Your journey begins with the overnight flight to Delhi.

Welcome to Delhi! On arrival you are met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Depending on availability, you can move into your room straight away or freshen up first. If you arrive before 3 a.m., an extra hotel night is included. You then take the metro to Old Delhi – on the way you already get a first impression of everyday life in this metropolis of millions. From Chandni Chowk station you explore the historic heart of Delhi on foot: narrow lanes, small shops, street vendors, women in colourful saris and rattling auto-rickshaws. Your tour guide tells you stories and background about the capital, and the deeper you venture into the maze of lanes, the fewer travellers you meet. Along the way you also make a photo stop at the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. You then climb into a cycle rickshaw and ride to the Red Fort, which you see from the outside. After a short lunch break you head to spacious New Delhi: among other things you visit the Mahatma Gandhi statue and pass India Gate and the government buildings – the contrast to the lanes of Old Delhi could hardly be greater. At the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple you learn about Sikhism. Like the faithful, you cover your head and wash your hands and feet before entering the courtyard and the inner temple area with its spiritual chants. Your tour guide then shows you the huge dining hall where all worshippers and visitors receive a free meal – an impressive insight into the values and hospitality of this religion. At golden hour a spectacular photo opportunity awaits: the Qutb Minar (UNESCO World Heritage), a victory tower begun at the end of the 12th century. Afterwards you return to your accommodation and can reflect on the impressions of your first day at leisure. 1 night in Delhi.

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Le Méridien is centrally located in New Delhi, and its calm, stylish atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat. For dining you can choose between international classics at “The One”, modern Indian cuisine at “eau de Monsoon” and Asian specialities with city views at “Le Belvedere”, plus a lounge and a bar on the 20th floor. An outdoor pool, fitness and spa areas provide relaxation. The elegant, bright rooms have air conditioning, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

After a hearty breakfast you drive to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Passing agricultural regions, you get a first glimpse of life away from the big cities – and quickly notice that different standards apply in India: traffic is lively and even short distances take longer. In the afternoon you reach the “Pink City”, which combines royal history with lively city life. After checking into your 5-star hotel you have time for yourself: relax in the spa or cool off in the infinity pool overlooking the Aravalli Hills. In the evening a dinner together awaits you at the renowned Jamavar restaurant in the Leela Palace – a delightful start to your days in Rajasthan. 2 nights in Jaipur. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 265 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Taj Amer lies on the outskirts of Jaipur at the foot of the Aravalli Hills, just a few minutes’ drive from Amber Fort, and combines traditional Rajasthani architecture with modern luxury. Restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and international cuisine, a lobby bar, an infinity pool with mountain views and a spa set in a tranquil garden with steam bath and fitness centre invite you to unwind. The rooms with high ceilings and warm colours have TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a desk.

Your day begins at Amber Fort, an imposing fortress high on a hill. With your tour guide you explore the former royal residence with its ornate decorations and its extensive grounds. Back in the old town you pass the City Palace and make a photo stop at the “Palace of the Winds”, whose elaborate façade is one of Jaipur’s best-known landmarks. You continue on foot to the Jantar Mantar observatory (UNESCO World Heritage), where you learn more about astronomy and the importance of horoscopes in Indian culture. Afterwards you stroll through the colourful bazaars of the old town. To finish, you drive up to Nahargarh Fort in the Aravalli Hills above the city. Over a cup of tea or coffee you enjoy the panoramic view of Jaipur as the sun slowly sets. Back at your accommodation you can round off the day with a refreshing drink. (B)

In the morning you head towards Ranthambhore National Park. On the way you can look forward to the wildlife and nature of the coming days with your fellow travellers. In Ranthambhore you check into your 5-star resort and have the rest of the day free – in the spacious spa and wellness area or by the outdoor pool. In the evening you meet for dinner together. 2 nights in Ranthambhore. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Built in the style of a stately fortress, The Tigress Resort & Spa is located in the quiet village of Khilchipur, just a few kilometres from Ranthambhore National Park. The restaurant serves Indian and international dishes; there is also a bar, a pool bar, an outdoor pool, a spa and a fitness area. The elegant rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and desk.

With the first rays of sunshine you set off on a jeep safari: with a bit of luck you see monkeys, antelopes, deer and even leopards in their natural habitat. On the bumpy tracks keep your eyes peeled for the park’s star, the Bengal tiger, while countless colourful birds provide the soundtrack. After the safari of around 3.5 hours you enjoy breakfast at the hotel at your leisure and can make use of the resort’s facilities. In the late afternoon you walk through a nearby village and meet families far from the big cities. Your tour guide tells you about rural life, farming and social structures in rural India. Over tea in the courtyard of a family home you get chatting with the villagers. You walk back to the hotel, where you round off the day with dinner together. (B/L/D)

Today you drive to Agra. Use the journey in the comfortable minibus to chat with your fellow travellers or watch the scenery. Several breaks liven up the drive – often with small shops selling spices and souvenirs, or simply with a cup of chai. On the way you stop in Abhaneri at the famous Chand Baori stepwell: with its geometrically arranged steps it is one of India’s most impressive historic water structures and served for centuries as a reservoir and meeting place. In Agra you check into your 5-star hotel and end the evening at the infinity pool with a view of the Taj Mahal. 2 nights in Agra. (B) (Distance: approx. 300 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Taj Agra is only about two kilometres from the Taj Mahal; from the rooftop infinity pool you enjoy a breathtaking view of the mausoleum. Restaurants such as Daawat-e-Nawab and Palato, the Liquid Lounge, a tea lounge, a pool bar, two outdoor pools, a gym and a spa offer plenty of variety. The stylish rooms have air conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

After a leisurely breakfast you visit Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage). For a long time the mighty red sandstone fortress was the residence of the Mughal emperors; behind its walls lie courtyards, palaces and ornate buildings that tell of the empire’s eventful history. You then have free time to enjoy your hotel’s facilities or explore the area on your own. In the late afternoon you go together to the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage). With your tour guide you explore the extensive complex and learn more about the history, architecture and craftsmanship of this mausoleum, which Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had built for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Towards evening the changing light makes the white marble look different again and again – take your time to stroll through the gardens. Afterwards you experience Agra’s evening bustle on a stroll through a local market before returning to the hotel. (B)

Today you get to know another typical means of transport in India: in an air-conditioned compartment you travel by train to Jhansi in around 2.5 hours. Perhaps you will get chatting with Indian fellow passengers – your tour guide is happy to help with language barriers. From Jhansi you continue by minibus to Orchha, a medieval town with an important past, whose palaces, temples and domed buildings still shape the townscape today. After arriving at your hotel and a short lunch break, you discover Orchha with your tour guide. Among other sights you visit the Jahangir Mahal, the Raj Mahal and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which bear witness to the former importance of the Bundela rulers. Between the sights you walk short distances and experience the quiet life of the small town – a lovely contrast to the big cities of recent days. You end the evening at the hotel, for example in the restaurant serving Indian cuisine and specialities of the Bundelkhand region. 1 night in Orchha. (B) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Raj Vilas The Palace in Orchha exudes the charm of a historic palace and is just a few minutes’ drive from Orchha Fort and the Chaturbhuj and Ram Raja temples. The restaurant combines Indian cuisine with Bundeli specialities; there is also a bar and lounge, a spa with Ayurvedic treatments, an outdoor pool and well-kept gardens. Rooms have air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom.

After breakfast you drive by minibus to Khajuraho, passing small villages and fields of central India, and reach your destination around midday. The temples of Khajuraho are among the most important temple complexes in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of the original 85 or so temples, just over 20 survive today. In the afternoon you explore the western and eastern groups of temples with your tour guide, famous for their architecture and detailed stone carvings from the 10th to 12th centuries. One of the best-known buildings is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Shiva and regarded as a masterpiece of northern Indian temple architecture. Afterwards there is time to explore the temples, set among gardens, on your own. You can then stroll through the small town or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your hotel with a drink at the bar. 1 night in Khajuraho. (B) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Radisson Hotel Jass is only a few minutes from the temples of Khajuraho. The Temple Café serves regional and international dishes and a breakfast buffet, the Temple Bar offers wines and cocktails, and there is an outdoor pool, a spa and a fitness centre. The modern rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a bathroom with shower or bathtub and bathrobes.

After breakfast you fly to Varanasi in around an hour. Hardly any place in India is as lively and spiritual as the ghats on the Ganges: for centuries the faithful have come here to pray, perform rituals or bid farewell to the dead – religion and everyday life exist side by side. In what is probably India’s holiest city you are taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours: settle in at your leisure and perhaps make use of the hotel’s steam bath. In the evening you take a first walk through the bazaar. Among small shops, spice stalls and street kitchens you gather first impressions and perhaps discover lanes you would like to explore further the next day. 2 nights in Varanasi. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The modern Radisson Varanasi is centrally located in the Cantonment district, a few minutes from shopping and cultural sights. There are restaurants with regional and international cuisine, a lounge bar, a coffee shop, an outdoor pool, a spa with steam bath and a fitness centre. The contemporary rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and a modern bathroom with shower.

Today is an early start: at sunrise you set off on a boat trip on the Ganges. As the city wakes up, the ghats and former palaces of Varanasi glide past in the soft morning light, while on the banks pilgrims devoutly perform their morning rituals – an experience you will never forget. You then explore the old town on foot, a maze of narrow lanes full of temples, shops and street stalls. Among other things you see the Vishwanath Temple, also called the “Golden Temple” because of its gilded spires and dedicated to Shiva as “Lord of the Universe”. As the interior is reserved for Hindus, you see it from outside while your tour guide explains its significance. After breakfast at the hotel you drive to Sarnath, about half an hour away and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is here that the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after his enlightenment, and you learn more about the history of Buddhism. After some time to relax, in the early evening you ride by cycle rickshaw to the ghats and experience a traditional Aarti ceremony: the chanting of the Brahmins, the ringing of bells and the shimmering lights on the water create an incomparable atmosphere. Afterwards you look back on the trip at a farewell dinner together in a local restaurant. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

After a leisurely breakfast the morning is yours – for a last stroll through the old town or to watch life on the streets once more. In due course you are taken to the airport and fly back to Delhi in around 1.5 hours, where a transfer takes you to your hotel near the airport. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish. 1 night in Delhi. (B) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Pride Plaza Aerocity is located close to Delhi airport, making it ideal for your last night. Several restaurants and bars with international and Indian cuisine, an outdoor pool, a spa and a fitness centre help you relax before your journey home. The modern rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.

Today it’s time to say goodbye. In due course you are taken to the airport and fly from Delhi back home, arriving the same day. (B)