Meet at the Montreal airport to meet your tour guide. Flight to Delhi with a layover in Doha.

10/29: Montreal – Doha: 8:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (arrival on 10/30).
10/31: Doha – Delhi: 2:25 a.m. – 8:25 a.m.

Welcome and assistance upon arrival in Delhi. Meet your English-speaking guide, transfer, and check-in at the 5-star hotel

Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities to relax before setting out on your tour.

Lunch at the hotel. Departure for a city tour.

Jama Masjid: It is the largest mosque in the country. From the top of the south minaret, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the entire city and enjoy a magnificent panorama.

Walk past Lal Qila (the Red Fort): it owes its name to the material used in its construction—red sandstone.

Raj Ghat and the Gandhi Museum: This square black marble plaque marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948.

Visit to Humayun’s Tomb

Dinner at a local restaurant.

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Lunch at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Udaipur. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.

UDAIPUR, a city with narrow, bustling streets, whitewashed houses, and tiny balconies and windows.

Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

In the late afternoon, depending on the water level, transfer to the pier. Take a short cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the magnificent facade of the Udaipur Palace, followed by a stop at Jag Mandir Island.

Dinner and lodging.

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Lunch at the hotel.

You’ll explore the City Palace, the former palace of the Maharanas of Udaipur. Built in the 18th century, this palace — part of which is still inhabited by the descendants of the Maharanas of Udaipur—overlooks Lake Pichola. It is a labyrinth of marble halls, ornately decorated rooms, courtyards, numerous ceramics, and gardens.

Visit to Sahelion Ki Bari, or “Garden of the Young Ladies, “ a beautiful park with numerous fountains.

Dinner.

Visit to a silk-painting center specializing in miniatures. Free afternoon for personal activities.

Dinner and Lodging

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Lunch at the hotel.

We set off for RANAKPUR, traveling along roads lined with acacia trees, where we can see norias, pump wells, and women walking along the road carrying golden or silver jugs on their heads.

You’ll also discover the grand Jain temples, which seem to be hidden away in the Aravelli Mountains. A captivating charm emanates from this secluded place; you’ll be surprised and in awe of the sculptures in the various temples. These are among the most beautiful Jain shrines.

Dinner in Ranakpur.

Then continue on to Rohet. Arrive and check in at the hotel.

A walk through the village of Le Rohet.

Dinner and Lodging

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Lunch at the hotel.

In the morning, a Jeep ride to meet the Bishnoi shepherds. Then, set off in a 4×4 to visit the Bishnoi villages, which form a one-of-a-kind community that upholds ancestral traditions of total respect for nature and animal life. Wherever the Bishnois are, there are wild does and deer, A wonderful exploration of rural, rustic India—a surprising blend of the practical and the aesthetic, the secular and the sacred. You’ll witness the opium ceremony with a Bishnoi family.

Then on to Manvar.

Arrival anddinner at Manvar Sevan, The Desert Camp.

Setup in your rooms.

You’ll enjoy a magnificent evening in the heart of the Thar Desert dunes, including a camel ride. A dinner in the desert with a cultural program.

Housing.

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In the morning, enjoy a desert safari by Jeep.

Return to the hotel for lunch, then on to Jodhpur, a city in the heart of the desert. Nestled at the foot of an enormous dark red sandstone fortress where the armies of many conquerors were worn down, Jodhpur—also known as the “Blue City”—appears as a comforting oasis to travelers who have just crossed the Thar Desert. The old city is surrounded by a city wall with seven gates, built in the mid-16th century along a perimeter of nearly 10 km to protect it from the sand.

Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Visit Jaswant Thada —A cluster of royal cenotaphs made of white marble, built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

A tuk-tuk ride through the market around the Clock Tower to discover artisans and vendors of all kinds (sari fabrics, spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables).

During the stroll through the market, enjoy some pakoras with masala tea, the famous Indian tea.

Dinner and lodging.

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Lunch at the hotel.

Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, a true eagle’s nest built atop a hill overlooking the city. It can be accessed through seven monumental gates, some of which still bear the marks of cannonballs fired by the enemy. Inside are numerous inner courtyards, surrounded by palaces with carved facades.

The fort’s museum houses palanquins, elephant-mounted sedan chairs, weapons, sabers, swords, daggers, and small cannons. Many rooms contain collections of miniatures; the room

Takhat Mahal is entirely decorated with mirrors and paintings, with colored glass balls hanging from the ceiling, and the “Jankhi Mahal” houses an astonishing collection of royal cradles.

From the top of the ramparts, defended by impressive cannons, you’ll enjoy a splendid view of the Blue City 120 meters below, and in the distance, the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Dinner and drive to Pushkar.

Pushkar is situated on the shore of a small lake, on the edge of the desert. It is both a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus —and home to numerous ghats and temples—and a livestock trading center that is now known throughout the world. In fact, every year in October/November, it hosts its famous camel fair.

A stroll through the colorful market in Pushkar.

Dinner and lodging in Pushkar.

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Lunch at the hotel.

Let’s set out on our city tour. Visit to the Temple of Brahma and a walk around the sacred lake. Exclusive prayers and songs on Lake Pushkar.

Dinner and drive to Jaipur

We continue by road to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, which owes its nickname, “the Pink City,” to the pink paint that covers the buildings in the old city. Built on the bed of a dried-up lake in an arid landscape, the city is surrounded by barren hills, topped with fortresses and crenellated ramparts.

Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

In the evening, a Bollywood movie screening (30 min) at the famous “Raj Mandir” movie theater

Indian cinema, more commonly known as “Bollywood,” is a tradition—even a way of life—in India. It’s actually a two-part spectacle: the first takes place on screen, where actors perform magnificent song-and-dance numbers throughout a thrilling plot (comparable to that of Hollywood films). The second spectacle is none other than the audience in the theater, who experience their movie screening with intense emotion: laughter, tears, scares, children crying, people shifting in their seats… all of this is “business as usual” for them, but it’s a real spectacle for us.

Dinner and Lodging

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Lunch at the hotel.

A trip to Amber Fort, about 10 km from Jaipur.

AMBER is the former capital of the state, founded by the Minas and later abandoned a few centuries later when its maharaja, Jai Singh, moved to Jaipur. Located at the entrance to a rocky gorge and overlooking a magnificent lake, the strategic location of this fortress is highlighted by the beauty of its architecture.

It is a labyrinth of walls and towers that, stretching from one hill to the next, formed an unparalleled system of early warning and defense. Here, everything has remained exactly as it was centuries ago.

Drive up in a 4×4 to the fort’s ramparts

Inside the fort are numerous arcaded courtyards and magnificent gardens teeming with monkeys. The palace features walls adorned with Persian-style mosaics and doors inlaid with ivory and wood…

A tour of the Palace’s enchanting halls, lined with mirrors, as well as the temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.

The Rajputs captured the fort in 1037 and held it until 1728, when they abandoned Amber for the new city of JAIPUR.

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Exploring the City:

The City Palace, the Maharaja’s Palace, part of which is still inhabited by him and which houses Mughal miniatures.

The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds,” is an extraordinary section of a wall from a former Baroque-style palace.

Rickshaw Ride and Tour of the Jaipur Market.

Dinner with an Indian family in Jaipur. Interaction with the local family and a cooking demonstration.

Housing.

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Lunch at the hotel.

Visit to the NGO dedicated to supporting poor children in slums and providing them with an education.

This organization works with underprivileged children and cares for about 60 young girls. These girls make jewelry using local beads, as well as cards and other small souvenirs. Each girl is paid for the work she does. The NGO also cares for orphans and provides them with a place to sleep. It offers free education to poor children at 15 different locations throughout the city for 2–3 hours each day, along with lunch and a uniform.

Dinner with the children at the NGO (vegetarian and simple meals).

The Birla Temple, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is dedicated to Vishnu and the goddess Lakshmi; this temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Built of white marble, this magnificent sanctuary features beautifully carved statues of Lord Vishnu and the goddess Lakshmi, as well as other Hindu gods and goddesses. Delicate carvings of Hindu symbols and ancient quotations from the Gita and the Upanishads adorn the walls of this fascinating temple. One can also recognize mythological scenes engraved on the walls. In addition to the religious statues, images and figures of several religious saints, philosophers, and historical figures—such as Socrates, Buddha, Zoroaster, and Confucius—are also featured in the temple. In the evening, during the ceremony, participate and immerse yourself in the mantras; the chanting, the colors, and the atmosphere created by the devotees provide not only an unforgettable experience but also a profound sense of fulfillment.

Elefantastic show featuring elephants.

• Welcome drinks such as masala tea, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and cold water.
• First encounter and introduction to the elephants.
• Feeding the Elephants
• Traditional painting on an elephant using natural colors.
• The Elephants’ Bath

To cap off this festive day, Expertours is offering you a 45-minute full-body massage.

A Moment of Grace with Elephants

• For ethical reasons, we no longer ride elephants, but these magnificent creatures remain fascinating and, despite their size, very endearing. After a welcome drink, you’ll have your first encounter with the elephants. You’ll start by feeding them. Then, using paint suitable for their skin, you’ll adorn them with traditional designs. You’ll then have the chance to watch them bathe at the end of the day.

An Evening at the Palace for a Gala Dinner

You’ll enter the palace in a procession of camel-drawn carts, accompanied by a local orchestra and torchbearers. You’ll receive a royal welcome with traditional Aarti and Tikka ceremonies. The palace will be beautifully illuminated and fit for this exceptional evening. Fireworks will light up the sky, and you’ll be served an aperitif before the special dinner. There will be musical entertainment during dinner, as well as folk dances. You won’t leave this prestigious venue empty-handed.

Dinner and lodging.

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Lunch at the hotel.

Depart by road for Ranthambore.

Ranthambore is famous for its national park, which covers an area of 1,334 square kilometers, along with its nearby sanctuaries, such as the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see this majestic predator in its natural habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted, even during the day, as they go about their daily hunting routines and care for their cubs.

Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner.

In the afternoon, a jeep or Canter safari in Ranthambore National Park.

Dinner and lodging.

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Morning jeep or Canter safari in Ranthambore National Park.

Lunch at the hotel, then departure for Agra.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Onward to Agra.

A Tour of the Magnificent TAJ MAHAL one of the world’s most famous monuments, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to eternal love.

In 1631, Shah Jahan lost his favorite wife, Mumtaz-i-Mahal (the Chosen One of the Palace), while she was giving birth to their fourteenth child. The emperor then decided to build her a mausoleum befitting his grief—a sort of palace of love.

The Taj Mahal, a massive red sandstone gate covered with verses from the Quran in Arabic. Once you pass through this monumental red sandstone gate, inlaid with white marble and covered with verses from the Quran, the Taj Mahal appears, almost unreal, in all its whiteness.

Rising from a marble platform, tall white minarets stand at each of its corners. The central structure of the Taj is built of semi-translucent white marble, carved with flowers and inlaid with semiprecious stones that form stunning patterns. Beneath the central dome lie the cenotaphs of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Dinner and lodging.

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Lunch at the hotel.

Tour of Le Fort Rouge : It originally served a primarily military purpose, but was later partially converted into a palace. Be sure to visit the Saman Burj: from the top of this tower, you can see the Taj Mahal. Behind these walls lies a veritable city within a city, which you’ll discover.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Free time for personal activities

In the evening, you can attend the “Mohabbat-e-Taj” show at a theater in Agra. The Sanskritik Natyashala presents “Mohabbat-e-Taj”—a series of plays depicting the love story. Shah Jahan’s true and immortal love for his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal; the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era; and the tireless efforts of the artisans who, over the course of 22 years, created one of the Seven Wonders of the World. So join us to witness India’s living heritage.

Dinner and lodging.

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Breakfast to go

Transfer to the train station to catch the train to Varanasi.

Assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Dinner.

The rest of the day is free for individual activities.

Dinner and overnight stay

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As the first rays of sunlight appear, we’ll head to the pier for a boat ride on the Ganges, where thousands of pilgrims come to purify themselves in the sacred waters.

The Ganges is revered by Hindus, who perform devotional ceremonies on the steps leading down to the river.

You’ll be able to witness the fascinating sight of the “ghats”—steps leading down to the river’s edge—where a crowd of devotees, worshippers, priests, merchants, men, women, and pilgrims throng.

Disembark, then take a stroll through the narrow streets to explore the Golden Temple, the main shrine dedicated to Shiva, whose entrance is reserved for Hindus.

City tour of Varanasi – Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, and Bharat Mata Temple.

Back to the hotel for breakfast.

Free afternoon and dinner.

Late afternoon: A rickshaw ride along the ghats during “Puja” time: the priests pray before the Ganges and bless the pilgrims.

Attend the evening Ganges puja ceremony on the ghats along the riverbank.

Dinner and Lodging

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Lunch at the hotel.

Departure for a tour of SARNATH, the cradle of Buddhist teaching. It was here that the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BCE. Visit the museum, which houses remarkable depictions of the Buddha, the capital of Emperor Ashoka’s column, and numerous statues. Also visit the Buddhist Museum and Temple.

Dinner in Varanasi, followed by a transfer to the airport (depending on flight schedules) and a flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel for dinner.

We have a few rooms available where you can shower and change.

Airport transfer. Assistance with checking in luggage and boarding.

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Departure at night for the return trip to Montreal.

11/17: Delhi – Doha: 3:45 a.m. – 5:45 a.m.
11/17: Doha – Montreal: 8:30 a.m. – 2:05 p.m.