Arrival in Delhi and Exploration

National Capital Territory of Delhi - Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel for some relaxation.

Red Fort - Around 10 am, after breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Old Delhi. With an expert guide, admire the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Built in 1639 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also designed the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort can be viewed from the outside.

Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid) - Visit the Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, which houses an ancient Quran written on deer skin.

Chandni Chowk - Explore the narrow streets of this area on a rickshaw ride, passing through Chawri Bazar, known for being one of Old Delhi’s most vibrant streets.

Rajghat - Continue the tour with a visit to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

India Gate - After lunch, explore New Delhi, admiring grand buildings like the India Gate, a memorial arch for Indian soldiers who died in World War I, and the Parliament.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - In the late afternoon, visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a significant Sikh gurdwara in India, also known as the “Sarovar”. Finally, return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.

Journey to Jaipur with Stops in Neemrana and Samode

Neemrana - Travel to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” known for its palaces in the charming old town. En route, stop for tea at Neemrana Fort, offering a taste of Rajasthan culture.

Explore the Pink City and Jaipur

Hawa Mahal - Palace of Wind - Discover Jaipur with a memorable stop at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, for stunning photos.

City Palace of Jaipur - Visit the magnificent City Palace.

Jantar Mantar - Jaipur - Explore the fascinating Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.

Jaipur - Enjoy time to delve into local craftsmanship or partake in optional activities to enhance your experience.

Travel to Agra and Explore

Jama Masjid - Embark on a 3-hour guided walking tour of the charming old city with an expert local guide, exploring daily life beyond typical tourist spots. Immerse yourself in Agra’s history, architecture, and traditions by visiting the old market and surrounding areas. The tour begins at the Jama Masjid, a majestic mosque opposite the Agra Fort, and continues through the alleys of old Agra.

Shri Mankameshwar Mandir - Visit the ancient Manka Meshwar temple (dedicated to Shiva), followed by the bustling spice market, Rawatpara, famous for Agra petha, an Asian pumpkin-based dessert. Explore the lively Johri Bazar, with its Ayurvedic medicine shops, paan (betel leaf), and the picturesque Seth Gali food alley.

Agra - The evening concludes with a visit to a Brahmin family’s home for astrological advice based on your horoscope and an authentic dining experience with an Indian family. Overnight stay in Agra.

Visit Taj Mahal and Red Fort

Taj Mahal, Agra - A morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) offers an unforgettable experience. This iconic monument, a universal symbol of love and romance, was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Built in 1653, it is renowned for its 16 gardens and 53 fountains, symbolizing the construction date. The white marble building, part of the Seven Wonders of the World, required thousands of craftsmen over 16 years to complete.

N.B. The visit to the Taj Mahal is scheduled on the second day, only if the first day is a Thursday.

Agra Fort - Explore the Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone and white marble structure, representing a fascinating chapter of Mughal art in India.

Itmad-ud-Daula - A brief stop is planned at Itimad-ud-daulah, known as the ‘little Taj’. Overnight stay in Agra.

Travel to Sravasti with a Visit to Lucknow

Bara Imambara - Travel to Sravasti with a significant stop in Lucknow to visit the Bara Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza, two sites of great historical and architectural interest.

Shravasti - Continue the journey to Sravasti, where Buddha resided and performed numerous miracles. The evening concludes with an overnight stay in the hotel, immersed in the atmosphere of this historic city.

Travel to Lumbini with a Stop in Balrampur

Lumbini - Begin the morning with a direct departure to Lumbini. En route, visit Balrampur, a fascinating stop to explore its attractions. Cross the border at Sonauli, then continue to Lumbini. This historic city, considered Buddha’s birthplace in 624 BC, was brought to life by Queen Mayadevi and King Suddhodana, both of the Ksatriya caste, an ancient warrior elite. The itinerary includes a visit to Maya Devi Temple, a significant shrine, and Puskarani, a sacred pond linked to Buddha’s birth story. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel to rest and enjoy the charm of this place steeped in history and spirituality.

Travel to Kushinagar and Visit

Travel to Patna with a Visit to Vaishali

Vaishali - On the journey to Patna, stop in Vaishali, a place rich in history and spirituality. Explore the ancient stupas, visit the Bawan Khotar temple, and admire the majestic Chaumuki Mahadeva. Upon arrival in Patna, the capital of Bihar, transfer to the hotel. Explore the local museum, which houses a precious collection of stone and bronze sculptures, as well as fascinating thangkas. Overnight stay in this evocative setting rich in culture and history.

Travel to Bodhgaya with Visits to Nalanda and Rajgir

Nalanda University Ruins - Depart for Bodhgaya; visit Nalanda, home to an ancient Buddhist University founded in the 5th century AD, one of the oldest places of pilgrimage and learning. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire during Muslim invasions, which led to the destruction of great Buddhist monasteries. Today, only the remains of 11 monasteries and several temples are visible; what survived the fire are the brick structures. The multi-storey buildings rested on massive brick terraces, with stucco decorations depicting both Buddha and Hindu deities.

Rajgir - Stop in Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Kingdom. Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir was where Buddha delivered many sermons. Here, Buddha’s teachings were first written down. Visit Jain temples; then continue to Bodhgaya. Arrival and overnight at the hotel.

Visit Bodhgaya and Travel to Varanasi

Bodh Gaya - Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Inside the temple, see the Shiva Lingam, a splendid 9th-century sculpture. Next to the temple stands the sacred Mahabodhi tree, descended from the Bodhi tree, the Ficus specimen under which Buddha meditated when he attained enlightenment. In this place, around 530 BC, Siddhārtha Gautama achieved enlightenment and became the historical Buddha. Gaya became a pilgrimage site soon after Buddha’s death, with the earliest evidence of a shrine being a Gupta-era inscription. Today, no traces of the original statue remain.

Varanasi - Depart for Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi and participate in an evening ritual on the banks of the Ganges River. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Visit Varanasi and Departure

Varanasi - Early morning, enjoy a boat excursion on the sacred Ganges River along the Bathing Ghats, the stone steps where pilgrims greet the sunrise with ritual ablutions.

Sarnath - Visit Sarnath, where Buddha first preached after enlightenment. Free time for shopping or optional activities. Transfer to the airport, concluding the services.

• Transport as per itinerary by private car with driver.
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Lunch
• All excursions and activities according to the program.
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Local guide speaking Italian or English (based on availability).
• Accommodation in pre-selected hotels including breakfast.

• Tips and personal expenses
• Entrance fees to monuments according to the program. They would cost Euro 150 per person.
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions and tours

The rich Buddhist Circuit and the enchanting North of India are at the center of an exciting adventure! From Delhi to Jaipur and Agra, immerse yourself in age-old history and awe-inspiring architecture. Then continue with the Buddha Circuit, passing through Lumbini, where the Buddha was born, and visiting Kushinagar, Vaishali, Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodhgaya and Varanasi, all places full of spirituality and ancient traditions. This trip offers you a unique experience that includes cultural treasures, enchanting landscapes and a deep immersion in the history, faith and sacred sites of North Indian Buddhism.

• No health restrictions.
• Children aged 0 to 4 years will be free. A maximum of 1 child will be allowed per booking.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.