Arriving at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.

Accommodation:  At your selected hotel – 2 nights

After breakfast, we set off on a full day, guided tour of the city.  In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid then drive past the Red Fort before taking a short rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandni Chowk. You also visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.  In the afternoon, we explore the British Raj architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi, driving past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and the Parliament buildings with a photo stop at the India Gate. The tour finishes with a visit to the ancient minaret Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

This morning you are transferred to the airport for a short flight to Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities on the River Ganges and said to be heart of spiritualism and Hinduism.  On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel and this afternoon we take an excursion to Sarnath, one of the most sacred places for Buddhists where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

In the evening, enjoy a rickshaw ride before witnessing the ceremonial Aarti on the banks of the Ganges.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights

Early this morning watch the sunrise as you enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges. Experience the centuries-old living tradition of the chanting of mantras and hymns along the riverbank, where devotees take their holy baths, and see a cremation at Manikarnika Ghat. In the early afternoon we visit some of the other interesting places of Varanasi such as Beneras Hindu University, Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, then stop at a local market.

Following breakfast this morning, we drive off to Bodhgaya (240 km/4-5 hrs), where Gautam Buddha, became enlightened and was henceforth known as Buddha. On arrival at Bodhgaya, check into the hotel.

This afternoon enjoy guided tour of Bodhgaya visiting the famous Mahabodhi Temple, depicting the Buddha’s journey towards enlightenment, followed by a tour of the Archaeological Museum and the Bodhee Tree. You will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with monks living in various temples.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights

Today, we will have a full day excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda. First, visit Gridhakuta Hill and the Bimbisara Jail at Rajgir before continuing on to Nalanda, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and accepted as the world’s first university for the higher education and a major centre for Buddhist studies.

We return to Bodhgaya where the remainder of the day is at leisure with free time on your own to explore some of the other temples of Bodhgaya not covered on the previous day.

In the morning we set off to Vaishali (145 km/3½ hrs) en route visiting Patna, the state capital of Bihar. We first visit Patna’s famous Golghar, a giant granary built during the British period to meet the army’s food needs during a famine followed by a stop at Patna Sahib, a famous Sikh shrine where the 10^th Guru of Sikh, Guru Govind Singh was born.

We then continue on to Vaishali (35 km from Patna), where on arrival, check into the hotel and have the balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Early this morning we explore some of Vaishali’s attractions such as the Ashokan Pillar, the Buddha Stupa and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. It was at Kolhua near Vaishali that Lord Budhha delivered his last sermon in which he teaches about Parinirvana. Afterwards, we drive to Kushinagar (230 km/4½ hrs), where Lord Buddha was taken to his heavenly abode, called Mahaparinirvana.

On arrival, check into the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Today, first visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and then the Rambhar Stupa, the cremation place of Lord Buddha.  Later we drive to Lumbini (170 km/4 hrs) entering Nepal at the Sonauli border check post.

On arrival at Lumbini, and after checking into the hotel, we spend the afternoon exploring various temples such as Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and the Sacred Pond. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is amongst the holiest of pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Following breakfast, we return to India and continue on to Shravasti, and check into the hotel on arrival. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Shravasti (Sahet-Mahet), the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala followed by a short visit to the Jetavan Monastery.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Today we are transferred to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its Nawabi culture and the world famous Dussehri Mango.

This afternoon enjoy a short visit to Bara Imambada a spectacular complex built in the Mughal style with its famous Bhool Bhulaiya – a labyrinth of narrow corridors, the step well of Shahi baoli and the Residency before being transferred to railway station to board the fast Shatabdi Express train to Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi, you are met by IBN Tours staff and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Today, we transfer you to airport in time for your flight back home.