9-Day Golden Triangle of India with Varanasi from Delhi

The excitement of beginning an unforgettable journey awakens the moment your plane lands at Indira Gandhi International Airport. There, a Greca representative will warmly welcome you and accompany you on your transfer to the heart of Delhi, a vibrant city where the ancient and the modern coexist in perfect harmony.

During the morning and afternoon, you will have the rest of the day free to immerse yourself in the first aromas, sounds, and colors of the Indian capital. Picture the bustling markets where spices paint the air with their fragrance, the temples whispering tales of kings and sages, or simply the serenity of watching life unfold from a terrace as the sun slowly sets.

At night, you will rest comfortably in your accommodation in Delhi with breakfast included, recharging your energy to begin exploring this fascinating land the following day.

Greca Tip: We recommend staying well hydrated from the very first day, as Delhi’s climate can be warm and dry. Carrying a bottle of water with you will allow you to enjoy your first experiences in India with greater comfort.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we begin the day immersed in the vibrant energy of India’s capital. In the morning, we will make a photo stop in front of the majestic Red Fort, an icon of Mughal power that still commands respect today.

Nearby lies Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue where Shah Jahan rode on horseback, now alive with bustling bazaars and the scents of spices. Strolling through these streets, we will reach Jama Masjid, the grand mosque that has safeguarded the faith and history of millions of devotees since the 17th century.

At midday, we will visit the solemn Raj Ghat, where Gandhi’s memory rests, and then venture into New Delhi. Here, the Parliament buildings, the Presidential Palace, and India Gate tell the story of British rule, while a visit to a Sikh temple will reveal the fusion of spirituality and hospitality inherent to this religion.

After some free time for lunch, we will continue with the Qutub Minar complex, whose 12th-century minaret rises beside the mysterious Iron Pillar, famed for withstanding the test of time without corroding.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and a well-deserved overnight stay.

Tip Greca: Try a cup of chai from a street stall during your visit; its blend of spices is the most authentic way to taste Delhi.

Starting the day with a delicious breakfast, we prepare to leave Delhi behind and embark on a road transfer to Jaipur, the enchanting “Pink City.” The journey, lasting a few hours, offers ever-changing landscapes, from open plains to rugged hills, before arriving at this gem of Rajasthan.

Founded in the 18th century, Jaipur was designed with remarkable urban precision, divided into seven rectangular sectors and surrounded by a formidable fortified wall with seven gates that still guard its historic essence.

In the afternoon, we enjoy our first immersion into the city with a panoramic tour. We stroll through the bazaars, where the aromas of spices and the vivid colors of textiles awaken the senses. We pause to admire the Albert Hall, an elegant palace built by the Maharaja of Jaipur to honor the visit of King George of England, now an iconic cultural landmark. Later, we visit the Birla Temple, a luminous white marble Hindu sanctuary that, as evening falls, glows with an atmosphere of peace and spirituality.

We conclude this memorable day with dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Jaipur.

Tip Greca: Don’t miss trying a traditional lassi in Jaipur’s bazaars; this refreshing yogurt-based drink perfectly complements the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

After a hearty breakfast, the morning beckons with history and splendor as we embark on an excursion to Amber Fort, the majestic fortress that served as the state capital until 1728. To reach its summit, we will ascend on the backs of elephants, just as the kings once did, enjoying the sweeping views across walls and hills. At the top, palaces adorned with intricate mosaics and serene courtyards reveal the grandeur of Rajasthan.

In the afternoon, we continue with a panoramic tour of Jaipur, the city founded in 1727 by the visionary Maharaja Jai Singh, a celebrated prince and astronomer. We explore the Jantar Mantar observatory, a unique legacy that still astonishes with the precision of its instruments. Next, we visit the Maharaja’s Palace, a former royal residence turned museum, where manuscripts, paintings, and weapons transport us to courtly life. The tour also takes us through residential and commercial areas, passing the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, whose pink façade with hundreds of windows allowed royal ladies to observe city life unseen.

As evening falls, we savor dinner and retreat to our comfortable overnight stay in Jaipur, recharging after a truly memorable day.

Tip Greca: To fully experience Jaipur’s magic, observe the Hawa Mahal at sunset: its pink stone glows golden, creating an unforgettable postcard moment.

After a delightful breakfast, we set out toward new wonders that transport us to the heart of India’s history. In the morning, we will explore Abhaneri, renowned for its spectacular 9th-century stepwell, one of the largest and deepest in the country. With more than 3,300 steps spread across 13 levels and 30 meters deep, this architectural marvel not only stored water but also served as a gathering and worship space, where daily life and the sacred intertwined in perfect harmony.

We will then continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the enigmatic “ghost city” built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. Although abandoned due to a lack of water, its palaces, pavilions, and mosques remain remarkably intact, allowing us to imagine the grandeur of a thriving Mughal capital. Highlights include the majestic Jama Masjid, the delicate tomb of Salim Chishti, and the elegant Panch Mahal, where architecture plays with light and shadow in mesmerizing ways.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Agra to visit the romantic Mehtab Bagh garden on the banks of the Yamuna River, offering one of the most evocative views of the Taj Mahal. We will conclude the day with a well-deserved dinner and accommodation in Agra, providing restful comfort as you prepare for another unforgettable day.

Tip Greca: Keep your camera ready at sunset in Mehtab Bagh: the golden hues of the sun illuminating the Taj Mahal create one of the most memorable postcards of your journey.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will immerse ourselves in the essence of Agra to discover one of the world’s most iconic monuments: the Taj Mahal.

This white marble jewel, considered one of the Seven Wonders, was commissioned in 1630 by Emperor Shah Jahan as an eternal tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. For 17 years, more than 20,000 workers and artisans from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, France, and Italy dedicated themselves to bringing this masterpiece to life, a creation that shines like a poem carved in stone. A fascinating detail: depending on the time of day, its surface appears to change color, from soft pink hues at sunrise to golden tones at sunset.

In the afternoon, we will continue with a visit to the imposing Agra Fort, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. Behind its red sandstone walls lies a complex of palaces and pavilions where decisive chapters of Mughal history were written. Strolling through the Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas evokes the grandeur of an empire at its peak.

Optionally, in the evening, you may attend a musical performance inspired by the Taj Mahal at the Kalakriti Theatre, a vibrant experience blending art and tradition. We will conclude the day with a dinner and restful accommodation in Agra.

Tip Greca: To enjoy a more intimate view of the Taj Mahal with fewer visitors, rise early and visit at sunrise—it offers one of the monument’s most magical and personal experiences.

After a restful breakfast, we will transfer by road to Delhi airport to catch the flight to Varanasi, the sacred city that pulses to the eternal rhythm of the Ganges River.

Upon arrival, we will head to our accommodation, where you can rest briefly before immersing yourself in a world where the spiritual and earthly intertwine in every corner.

In the afternoon, we begin our experience with a visit to Bharat Mata Temple, a unique place housing a massive marble map of India. More than a work of art, it symbolizes the unity and diversity of this ancient nation. An interesting detail: the relief shows pure geography without political borders, a true homage to the “Motherland.”

As night falls, we will approach the legendary Ganges River to witness the Aarti, the ceremony of lights. Watching the floating lamps dance upon the sacred waters while the mantras resonate through the air is a moving experience that connects deeply with the soul of India.

We will then enjoy a dinner and restful accommodation in Varanasi.

Tip Greca: Bring a small scarf or shawl; it will be useful both for covering up in temples and protecting yourself from the evening chill by the river during the ceremony.

In the serene hours of dawn, as the city slowly awakens, we embark on a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River, its waters reflecting the first rays of the sun. Before your eyes, the Ghats come alive: devotees bathing in search of purification, ancient chants uplifting the spirit, and the smoke from cremations reminding us of the fragility and transcendence of life. Being here is to feel the eternal pulse of India.

After disembarking, we wander through the narrow alleys of the old town, where every corner reveals the strength of faith in daily life. Along the way, we will visit Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Banaras Hindu University, institutions that reflect devotion and wisdom passed down through centuries. We then return to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.

In the afternoon, we travel to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. We will stroll among the ruins, the majestic Stupa, and the Buddhist temples that still hold the energy of that transcendent moment. The museum completes this experience, showcasing archaeological treasures that narrate centuries of wisdom.

The day concludes with a delightful dinner and restful accommodation.

Tip Greca: Don’t forget to bring a fully charged camera; the first rays of the sun over the Ganges offer one of the most memorable and spiritual views in India.

After enjoying a final breakfast, we bid farewell to Varanasi, a city that seems to beat to the eternal rhythm of chants and prayers, leaving an indelible mark as one of the most spiritual places in the world.

In the morning, we will transfer to the airport to board our flight to Delhi. During the journey, you may reflect on the intensity of the days experienced: the golden sunrises over the Ganges, the majesty of the Taj Mahal, the grandeur of forts and palaces, and the warmth of daily life in India.

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will connect with your international flight home. This marks the conclusion of a journey that not only took you through landscapes and monuments but also invited you to immerse yourself in the soul of a vibrant and spiritual country.

End of services, but never the memory of this unique experience with Greca.

Schedule your departure flight from Delhi after 6:00 PM. For earlier departures, we recommend adding an additional night in Delhi.

Tip Greca: Before boarding, take advantage of the last moments at the airport to pick up some local handicrafts or spices; little treasures that will carry the aroma and colors of India with you.