Iconic India

The adventure

Travel to the far-flung corners of India on this epic adventure. In the north, journey through Jaisalmer's desert, lose yourself in the electric bazaars of Jodhpur, witness pilgrims performing ancient ceremonies on the ghats of Varanasi and marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Then bask in the tropical southern climate, cruise along the Kerala Backwaters, come face-to-face with local customs in small rural towns, and laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa – India's idyllic holiday destination. Enjoy the freedom to be immersed in the diverse cultures of colourful, chaotic and enchanting India on this small-group adventure.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

India

Showing Days 1-7

37-day itinerary

Day 1DelhiNamaste and welcome to Delhi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare before the meeting, consider finding your feet with an Urban Adventure. The Hidden Gems of Delhi tour offers something a little different from the standard itinerary, taking you to sights most tourists never see.

Delhi

Namaste and welcome to Delhi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in Delhi with time to spare before the meeting, consider finding your feet with an Urban Adventure. The Hidden Gems of Delhi tour offers something a little different from the standard itinerary, taking you to sights most tourists never see.

Day 2Delhi – Overnight TrainThis morning set off by metro to Old Delhi to explore on a walking tour. Experience the chaos of an Indian traffic jam as you inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque, then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the religion. Tonight, transfer to the railway station and board an overnight train to Bikaner. Local vendors will board the train at various stops to sell snacks, but it’s advised that you bring some of your own food for the journey too.

Delhi

This morning set off by metro to Old Delhi to explore on a walking tour. Experience the chaos of an Indian traffic jam as you inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque, then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the religion. Tonight, transfer to the railway station and board an overnight train to Bikaner. Local vendors will board the train at various stops to sell snacks, but it’s advised that you bring some of your own food for the journey too.

Day 3Bikaner

Bikaner

Bikaner a city in Rajasthan still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. Upon arrival in Bikaner this morning, freshen up at your hotel and then head out on a walk with your leader through the old city. In the afternoon relax or opt to visit Junagarh Fort: Built in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Constructed in red sandstone and marble, it's courtyard, balconies and windows are a treat to the eye

Day 4Bikaner to JaisalmerAfter breakfast travel to Jaisalmer by train. On arrival, choose whether to relax or join the group on an optional trip to the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. This small museum displays a private family collection of printing blocks, musical instruments, religious artifacts, and decorations which offer insights into the cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.

Bikaner to Jaisalmer

After breakfast travel to Jaisalmer by train. On arrival, choose whether to relax or join the group on an optional trip to the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. This small museum displays a private family collection of printing blocks, musical instruments, religious artifacts, and decorations which offer insights into the cultural heritage of Jaisalmer.

Day 5JaisalmerEnjoy a free day to explore Jaisalmer. The city’s eponymous fort holds twisting alleys with markets where you can wander for hours. You can also find a series of Jain temples dating from the 15th and 16th centuries within the walls of the fort, and it’s easy to spend a few hours admiring their elaborate carvings. The opulent havelis (traditional Indian mansions) found throughout the city make another fine place to spend some time admiring the desert architecture.

Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to explore Jaisalmer. The city’s eponymous fort holds twisting alleys with markets where you can wander for hours. You can also find a series of Jain temples dating from the 15th and 16th centuries within the walls of the fort, and it’s easy to spend a few hours admiring their elaborate carvings. The opulent havelis (traditional Indian mansions) found throughout the city make another fine place to spend some time admiring the desert architecture.

Day 6Thar DesertToday drive by jeep to the Thar Desert. Meet your local guides, who will cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner with chapati, dal, rice and veggies while you sit back, relax and watch the sunset. Spend the night stargazing and sharing stories in this incredible setting.

Thar Desert

Today drive by jeep to the Thar Desert. Meet your local guides, who will cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner with chapati, dal, rice and veggies while you sit back, relax and watch the sunset. Spend the night stargazing and sharing stories in this incredible setting.

Day 7JodhpurRise early to enjoy the sunrise over the sand dunes. After a simple breakfast, take a private vehicle to the railway station and then a 6-hour train ride across the desert to the blue city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is home to some of the best lassis in India, so make sure you try one while you’re here.

Jodhpur

Rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the sand dunes. After a simple breakfast, take a private vehicle to the railway station and then a 6-hour train ride across the desert to the blue city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is home to some of the best lassis in India, so make sure you try one while you’re here.

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