Compare Rajasthan and Varanasi: Bike Tours & the Taj Mahal by G Adventures vs Women Special Trip by Breathtakers Tours

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Day 2 Delhi/Bīkāner

Gain a unique perspective of Delhi on a youth-led tour with G Adventures-supported City Walk project. Afterward, embark through Old Delhi experiencing the historic and cultural side of this vibrant city while visiting the "Great Mosque" and Sikh temple. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Bikaner.

Enjoy a youth-led walking tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. This tour offers a unique perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth. Afterwards, an orientation walk takes you through Old Delhi to experience some of the history and culture of this vibrant city.

Day 3 Bīkāner/Rāisar

Arrive early in Bikaner, a semi-arid part of the Thar Desert with sandy dunes and scattered villages. After freshening up, buckle-in to local jeeps and cruise to the sandy village of Raisar for short tour of the village. Explore 100 year old looms, the old water system and the rural life before a 3 km walk along a farm trail. Once the group arrives at the camp sitting atop the dune you will have lunch and a little rest. Then, mount camel carts and ride for 2-3 hours on the dunes until you reach that perfect point to witness the red sun setting in the vast desert. As the sun slowly disappears, climb down to the overnight camp and pitch your tent before enjoying a simple but delicious Indian dinner. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of the desert.

Day 4 Rāisar/Bīkāner

Opt to wake early and experience the sunrise from atop the dunes and feel the sand warming under your feet. After breakfast, transfer back to Bikaner and embark on an orientation stroll through the Old City and bustling markets. Afterward, opt to visit the ancient Junagarh Fort or, if you aren't squeamish, the Deshnok Rat Temple dedicated to, well, rats.

Day 5 Bīkāner/Jaisalmer

Arrive in the medieval fortress city of Jaisalmer and have the rest of the day to relax after the long journey or explore the city at your leisure. Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," stands on a ridge of golden sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Wander through the lanes of the walled city and inside the ancient fort. Houses, temples, and havelis are very different from what you would find in other regions of Rajasthan. This evening, watch the setting sun's reflection on the fort with your fellow travellers.

Day 6 Jaisalmer

Enjoy a free day to continue exploring the "Golden City." Check out the seven interconnected Jain Temples, paddle a boat at Gadsisar Lake, and catch the sunset from Vyas Chhatri. There is an adventure around every corner.

Day 7 Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

Travel eastwards to the centrally located metropolis of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and sometimes called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, take an orientation walk of the city, then opt to visit this famous fort.

Day 8 Jodhpur/Udaipur

Journey southeast to the city of Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the Old City on an orientation walk, then opt to visit the Lake Palace - an island palace built of white marble on Pichola Lake.

Day 9 Udaipur

Another day, another adventure in Udaipur! With so much to do in the royal city, enjoy a day to freely explore. Relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes. Check out its ingenious rainwater collection system, essential in the dry desert conditions. Or opt to visit the Jagdish Temple, the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir folk museum, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens), the City Palace and Museum, and take in an evening dance performance at Bagore Ki Haveli with your new friends.

Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.

Day 10 Udaipur/Pushkar

Travel over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. This city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple. In your free time, follow local tradition and ride a camel out to the desert or wander this holy Hindu centre on foot or bicycle. Take a cooking class or scour the bustling markets. Rajasthan is famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar.

Day 11 Pushkar/Tordi Sāgar

Cruise to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!

Day 12 Tordi Sāgar/Jaipur

Before leaving Tordi Sagar, enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at a village hamlet. Afterward, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free evening to immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife.

Day 13 Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers. For your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink on us to cheers to the new adventures you've just shared.

Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book the Jaipur balloon ride to admire the city from above. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

Day 14 Jaipur/Āgra

Take an afternoon train to the Muslim city of Agra, known for India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour of this iconic mausoleum and learn of its unique history as you admire the impressive Mughal architecture.

If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Day 15 Āgra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt to ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous — but no less impressive — sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.

Day 16 Varanasi

Arrive to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burials as you float past the famous ghats of the Ganges. Take an evening boat journey out onto the sacred Ganges River for sunset and enjoy a mesmerizing candle flower ceremony.

Day 17 Varanasi

Cruise the Ganges on a morning boat tour with free time in the afternoon to shop, wander, and absorb the atmosphere of Varanasi. Opt to explore the monasteries and ruins of nearby Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon.

Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.

Day 18 Varanasi/Delhi

Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India more in-depth. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, before boarding an overnight train to Delhi.

Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Day 19 Delhi

Arrive back in the bustling capital of India. The day is yours to explore the temples, markets, and museums in this fast-paced city.

Day 20 Delhi

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your newfound friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

ARRIVE IN DELHI

MEALS INCLUDED: NONE

DAY 01: Arrive Delhi by flight from onwards destinationOn arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport terminal, a Breathtakers Tours representative will receive you at the visitor’s lounge, with a paging sign bearing your name.You will then be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

SIGHTSEEING OF DELHI

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 02: Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India lying along the River Yamuna, is a teaming metropolis of 14 million people and nowhere in the Country is the contrast between old and new more obvious. Seven cities have existed here since the 10th century, ruled over by a succession of Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British. Delhi is two cities in one; the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan after moving his Capital from Agra in 1638 AD is still a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars. The second, New Delhi, built by the British during 1911-1931 and characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens architecture, is a spacious and welldesigned metropolis of broad avenues, grand imperial buildings and landscaped gardens. New Delhi is a surprisingly green city with its tree lined avenues, parks and natural forest and one of the City’s hidden delights is the picturesque Lodi Gardens set around Mughal tombs. As the Country’s cultural Centre, it is home to a number of museums including the national Museum, the Museum of Modern art, the Museum of Natural History and the creative Arts and Crafts Museum where artisans can be seen at work.

Today start the sightseeing of Delhi and fill your day with following activities:

• Visit to Old Delhi with a rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk market.
•  Visit Colonial Delhi.
• Visit Humayun's Tomb.
• End the day with visit to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

DELHI – VARANASI

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 03: Today you will be transferred to Delhi airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, you will met by Breathtakers Tours representative and thereafter continue with sightseeing of Varanasi. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. At the confluence of two tributaries of the Ganges River, Varanasi, is a city of many names, bearing a history of over 3000 years, and had reached its zenith as a center of religion and learning in the 7th century BC. A city steeped in spiritual sanctity and knowledge, which three great world religions – Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, acknowledge as a place of homage. Afternoon visit Sarnath – located on the outskirts of the city where The Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. After sightseeing you will be transferred to the hotel.

VARANASI

MEALS INCLUDED:BREAKFAST

DAY 04: Early morning head to river to board the boat.You will be in the perfect spot to watch the colorful Ghats slowly come to life, as pilgrims begin to bathe themselves in the holy river. Walkthrough the narrow lanes of Varanasi to see life around the riverside. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later continue with sightseeing of Varanasi city. Afternoon take walk in the narrow lanes and market of Varanasi. Evening, witness the “Aarti” ceremony on the banks of river Ganges. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

VARANASI - AGRA

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 05: After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Agra. Upon arrival at Agra airport, you will met by Breathtakers Tours representative and will be transferred to the hotel. Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era. The emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jehan governed their vast empires from here and as prolific builders; artisans from Persia, Central Asia and other parts of India were attracted by their patronage. The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dot the picturesque riverine region along the Yamuna River; three of which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri have been declared World Heritage Sites. Agra is renowned for its delicate Pietra Dura work; a Florentine technique imported by Jahangir of arranging minute pieces of precious and semi-precious stones in complex, stylized floral and geometric designs into a marble base.

Afternoon start the sightseeing of Agra and fill your day with following activities:

• Visit Agra For.t
• Towards sunset visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see Taj Mahal from opposite side of Yamuna River.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

AGRA – RANTHAMBORE

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 06: Sunrise proceed for the visit of Taj Mahal After breakfast drive to Ranthambore. On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon visit of Dhonk. Dinner at Hotel Overnight at Ranthambore.

RANTHAMBORE - JAIUR

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 07: Morning proceed for the game drive at Ranthambore National park. Ranthambore National park is famous for the largest population of Royal Bengal Tiger in India. After game drive back to hotel for shower followed by breakfast. Post breakfast commence your drive to Jaipur (Approx. 4.5 hours) and upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Late afternoon explore the markets of Pink city. Evening proceed for the cooking demo session followed by dinner with local family. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

JAIPUR

MEALS INCLUDED:BREAKFAST

DAY 08: Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well-planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-colored terra cotta, it has given it the name'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Jaipur’s focal point is the magnificent Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds.

Today start the sightseeing of Jaipur and visit the following monuments:

• Amer Fort.
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar (Observatory)
• Hawa Mahal Palace

JAIPUR – UDAIPUR

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

DAY 09: Today you will be transferred to Udaipur by road. Enroute lunch at Bijayniwas Palace Regarded by many as the most romantic city in India, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. The city is dominated by the massive City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola with its white island palaces. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along the lake front, lively bazaars of the old city and a relaxing atmosphere make Udaipur perfect for wandering around and a visit is considered one of India’s greatest highlights. Afternoon explore the markets of Old city. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

UDAIPUR MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 10: Today start the sightseeing of Udaipur and visit the following monuments:

• City Palace
• Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Later enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

UDAIPUR - DELHI – ONWARDS DESTINATION

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 11: Today you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to board your flight for Delhi.

On arrival you can connect with for your flight to onwards destination.

*** END OF BREATHTAKERS TOURS SERVICES***