Varanasi is the religious centre of Hindu religion. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Varanasi is considered to be among the oldest living cities of the world and has been a centre of learning and civilisation for centuries. Varanasi holds special significance in the lives of the Indian people. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make a long journey to this vibrant city where you can find the richest of the rich living side by side with the poorest of the poor. Travel to Varanasi with an open mind and see what faith can do to people and what their devotion to god leads them to achieve. Look beyond the poverty into the eyes of the people and you will see a sense of enlightenment and peace that their belief in a god has given them. The old city of Varanasi is a maze of small streets and alleyways hiding in disorderly array no less than 2000 temples and shrines. Domes, minarets, pinnacles and towers, and derelict eighteenth century palaces dominate the sacred left bank of the river. You will see marriage processions and funeral processions and cows grabbing big flower necklaces destined for the gods, all in the jumble of this fascinating and spiritual city. Varanasi is an unique city that vibrates with cosmic forces beyond comprehension. 

Afternoon proceed for half day excursion to Sarnath which is around 10 Kms. from the centre of the city. Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Also seen here is the original lions heads from the Asoka Pillar, which form the symbol of the Indian republic. 
Overnight in Varanasi. 

After the boat ride return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check-out of the hotel and proceed a brief Varanasi City Tour driving through the Benaras Hindu University with a visit to the Bharat Mata (Mother India) Temple. Visit some of the holy temples of the city which encapsulates the ambience and the spirit of the city. Highlights include the Durga Temple, better known as the 'monkey temple' on account of the large number of monkeys residing there and the Temple of Vishwanath (or Visheshwar, Lord of the Universe). If time permits before returning to the hotel visit some of the silk brocade and weaving centres - a speciality of Varanasi. 

Transfer to the airport for flight IC 408 for Agra. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel where check in assistance will be provided. 

At the time of the Mughals, in the 16^th & 17^th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city's origins are dim but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. 

This evening leave for a half day tour of the famed Taj Mahal – the undisputed symbol of art and love. The beautiful Taj needs no introduction and is probably one of India’s most extraordinary monuments. 
Overnight at Hotel. 

Later, leave for Jaipur by road. On the way you will visit Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. 

Afterwards continue your journey on to Jaipur, once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs." Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centres for shopping in India -- especially with regard to textiles, jewellery, stones carpets, etc. Check-in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.  

After breakfast depart the hotel for a half day excursion to Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. 

In the afternoon venture back into the city, this time on a city tour. This afternoon you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. 
Overnight at hotel. 

After breakfast proceed on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. 

Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts 

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. 

You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajghat, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit a local temple. 
Overnight at hotel.