IndiaRajasthan & Varanasi — Ancient Temples & the Taj Mahal
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends! Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Optional Activities - Day 1Show
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Pablas International
Gain a unique perspective of Delhi on a youth-led tour with G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Afterward, embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Bikaner. Enjoy a youth-led walking tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Afterwards, an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city.
Your G for Good Moment: City Walk
Explore the streets of Delhi with a youth-led tour guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. As a former at-risk youth, your local guide will have a unique perspective on the city and can provide more information on the life of a child in India. The guided tour helps support the guide's college or university tuition.
Old Delhi Guided Walk
Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Arrive early in Bikaner, a semi-arid part of the Thar Desert with sandy dunes and scattered villages. After freshening up, buckle-in to local vans and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for short tour of the village. Once the group arrives at the camp sitting atop the dune you will have lunch and a little rest. Then, mount camel carts and ride for 1.5 hours on the dunes until you reach that perfect point to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. As the sun slowly disappears, climb down to the overnight camp and pitch your tent before enjoying a simple but delicious Indian dinner. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of the desert.
Local Van
Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.
Camel Cart Ride & Camping in the Desert
Buckle-in to local jeeps and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for a tour before arriving at the camp for lunch on top of the dune. Then, mount the camel carts for a 2-3 hour ride on the dunes until reaching the perfect spot to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. Pitch your tent with help from cameleers and local villagers.
Accommodation
Raisar Camp
Opt to wake early and experience the sunrise from atop the dunes and feel the sand warming under your feet. After breakfast, transfer back to Bikaner and embark on an orientation stroll through the Old City and bustling markets. Afterward, opt to visit the ancient Junagarh Fort or, if you aren't squeamish, the Deshnok Rat Temple dedicated to, well, rats.
Bikaner Orientation Tour
Get a glimpse of Bikaner through a guided tour through the Old City and bustling markets of this ancient town.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Hotel Bhairon Vilas
Arrive in the medieval fortress city of Jaisalmer and have the rest of the day to relax after the long journey or explore the city at your leisure. Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," stands on a ridge of golden sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Wander through the lanes of the walled city and inside the ancient fort. Houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan. This evening, watch the setting sun's reflection on the fort with your fellow travellers.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Free Time
Head out and explore the city.
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
Hotel Marwar Palace
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring the "Golden City." Check out the seven interconnected Jain Temples, paddle a boat at Gadsisar Lake, and catch the sunset from Vyas Chhatri. There is an adventure around every corner.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to relax or explore.
Accommodation
Hotel Marwar Palace
Travel eastwards to the centrally located metropolis of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and sometimes called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, take an orientation walk of the city, then opt to visit this famous fort.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore this city.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
Treebo Megh Niwas
Journey southeast to the city of Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the Old City on an orientation walk, then opt to visit the Lake Palace - an island palace built of white marble on Pichola Lake. Or choose to visit the Jagdish Temple or the City Palace and Museum, and take in an evening dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli with your new friends.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Udaipur Orientation Walk
Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
Treebo The Fresco Lake Pichola
Another day, another adventure in Udaipur! With so much to do in the royal city, enjoy a day to freely explore. Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes. Check out its ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions. Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.
Free Time
Get out and explore this beautiful city.
Optional Activities - Day 9Show
Accommodation
Treebo The Fresco Lake Pichola
Travel over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. This city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple. In your free time, follow local tradition and ride a camel out to the desert or wander this holy Hindu centre on foot or bicycle. Take a cooking class or scour the bustling markets. Rajasthan is famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Pushkar Orientation Walk
Join an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient rituals
Optional Activities - Day 10Show
Accommodation
Hotel New Park
Cruise to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Tordi Sagar Local Village Tour
Take a tour of this tiny, tranquil village far from the maddening crowds and enjoy its pastoral settings and local hospitality. Also look at its magnificent red sand dunes.
Optional Activities - Day 11Show
Accommodation
Hotel Tordi Garh
Before leaving Tordi Sagar, enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at Tordi Garh. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free evening to immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Orientation Walk
Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk.
Optional Activities - Day 12Show
Accommodation
Rawla Mrignayani Palace
Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers. For your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and cheers to the new adventures you've just shared. Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book the Jaipur balloon ride to admire the city from above — or stay closer to the ground with a Cycle Tour.
Amber Fort Guided Tour
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.
Free Time
Get out and explore more of Jaipur.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Jaipur Nightlife
Venture to a local bar restaurant. Immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife and cheers to new adventures and friends.
Optional Activities - Day 13Show
Accommodation
Rawla Mrignayani Palace
Take a morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, known for India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour of this iconic mausoleum and learn of its unique history as you admire the impressive Mughal architecture.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Taj Mahal Guided Tour
Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.
Accommodation
Hotel Anand Villa
Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt to ride one of the ubiquitous tuktuks to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous — but no less impressive — sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 15Show
Arrive to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the rituals of bathing and burials as you pass the famous ghats of the Ganges. Take an evening boat journey out onto the sacred Ganges River for sunset and enjoy a mesmerizing candle flower ceremony.
Varanasi Market & Ghats Visit
Head out on tuk-tuks to the Ghats of Varanasi, where you will wander through the market before gazing upon the riverfront steps and temples the city is known for.
Evening Ganges Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.
Accommodation
Hotel Vaibhav
Cruise the Ganges on a morning boat tour with free time in the afternoon to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of Varanasi. Opt to explore the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.
Morning Ganges Boat Tour
Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Optional Activities - Day 17Show
Accommodation
Hotel Vaibhav
Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India more in-depth before boarding an overnight train to Delhi. Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 18Show
Arrive back in the bustling capital of India. The day is yours to explore the temples, markets, and museums in this fast-paced city. If you're hungry, opt to connect with India's incredible food scene by joining the Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Optional Activities - Day 19Show
Accommodation
Hotel Pablas International
Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your newfound friends, exchange numbers, and depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
