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Travellers enjoying the riverfront view from a boat in Varanasi
Private & tailor-made · India

Fort Cities & the Sacred River

Fort cities, riverside palaces and temple art lead to Varanasi in a journey through northern and central India.

11 daysFrom USD 1,180 per person*
Photography credits
Tour overview

Fort Cities & the Sacred River

Fort cities, riverside palaces and temple art lead to Varanasi in a journey through northern and central India.

Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho & Varanasi

Use this route as a starting point. We can add a night where you want to linger, introduce a special interest or adjust the hotels to suit your style.

What you can experience on this route

  • Delhi — Explore Old Delhi’s lanes and Mughal architecture, then discover the quieter gardens and neighbourhoods of New Delhi.
  • Agra — See the Taj Mahal in the early light and explore Agra Fort, with time to appreciate the city’s Mughal craftsmanship.
  • Gwalior — Explore Gwalior Fort and its remarkable palace details, with a local guide bringing the city’s history into focus.
  • Varanasi — Walk the riverside ghats with a local guide and experience evening Ganga Aarti. Make time for music, weaving and Sarnath.

Make the journey your own

This 11-day outline brings together Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho & Varanasi. The number of nights, daily activities and choice of hotels can change to suit your priorities. Tell us which experiences you would like to spend more time on, and whether you prefer early starts, relaxed afternoons or a balance of both.

We discuss the transfers between stops alongside the sightseeing, so that you can judge the pace of the whole trip. Your proposal will set out the agreed route and selected arrangements before you book.

Your day-by-day journey

Travellers visiting an Old Delhi spice shop
DAY 01

Arrive Delhi

Meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, recover from the journey and enjoy an easy first evening.

A street-side kitchen in Old Delhi
DAY 02

In Delhi

Explore Old Delhi’s lanes and Mughal architecture, then discover the quieter gardens and neighbourhoods of New Delhi.

A visitor enjoying a view of the Taj Mahal
DAY 03

Drive to Agra

Continue to the next chapter of your journey, with transfers and breaks planned for comfort. Settle into your hotel before exploring locally.

Drive to GwaliorDestination photograph
DAY 04

Drive to Gwalior

Continue to the next chapter of your journey, with transfers and breaks planned for comfort. Settle into your hotel before exploring locally.

Drive to OrchhaDestination photograph
DAY 05

Drive to Orchha

Continue to the next chapter of your journey, with transfers and breaks planned for comfort. Settle into your hotel before exploring locally.

Drive to KhajurahoDestination photograph
DAY 06

Drive to Khajuraho

Continue to the next chapter of your journey, with transfers and breaks planned for comfort. Settle into your hotel before exploring locally.

In KhajurahoDestination photograph
DAY 07

In Khajuraho

Discover the carved temple groups with a guide, allowing time to appreciate the detail and their historical setting.

Travellers wearing life jackets aboard a decorated boat in Varanasi
DAY 08

Fly to Varanasi

Continue to the next chapter of your journey, with transfers and breaks planned for comfort. Settle into your hotel before exploring locally.

Visitors walking through the grounds at Sarnath
DAY 09

In Varanasi

Walk the riverside ghats with a local guide and experience evening Ganga Aarti. Make time for music, weaving and Sarnath.

Visitors in the gardens of Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
DAY 10

Fly to Delhi

Continue to the next chapter of your journey, with transfers and breaks planned for comfort. Settle into your hotel before exploring locally.

DepartureDestination photograph
DAY 11

Departure

Your private transfer is arranged around your departure. Allow a comfortable connection, or extend the journey with another Indian region.

The sequence is a suggested plan. Flights, permits, opening days, weather and local conditions may require adjustments; your final itinerary will confirm arrangements.

We schedule the Taj Mahal visit around its Friday closure.

Selected places to stay

Hotel ideas for your journey

Hotel inspiration across different budgets. Your quotation will specify the property and room category included.

Useful guides for this journey

A different pace? A favourite hotel?

Tell us what you would change. These journeys are designed to be adapted to your interests, time and style.

Start planning your journey
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