- Duration
- 12 days · 11 nights
- Trip type
- Private guided
- Group size
- 2–6 guests
Overview
The classic Golden Triangle expanded with Varanasi, the most concentrated religious experience on the subcontinent. Twelve days, four cities, deliberate pacing — long enough to see Northern India properly but short enough to fit a standard vacation.
Our India specialist has worked with the same Delhi-based ground operator since 2004. The guides are not generalists; each city is staffed by a local expert who can answer the question after the question.
Two early starts — for the Taj Mahal at sunrise and for the Ganges aarti at dawn. Otherwise the pace is humane.
The route
Day by day, at a glance
Day 1 · Delhi
Arrival
Day 2 · Delhi
Old and New Delhi
Day 3 · Delhi → Agra
Drive to Agra
Day 4 · Agra → Jaipur
Taj at sunrise; on to Jaipur
Day 5 · Jaipur
The pink city
Day 6 · Jaipur
Markets and craft
Day 7 · Jaipur → Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi
Day 8 · Varanasi
The holy city
Day 9 · Varanasi
Free day
Day 10 · Varanasi → Delhi
Return to Delhi
Day 11 · Delhi
Reserve day
Day 12 · Delhi
Departure
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 · Delhi
Arrival
Met at IGI Airport and transferred to your hotel in central Delhi. Afternoon at leisure.
The ImperialDay 2 · Delhi
Old and New Delhi
Full day exploring Old Delhi by rickshaw — Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat — and New Delhi's colonial set pieces — Humayun's Tomb, Lutyens' bungalow zone, India Gate.
The ImperialBreakfastDay 3 · Delhi → Agra
Drive to Agra
Morning drive to Agra (3.5 hours on the expressway). Afternoon visit to Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (the 'Baby Taj').
The Oberoi AmarvilasBreakfastDay 4 · Agra → Jaipur
Taj at sunrise; on to Jaipur
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal — entry as the gates open, before tour-bus volume arrives. Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri.
Rambagh PalaceBreakfastDay 5 · Jaipur
The pink city
Amber Fort in the morning, City Palace and Jantar Mantar in the afternoon. Optional cooking class with a Rajput family in the evening.
Rambagh PalaceBreakfastDay 6 · Jaipur
Markets and craft
Block-printing studio visit, jewelry quarter with an introduction to gemstones, free afternoon for the markets.
Rambagh PalaceBreakfastDay 7 · Jaipur → Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi
Morning flight to Varanasi. Evening Ganga aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat from a private boat.
Brijrama PalaceBreakfast, DinnerDay 8 · Varanasi
The holy city
Pre-dawn boat ride to watch the city wake up. Walk through the old city's narrow lanes with a scholar guide. Afternoon visit to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
Brijrama PalaceBreakfastDay 9 · Varanasi
Free day
Optional yoga or meditation session, or visit to a local Banarasi silk weaver. Free afternoon.
Brijrama PalaceBreakfastDay 10 · Varanasi → Delhi
Return to Delhi
Afternoon flight to Delhi. Evening at leisure or final shopping.
The ImperialBreakfastDay 11 · Delhi
Reserve day
Flexible day held for any add-ons (Akshardham, a craft museum visit, or simply rest). Farewell dinner at a chef's restaurant.
The ImperialBreakfast, DinnerDay 12 · Delhi
Departure
Private transfer to IGI Airport for your homeward flight.
Breakfast
Where you'll stay
Accommodations
Days 1–2 · Delhi
The Imperial
Day 3 · Delhi → Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Days 4–6 · Agra → Jaipur
Rambagh Palace
Days 7–9 · Jaipur → Varanasi
Brijrama Palace
Days 10–11 · Varanasi → Delhi
The Imperial
How it works
Made to order
- Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
- Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
- Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.
What's included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- 11 nights in 5★ heritage and palace properties
- Private guide and driver for all touring
- All transfers and 2 domestic flights (Jaipur → Varanasi, Varanasi → Delhi)
- Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as listed
- All entrance fees and permits
- Private boat for the Varanasi aarti ceremony
- 24/7 in-destination support
Not included
- International airfare
- India e-visa (~CAD $50, arranged online)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional cooking class (~CAD $90/pp)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, alcohol, laundry
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.