1. DAY: ISTANBUL – DELHI 20:50
The great journey begins. Meeting with Ejder Turizm representatives at Istanbul Airport. Night journey to the heart of India with THY’s comfortable flight.
2. DAY: DELHI: LAYERS OF HISTORY
Arrival in Delhi with the first light of morning. After settling into the hotel and a short rest, we immerse ourselves in Delhi’s chaos and beauty. 05:15
Old Delhi: Visit to the massive Jama Masjid built by Shah Jahan, followed by a rickshaw tour through the spice-scented narrow streets of Chandni Chowk market.
New Delhi: Wide boulevards bearing traces of the British era, India Gate, and the Parliament Building.
Accommodation & Dinner: Delhi (4* Premium Hotel)
3. DAY: DELHI – JAIPUR: ENTERING THE PINK CITY
After breakfast, we depart by road to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state. Along the way, we witness rural life in India.
Evening: Free time in Jaipur’s famous textile and handicraft bazaars.
Accommodation & Dinner: Jaipur (4* Characteristic Hotel)
4. DAY: JAIPUR: THE SPLENDOR OF RAJASTHAN
Amber Fort: Ascend to this massive fort on the hill by elephants or jeeps like royalty. We will lose ourselves in the brilliance of the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).
Hawa Mahal: Photo stop in front of the "Palace of Winds," famous for its 953 windows.
City Palace & Jantar Mantar: We see the giant sundials and astronomical instruments on site.
Accommodation & Dinner: Jaipur
5. DAY: JAIPUR – ABHANERI – AGRA
Today our route leads us to the city of love.
Abhaneri: On the way, we see Chand Baori, a 8th-century stepwell with 3,500 steps. We witness an architectural marvel.
Arrival in Agra: Check-in at the hotel in the evening.
Accommodation & Dinner: Agra (4* Modern Hotel)
6. DAY: AGRA: THE WHITE MARBLE OF LOVE
At Sunrise at the Taj Mahal: As the first rays of the sun touch the white marble, we visit this masterpiece, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This monument of love, built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, will take your breath away.
Agra Fort: Explore the massive red fort, the residence of the Mughal emperors.
Accommodation & Dinner: Agra
7. DAY: AGRA – JHANSI – ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO
In the morning, we travel to Jhansi by high-speed train (Shatabdi Express).
Orchha: We tour the palaces and temples in this mysterious medieval town on the banks of the Betwa River.
Evening: Arrival in Khajuraho.
Accommodation & Dinner: Khajuraho (4* Garden Hotel)
8. DAY: KHAJURAHO – VARANASI (flight)
Khajuraho Temples: Together with our guide, we discover the world-famous stone carvings with erotic scenes in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Flight: In the afternoon, we take a short flight to Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital.
Accommodation & Dinner: Varanasi (4* Central Hotel)
9. DAY: VARANASI: THE SOUL OF THE GANGES
Sunrise & Boat Tour: We glide along the Ganges River in boats during the calm of the morning. We observe those praying on the riverbanks (ghats) and cremation ceremonies.
Sarnath: A peaceful park and monastic area where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
Evening: Aarti Ceremony: We witness the mesmerizing fire ceremony on the riverbank, accompanied by hundreds of lamps and hymns.
Accommodation & Dinner: Varanasi
10. DAY: VARANASI – DELHI (flight)
A final discovery tour through the narrow streets (gullies) of Varanasi and interaction with the local people. Then transfer to the airport and flight to Delhi.
Accommodation & Dinner: Delhi
11. DAY: DELHI: CULTURAL FAREWELL
Qutub Minar: The massive brick minaret, one of India’s first Islamic monuments.
Lotus Temple: Visit this temple of silence, one of the finest examples of modern architecture.
Farewell Dinner: A special dinner featuring India’s famous flavors on the last night of our tour.
12. DAY: DELHI – ISTANBUL
Early morning transfer and return to Istanbul on the THY flight departing at 07:00. Arrival at 11:35 and the end of this fairy-tale tour.