Classical India with Nepal
Overview
Immerse yourself in this unforgettable adventure through ancient cultures as you explore the palaces, monuments, and spiritual allure of India and Nepal. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene temples of Kathmandu, this journey promises an unforgettable fusion of history, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes across these captivating lands.
Format
Locations
- New Delhi
- Jaipur
- Agra
- Khajuraho
- Varanasi
- Kathmandu
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Delhi (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Private transfers to and from airports
- 14-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, 1 night in Delhi, 3 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night 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, Delhi-Kathmandu, Kathmandu-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 of the monument 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 Kachpura Village
- Jhansi - Orchha Fort Complex
- Khajuraho - Western Group of Temples
- Varanasi - Varanasi’s landmarks tour, Buddhism-Sarnath (Pilgrimage Center), River Ganges boat ride
- Kathmandu - Mountain Flight Experience (1-hour duration), Kathmandu Durbar Square, rickshaw ride, Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Bhadgaon City Tour
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. Spend the rest of the evening 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 bicycle 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): Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast and checkout, your private chauffeur will take you on a 4-hour* drive adventure towards the Pink City, Jaipur. Upon arrival at your hotel, a local representative will greet you and assist you with the check-in; afterwards, enjoy some free time before meeting with your tour guide to continue with this evening’s agenda.
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on road and traffic conditions.
This evening has been reserved for a special cooking lesson/dinner with local family in Jaipur. Your tour guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
More Moments Activities Included
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Cooking Lesson, Followed by Dinner
Learn the secrets of aromatic spices, intricate flavors, and authentic techniques in a hands-on experience. Unlock the magic of Indian culinary heritage and savor the delight of creating delectable dishes, transporting your taste buds on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
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 II 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): Breakfast and dinner
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): Breakfast and dinner
Day 7
Agra - Kachpura 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 Kachpura 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 Kachpura 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 the village life, rituals, and livelihood directly from a local resident. The funds raised from the walk directly benefit the local community at Kachpura.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
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): Breakfast and dinner
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): Breakfast and dinner
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): Breakfast and dinner
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): Breakfast and dinner
Day 12
Delhi - Kathmandu
After breakfast and checking out your private chauffeur will take you to Delhi’s International Airport to catch your flight to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival to Kathmandu’s International Airport, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared proceed to the airport’s exit where you will be greeted by a local representative 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): Breakfast and dinner
Day 13
Kathmandu
This morning you will be required to wake up early. Meet the tour guide in the hotel lobby and board your transfer to Kathmandu’s airport for the Mountain Flight*: a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you witness some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, from a plane.
*Flight operation is subject to weather conditions.
Afterwards, board your hotel transfer and proceed for breakfast. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure.
In the afternoon, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, board your rickshaw ride transfer from Hanuman Dhoka to Thamel.
The last stops of today’s itinerary will be a visit to Swayambhunath & Patan Durbar Square, and afterwards your tour guide will take you back to the hotel for dinner.
More Moments Activities Included
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Mountain Flight
This exhilarating flight through the Himalayas gives you eye-level views of snowy peaks like Langtang Lirung (7234 M), Shisha Pangma (8013 M), Dorje Lhakpa (6966 M), Gauri Shankar (7134 M), Melungtse (7181 M), Pumori (7161 M), Nuptse (7855 M), Makalu (8463 M), Lhotse (8516 M), and finally, Sagarmatha, which we know as Mount Everest (8848 M). Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind-boggling sight.
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Kathmandu Durbar Square
Durbar, which means palace, is where kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart, where the charm of old town blends well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop. The entire square was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The massive complex consists of three main squares, which are home to palaces, temples, and courtyards.
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Rickshaw Ride
Embark on a thrilling rickshaw ride of around 30 minutes from Hanuman Dhoka to Thamel through narrow alleys and experience local life in Kathmandu up close. Thamel is colourful and vibrant at this time of day, with decorated shops filled with handicrafts, curios, silver jewelry, and more. You will have some free time here to stroll around.
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Swayambhunath
The Monkey Temple sits atop a conical hill with a white dome topped with a glittering golden spire, visible from all sides of the valley for many miles.
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Patan Durbar Square
Just 5 km south of Kathmandu is Patan, the city of artistry, which is one of the three royal cities in the valley. Connoisseurs of fine arts and architecture will be delighted with the city’s offering of various Buddhist and Hindu temples with over 1,000 monuments boasting the finest wood and stone carvings.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 14
Kathmandu - Bhadgaon - Kathmandu
After breakfast, your tour guide will take you for a visit to Pashupatinath Temple*, the temple of Lord Shiva. Located 5 km east of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River.
*Entrance to the inner courtyard is forbidden to non-Hindus.
Afterwards, your next stop will be a visit to the Stupa of Bodhanatht. This landmark is located 8 km east of Kathmandu.
In the afternoon, your tour guide will take you on an exciting half-day Bhatgaon City Tour.
More Moments Activities Included
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Pashupatinath Temple
The Temple of Lord Shiva, built in 1696, is famous for its superb architecture, tiered golden roof, and silver doors. Enjoy an incredible view of the structure from a terrace on the wooded hill across the river.
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Stupa of Bodhanatht
Nepal’s biggest stupa sits on concentric ascending terraces in a Mandala pattern. Around the base of the enormous structure wraps a ring of 108 images of Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels.
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Half-day Bhatgaon City Tour
Visit the ancient gateway, Durbar Square, the royal residential quarter of Bhupendra Malla, and the famous five-story pagoda-style Nyatapola Temple.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 15
Kathmandu - Delhi
After breakfast and checkout, your private chauffeur will take you to Kathmandu’s International Airport to catch your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival at Delhi’s International Airport, you may need to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, proceed to the airport exit doors, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your names on it. They will escort you to your private transfer service that will take you to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 16
Delhi - Canada
After breakfast and checkout, your private chauffeur will take you to Delhi’s International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
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, from Varanasi to Delhi, from Delhi to Katmandu, and from Kathmandu to Delhi
- Private transfer service from/to airports
- Private transfer service from hotel to train station
- 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.