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Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Delhi. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.

To get your bearings of Old Delhi, start today with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

It’s time to head south to Agra. After a scenic drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Intrigued? Your Taj Mahal guide will illuminate its fascinating history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. You’re likely familiar with North Indian cuisine (butter chicken anyone?), and tonight, your local expert will take you to unknown places on a street food tour. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India and visit hyperlocal eateries that most visitors to Agra never see.

Start the day with a visit to Agra Fort – widely considered one of the finest-looking forts in India. Learn how Akbar built a fortress and prison out of red sandstone in 1565, and then Shah Jahan converted and added to the fort to transform it into a palace. After, you’ll journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan – for your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, exudes the charm of a traditional family home while showcasing opulent touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets and wander bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. Conclude the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.

Another day, another fort – but this time it’s Amber Fort, the crown jewel of Jaipur. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the striking City Palace – a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Havelis are royal mansions that were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which exist across the city today. You’ll meet the owner of a haveli for a tour of the property as he shares photos and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying east to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon orientation walk to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. With a free evening ahead of you, feel free to ask your leader for restaurant recommendations, maybe somewhere serving Tunday Kebabi (a Lucknow delicacy that allegedly contains 160 spices).

Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable guide. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home!

It’s an early start today, but for good reason – no trip to India is complete without a scenic train ride. The journey to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the countryside, all from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony – an experience that will surely be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over.

Early risers, this one’s for you – embark on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river while gliding past the many ghats and temples on its banks. After, decide your own schedule before coming together again at Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features several stupas and museums to explore.

Today, it’s time to return to Delhi. When you land, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar – the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities before your final dinner as a group. You’ll head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887 and tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in this historical setting.

Say goodbye to your group over breakfast . Today you’ll travel to Kathmandu and embark on the second half of your trip. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, to meet your new group members and leader. Until then, settle into Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal which enjoys the accolade of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. Maybe take a walk around the Garden of Dreams or check out Kathmandu’s architecture. After your meeting, head out into the hustle and bustle of the Thamel and Jyatha neighbourhoods for dinner with your leader and group. Eating in Nepal is never boring – maybe try some woh (a pancake made from freshly ground black lentils) or Kukhurako Masu (chicken cooked Nepali style).

After breakfast this morning, explore Kathmandu on a sightseeing tour with your leader. Head to the lively Durbar square, the once glorious centre of Nepal’s royal power. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the surrounding monasteries. Stop by a Thangka painting studio and gain inside knowledge on this sacred and traditional form of Buddhist art. Visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, where you’ll see Hindu holy men meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon is free for further exploration.

This morning, set off for the headquarters of Seven Women – a social enterprise that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged women in Nepal. Meet the local women and hear how the enterprise has changed their lives. Tour their greenhouse and learn about Nepali vegetables before becoming privy to some traditional recipes passed down through generations. Master the local methods of cooking and put together some classic dishes, then sit down to lunch with your new friends. After lunch, begin the journey to Nagarkot. Along the way, stop off at Bhaktapur – a beautifully preserved ancient city and host to a wondrous range of temples and statues. Explore three of the most important squares – Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Pottery Square – before continuing to Nagarkot. Here, you’ll stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and surrounding areas. End the day here watching the sun set with a cocktail in hand.

Wake up and catch an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you will fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the Himalayan Mountain chain to the north. When you arrive, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second-largest lake in Nepal. After, visit the Peace Pagoda for excellent views of the mountains, including the Annapurna Range, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. In the afternoon, maybe take some time to enjoy Pokhara’s mellow atmosphere and wander its colourful streets or stroll along the scenic lake and see the brightly painted paddle boats bobbing in the water. Pokhara has no shortage of restaurants, so be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations.

Begin your day at Sarangkot Viewpoint, where you can watch the sun rise over the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, from the Annapurna Ranges to Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre). Then, head to the International Mountain Museum, full of tales of exploits from climbing expeditions of the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After, visit a Tibetan community and listen to stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal. Learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration where you’ll find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Enjoy a free evening in Pokhara.

After breakfast, drive to Chitwan to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights – Barahi Jungle Lodge. Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Rapti River, opposite Chitwan National Park, this jungle oasis offers first-class service and naturally warm Nepali hospitality. After settling in, there’s some flexibility with activities in the afternoon, which may vary depending on the time of year and known wildlife movements and locations. In the late afternoon, you might like to make your way down to the Rapti River and savour a cool beverage and snacks on the banks while you watch the sun set and the birds return home. Return to the resort for a group dinner and enjoy the serenade of crickets as you swap stories with your fellow travellers.

After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. Your leader will help you spot marsh mugger crocodiles and the various birds inhabiting the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but since these magnificent creatures still inhabit the park, encountering one is not out of the question. When you return to dry land, set out on a late afternoon safari – an experience like none other, showing the park's varied and exciting flora and fauna. In the evening, eat dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the song of the jungle.

Enjoy breakfast at the resort before driving back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free, so perhaps engage in some shopping or learn more about Nepal’s cultural heritage during a visit to the Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum, home to more than 650 unique instruments. This evening, you may wish to join your leader and group for a farewell dinner at a fantastic local restaurant, leaving you with a final memory of Nepal’s rich and diverse cuisine.

Your Nepali adventure ends after breakfast today. If you would like to extend your stay in Kathmandu, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation ahead of time. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with any onward travel arrangements.