Insight Vacations 12D Classical India with Nepal

• Visit Sacred Swayambhunath and Dubar Square in Kathmandu, Tomb of the Emperor Humayun, Flower Market, Spice market and Amber Fort in Jaipur, Taj Mahal in Agra, Sarnath in Varanasi
• City tours of Kathmandu, Dehli, Jaipur and Varanasi.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO KATHMANDU
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel.  At 17:00 meet your Travel Director, before moving on to Thamel for a rickshaw ride and head to a local restaurant for a Welcome Reception, drinks and dinner. (Dinner)

DAY 2: KATHMANDU THE CITY OF BEAUTY
Start with a morning visit to Kathmandu City. See the tranquil Swayambhunath temple. Later, stop in Patan, the third largest city in Nepal, where you will enjoy an included lunch. Explore this pretty city with a Local Expert in the afternoon. Highlights include the Golden Temple, Durbar Square and Mul Chowk. Indulge on local flavours in the evening as you enjoy dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: KATHMANDU'S SPIRITUAL HISTORY
Delve into Kathmandu's spiritual history in the morning. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, before taking in the impressive Boudhanath stupa. Next you'll head to the city of Bhadgaon, before visiting a local pottery workshop where a local craftsman will provide a demonstration. In the evening head to an inspirational talk by a woman who summited the Earth's highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest. (Breakfast)

DAY 4: ON TO VIBRANT DELHI
Head to the airport for your flight to Delhi, India. On arrival, you'll be taken to your modern contemporary hotel. Later join your group and Travel Director for a trip to Akshardham Temple. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this Hindu temple is also a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, ask your Travel Director for recommendations on where to explore, or perhaps relax at your hotel's spa. (Breakfast)

DAY 5: RELAXED START | EXPLORING NEW AND OLD DELHI
This morning, head on an exciting sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi. Drive past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. In the afternoon visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, a place preparing and serving free vegetarian meals to those in need. Later, drive past the President Palace, India gate and Parliament House, before ending the day with a tour of Humayun's Tomb. (Breakfast)

DAY 6:  RELAXED START | THE PINK CITY
Move on to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City. Enjoy a visit to the Heritage Transport Museum in Haryana, a fascinating showcase of the evolution of transport in India, with an included lunch. Later, join your Travel Director for an evening visit at a flower and spice market. For dinner you'll dine at the esteemed Dera Amer. Situated in the wilderness close to Jaipur, this outdoor dining experience truly connects you to nature. With elephants roaming free on its land, the venue's primary purpose is to maintain an area of natural beauty. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: DELVE INTO JAIPUR
Ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerise with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Experience India's spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Jaipur and see the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8: JAIPUR TO AGRA
In the morning depart for Agra, home to the illustrious Taj Mahal. Along the way stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Agra, the evening is yours at leisure. Why not make the most of the amenities at your hotel, Jaypee Palace? Home to a spa, salon and fitness centre, unwind before tomorrow's adventure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 9: THE TAJ MAHAL
Wake early for a visit to the Taj Mahal to see the monument in its best light. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Next, visit Agra Fort, the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. The historic fort is made up of a number of impressive buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal or “glass palace” and the The Muthamman Burj. Catch up with your fellow travellers over dinner at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10: ON TO VARANASI
Take a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. In the evening participate in an Aarti on the ghats, where you'll offer prayers to the Ganges river. This spiritual ceremony is performed daily to honour the River Goddess Ganga. (Breakfast)

DAY 11: THE HOLY CITY OF VARANASI
Wake early for a sunrise boat cruise on Ganges River, followed by a visit to an Akhara. Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading on a tour of Varanasi. See the Sarnath, a sacred deer park where Guatama Buddha first taught the Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence through Kondanna's enlightenment. Later, enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12: LEAVE VARANASI FOR DELHI
End your trip with a relaxing early morning yoga session at your hotel before breakfast. Transfer to the airport and head back to Delhi before your onward flights. Please do not schedule flights before 9pm. (Breakfast)

Insight Experiences

• Kathmandu: Head to an inspirational talk by women who summited the Earth's highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest. 
• Visit a pottery workshop in Kathmandu, Aarti chanting ceremony on the Ganges River.

Authentic Dining:

• Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu
• Dinner at a Dera Amer in Jaipur
• Lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur
• Celebration Dinner in Varanasi