Highlights of India and Nepal Itinerary

Welcome to the capital of India, Delhi. A chaotic medley of bazaars, temples, mosques and colonial buildings, Delhi is an ideal place to kick-start this adventure. Weave through the cars, rickshaws and bullock carts to experience fast-paced city life. Stroll through the exuberant alleyways of Old Delhi and see the magnificent Jama Masjid. Visit a local Sikh temple to learn a little about this fascinating religion.

Travel by train to Agra. This former Mughal capital is home to some impressive buildings, including the romantic Taj Mahal of Agra and massive Red Fort that dominates the skyline. Admire the Taj Mahal's intricate carvings then visit the fort - a maze of halls, mosques, chambers and gardens.

Explore India's deserted palaces and pavilions of the Mughal kingdom in Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ghost town. Visit a village and learn about life in rural India and enjoy an evening of traditional music and food during a heritage stay in a palace.

The gem of Rajasthan, Jaipur's pink sandstone 'Palace of Winds' and the lively streets make the city a colourful destination. This friendly town is brimming with bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and local art. If there's time, be sure to catch the latest Bollywood blockbuster in the Art Deco splendour of the Raj Mandir Cinema.

Colourful, chaotic and steeped in history, the capital of India, Delhi, will leave a lasting impression. Visit fortified Old Delhi - the crowded, narrow alleyways overflow with exotic sights and smells. Explore India's largest mosque and stop by a Sikh temple.

Visit the Taj Mahal of Agra - the ultimate monument to love. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the ornate carvings and bejewelled marble of this mausoleum are truly breathtaking. Spend the afternoon exploring Shah Jahan's home in Agra, the impressive Red Fort.

Take a train across classical Indian terrain to Orchha, one of the most incredible tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. Crumbling temples and palaces are scattered across rural countryside, which is full of friendly locals. Soaring temple spires and domes rise from the jungle in the Orcha Palace complex. Witness a cooking demonstration by a local family and visit a community project for an insight into papermaking.

Sail down India's River Ganges and see Indian river life up-close. Sail past humble villages in the day, before camping overnight on the banks of the sacred river.

Nestled on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is India's sacred heart and the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims. Wander the Old City, take part in a traditional candle-lit flower ceremony and boat down the river at sunrise, past pilgrims absolving their sins on the ghats of Varanasi.

Travel to the birthplace of Buddha, the beautiful town of Lumbini on the Nepalese border. Hop on a cycle rickshaw and explore the Maya Devi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.

Cross the border and travel to Nepal. Look out for rhinos, monkeys, deer and the infamous Nepalese wild chickens at the Chitwan National Park. Enjoy a canoeing adventure on the Rapti River, before setting off on a guided tour of the park.

Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Kathmandu. Visit the 'Monkey Temple', see the Pashupatinath pires and join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa.