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 round off the day with a dinner together. 1 night in Delhi. (D)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Welcomhotel by ITC is located in the centre of Dwarka, a suburb of Delhi. Besides a pool and a fitness centre there are three restaurants: the 24-hour “Pavilion 75” with Indian and international cuisine, “K & K” with Indian dishes and a green terrace, and the “Shanghai Club” serving Chinese cuisine. The 390 modern rooms have shower/WC, TV, minibar and safe.

After a relaxed breakfast you are taken to the airport and fly in around 1.5 hours to the colourful city of Varanasi. On arrival you go to your hotel, where you can freshen up. The afternoon is yours: relax at your accommodation or stroll through the streets. Varanasi is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is one of Hinduism’s most important places of pilgrimage. In the evening you experience the nightlife of the holy city with your fellow travellers. A cycle rickshaw takes you to the ghats on the Ganges – the ride itself offers fascinating glimpses of everyday life. On the riverbank you attend a traditional Aarti ceremony: the chanting of the Brahmins, the ringing of bells and the shimmering lights on the water create an atmosphere that will sweep you away. Afterwards you return to your accommodation. 2 nights in Varanasi. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Hotel Madin is located in Varanasi on the banks of the Varuna. It has a rooftop pool with views over the city, a fitness centre, a spa area, two restaurants serving Indian cuisine, a café and the “X-Factor” bar. The modern rooms have a bathroom, TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, safe and desk.

Today starts early: at sunrise you set off on a boat trip on the Ganges. From the water you admire the ghats and the former palaces of Varanasi in the soft morning light, while many of the faithful are already performing their morning rituals on the banks – in these early hours Varanasi shows a particularly authentic side. You then explore the old town on foot, a maze of narrow lanes full of temples, small shops, homes and street stalls. You visit the 18th-century Durga Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the same name. Because of the many monkeys roaming freely around the complex, it is also known as the “Monkey Temple” – so stay alert! By minibus you continue to the Bharat Mata Mandir, the “Mother India Temple”, and to the Vishwanath Temple, one of the city’s most visited Hindu temples. As the interior is reserved for Hindus, you see it from outside while your tour guide explains its religious significance. After breakfast at your accommodation you make an excursion to Sarnath, about half an hour away and one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is here that the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after his enlightenment. At the Dhamekh Stupa you learn more about the origins of Buddhism and the importance of this place for believers from all over the world. In the afternoon you return to Varanasi and have time of your own or to relax. (B) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

Today you say goodbye to Varanasi and fly back to Delhi in around 1.5 hours, where your driver is already waiting. By minibus you continue towards Agra. You quickly notice that different standards apply in India: traffic is lively, roads are often very busy and even short distances take longer – but you get plenty of insights into everyday life along the way. A break gives you a chance to stretch your legs and have a snack. In the early evening you reach Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire, best known today for the Taj Mahal. After check-in, the evening is yours. 2 nights in Agra. (B) (Distance: approx. 210 km; driving time: approx. 4.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Grand Mercure is located in the heart of Agra, partly overlooking the Taj Mahal; sights, restaurants and cafés are within easy reach. The hotel has two Indian restaurants, a bar, a rooftop pool, a spa area and a fitness centre. Rooms – some with a view of the Taj Mahal – have shower/WC, TV, free Wi-Fi, safe and minibar.

Your day begins at 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 stroll with your tour guide through a traditional bazaar, watching the lively bustle or picking up a souvenir or two – your tour guide is happy to help if there are language barriers. Afterwards you have free time to explore the area on your own. In the late afternoon you meet up again and 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 extraordinary mausoleum, which Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had built for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Especially in the late afternoon and towards evening, the changing light makes the white marble look different again and again – take your time to stroll through the gardens and let the sight sink in. (B)

Today you head towards Ranthambhore National Park, where nature awaits. Sit back, watch life by the roadside or chat with your fellow travellers. On the way you stop in Abhaneri at one of India’s most impressive stepwells: Chand Baori was built in the 9th century and is one of the largest and best-preserved structures of its kind. Thousands of symmetrically arranged steps lead down into the depths. Your tour guide tells you the story of this masterpiece, which for centuries served as a water reservoir and meeting place for the villagers. In the early evening you reach Ranthambhore. The national park is one of India’s best-known protected areas and is famous above all for its Bengal tigers. After check-in you have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before getting in the mood for the safaris at dinner together. 2 nights in Ranthambhore. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 300 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Ranthambore Heritage Haveli is located close to Ranthambhore National Park. With its palace-like façade, lush trees and a lovely garden with outdoor pool, it is an idyllic place to relax. The restaurant serves Rajasthani and international dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The inviting rooms are furnished in traditional Rajasthani style.

Today is all about wildlife watching. With the first rays of sunshine you set off on a 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 your leisure and can make use of the hotel’s facilities. In the afternoon you head into the national park again. With the changing light, different animals often appear than in the morning, and the low sun bathes the landscape in warm colours. After around 3.5 hours you return and look back on the day’s experiences at dinner together. (B/L/D)

In the morning you drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Passing agricultural regions, you gain insights into life away from the big cities. After arriving in the early afternoon you first rest at your accommodation. You then visit the white marble Lakshmi Narayan Temple, one of Jaipur’s best-known Hindu temples. With a bit of luck you witness a traditional prayer ceremony. At a colourful market you then dive into the world of chai: you learn how the spiced tea is properly prepared – and of course you taste it too. On the way back you pass the famous Bollywood cinema Raj Mandir; if time allows you take a look inside, or you can attend a screening on your own in the evening – your tour guide will be glad to help. The evening is yours. 2 nights in Jaipur. (B) (Distance: approx. 180 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Sarovar Premiere is located in the heart of Jaipur, close to the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and the bazaars. There is a pool, a fitness centre, a bar and a restaurant serving international cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the garden. The tastefully furnished standard rooms have a private bathroom.

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)

Today you drive to Jodhpur. The journey is one of the longer stages, but leads through different regions of northern India and shows you life away from the well-known sights. Several breaks and a longer lunch stop liven up the journey – often with small shops selling spices and souvenirs, or simply with a cup of chai. In the afternoon you reach Jodhpur, the “Blue City”. According to tradition, originally only priests were allowed to paint their houses light blue, but over time more and more residents followed suit – today the blue façades are the city’s trademark. The rest of the day is yours. 2 nights in Jodhpur. (B) (Distance: approx. 350 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Amritara Manak Haveli in Jodhpur combines traditional charm with modern comfort. It is quietly located yet well connected; the spacious outdoor areas such as the roof terrace are a particular highlight. The restaurant serves regional and international specialities, and the stylish rooms are decorated with warm colours and traditional elements.

Today you get to know Jodhpur better. In the morning you visit the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, which towers on a rock above the city. Your tour guide introduces you to the history of the former rulers of Marwar, and you explore the vast complex with its palaces, courtyards and viewpoints over the blue rooftops. You then visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble mausoleum built at the end of the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh in honour of his father Jaswant Singh II. The delicate stonework, the peaceful garden and the setting by a small lake form a lovely contrast to the busy city. After a leisurely lunch break you stroll through the bazaars with your tour guide – through a sea of exotic goods and tempting aromas. You return to your accommodation by tuk-tuk, a small three-wheeled auto-rickshaw, right through Jodhpur in the evening. (B)

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

With its traditional cityscape and delicate temples and palaces, Udaipur is considered one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. In the morning you visit the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, one of Udaipur’s most important Hindu temples, with artfully designed façades and sculptures. You then stroll with your small group through the winding lanes to the City Palace: balconies, towers, domes and marble arches bear witness to former wealth, and the vast complex – one of the largest of its kind in Rajasthan – offers lovely views of the old town and the lake. Next comes the Saheliyon-ki-Bari garden, laid out in the 18th century for the ladies of the court, whose fountains, pools and shady paths invite you to catch your breath. At the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal puppet museum you gain insights into the folk art of Rajasthan – besides puppets, costumes, musical instruments and masks from various regions of India are on display. 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)

Your journey slowly draws to a close. In the morning you fly back to Delhi in around 1.5 hours and are taken to your accommodation. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish: reflect on your experiences, buy last souvenirs or take one more walk through the capital. In the evening the group gets together one last time for a farewell dinner – from the lanes of Delhi and the palaces of Rajasthan to the holy banks of the Ganges, there is plenty to talk about. 1 night in Delhi. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Welcomhotel by ITC is located in the centre of Dwarka, a suburb of Delhi. Besides a pool and a fitness centre there are three restaurants: the 24-hour “Pavilion 75” with Indian and international cuisine, “K & K” with Indian dishes and a green terrace, and the “Shanghai Club” serving Chinese cuisine. The 390 modern rooms have shower/WC, TV, minibar and safe.

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