Day 1
You arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2
Arriving late morning you stay one night at the five-star Hilton Janakpuri hotel, with all the excellent facilities you expect from a world-class hotel. After a rest you begin a guided tour of New Delhi, a beautiful city that clearly reflects the legacy of the British Raj. Surprisingly green, it is divided by wide tree-lined avenues with the Presidential Palace (formerly the Viceroy’s residence) at its centre. You see the imposing Rajpath, India Gate and the Parliament building and visit the 12th century Qutub Minaret – the tallest stone-built tower in India and Humayun’s tomb, upon which the Taj Mahal is modelled.

Day 3
A guided tour of Old Delhi takes you first to the memorial of the great Mahatma Gandhi, the Raj Ghat. Then there’s the Red Fort, one of the world’s great fortifications with huge walls nearly two miles long. Next it’s one of Asia’s largest mosques, the Jama Masjid. Holding 25,000 worshippers, it displays wonderfully intricate decoration and marble work. In the afternoon we take a fascinating drive to Agra through rural India to stay two nights at the four-star Taj Gateway Hotel.

Day 4
We wake early to catch the sun rising over the Taj Mahal – undisputedly one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. In the soft morning light, as the mist rises from the Yamuna River, it seems to float like a mirage above the surrounding landscape. Built from dazzling marble, its colour changes from white to yellow, cream and almost to orange… an exquisite image that you’ll remember forever. Next you visit the immense Agra Fort. Completed in 1573 from red sandstone, dominating the surrounding area, this was the magnificent seat of the vast Moghul Empire. This evening you can re-visit the Taj Mahal at sunset as an option. Bathed in light of a different colour, the varying shadows afford another view of this astonishing, world-renowned and enthralling icon.

Day 5
Leaving Agra by train in comfortable air-conditioned ‘chair-class’ to Jhansi, one of the centres of the Indian Mutiny, we continue by coach to nearby Orchha. Surrounded by jungles, this remarkable medieval town is an architectural gem. Discover the 14 Chhatris – or cenotaphs – built as memorials to its Bundela rulers. Soak up the magical atmosphere as parrots and vultures circle these mystical buildings, with fabulous views to the river. Marvel at the palaces of the Orchha Fort complex, admire the fine architecture and step inside to see the bold, colourful religious murals. After lunch at the splendid Amar Mahal Palace or Orchha Resort we drive to the small town of Khajuraho for bed and breakfast at the four-star Taj Chandela Hotel.

Day 6
Today we visit some of Khajuraho’s remarkable temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of India. Originally 85 temples were built between the 10-12th centuries and today, 22 of these mystical shrines survive. Their colours change with the intensity of the sun and the carved figures illustrate sensuous poses of such high relief that you can distinguish jewellery and manicured nails. You then take the 45 minute flight to Varanasi. Founded in the 6th century BC, and one of the oldest cities in the world, Hindus believe it to be the centre of their universe. Nestling on the holy River Ganges, Varanasi’s old city is a labyrinth of tangled alleys, shops and workshops, through which we take an exciting rickshaw to the river. Buzzing with pilgrims, the banks are lined by high, centuries-old palaces, with descending steps or ‘ghats’ down to the waters. Here the faithful wash themselves in the holy waters while brightly clad Brahmin priests practise yoga and meditation. Boarding a small boat you explore this incredible waterfront. We witness the Aarti, one of the most impressive Hindu ceremonies, as large crowds chant and pray, setting small candles adrift on the water in memory of loved ones. You will also probably see several of Varanasi’s famous funeral pyres, where mourners gather and the whole riverbank glows with a flickering yellow as the deceased receives instant enlightenment. We stay two nights, with breakfast, at the four-star Taj Gateway Hotel.

Day 7
The soft morning sun illuminates the river through the mist. After a morning boat ride, you walk through Varanasi’s narrow lanes and enchanting array of shops selling carpets, intricate polished brassware and fine silks. This afternoon we drive to nearby Sarnath, where 2,500 years ago, after gaining enlightenment himself, the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, founding one of the most enduring of world religions. We visit the 1,700-year-old Dhamekh Stupa, towering 31m high and said to mark the spot where Buddha revealed his Eightfold Path leading to ‘nirvana’ - and see a green marble coffin allegedly containing his relics.

Day 8
After a free morning we fly to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries. Set in a bowl-shaped Himalayan valley 4,500 feet above sea level, this captivating city and Nepal’s cultural heart is surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains. The contrast with India is striking, with Buddhist temples reminiscent of the Far East much in evidence. We visit the famous 14th century Boudhanath Stupa, Tibetan in origin and one of the holiest of Buddhist sites. The gentle sound of chanting and praying fills the air, while traders sell lamps, cloth and all sorts of fascinating goods in an enchanting kaleidoscope of colour and noise. We stay two nights with breakfast at the sumptuous five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Day 9
Today you experience something most people never will, a flight to the Himalayas to see majestic Mount Everest. Twice the size of the Alps, their sheer immensity is mind-blowing. Carrying just 16 passengers, our aircraft flies over peaks and clouds bathed in an early morning golden glow. The 45-minute flight offers an incredible panorama, and you can take a photograph of the world’s highest mountain from the cockpit. If conditions are unsuitable we have two more opportunities during the holiday. This afternoon you explore the fascinating sights of Kathmandu and the famous Durbar Square, the most glorious example of traditional Nepalese architecture, where Nepal’s Kings were crowned.

Day 10
You take the scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of the finest in Asia. Overlooking the lush forested valley and the Rapti River, the Narayani Safari Lodge, where we stay for two nights with full-board, is clean and comfortable but simple, without telephones or televisions - a real opportunity to experience and savour the peaceful surroundings. We visit a local village by ox cart to learn how local people live in a sustainable manner in harmony with their spectacularly beautiful surroundings. After dinner, a slide show brings the huge variety of flora and fauna of the reserve to life.

Day 11
Viewing wildlife in its natural habitat is often a life-changing experience. Rising early, as the sun breaks and accompanied by a unique ‘dawn chorus’, we cross the misty river into the reserve in the traditional manner – on elephant back. This gentle giant quietly brushes through the undergrowth without disturbing other animals to ensure wildlife viewing at its best. Each elephant carries four people and your naturalist guide should help you spot rhino, sloth bears, wild boar, and if you’re very lucky, a Royal Bengal tiger. We return for breakfast and to watch the elephants bathing in the river. After lunch, we have the option of a trip by dugout canoe to a crocodile farm, returning on foot along the riverbank.

Day 12
We drive north towards the small town of Pokhara in central Nepal. Inhale the clean air, taking time to fully comprehend the staggering beauty of an area surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains. This afternoon, we take a boat ride across Lake Phewa for unbeatable views of the Annapurna mountain range. Watch reflections of their dazzling white peaks sparkle in the mirror-like water, and listen to the soothing sound of silence. This is probably one of the finest mountain panoramas in the world. We stay two nights at the four-star Pokhara Grande Hotel with breakfast.

Day 13
Wake up early today and catch the sun rise over the Annapurna range, a truly magical experience. Watch the mountain peaks turn from soft pink to shimmering gold as the sun climbs higher in the clear blue sky. There are twelve peaks in the world higher than 25,000 feet, eight of them are in Nepal and from this spot on clear days you can see three of them. Truly staggering! The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 14
A relaxing day to potter about this charming lakeside town, with plenty of opportunities to bargain for local handicrafts, try out some of the many restaurants and take in the amazing views. In the afternoon we fly back to Kathmandu for our final night at the five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Day 15
Depart for our flight home via Delhi or Doha, arriving later the same day.

New Delhi – the five-star Hilton Janakpuri is located about 20 minutes’ drive from Delhi airport. There’s a heated outdoor pool, fitness room and spa, and dining options include an Italian trattoria, a Chinese restaurant, an Indian restaurant with Kashmiri specialities and an all-day dining venue. There’s snacks and afternoon tea available in the lobby lounge bar, plus a bar with live music on most evenings. The 228 spacious and well-appointed rooms are air-conditioned, with luxury bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, flat screen cable TV, writing desk, wireless internet (extra charge), iron/iron board, minibar, safe and tea/coffee-maker.

Agra – the four-star Gateway Hotel is managed by Taj Hotels and is situated in the centre of town overlooking six acres of lush, well-tended gardens and an outdoor pool. The hotel has a lobby lounge, an all-day restaurant serving Indian & continental buffets as well as a la carte menus, plus an Indian restaurant and bar. The 100 comfortable rooms are all air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, TV, minibar, wireless internet (extra charge), safe and tea/coffee-maker.

Khajuraho – the four-star Chandela Hotel is a low-rise property located in eleven acres of grounds with an outdoor, palm-shaded swimming pool, two restaurants and a bar with pool table. There are 94 comfortable rooms, all air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, flat screen TV, writing desk, minibar, wireless internet (extra charge), safe, tea/coffee-maker and balcony or patio.

Varanasi – the four-star Gateway Hotel, managed by Taj Hotels, is beautifully located in an oasis of calm in 40 acres of gardens in the grounds of the former Maharaja’s palace. The hotel has a lobby lounge, an all-day restaurant serving Indian & continental buffets as well as a la carte menus, plus an Indian restaurant and colonial-style bar. There’s an outdoor pool & fitness room and spa. The 130 comfortable rooms are all air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, TV, minibar, wireless internet (extra charge), safe and tea/coffee-maker.

Kathmandu – the five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel is located around 20 minutes’ drive from the airport and half an hour from the city centre. Set in 37 acres of grounds, the hotel boasts a large pool with bar, fitness room and spacious lobby area in a Nepalese theme. The dining venues include The Café, the hotel’s main buffet & a la carte restaurant open all day and the Rox restaurant specialising in southern European cuisine. The 280 spacious rooms are air-conditioned, with luxury bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, TV, writing desk, wireless internet (extra charge), minibar, safe, tea/coffee-maker and pool or garden views.

Chitwan National Park – the simple Narayani Safari Lodge is located on the edge of the National Park overlooking the Rapti River and the forests beyond. There is a lovely terrace overlooking river and a restaurant/bar. This rustic Lodge tries to have a minimal impact on its natural surroundings, therefore facilities are few and due to the relatively isolated location, the electricity supply is via a generator and may be unreliable. In the cooler winter months, hot water bottles are provided in the rooms. Payment for drinks/extras is cash only. The 32 rooms are in semi-detached bungalows, very simply furnished and include an overhead fan and shower/wc with hot water available for an hour in the morning & an hour in the afternoon.

Pokhara – the four-star Pokhara Grande Resort is located in a quiet spot on the way into the centre of town. There’s an outdoor pool, main restaurant, lobby bar & fitness/spa centre. All rooms have air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, TV, minibar and tea/coffee-maker.