Arrive in Delhi and visit

National Capital Territory of Delhi - Arrival at Delhi airport. Transfer to the hotel for some rest.

Red Fort - At around 10 am, after breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore Old Delhi with an expert guide. During this guided tour, you will have the opportunity to admire the majestic Red Fort, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 2007. Built in 1639 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, also the architect of the famous Taj Mahal, the Red Fort will be visible from the outside.

Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid) - Next, you will visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, which houses an ancient copy of the Holy Quran written on deer skin.

Chandni Chowk - You will explore the narrow streets of this part of the city on a rickshaw ride, passing Chawri Bazar, renowned as one of the liveliest streets in Old Delhi.

Rajghat - The tour will proceed with a visit to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

India Gate - After lunch, you will have the opportunity to explore New Delhi, admiring the lavish buildings such as the India Gate, a memorial arch dedicated to the Indian soldiers who fell during the First World War, and the Parliament.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - In the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most significant Sikh gurdwaras in India, also known as the “Sarovar”. Finally, you will transfer to your hotel to spend the night in Delhi.

Transfer to Jaipur with a stop in Neemrana and Samode

Neemrana - Go to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its palaces in its charming old town. En route, we will stop for tea at the Neemrana fort, where we will get a first taste of Rajastan culture.

Visit the Pink City and Jaipur

Hawa Mahal - Palace of Wind - Explore the city of Jaipur with an exciting stop to capture memorable shots at the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds

City Palace of Jaipur - then visit the magnificent City Palace

Jantar Mantar - Jaipur - and the fascinating Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.

Jaipur - You will then have time to immerse yourself in local craftsmanship or participate in optional activities that will further enrich your experience.

Transfer to Agra and visit

Jama Masjid - You will explore the charming old city on an exciting 3-hour guided walking tour, led by an expert local guide, who will take you through daily life, away from conventional tourist destinations. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, architecture and traditions of Agra by visiting the old market and surrounding areas. The visit will start from the Jama Masjid, a majestic mosque in front of the Agra Fort, and continue through the alleys of old Agra.

Shri Mankameshwar Mandir - Next, you will visit the ancient Manka Meshwar temple (dedicated to Shiva), followed by the bustling spice market, Rawatpara, famous for Agra petha, an Asian pumpkin-based dessert. You’ll also get to explore the bustling Johri Bazar, with its Ayurvedic medicine shops, paan (betel leaf) and the picturesque Seth Gali food alley.

Agra - The evening will culminate with a visit to a Brahmin family’s home, where you can receive astrological advice based on your horoscope and enjoy an authentic dining experience with an Indian family. We will stay overnight in Agra.

Visit Tajmahal and Red Fort

Tajmahal, Agra - The morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) is an unforgettable experience. This famous monument, a universal symbol of love and romance, was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Built in 1653, it is renowned for its 16 gardens and 53 fountains, symbolically representing the date of construction. The white marble building, part of the Seven Wonders of the World, required the efforts of thousands of craftsmen during 16 years of construction.

N.B. The visit to the Taj Mahal is scheduled on the second day, only if the first day is a Thursday.

Agra Fort - Next, you will explore the Agra Fort, an impressive construction of red sandstone and white marble, which represents a fascinating chapter of Mughal art in India.

Itmad-ud-Daula - A short stop is also planned at Itimad-ud-daulah, known as the ‘little Taj’. We will spend the night in Agra.

Transfer to Sravasti with visit to Lucknow

Bara Imambara - Transfer to Sravasti with a significant stop in Lucknow, where you will visit the Bara Imambarae and the Rumi Darwaza, two places of great historical and architectural interest.

Shravasti - Continuing your journey to Sravasti, you will reach the place where Buddha resided and is said to have performed numerous miracles. The evening will end with an overnight stay in the hotel, immersed in the atmosphere of this historic city.

Transfer to Lumbini and visit Balrampur on the way

Lumbini - The morning begins with a direct departure towards Lumbini. En route, a visit to Balrampur is planned, a fascinating stop to explore its attractions. Next, we will cross the border at Sonauli, then continue towards Lumbini. This historic city, considered the birthplace of Buddha in 624 BC, saw the light of day thanks to Queen Mayadevi and King Suddhodana, both of the Ksatriya caste, belonging to an ancient warrior elite. The itinerary includes a visit to Maya Devi Temple, a significant shrine, and Puskarani, a sacred pond linked to the birth story of Buddha. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel where you can rest and enjoy the charm of this place steeped in history and spirituality.

Transfer to Kushinagar and visit

Transfer to Patna and visit Vaishali on the way

Vaishali - During the journey to Patna, we will stop in Vaishali, a place steeped in history and spirituality. Here we will have the opportunity to explore the ancient stupas, visit the Bawan Khotar temple and admire the majestic Chaumuki Mahadeva. Once we arrive in Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar, we will transfer to our hotel. We will have the chance to explore the local museum, custodian of a precious collection of stone and bronze sculptures, as well as fascinating thangkas. We will spend the night in this evocative context rich in culture and history

Transfer to Bodhgaya with visit to Nalanda and Rajgir on the way

Nalanda University Ruins - Departure towards Bodhgaya; visit to Nalanda, home to an ancient Buddhist University, founded in the 5th century AD, one of the oldest places of pilgrimage and teaching; unfortunately it was destroyed in a fire following the Muslim invasions which led to the destruction of the great Buddhist monasteries. Today only the remains of 11 monasteries and several temples are visible; what was spared from the fire are the brick structures. The multi-storey buildings rested on massive brick terraces, with
stucco decorations depicting both the Buddha and Hindu deities.

Rajgir - stop in Rajgir, ancient capital of the Magadha Kingdom. Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir was where Buddha gave many of his sermons. Here for the first time Buddha’s teaching was written down. Visit Jain temples; we then continue to Bodhgaya. Arrival and overnight at the hotel.

Visit to Bodhgaya and transfer to Varanasi

Bodh Gaya - Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Inside the temple you can see the Shiva Lingam, a splendid sculpture from the 9th century. Next to the temple stands the sacred Mahabodhi tree, born from the Bodhi tree, the specimen of Ficus religion under which the Buddha was meditating when he was struck by enlightenment. In this place Siddhārtha Gautama around 530 BC. he achieved enlightenment and became the historical Buddha. Gaya became a place of pilgrimage soon after the death of the Buddha and the earliest evidence of a shrine is a Gupta-era inscription. Today there are no traces of the original statue.

Varanasi - Departure towards Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi and participate in evening ritual on the bank of Ganges river. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Visit to Varanasi and departure

Varanasi - Early in the morning, boat excursion on the sacred Ganges river along the Bathing Ghats, the stone steps where pilgrims go to greet the sunrise with ritual ablutions.

Sarnath - Visit Sarnath, where Buddha first preached after being enlightened. Free time for shopping or optional activities. Transfer to the airport and end of our services.

• Transport by private car with driver as per itinerary.
• Lunch included.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) covered.
• All excursions and activities as per the program.
• Dinner provided.
• Breakfast included.
• Local guide fluent in Italian or English.
• Accommodation in selected hotels with breakfast.

• Tips and personal expenses
• Entrance fees to monuments according to the program. They would cost Euro 150 per person.
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions and tours