Classical India with Nepal - Small Group
Classical India with Nepal - Small Group
Classical India with Nepal - Small Group
12 Days Starting in Kathmandu, Nepal and ending in New Delhi, India
Visiting: Kathmandu, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SA505M20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the cultural heartlands of India and Nepal with the "Classical India with Nepal - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the sacred temples of Kathmandu to the vibrant streets of Delhi, offering a rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and local traditions. Explore the majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur, witness the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal in Agra, and cruise the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi. Enjoy unique local experiences, such as a rickshaw ride in Thamel and a visit to the inspiring Sheroes Café. Travel comfortably with scenic flights and stay in luxurious accommodations, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure. With guided tours, authentic dining experiences, and the opportunity to engage with local communities, this tour promises a deep dive into the cultural wonders of these two fascinating countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu.
Accommodation Name: The Soaltee, Kathmandu
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by an Insight representative and transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Kathmandu. Meet your Travel Director and venture out in Thamel on a rickshaw ride. Later, head to a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 2: Kathmandu The City Of Beauty
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu.
Accommodation Name: The Soaltee, Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day bright and early with a morning visit to Kathmandu City. See the tranquil Swayambhunath temple. Later, stop in Patan, the third largest city in Nepal, where you will enjoy an included lunch. Originally called Lalitpur or “City of Beauty” in Sanskrit, you’ll explore this pretty city with a Local Expert in the afternoon. Highlights include the Golden Temple, Durbar Square and Mul Chowk, the largest and oldest of the Royal Palace’s three main chow squares. Enjoy the flavours of the region in the evening with an indulgent dinner.
Day 3: Kathmandu's Spiritual History
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu.
Accommodation Name: The Soaltee, Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into Kathmandu’s spiritual history with a morning visit to the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River and take in the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Next you’ll head to the city of Bhadgaon, before visiting a local pottery workshop where a local craftsman will provide a demonstration. In the evening head to an inspirational talk by a woman who summited the Earth’s highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest. She’ll talk to you about her experience guiding some of the world’s most interesting people through some of the most challenging terrain on earth.
Day 4: On To Vibrant Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Delhi.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien, New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to the airport for your onwards flight to Delhi, India. On arrival you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in, before this afternoon joining your group and Travel Director for a trip to Akshardham Temple. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this Hindu temple is a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, ask your Travel Director for recommendations on where to explore, or perhaps relax at your hotel’s spa?
Day 5: Exploring New And Old Delhi Relaxed Start
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Delhi.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien, New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head on an exciting sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi with your Travel Director. Drive past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. Founded in 1526, the Mughal Empire compromised the majority of the Indian subcontinent until 1707. In the afternoon, visit a Sikh temple and visit its community kitchen, a place preparing and serving free vegetarian meals to those in need. Later, drive past the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Parliament House, before ending the day with a tour of Humayun’s Tomb with your Travel Director.
Day 6: The Pink City Relaxed Start
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel ITC Rajputana, Jaipur.
Accommodation Name: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City, after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 for a visit from Queen Victoria. Before lunch, enjoy a visit to the Heritage Transport Museum in Haryana, a fascinating showcase of the evolution of transport in India. Later, join your Travel Director for an evening visit to a flower and spice market. Dine at the esteemed Dera Amer. Situated in the wilderness close to Jaipur, this outdoor dining experience truly connects you to nature under the stars.
Day 7: Delve Into Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel ITC Rajputana, Jaipur.
Accommodation Name: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerise with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Once here, experience India’s spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Jaipur and see the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory. Explore Jaipur with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, featuring the world’s largest stone sundial, or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.
Day 8: Jaipur To Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra.
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Palace, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning depart for Agra, home to the spectacular phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal. Along the way stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Agra, the evening is yours at leisure. Why not make the most of the amenities at your hotel, Jaypee Palace? Home to a spa, salon and fitness centre, unwind before tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 9: The Taj Mahal
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra.
Accommodation Name: Jaypee Palace, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake early for a visit to the Taj Mahal, to see the world phenomenon in its best light. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Continue on to Agra Fort. Explore Agra with Insight Choice. Choose to join a guided walk through Kachhpura to discover the life of local farmers. Enjoy tea and pakora on a rooftop with views of the Taj Mahal. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit the ‘Sheroes’ Café. This local business supports female victims of acid attacks who refuse to give up and instead fight for a better life. Catch up with your fellow travellers over dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 10: On To Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Taj Ganges, Varanasi.
Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Delhi then take a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. On arrival you’ll be checked into your luxury hotel, the Taj Ganges. A contemporary ode to its classical city, this five-star accommodation includes a pool, fitness centre, traditional Indian Spa Therapies and a beautiful flower garden. In the evening, participate in an Aarti on the ghats, where you’ll offer prayers to the River Ganges. This spiritual ceremony is performed daily to honour the River Goddess Ganga. It is a Hindu religious ritual of worship and involves hundreds of diyas and flowers released onto the river, as the words “Har Har Gange” are chanted.
Day 11: The Holy City Of Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Taj Ganges, Varanasi.
Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise boat cruise on River Ganges, followed by a visit to an Akhara. Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading on a tour of Varanasi. This involves seeing the Sarnath, a sacred deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence through Kondanna’s enlightenment. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel.
Day 12: Leave Varanasi For Delhi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
End your trip with a relaxing early morning yoga session at your hotel, before breakfast and a transfer to the airport. Head back to Delhi before your onward flights. Please do not schedule flights before 9pm.
What's Included
-
Meals
5 Dinners, 11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 1 Dinner with Wine are included.
-
Accommodation
Accommodation at various hotels including Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Le Méridien New Delhi, ITC Rajputana Jaipur, Jaypee Palace Agra, and Taj Ganges Varanasi.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours in various cities including Kathmandu, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.
-
Local Experiences
Unique local experiences such as a rickshaw ride in Thamel, a pottery workshop in Kathmandu, and a visit to Sheroes Café in Agra.
-
Transportation
All transportation including flights from Kathmandu to Delhi, and from Delhi to Varanasi.
-
Special Activities
Special activities like a dawn cruise on the Ganges River, an early morning yoga session in Varanasi, and a jeep ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Nepal and India are not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Insight Experiences
- Kathmandu: Hear an inspirational talk led by a woman who summited Mount Everest, the highest point above sea level on Earth.
- Varanasi: Join a Local Expert in India's religious rituals to learn more about the colourful candlelit tradition of Aarti as you participate in the sunset ceremony in the Ganges, against a backdrop of ringing bells and chanting music.
Summary
- Choose between two experiences in Agra.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a rickshaw ride in Thamel, a pottery workshop in Kathmandu, a visit to Sheroes Café in Agra, a dawn cruise on the Ganges River, and an early morning yoga session in Varanasi.
-
What is the significance of the Sheroes Café visit in Agra?
The Sheroes Café in Agra is a local business run by women survivors of acid attacks. It supports their efforts to reintegrate into the community and advances UN Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality and reduced inequalities.
-
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect authentic dining experiences such as dinner at a local restaurant in Kathmandu, a special dining experience at Dera Amer in Jaipur, lunch at Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur, and a dinner at your hotel in Varanasi.
-
Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special activities like a jeep ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur, a dawn cruise on the Ganges River, and an early morning yoga session in Varanasi.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable travel with scenic flights between Kathmandu, Delhi, and Varanasi, as well as local transportation including rickshaw rides, jeep ascents, and private transfers to various attractions.
-
What are some of the top-rated highlights of the tour?
Top-rated highlights include visiting the sacred Swayambhunath in Kathmandu, touring Durbar Square and Royal Palace, seeing the Pashupatinath Temple, visiting the colossal stupa Boudhanath, and enjoying an excursion to the ancient capital Bhadgaon.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Friday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Monday - Friday
Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions