17 Day India's Northern Heritage Small Group Tour

Welcome to India! Founded in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, Amritsar holds deep cultural and religious significance and is best known as home to the magnificent Golden Temple.On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.Enjoy your evening at leisure. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

This morning after breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of Amritsar, beginning at the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, with its striking golden façade and serene sarovar. Continue to Jallianwala Bagh, a moving memorial to the events of 1919, and the nearby Partition Museum, which preserves personal stories and artefacts from one of the largest human migrations in history. In the late afternoon, travel to the Attari–Wagah Border to witness the spirited Beating Retreat ceremony, a coordinated drill and flag-lowering performance carried out daily by Indian and Pakistani forces. Following the ceremony, return to your hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local Indian restaurant celebrating regional flavours and warm hospitality. Inspiring Highlights Golden Temple visit Jallianwala Bagh and Partition Museum Attari–Wagah Border ceremony Special Information The Wagah Border ceremony involves crowds, sun exposure and walking. Comfortable footwear, sun protection and a refillable water bottle are recommended.

This morning is at leisure to enjoy your hotel surroundings before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. India's vibrant capital is a dynamic blend of history and modernity, where centuries-old monuments stand beside contemporary architecture, and the bustling lanes of Old Delhi give way to the grandeur of Lutyens' New Delhi. On arrival, a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your flight documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour leader. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg, and one 7kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be escorted.

This morning after breakfast, head out to explore the bustling streets, vibrant markets and historic architecture of Old Delhi, with a drive past the imposing Red Fort and a rickshaw ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk. Continue into New Delhi to see India Gate and the surrounding government buildings of Lutyens' Delhi. Next, soak in the spiritual and cultural ambience of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where you may take part in langar, the communal meal that reflects Sikh values of equality and service. Afterwards, visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal, and stroll through its peaceful gardens. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Old Delhi sightseeing with rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk India Gate and Lutyens' Delhi drive Gurudwara Bangla Sahib visit Humayun's Tomb

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the spiritual heart of India. Set along the sacred River Ganges, it is a place where ancient rituals, winding lanes and vibrant ghats come together in a powerful tapestry of culture and devotion. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest and refresh. This evening, witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerising ritual along the sacred river, accompanied by reflections from a cultural guide who will share insights into its spiritual significance and local traditions. Inspiring Highlights • Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your flight documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour leader. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg, and one 7kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be escorted.

Begin the day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing the morning rituals along the ghats as the city awakens to the river's rhythm. There is the chance to take part in the ceremony by gently releasing earthen lamps onto the water, creating a quiet moment of personal connection. Disembark at Manikarnika Ghat and walk through the temple corridor, with views of Manikarnika Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple from outside. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then travel to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon. Later in the afternoon, meet local silk weavers, watch their demonstrations and hear their stories about preserving a centuries-old craft. After a day rich with sightseeing, unwind on your final evening in Varanasi at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges Walk through the ghats and temple corridor Sarnath Buddhist site Silk weavers visit

This morning is free to enjoy the facilities at your hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and board your train to Agra in air-conditioned executive class. Enjoy the scenic views as you pass through the beautiful countryside. A simple dinner will be served on board by Indian Railways. Upon your late arrival in Agra, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours. Your train documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour leader. On the train, you will be travelling in the air-conditioned Executive Class. A simple dinner is served on the train as a pre-packed meal. Please note that these trains cannot accommodate special dietary requirements. If needed, your tour leader can assist you in purchasing food in advance before boarding.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed start before heading out to visit Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah, both showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the Mughal era. Inspiring Highlights Agra Fort Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb

Rise early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the iconic symbol of love and one of the world's most celebrated examples of Mughal architecture. Return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, depart Agra and travel by road to Jaipur, stopping en route at Abhaneri to visit the remarkable Chand Baori Stepwell, a striking example of ancient water-management architecture. Continue on to Jaipur, the Pink City, a vibrant blend of royal heritage and bustling markets, arriving at your hotel in the evening. Inspiring Highlights Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal Chand Baori Stepwell at Abhaneri Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

This morning after breakfast, begin the day with a jeep ride up to the magnificent Amber Fort, where you will explore its stunning architecture and royal courtyards. Continue on to a hands-on block-printing workshop, learning traditional techniques and gaining insight into the social and cultural context of this enduring craft. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or relaxing. You may like to wander the colourful bazaars of the old city for textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, take time to relax at your hotel, or enjoy a leisurely Indian lunch nearby. Inspiring Highlights Amber Fort jeep ride and visit Block-printing workshop

This morning after breakfast, set off on a walking tour of Jaipur's old city, soaking up the sights, sounds and colours of its lively streets. Drive past the iconic Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, before exploring the City Palace and the fascinating Jantar Mantar observatory, two landmarks that beautifully reflect Jaipur's royal heritage and scientific achievement. Inspiring Highlights Old city walking tour Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) drive past City Palace Jantar Mantar observatory

After breakfast, set off on a scenic road journey to Rohet Garh, travelling via Jodhpur. Rising majestically from the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is famed for its blue-painted houses and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the city. Visit the fort and enjoy a walking tour of the blue old town and its famous spice market. Here, you will have the chance to meet The Spice Girls of Rajasthan, a remarkable sister team who transformed a humble family spice stall into a globally admired, women-led business, hand-crafting exquisite spice blends while preserving their father's legacy. In the late afternoon, continue on to Rohet Garh, an intimate heritage property, where you will check in for a two-night stay. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Mehrangarh Fort visit Walking tour of Jodhpur's blue old city Spice market visit and meeting with The Spice Girls of Rajasthan Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

This morning after breakfast, head out on a jeep safari through the surrounding rural villages, meeting households of the Bishnoi community to gain insight into daily life, traditional crafts and community practices. You will also hear the inspiring story of Amrita Devi, remembered for her remarkable commitment to nature and her courage in protecting a khejri tree from being cut down in 1730, a legacy of environmental stewardship that endures to this day. The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the pool, wander through the village or simply enjoy your tranquil heritage surroundings. This evening, gather for dinner at the hotel in its atmospheric heritage setting. Inspiring Highlights Bishnoi village jeep safari

After breakfast, depart Rohet Garh and travel by road to Udaipur, stopping en route at the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temples, renowned for their intricately carved marble interiors and remarkable craftsmanship. Continue on to Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, a romantic city of serene waterways, grand palaces and timeless royal heritage. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Inspiring Highlights Ranakpur Jain Temples Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning after breakfast, set out to visit the magnificent City Palace, perched above Lake Pichola, then continue on to Jagdish Temple and the elegant gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the 'Garden of the Maidens'. Afterwards, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, soaking in postcard views of the palaces, temples and ghats that line its shores. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or relaxing. You may like to browse the local bazaars for miniature paintings, silver jewellery and traditional textiles, enjoy a quiet lakeside coffee, or simply unwind back at your hotel. Inspiring Highlights City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari Boat ride on Lake Pichola

This morning is at leisure to enjoy your hotel surroundings before transferring to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You might choose to take a relaxed stroll through Connaught Place, browse the boutiques of Khan Market, or simply rest at your hotel ahead of your departure tomorrow. Tonight is at your leisure to enjoy a final dinner of your choice. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your flight documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour leader. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg, and one 7kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be escorted.

Today marks the end of your North India adventure. We hope you leave with vivid memories of sunrise on the Ganges, the marble glow of the Taj Mahal, the colour of Rajasthan's palaces and the warmth of the people you have met along the way. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward connecting flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.