Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Delhi – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Benares – Lucknow
100% customisable for you
Today marks the start of your adventure in India. Head to the airport, whizz through security and reward yourself with some nibbles in the lounge before boarding your nine-hour overnight flight to Delhi.
Once you touch down the following day, you’ll be greeted by a private driver and escorted to your welcoming guesthouse, which sits in a leafy neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Light-filled interiors create a warm atmosphere, with plenty of peaceful spots to relax after your journey. Spend the afternoon unpacking and then head out to explore your surroundings.
Today, you’ll explore the vibrant streets of India’s capital with your private guide. Delhi is a city of contrasts, where ancient alleyways and lively markets coexist with grand Mughal architecture.
This afternoon, wander through the narrow lanes and busy bazaars of Old Delhi, admiring ancient temples and mosques along the way.
As the day winds down, take an evening stroll through Chandni Chowk when the district is at its most atmospheric. Pass the Sisanj Gurudwara, one of the city's most important Sikh temples, before continuing through the historic neighbourhood of Ballimaran. Be sure to stop at one of its well-known bakeries and chai shops for a taste of local treats and pop into the famous Kanwarji sweet shop.
Weave through fragrant bazaar lanes, tempted by jalebis (spiral-shaped sweets) and kulfis (frozen dairy desserts) before arriving at the majestic Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. After soaking in the sights, head back to your accommodation for some well-deserved rest.
Wake up bright and early, this morning you’ll be privately transferred to the railway station for your train to Gwalior.
On arrival, check in to your hotel, where you'll settle in for the next two nights. Set within a large traditional garden, the property occupies a collection of beautifully restored historic buildings. The rooms are simple and elegant, reflecting the site’s heritage. Take some time to unwind and explore your new surroundings, before an early night, ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Today is all about exploring Gwalior, one of northern India’s most impressive historic cities. Begin at the spectacular Gwalior Fort, dramatically perched on a sandstone plateau above the city. This vast citadel contains palaces, temples and ancient sculptures that reflect centuries of royal history.
Later, step back in time at the archaeological museum, established in 1984, which is home to a display of Hindu and Jain statues.
Refuel at a local restaurant for lunch, then make your way to the magnificent Jai Vilas, a grand palace often compared to the White House for its facade and the Palace of Versailles for its interiors.
This morning, meet your private driver and travel to Khajuraho, stopping in the town of Orchha along the way.
Once the Bundela kingdom’s capital, Orchha feels almost frozen in time. Visit Jahangir Mahal, a striking display of Mughal military architecture, with high gates and elevated walls that once allowed war elephants and royal processions to pass through. Continue to the imposing Raj Mahal, decorated with colourful frescoes celebrating the glory of the Bundela court.
Finish your visit with a stroll to the Betwa River, where elegant cenotaphs of the Orchha rulers stand tall, their domes reflected in the water.
Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check in for two nights at your contemporary hotel, just outside the village. Relax in your spacious room and enjoy views of the temple-studded summits.
Today, discover the temples of Khajuraho, built during the Chandela dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries.
Once tucked away in the jungle, the site preserves around 25 temples, each standing on raised terraces and adorned with intricate sandstone carvings.
Begin your explorations at the Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and dating back to the tenth century, before heading to the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Shiva. At just over 100 ft, it’s the largest temple at Khajuraho and features hundreds of beautifully detailed sculptures.
Continue your visit in the eastern part of the town, where you’ll find a group of four Jain temples, while a few other Hindu temples are scattered throughout the ancient village, each displaying its own distinctive character.
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your scenic train journey to Varanasi, which takes around eight hours. On arrival, another private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you’ll stay for two nights.
Facing the Ganges, this beautiful restored haveli (traditional townhouse) combines a grand exterior with elegant, understated interiors. After settling in, tuck into a delicious dinner at the restaurant, which offers a wide range of local dishes and seasonal produce.
Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India, invites you to dive into its rhythm.
Start by wandering through the lively Varanasi Bazaar, where narrow streets are filled with temples, shops and pilgrims. Keep your camera at the ready to capture a stunning snapshot of daily life.
At dusk, board a private boat on the Ganges to witness the city’s famous Ganga Aarti ceremony. Along the river’s ghats, young Brahmin priests perform a beautifully choreographed ritual using lamps, incense and flowers in honour of the sacred river. As the chants rise and the lamps reflect on the water, it becomes a powerful moment of shared spirituality.
For a more immersive experience, we can arrange for you to return to the river at dawn, when pilgrims gather for their ritual morning bathing ceremonies.
Today you’ll travel about five hours by train to Lucknow, once the refined capital of the Nawabs of Awadh.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. Settle in, explore the landscaped gardens and enjoy a dip in the pool or a relaxing treatment at the spa.
Step into the charm of Lucknow with your private guide. Begin at Martiniere College, founded in the 19th century by the French adventurer Claude Martin, then stroll through Dilkusha Palace and its gardens, originally built as a hunting lodge for the Nawabs of Awadh.
Later, visit the Asafi Imambara, built in 1785 to provide work during a devastating famine. Its vast vaulted hall remains one of the largest arched structures in the world. The tour continues to Hussainabad Imambara, a congregational hall for Shia Muslims, constructed in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab, to serve as his and his mother’s mausoleum.
Later, wander through the lively streets and markets of the city, pausing for a cup of fragrant Darjeeling tea along the way.
Calling all food lovers: we can also arrange for a guided gourmet walking tour of Lucknow’s renowned cuisine.
It’s sadly time to say goodbye to India. After a final breakfast, you’ll be whisked off to the airport by a local driver for your 15-hour flight, with a short stopover, arriving home this evening.
You’ll touch down with a full camera roll (and full suitcase of souvenirs) ready to research your next Indian adventure.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
