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Day 1  Delhi, India    
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in the evening and head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants.      
     
Day 2  Delhi    
Start today with a tour of the most ancient part of Delhi. Hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. Enjoy a free evening to relax.      

Day 3  Delhi to Jaipur    
Journey to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Join a walking tour as you stop by bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and semi-precious stones. End the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family.
     
Day 4  Jaipur    
Visit Amber Fort, the crown jewel of Jaipur, and explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the City Palace in the heart of the Pink City – a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. Maybe visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, one of the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories, or take in the city from a hot air balloon. After, sample some Rajasthani street food, like pyaaz kachori (crispy pastry filled with spiced onion).    

Day 5  Jaipur to Agra    
Today, head to Agra. After a scenic drive, visit India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Discover its history as you stroll the grounds at sunset.

Day 6  Agra to Lucknow    
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying east to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, join an orientation walk to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. This evening, enjoy dinner at a not-for-profit restaurant which supports victims of acid attacks.  

Day 7  Lucknow    
This morning, take a tour of Lucknow’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. In the afternoon, take a cooking class to discover the culinary secrets of Lucknow.

Day 8  Lucknow to Varanasi    
Wake up early and board a train to Varanasi, offering a unique glimpse of the countryside from the comfort of your seat. Join a walking tour of the city widely known as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Local musicians on board will play as you watch the memorable flower and candle ceremony.

Day 9  Varanasi    
Embark on a sunrise Ganges boat ride, gliding past the many ghats and temples on the banks of India’s most sacred river. After, hop in a rickshaw for a journey through Banaras’ iconic eateries and street food stalls. For lunch, try chaat (a snack using potato, chickpeas or rice, topped with vegetables and sauces), samosas, and jalebi (fried batter soaked in sugar syrup). This afternoon, visit Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.    

Day 10  Varanasi to Delhi    
Fly back to Delhi and spend this afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit the historic Humayun’s Tomb or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. For dinner, head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a historical setting.    

Day 11  Delhi to Maldives    
Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. Transfer to the airport for a flight to the Maldives. Upon arrival, transfer to your wonderful beach resort for some well-deserved relaxation.      

Days 12-15  Maldives    
Spend a few days at leisure soaking up the spectacular scenery of the Maldives. Home to the most perfect, powdery white sands and crystal clear sea, the Maldives is truly a slice of paradise. Perhaps explore these picturesque surroundings with watersports available at your resort.  

Day 16  Maldives    
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.