A perfect blend of the more popular and the lesser -know but equally magical places in North and Central India. The tour unfolds a land steeped in history, religion, culture and architecture. From the grand places of the Rajput maharajas and the huge forts and fortress-palaces of Gwalior and Orchha, to the exquisitely carved erotic temples of 10th century Chandela kings and the memorable bathing ghats of Varanasi, on the banks of the holy Ganga. A must for anyone wishing to experience the real heart of India.

Arrive Delhi. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast at hotel. Later leave for Jaipur, visiting en-route visit Amber Fort, to take an elephant ride to the Hilltop Fort. Arrive Jaipur and check into hotel for overnight stay.

Morning tour of Jaipur visiting the city Palace complex which includes the Hawa Mahal observatory which is still equipped with ancient instruments including a very accurate 90 foot sundial and the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Afternoon at leisure to visit perhaps the kite shops at Sanganer Gate or the colourful bazaars of Bapu and Johari. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Agra, visiting en-route Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive Agra early in the afternoon and proceed to your hotel. Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River was at the time of the Moghuls. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the capital of India. Afternoon at leisure.

This morning visit the Taj Mahal which was built by emperor Shah Jehan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaj Mahal. Also visit the Red Fort and tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Afternoon at leisure and perhaps explore the bazaars in the area to the west of the fort.

Morning drive to Gwalior established in the 8th century. It is noted for its large hill -top fort, which is one of the oldest in India. In the afternoon visit the fort, which contains the 15th century palace of Raja Man Singh and the Teli-Ka-Mandir, and ancient temple. Gwalior is also an important center of India classical music and each December a great music festival is held here.

After an early breakfast leave for mediaeval orchha, stopping en-route at Datia to view the beautiful seven storey hill-top Gobinda Palace. Then onto Orchha, on the banks of the Betwa River. This former capital of the Bundela Rajputs, has been left relatively undistributed by time. Orcha is rich in mural art and architecture-visit the Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Overnight hotel.

This morning drive onto Khajuraho, important for its magnificent Chandelatemples. Arrive Khajuraho in the afternoon and proceed to your hotel for overnight.

Transfer to airport for your flight to Varanasi. On arrival proceed to our hotel.Varanasi the eternal city is the holiest Hindu city in India and one of the oldest living city the world. Afternoon city tour visiting the temples in the old city and the Emperor Auranzeb Mosque.

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to view the sunrise and to see the rituals that take place along the ghats ( waterside steps ). Afternoon visit Sarnath where Buddha preached his first significant sermon to his five disciples, to see the Buddhist temples and the interesting Sarnath Museum.

Transfer to airport for your return flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival. Transfer for hotel for overnight stay.