Combined India and Varanasi, Holi special

Day 1 : Flight from Montreal to Delhi in economy class.

Day 2: Arrival in Delhi, a vibrant and contrasting capital city. Warm welcome with a traditional Rudraksh ceremony, symbolizing protection and positive energy. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and free time to rest after the flight. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 3 : Full day dedicated to exploring Delhi, a fascinating blend of past and present. Visit Old Delhi, including a drive past the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, and the lively Chandni Chowk market. Continue to New Delhi with its wide avenues and colonial architecture. Visit the Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a remarkable spiritual site. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 : Departure for the Shekhawati region, known as an open-air art gallery. Arrival in Mandawa and visit of the famous haveli mansions adorned with intricate frescoes. Cultural experience including an introduction to henna art and an interactive activity. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 : Drive to Bikaner with a stop at the sacred Karni Mata Temple, famous for its thousands of protected rats. In Bikaner, visit Junagarh Fort, an impressive fortress filled with richly decorated palaces and halls. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through colorful bazaars with local tastings, including chai and traditional sweets. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 : Journey through the Thar Desert landscapes to Jaisalmer, a former caravan city. En route, visit the historic Pokhran Palace. Upon arrival, discover the “Golden City,” its ramparts, and cenotaphs at sunset. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 : Explore the living citadel of Jaisalmer, its Jain temples, and vibrant streets. Visit Gadi Sagar Lake and enjoy local delicacies. Continue to Dechu for a desert immersion experience: jeep safari, meeting the Bishnoi community, camel ride at sunset. Evening with barbecue dinner, traditional music, and dance. Overnight in a desert camp.

Day 8 : Departure for Jodhpur, the “Blue City.” Visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort overlooking the city and explore its rich collections. Tuk-tuk ride through Sardar Market with local tastings. Continue to Luni. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 : Drive to Ranakpur through scenic rural landscapes. Visit the magnificent Jain temples, renowned for their intricate marble carvings. Continue to Udaipur, the romantic city of lakes. Check-in, meals included, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Discover Udaipur with a visit to the City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and local bazaars. Visit a miniature painting workshop. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola with views of the surrounding palaces. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 : Scenic drive to Pushkar through diverse landscapes. Walking tour of this sacred town, including ghats, temples, and rituals around the holy lake. Interaction with locals and free time at the handicraft market. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 : Departure for Jaipur, the “Pink City.” Visit the City Palace and view the iconic Hawa Mahal. Explore vibrant markets by rickshaw and enjoy local specialties, including traditional lassi. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 : A highlight of the journey: celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors, with a local family. Enjoy music, dance, and cultural traditions in a festive atmosphere. Free time in the afternoon or optional activities. In the evening, experience a Bollywood movie screening. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 : Excursion to Amber Fort with jeep ascent, followed by a drive to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a remarkably preserved former Mughal capital. Arrival in Agra, hotel check-in, and meals included.

Day 15 : Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, an iconic symbol of eternal love and one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. Continue with visits to the Red Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb. Discover a marble workshop specializing in semi-precious stone inlay. Meals included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 : Transfer to the train station and journey by high-speed train to Varanasi, offering a unique opportunity to discover Indian landscapes and local life. Breakfast and lunch served on board. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel before visiting Sarnath, an important Buddhist site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the museum, Buddhist temple, and historical remains of the site. Dinner included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 : Discover Varanasi, the sacred city on the banks of the Ganges and one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian thali lunch to experience local flavours. In the afternoon, explore the city on foot, including Durga Temple and the Hindu University, renowned for its spiritual meditation center. In the evening, enjoy an electric rickshaw ride along the ghats to witness the powerful Ganges Aarti (Puja) ceremony on the banks of the river. Dinner included and overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 : Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness sunrise rituals along the ghats—an unforgettable and moving experience. Free time before the afternoon train to Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19 : Final day in Delhi with additional sightseeing of New Delhi, including gardens, major landmarks, and wide boulevards. Free time for personal exploration. Farewell dinner and courtesy rooms before departure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal, marking the end of a journey filled with unforgettable cultural and spiritual experiences.

Arrival at Montreal airport.