Highlights of North India

As there are no planned activities for today you are free to arrive in Delhi at any time. Take some time to discover Delhi at your leisure before meeting your group and guide at a welcome meeting at around 6p.m. There's so much to see and do in Delhi you'll be spoilt for choice!

Enjoy a unique city walking tour guided by a local young person from a streetkids project and get a different perspective on Delhi! Later, visit all the highlights of Old Delhi, including the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque), Chandni Chowk market, a Sikh place of worship, the spice market and Connaught Place. Overnight train to Bikaner.

Your overnight train brings you in to Bikaner in the early morning, a town in a semi-arid region of the Thar Desert. Set out on an exciting overnight camel safari adventure, trekking on camel back and spending the night camping under the Indian stars.

Wake up to the amazing landscape of the desert. Early birds can choose to enjoy an optional sunrise viewing from the top of the sand dunes before breakfast. Travel back by camel cart and then go on a guided tour of the Old City of Bikaner.

Board a local desert-crossing train for a 5.5 hour journey from Bikaner to the ancient city of Jaisalmer, India's 'Golden City'. Famous for its fort, this walled city is best explored on foot. You'll enjoy two free days to do as you wish - don't miss a visit to the fort at sunset!

A local bus ride of 7-8 hours takes you from Jaisalmer to the bustling metropolis of Jodhpur, Rajasthan's second largest city. Entering through one of the city's six imposing gates, you'll go on an orientation walk, then it's up to you to explore the city in your free time.

On day 8 you'll travel on to India's most romantic city, Udaipur. An 8-hour local bus journey brings you in to this breathtaking city, famous for its beautiful lakes and island palaces. You will enjoy a city orientation tour with your guide and then the rest of your time is free to explore the wonders of Udaipur.

Travel on by local bus to the pilgrimage site of Pushkar today. Enjoy an orientation tour around Pushkar, which takes you to the Lake, the ghats and the 14th Century Brahma temple. Opt to join a cooking class, snap up some souvenirs in the bazaars, or opt to jump on a camel and head out for a desert sunset ride.

Before you say goodbye to Pushkar, you can climb up before dawn to the hilltop Savitri temple and watch the sunrise. Experience a slice of rural life in Rajasthan in the village of Tordi Sagar. You will be given a tour of the area with a local guide and learn all about this fascinating part of India. From the village you can explore the hills on a hike or even join an optional camel cart ride into the dunes to watch the sunset.

Before you leave the idyllic location of Tordi Sagar you'll be treated to a delicious local lunch. A 4-hour drive takes you on to Jaipur. Founded in 1728, Jaipur is known as "The Pink City" due to its beautiful pink sandstone, and the city's wide streets and amazing history is just waiting to be explored on a guided orientation walk.

Enjoy a guided tour of the amazing Amber Fort, which sits in the surrounding hills only 15km from Jaipur. Visit the beautiful buildings and gardens of Jaipur's City Palace and museum. You also have the option to make a brief stop-off at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for a small extra cost.

An early morning train ride (of around 5 hours) takes you to the Muslim city of Agra for a guided visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Opt to hop on a cycle rickshaw and visit the Lal Qila or Red Fort and the 'Baby Taj' to round off an exciting day in Agra.

Enjoy a free day exploring Agra today and then board an overnight sleeper-bed train (13 hours journey) to your next essential Indian destination, the amazing holy city of Varanasi.

Your overnight train arrives in the pilgrimage city of Varanasi in the morning. Wander through this unique city and shop or explore to your heart's content. Set of the banks of the sacred River Ganges, this evening you will take an incredible boat tour on the river and take part in a traditional candle and flower ceremony.

A sunrise boat tour on the extraordinary River Ganges kicks off your second day in Varanasi. Watching the sun climb into the sky from a boat on the river is an unforgettable experience! The rest of the day is free time for you to make the most of this holy city.

Another full, free day to relax in Varanasi, before boarding an overnight sleeper-bed train back to Delhi.

One final free day to discover all the sights of Delhi and enjoy a final night out with your newfound friends!

Your tour ends today in Delhi and you are free to depart at any time. Say goodbye to your new travelling buddies and look back on all your magical memories made in inspirational India!

Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore India on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.

Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.