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 Holiday Inn is located on the border between New Delhi and Noida, less than 500 m from a metro station; Connaught Place, Akshardham Temple and Humayun’s Tomb are within easy reach. There is an outdoor infinity pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, Café on 3 with Indian and international cuisine, the pan-Asian restaurant The Noble House, a bar and 24-hour room service. The spacious rooms have Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, coffee making facilities, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning and a work desk.

After a hearty breakfast you leave Delhi’s busy streets behind and drive to the Shekhawati region. You quickly notice that different standards apply in India: traffic is lively, roads are often very busy and even short distances take longer – but the journey offers plenty of fascinating insights into everyday life. In the afternoon you check into your heritage hotel in Nawalgarh. You then discover the world of the havelis: lavishly painted merchants’ houses whose decorated façades and windows make the area feel like an open-air gallery and tell of the region’s rich history. You then meet local artisans who show you their traditional techniques. In the early evening you stroll through the market where traders, craftspeople and residents go about their daily lives – if you get chatting with the traders, your tour guide is happy to translate. You end the day at your historic heritage hotel. 1 night in Nawalgarh. (B) (Distance: approx. 260 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

On the way to Bikaner you stop in Fatehpur, which is also known for its ornately decorated havelis. On a walk you discover more of these merchants’ houses, whose façades bear witness to the region’s former importance as a trading centre. After a short lunch break you visit the Karni Mata Temple, home to some unusual residents: rats! Hygiene conditions may take some getting used to, but the animals are highly revered by the Hindu priests and pilgrims. Look out for the rare white rats – they are said to bring good luck. You then continue to the only state-run camel farm on the edge of the Thar Desert. Here you see the desert animals up close and learn more about their importance for the region’s culture and economy. Afterwards you check into your accommodation in Bikaner; the evening is yours. 1 night in Bikaner. (B) (Distance: approx. 230 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

Thanks to its location on a caravan route through the Thar Desert, Bikaner has an important past. Junagarh Fort, which you explore in the morning, bears witness to it: the extensive fortress is one of the best-preserved forts in Rajasthan, and its palaces, courtyards and decorations give an impression of the lives of its former rulers. The following drive is one of the longer stages of the trip. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, with small settlements alternating with open desert. Sit back, watch life by the roadside or chat with your fellow travellers. Several breaks liven up the journey – often with small shops selling spices and souvenirs, or simply with a cup of chai. Finally the golden sandstone fortress of Jaisalmer appears on the horizon, a living monument to long-gone desert kingdoms. 2 nights in Jaisalmer. (B) (Distance: approx. 330 km; driving time: approx. 7 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Meri Haveli in Jaisalmer combines the character of a traditional Rajasthani haveli with the comfort of a modern boutique hotel. The family-run house has nine rooms and a restaurant serving Rajasthani cuisine, as well as a terrace with panoramic views of Jaisalmer Fort. Rooms have a king-size bed, free Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with shower.

Jaisalmer rose to become an important trading centre as early as the 12th century. In the morning you visit the imposing fort that has towered over the city since the 12th century. Unlike many other forts in India, it is still inhabited today: behind its walls are homes, small shops, cafés and temples. You then get to know some of the famous havelis. The delicate stonework and elaborately designed façades of these merchants’ houses bear witness to the former wealth of the traders who profited from the caravan trade through the desert. After the lunch break you head to the sand dunes of Sam in the afternoon. On a short camel ride you experience the vastness of the Thar Desert from a new perspective and watch the colours of the dunes change. To end the day, you enjoy the view over the dunes with tea or coffee and small traditional snacks as the sun slowly sets. (B)

Today you continue to Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan. For long stretches the landscape is dry and barren, but time and again you pass villages and fields that give insights into rural life. In the afternoon you reach the “Blue City”, named after the characteristic colour of many of its houses, and visit Mehrangarh Fort. The fortress rises on a rock high above the city; from here you look far out over the winding lanes. In the evening the bazaars come to life. With your tour guide you stroll through a sea of exotic goods and tempting aromas, discovering local crafts and culinary specialities. You return to the hotel by tuk-tuk, a small three-wheeled auto-rickshaw – right through Jodhpur by night. 1 night in Jodhpur. (B) (Distance: approx. 270 km; driving time: approx. 5.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Vega by The Ozone Hotels is centrally located in Jodhpur’s business district; Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace are in the wider area. The hotel has a restaurant serving international and regional cuisine, a bar, an indoor pool and a fitness and spa area (partly for a fee). The modern rooms have TV, fridge or minibar and free Wi-Fi.

Today is a day full of spiritual discoveries. Your first stop is the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur, one of the most important Jain sanctuaries in India. The white marble complex dates from the 15th century and is famous for its 1,444 intricately carved pillars, no two of which are exactly alike. On site you receive an introduction to the religion of Jainism and learn more about its rituals and the meaning and symbolism of the temple. Let the peaceful atmosphere of this holy place sink in. You then drive through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur, which lies on Lake Pichola and is considered one of the most atmospheric cities in Rajasthan. In the afternoon you reach your accommodation and have time to settle in. 2 nights in Udaipur. (B) (Distance: approx. 260 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Vasant Vilas heritage boutique hotel is located in the heart of Udaipur, around 4 km from Lake Pichola and the adjacent old town. There is a pool for relaxing. The rooms combine traditional charm with modern comfort and have air conditioning, TV, minibar and a spacious bathroom.

Udaipur is known for its romantic atmosphere: temples, palaces and its idyllic setting on Lake Pichola make it one of the most beautiful places in Rajasthan. The day begins at the Jagdish Temple, one of the city’s most important Hindu temples and still a living place of worship. You then stroll with your small group through the winding lanes and visit the City Palace. The vast complex was extended over centuries and bears witness to the wealth and influence of the Mewar ruling family; time and again you get views of the old town and the lake. After a short lunch break you explore the bazaars with your tour guide, full of crafts, spices and textiles – things are a little more relaxed here than in the big cities, but there is still plenty of hustle and bustle. In the evening – depending on the water level – you take a boat trip of about an hour on Lake Pichola and enjoy the sunset over the water. (B)

Early in the morning you set off for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The drive is one of the longer stages and leads through the state’s varied landscapes; you make several breaks along the way. In the late afternoon a rickshaw ride gives you a first impression of the “Pink City”, whose old town with its pink façades is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You then visit the white marble Hindu temple of Lakshmi Narayan; with a bit of luck you witness a traditional prayer ceremony. You then dive into the world of chai at a colourful market: you learn how the spiced tea is properly prepared – and of course you taste it too. On the way to your accommodation you pass the famous Bollywood cinema Raj Mandir, whose striking architecture has made it one of the city’s landmarks for decades. If time allows, you take a look inside together, or you can attend a screening on your own in the evening – your tour guide will be glad to help. 2 nights in Jaipur. (B) (Distance: approx. 395 km; driving time: approx. 6.5 hrs)

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 and can look forward to the wildlife and nature of the coming days with your fellow travellers on the way. After a hearty lunch at your accommodation, you walk through a nearby village and experience the everyday life of its families first-hand: children play in the street while parents do the washing or come home from the fields. Your tour guide tells you about rural life, farming and social structures in rural India, and over a cup of tea you get chatting with the villagers. You walk back to your accommodation, where you round off the day with dinner together. 2 nights in Ranthambhore. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Raj Palace Resort is located in Sawai Madhopur, outside Ranthambhore National Park. In your free time you can relax by the outdoor pool; the restaurant offers regional dishes and a varied buffet. The traditionally furnished rooms have air conditioning, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with shower.

With the first rays of sunshine you set off on safari: in an open-top canter, a safari minibus with several rows of seats, you drive through the national park. With a bit of luck you see monkeys, antelopes, deer and even leopards; 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 your leisure. The rest of the day is yours: relax by the pool and in the extensive gardens – lunch together at the hotel is included. After the culture-packed days in Rajasthan’s cities, this day deliberately gives you time to catch your breath. In the evening you meet for dinner together. (B/L/D)

Today you continue to Agra. Enjoy the minibus ride chatting with your fellow travellers or watching the scenery go by. 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 the evening you reach Agra, check into your accommodation and can settle in with a first walk around the area. 2 nights in Agra. (B) (Distance: approx. 300 km; driving time: approx. 7 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Golden Tulip is conveniently located near Agra’s main sights such as the Taj Mahal. It has a restaurant serving international and local breakfast, a wellness and spa area and a roof terrace with pool and fine views. Rooms have a private bathroom, safe, air conditioning, TV and minibar.

Your day begins at Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage). For a long time the impressive red sandstone fortress was the residence of the Mughal rulers; behind its walls lie courtyards, palaces and ornate buildings. You then have free time to enjoy your accommodation or explore the area on your own. In the late afternoon you go together to the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage) to experience the sunset there. 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. The changing evening light makes the white marble look different again and again – take your time to stroll through the gardens. (B)

Early in the morning 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; breakfast is served on the train. 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 full of palaces and temples. You visit the Jahangir Mahal, the Raj Mahal and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, among others, partly on foot, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lovely views of the palace and temple complexes. After a short lunch break you drive through rural central India to Khajuraho, which you reach in the evening – a quiet little town and a pleasant contrast to the lively cities of the tour. 1 night in Khajuraho. (B) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Bundela Resort is quietly located in Khajuraho, surrounded by gardens. It has a restaurant and bar serving local and international food and drinks, and a boutique. The rooms, decorated in earthy tones, have air conditioning, private bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and a desk.

In the morning you visit the temples of Khajuraho (UNESCO World Heritage), among the most important temple complexes in India. Of the original 85 or so temples, just over 20 survive today. With your tour guide you explore the western and eastern groups of temples, famous for their architecture and detailed stone carvings from the 10th to 12th centuries – including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Shiva and regarded as a masterpiece of northern Indian temple architecture. You then fly to Varanasi in around an hour and are taken to your hotel, where you can freshen up. In the late afternoon you go down to the banks of the Ganges to experience a traditional Aarti ceremony, attended daily by the faithful, pilgrims and visitors: the chanting of the Brahmins, the ringing of bells and the shimmering lights on the water give you a powerful first impression of the city that many Hindus consider the holiest in India. 2 nights in Varanasi. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Hotel Meera Palace is located in the Tulsipur district of Varanasi, near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and is a quiet base for exploring the temples and ghats. It has 43 rooms, three restaurants serving traditional and contemporary cuisine, free Wi-Fi and a lift. Rooms have a double bed, private bathroom, desk, air conditioning, seating area and tea and coffee facilities.

Today starts early: at sunrise you set off on a boat trip on the Ganges. From the water you admire the ghats and former palaces of Varanasi in the soft morning light, while many of the faithful are already performing their morning rituals on the banks. After breakfast at your accommodation 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 at the Dhamekh Stupa you learn more about the origins of Buddhism. After some time to relax, in the early evening you visit a local market, where the city shows a completely different side than on the Ganges: loud, lively and full of everyday life. At a farewell dinner together in a local restaurant you look back on the past weeks – from the lanes of Delhi and the palaces of Rajasthan to the holy banks of the Ganges. (B/D)

After breakfast the morning is yours: stroll once more through the streets of Varanasi or enjoy your last hours in one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. In due course you are taken to the airport, fly to Delhi in around 1.5 hours and are taken to your accommodation. 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 Holiday Inn is located on the border between New Delhi and Noida, less than 500 m from a metro station; Connaught Place, Akshardham Temple and Humayun’s Tomb are within easy reach. There is an outdoor infinity pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, Café on 3 with Indian and international cuisine, the pan-Asian restaurant The Noble House, a bar and 24-hour room service. The spacious rooms have Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, coffee making facilities, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning and a work desk.

Namaste, India! In due course you are taken to the airport and fly back home, arriving the same day. (B)