9-Day Culinary and Cultural Heritage Tour of India

As you step off your plane in Indira Gandhi International Airport, the warm New Delhi wind will wrap around you like a cloak. India’s capital city is a storied destination that typifies the country’s colorful history yet brims with contemporary charm you will soon discover as you transfer to your accommodation tucked away in a bustling Delhi district. You may explore Delhi and acclimate to its unique energy epitomized by the thrillingly chaotic bazaars and taste-bud-tantalizing eateries dotting its decorated skyline.

Located in the heart of the city, the Red Fort’s massive red sandstone walls reflect the gravity of the Mughal dynasty’s former rule and introduce visitors to its empirical grandeur. The colossal feat of architecture marks the start of your city tour to the Raj Ghat site set within landscaped lawns and gushing fountains. The Agrasen ki Baoli reservoir is a mosaic of stones and rocks standing atop a staircase rising from the earth, and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a sacred place to stop off and uncover the country’s deep connection to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi.

Within the city of Agra lies India’s most iconic spiritual landmark, the Taj Mahal. Steeped in history and overflowing with cultural significance, the districts of Agra will usher you to India’s remarkable ancient architecture and revered UNESCO World Heritage sites from the moment you arrive and check into your accommodation. A romantic atmosphere born from the fables and stories of decades past sweeps the skyline surrounding your suite and will beckon you to the busy streets of Agra for a stroll around the neighborhood.

Before the sun rises, you will join your driver guide and set off to see the wonders of Agra. As you stand at the pictured water feature beneath the commanding white marble walls of the Taj Mahal, you will feel a deep connection to India’s legendary past. As one of the finest edifices of Mughal architecture, it comes as no surprise the Taj Mahal has been declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Your tour will continue to the elaborate facade and icon of Mughal heritage, the Agra Fort, before you arrive at the Islamic-inspired Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

Fatehpur Sikri is a red sandstone city founded in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Its fortified walls protected the King and his capital Empire for 15 years, and its Mughal architecture remains prominently on display despite his story being relegated to the history books. After your brief stop here during your transfer from Agra, you will continue to the Pink City, Jaipur. Bragging an iconic skyline dressed in pink, orange, red, and other hues, Jaipur reflects an enchanting ambiance that will seduce you as you enter its borders.

Today, your tour of Jaipur will begin as you ascend the serpentine staircases and wander through the labyrinth of passages connecting the glorious architecture of Amber Fort. Returning from the hilltop on which the Fort is perched, you will transfer through the city center to the phenomenal stone astronomical observatory known as Jantar Mantar. Built from stone and brass, this symbol of ancient astronomy is an awe-inspiring ode to the space seekers of bygone eras. Your tour will continue to the Hawa Mahal, a breathtaking palace where you will capture stunning photography before you partake in a Henna painting class.

Situated between the Ganges confluences with the Varuna and Assi streams, Varanasi is a dreamy riverside city shrouded in ancient Indian culture, philosophy, traditions, and spirituality. You will explore the Sapta Purses, meaning one of seven sacred cities of ancient India, city to the hidden Mother Goddess Kali shrines, and continue to the famed Dashashwamedh ritual bathing site. In the afternoon, your tour will conclude as you partake in a Ganga Aarti ritual along the Ganges River. During the traditional performance, Hindu priests carry lamps and sing songs in praise of Mother Ganga.

There are few better ways to admire the stunning spectacle that is Varanasi and its surroundings than during a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges river in which the sun envelops the region in golden light. Afterward, you will enjoy breakfast and begin a guided temple tour of the city’s sensational spiritual sites. The gold-capped spires of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the marbled map of the Bharat Mata Temple, the Goddess Durga idol in the Durga Temple, and the engraved walls of the Tulsi Manas Temple will be but a few highlights of your excursion.

You will wander down to your accommodation’s dining hall this morning to enjoy a hearty breakfast as Varanasi comes to life. From your table, you will hear the sounds of local chatter emerging from the streets as foreigners and locals gather in numbers en route to modest markets. You will watch as the world hustles on by in the busy districts of Varanasi and the fragrances of exquisite Indian dishes emanate from the city’s beloved eateries. Afterward, you will collect your things and transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.