Classical India
Overview
Embark on this journey through India's most captivating cities and cultural treasures. From the majestic monuments of Delhi and the vibrant colors of Jaipur to the timeless beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal and Khajuraho's ancient temples and the spiritual essence of Varanasi, this tour is an unforgettable odyssey through India's rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and centuries-old traditions.
Format
Locations
- New Delhi
- Jaipur
- Agra
- Khajuraho
- Varanasi
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Delhi (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Private transfers to and from airports
- 11-night accommodations in selected category (2-nights in Delhi, 2-nights in Jaipur, 2-nights in Agra, 1-night in Khajuraho, 2-nights in Varanasi, 2-nights in Delhi)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
- Road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, and Interstate taxes
- Domestic flights as per itinerary (Khajuraho-Varanasi, Varanasi-Delhi)
- All transfers, excursions, and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary using a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the tour
- Service of an English-speaking local guide during visits only as per program (different guide in each city)
- Train ticket in an air-conditioned chair car (coach class) carriage for travel from Agra to Jhansi
- Entrance fee for the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025
- More Moments activities are included in:
- Delhi- Full-day City Tour, including Pedicab (Cycle Rickshaw) ride and a visit to the Humayun's Tomb
- Jaipur- evening prayer ceremony at a Hindu temple, 45-minute yoga class, Amber Fort, cultural walk through Amber Town, e-rickshaw ride, Jantar Mantar, City Palace Museum
- Agra- Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, cultural walk through the Kachhpura Village
- Jhansi- Orchha Fort Complex
- Khajuraho- Western Group of Temples
- Varanasi- Varanasi’s landmarks tour, Buddhism-Sarnath (Pilgrimage Center), River Ganga boat ride
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Delhi’s International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi’s International Airport, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, please proceed to the exit where a dedicated local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations board with your name on it. They will escort you to your private transfer to take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Meal(s): Dinner
Day 3
Delhi
After breakfast, your tour guide will take you on a full-day city tour (visiting Old Delhi and New Delhi): enjoy views of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the drive, while adrenaline awaits on board of a cycle rickshaw that will take you through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.
In the afternoon, your tour guide will take you to the New Delhi area, where you will visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an orientation with a conservationist from the Aga Khan Foundation involved in heritage conservation.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day City Tour
On your way to Old Delhi, you will be driving past* the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the delightful chaos of the city aboard a cycle rickshaw for an exciting ride through its narrow lanes. The Old City walls wrap around Chandni Chowk, an ancient market that continues to thrive to this day. Take in the electrifying energy around you while you expose your senses to the enticing colors and exotic scents of cardamom and allspice, and watch local men sip their tea at deliciously fragrant chai stands.
In the afternoon, on your way to the New Delhi area, drive past* the impressive India Gate and the Secretariat building on the way to Humayun's Tomb for an introduction with a conservationist from the Aga Khan Foundation involved in heritage conservation. The 16th-century Humayun's Tomb is one of India’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the first garden tomb of Asia. Like the Taj Mahal, it is a testament of love built by a queen for her beloved husband Humayun, the 2nd Mughal Emperor of India.
*A stop may be possible for picture taking, depending on the traffic and time constraints on the ground.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 4
Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast and checking out, your private chauffeur will take you on a 4-hour* drive towards the Pink City, Jaipur. Upon arrival at your hotel in Jaipur, check-in and enjoy some free time before you meet with your tour guide to continue with this evening’s agenda.
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on road and traffic conditions.
Your tour guide will take you to a Hindu temple* to witness the evening prayer and take part in the blessing ceremony with locals.
*The Hindu temple to visit is the Birla Temple; however, the temple may change depending on availability. The tour guide will confirm at the meeting point.
More Moments Activities Included
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Evening Prayer and Blessing Ceremony
Experience the enchanting allure of a Hindu temple, where spirituality and tradition converge in a harmonious spectacle.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 5
Jaipur - Amber Town - Jaipur
Wake up early to relax and revitalize your body with a 45-minute beginner-level yoga session at the hotel. Upon completion of your yoga class, enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Later in the morning, your tour guide will take you to the outskirts of the city to visit the magnificent Amber Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way back to Jaipur, you will explore Amber Town, the sleepy town that lies at the base of the fort and predates it by many years.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to the city to explore the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur. Your next stop is a visit to the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century.
Your last stop will be a visit to the 18th-century City Palace, before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Yoga Class
Energize your morning by joining this 45-minute beginner yoga lesson at the hotel consisting of beginner-level asanas (Hatha yoga), yogic breathing techniques, and meditative relaxation sessions.
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Amber Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maota Lake. Once on top, you may stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors), where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors embedded in the walls and ceilings, lighting up the entire room.
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Cultural Walk Through Amber Town
This fascinating heritage walk winds through the surrounding Aravalli hills, where you can visit Meena tribal settlements and such historic structures as forts and shrines, as well as meet with locals. You may also visit the school situated in this village to interact with local kids to spend some quality time with children and weave in memories to take back home. (Note: The school is closed on government holidays and Sundays.)
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E-rickshaw Ride
Experience modern convenience with a touch of eco-friendliness aboard an E-rickshaw, a sustainable way to navigate Jaipur’s streets.
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Jantar Mantar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble, and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period.
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City Palace
Now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 6
Jaipur - Agra
After breakfast and checkout, your private chauffeur will take you on a 6-hour* drive towards your next stop, the magnificent city of Agra.
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on road and traffic conditions.
Along the way, stop and visit the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing towards Agra for hotel check-in. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Fatehpur Sikri
This deserted red sandstone city is an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, this palace is an extraordinary space to explore. The site boasts stunning sandstone sculptures, as well as palaces, mosques, and courtyards displaying a unique blend of Mughal, Persian, and Hindu architectural styles.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 7
Agra - Kachhpura Village - Agra
Start your day early to catch the first rays on the Taj Mahal. After the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel to have breakfast and enjoy the morning at leisure.
In the afternoon, your tour guide will take you to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Catch breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.
Afterwards, your driver will take you across the river for an interesting cultural walk through the Kachhpura Village, which also offers stunning views of the Taj from Mehtab Bagh across the river at sunset.
More Moments Activities Included
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Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) is an architectural symphony of pristine white marble, which has captivated the imagination of poets, authors, and painters alike for generations. A lovelorn Shah Jahan had this glorious mausoleum erected for his beloved wife after her untimely death. It took 22 years and over 20,000 men to build this memorial of love from marble quarried 200 miles away. You have ample time to explore this magnificent monument and admire its perfect symmetry from every angle.
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Agra Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage Site! a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna River. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi and is an impressive monument with a rich architectural history. The Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned inside the Agra Fort, and the tower of his imprisonment offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.
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Cultural Walk Through Kachhpura Village
This quaint village situated near the Taj Mahal features a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, across the river at sunset. The trail is a community-based enterprise where youth from the local community show you around. It is a chance to learn about village life, rituals, and livelihood directly from a local resident. The funds raised from the walk directly benefit the local community at Kachhpura.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 8
Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
After breakfast and checkout, your private chauffeur will drive you to Agra’s train station to catch your train to the beautiful city of Jhansi. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local representative and your tour guide carrying an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it.
On your way to Khajuraho, you will take a detour to visit the Orchha Fort complex, where your tour guide will give you a detailed explanation of this magnificent landmark. Afterwards, you will have time to have lunch at a local restaurant ($).
After lunch, your private chauffeur will take you on a 3-hour* drive to your last stop of the day: Khajuraho. Upon arrival at your hotel, proceed to check-in. Rest of the evening at leisure
*Driving time is approximate; it may vary depending on road and traffic conditions.
More Moments Activities Included
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Orchha Fort Complex
Explore the timeless beauty of this architectural marvel adorned with magnificent palaces, temples, and cenotaphs, each echoing the tales of the Bundela Dynasty's grandeur. It offers visitors a captivating journey through India's regal past.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 9
Khajuraho - Varanasi
After breakfast and checkout, the tour guide will take you on this morning’s exciting adventure, a visit to the Western Group of Temples.
After, your private chauffeur will take you to the airport to catch your flight to your next stop, Varanasi.
Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations’ sign with your name on it. They will escort you to your private transfer service that will take you to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Western Group of Temples
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a magnificent testament to Khajuraho’s architectural brilliance. Learn about its history, architecture, deities, and the magnificent carved embellishments that cover the walls and interiors of the temples. Although the erotic depictions are its most famous, most of the temple sculptures illustrate domestic scenes, dancers, musicians, teachers, and disciples.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 10
Varanasi
After breakfast, your tour guide will take you on a tour of Varanasi’s most iconic landmarks.
After, your private chauffeur will drive a short distance to one of the four main pilgrimage centers of Buddhism, the Sarnath*.
*Closed on Mondays.
In the evening, you will witness the enthralling aarti offered to River Ganges to seek her blessings before cruising down the river on a boat.
More Moments Activities Included
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Varanasi’s Landmarks Tour
Visit some of Varanasi’s most iconic landmarks, like the Banaras Hindu University and the Bharat Kala Bhavan located within its premises, the New Vishwanath Temple, the Bharat Mata Temple, and the much-revered Durga Temple.
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Sarnath
Known as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, a great proponent of Buddhism, commissioned the building of several magnificent stupas, monasteries, and an engraved pillar: the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which had deteriorated by the 12th century following the decline of Buddhism. British archaeologists rediscovered it in the early 19th century, and today, followers from across the world come to visit.
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Ganges River Boat Ride
A captivating and spiritually enriching activity to witness the enthralling aarti ritual offered to the River Ganges to seek her blessings. The boat will halt at the perfect point from where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the ceremony that marks the final event of the day.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 11
Varanasi - Delhi
After breakfast and checking out, your private chauffeur will take you to Varanasi’s airport to take your flight back to Delhi.
Upon arrival at Deli’s International Airport, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations’ sign with your name on it. They will escort you to your private transfer that will take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 12
Delhi
Spend your last full day in Delhi completely at your leisure. Whether nestled in a cozy retreat, surrounded by nature's embrace, or exploring the cultural gems of this vibrant city, a day at leisure is your personal sanctuary.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et souper
Day 13
Delhi - Canada
After breakfast, your private chauffeur will take you to Delhi’s International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people (2 adults)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Room details
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people (2 adults)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Daily service:
- January 01, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- January 04, 2025 – December 19, 2025
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above.
- Transfers for any optional activities and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather-related conditions.
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- Flight in economy class from Khajuraho to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Delhi.
- Private transfer service from/to airports.
- Private transfer service from Agra hotel to Jhansi train station and from Jhansi train station to Khajuraho hotel.
- Private transfer service for all sightseeing, including inter-city transfers.
- Train transfer service between Agra and Jhansi in economy coach car class.
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The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.