands of devotees who journey here to bathe in the scared waters of the River Ganges. This afternoon there is the option to visit the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath, one of the most revered settings on earth, where the lord Buddha preached his first sermon, whilst this evening affords an opportunity to witness a sacred Aarti ceremony amongst the ghats of the Ganges.

A dawn boat ride along the Ganges reveals the timeless scenes of life along the banks of India’s holiest river. Returning to the hotel for breakfast, there is some free time before an afternoon flight to Khajuraho (40 minutes), for an overnight stay at the Taj Chandela Hotel. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of its remarkable medieval temples, graced with some of the most exquisite sculptures in the country. Khajuraho is rightly considered to be one of India’s most captivating settings, home to a number of Chandela Dynasty buildings that represent some of the finest temple architecture anywhere on earth, filled with erotic imagery and masterful carvings.

Journey today into the rural landscapes around Orchha (170 KM/approximately 4 hours), once the capital of the Bundela kings of the 16th and 17th centuries. Home to the spectacular Fort Palace, which includes the sumptuous Jehangir Mahal, the serene Raj Parveen and the fabulous religious murals of the Raj Mahal, visit the town and its dominating trio of temples. Overnight at the Amar Mahal Resort.

After a leisurely morning, a short drive to Jhansi (16 KM/approximately 30 minutes), to board the train to Agra (217 KM/ approximately 2½ hours). On arrival transfer to the Trident Hotel for 2 nights.

Agra was once the capital city of the mighty Mughals and much of its majesty can be attributed to the vision and power of Akbar the Great and his grandson, Shan Jahan. This morning visit two of India’s most spectacular buildings, the imposing sandstone edifice of Agra Fort and the magnificent marble splendour of the Taj Mahal, said to represent the epoch of Moghul architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is liberally blessed with a dazzling array of palaces and mosques, whilst the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal needs no introduction. Built by Shah Jahan to honour the memory of his wife, Mumtaz, the Taj is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, taking over 20 years to build and costing in excess of 3 million rupees. This evening there will be the option of returning to enjoy the magical sight of the Taj basking in the glow of the setting sun.

Driving into Rajasthan today we travel to the city of Jaipur, via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great in the late 16th century and abandoned after only 14 years. Arriving in Jaipur late this afternoon (233 KM/a full day with stops) we stay at the Trident Hotel. This wonderful ‘Pink City’ is an eclectic mix of styles and influences and considered to be one of the best planned in the country, built as it is around the principles of Hindu architectural theory.

The first stop today is at the extraordinary façade of the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’, built as part of the City Palace in order to allow the women of the harem to view the city below without being seen. From here continue on to Amber, for a jeep ride to the hill-top palace of the Rajput rulers, a rich mix of Hindu and Muslim design that offer some spectacular views out across the Aravalli Hills. This afternoon return to the city to visit the magnificent Maharajah’s Palace, one of the most important landmarks in Jaipur and now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past.

A morning flight via Delhi to Kathmandu (2 hours 15 minutes excluding transit time) and Nepal’s engaging capital, for a 3 night stay at the Radisson Hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Today visit the sacred temple of Swayambhunath, the enchanting ‘Monkey Temple’ that occupies a lofty hilltop overlooking the city. Explore the delights of the city’s ancient heart, including the palaces and temples of Durbar Square, home to the oldest building in the Kathmandu valley, the fearsome image of Kala Bhairab and a magnificent collection of monuments that span some 300 years of dynastic rule. The afternoon is free to continue exploring this exciting city.

Free day. We recommend an early morning optional ‘Everest scenic flight’ (weather permitting). The flight takes approximately one hour and every passenger has a guaranteed window seat, affording spectacular views of Everest and the Himalaya range. This flight is an experience of a lifetime and should not be missed.

A morning flight on Jet Airways to Delhi (1 hour 15 minutes) to connect with the onward non-stop Jet Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving later this afternoon.