India

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to our hotel.

After a leisurely morning with a welcome orientation and our first lecture, enjoy lunch at the hotel before setting out for Old Delhi, seat of power for Mughal India in the 12th century. See the Red Fort; Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque; and India Gate, built in 1931 to commemorate soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Next, take an exciting rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the historic market district with its colorful bazaars and narrow lanes. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel.

Continue exploring Delhi with a visit to Qutub Minar, a complex whose structures include an ancient, elaborately carved 12th-century minaret and Gandhi Smriti, the sacred site where Mahatma Gandhi died in 1948 and is today a national memorial and museum commemorating his legacy. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Humayun's Tomb, the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Humayun that was commissioned by his wife in 1569–70 and serves as the first Persian-style garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Return to our hotel for dinner this evening.

Journey to Agra, arriving in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most enduring symbols. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this pure-white marble mausoleum is arguably the finest example of Mughal architecture, which combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Ottoman, and Indian styles.

Rise early and return to the Taj Mahal to experience sunrise over one of the world’s great architectural triumphs. After breakfast, explore Agra Fort, a palatial Mughal-era military complex, and one of the best-preserved forts in India. This afternoon, visit the tomb of Itmad-Ud Daulah, a jewel-box structure referred to as the “Baby Taj.” Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure or opt to visit a marble-inlay workshop to see how artisans employ the same techniques that were used to decorate the Taj Mahal.

Depart for Gwalior this morning. Along the way, stop in Dholpur, situated on the banks of the Chambal River, to see the ancient temples of Machkund. After lunch, continue to Gwalior and check in to our hotel.

Embark on a full-day excursion to see the temples and forts surrounding Gwalior. We start with Bateshwar, an immense complex of 200 temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti, representing the three major traditions within Hinduism. After lunch, venture to nearby Mitawali, where we climb nearly 100 steps to reach the Chausath Yogini Temple and take in spectacular views of the lush countryside. Continue to Padavali to see the 18th-century fortress built by the Jat Ranas rulers of Dhaulpur. Graciously guarded by a lion and lioness, the fort contains a 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

This morning, spend time exploring the ancient temples, palace structures, and lawns of the sprawling Gwalior Fort, one of the oldest and most famous fortresses in India. Built into the basalt hillside, the fort also houses Jain rock-cut sculptures carved in caves and niches in the steep cliff below the fortress wall. After returning to the hotel for lunch, enjoy an afternoon visit to Jai Vilas Palace. Built in 1874 as a Western style residence for the Maharaja, a portion of the palace has been converted to a museum housing a rich collection of arms and armor, paintings by Indian and European masters, decorative art and furniture.

Transfer to the railway station for our ride to Jhansi. From there, drive to the sleepy town of Orchha, where we catch a glimpse of the rich collection of arts and crafts of the Bundela kings. After lunch, continue to Panna Tiger Reserve and check in to our hotel.

Set out by jeep for wildlife drives this morning and afternoon in search of animals such as the sloth bear, pangolin, Indian wolf, four-horned antelope, leopard, rusty spotted cat, gharial, chousingha, Indian fox, and the famed Bengal tiger. As we ride through deciduous forests and open grassland areas, keep an eye out for the more than 200 species of birds, including the white necked stork, blossom headed parakeet, and Indian scimitar babbler. Return to the hotel this evening for dinner.

Enjoy one last wildlife drive this morning before our journey to Khajuraho, the original capital of a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Visit the World Heritage-listed temples best known for their sexual and erotic art and intricate carvings depicting everyday activities of the time.

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Varanasi. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, this most holy city of Varanasi is sacred to Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Take in the colorful and chaotic atmosphere of the city and witness sadhus (wandering Hindu holy men) and pilgrims making offerings and cleansing themselves in the sacred waters of the Ganges, on the banks of which bodies are cremated at the base of special ghats (steps) designated for this purpose. Later this evening, travel by boat to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the Ganga Aarti ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells and traditional Hindu instruments to honor the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.

Arise early this morning and return to the Ganges River to visit various ghats by boat. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then embark on a city tour to see Bharat Mata Temple and Banaras Hindu University. Visit the local bazaar to peruse the stalls selling silk, muslin, perfumes, and local handicrafts. After lunch, drive to nearby Sarnath, where we explore the ruins of the Dhamek Stupa, part of a monastery complex built more than 2,000 years ago. Gather this evening for a farewell reception and dinner in our hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. The remainder of the day is free for independent pursuits. Enjoy one final dinner together before returning to the airport for flights departing after midnight.

In the early hours of the morning, board flights returning home.