13-Nights India Odyssey: Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Varanasi & More from $4,250

This 14-day trip through India serves as the perfect introduction to this complex country while whetting your appetite for more. Explore bustling Delhi, beautiful Jaipur, spiritual Varanasi, and keep your eyes peeled for tigers in Ranthambore National Park.

Begin the journey in Delhi, India's frenetic, sometimes overwhelming but always fascinating capital. Visit the Red Fort, a city within a city, the important and beautiful Jama Masjid Mosque and the serene cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later it’s time to head for New Delhi to see the impressive India Gate on the Rajpath, the Presidential Palace, the ancient tower, the Qutub Minar and Humayan’s Tomb where a number of former emperors are buried.

Next stop is the city of Jaipur. Start by travelling to the imposing Amber Fort perched high on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and reached by 4x4 jeep. Returning to town, spend time at CityPalace and the interesting Jantar Mantar old time observatory as well as viewing the Palace of Winds.

Travel overland to Ranthambore National Park, a former Maharaja’s hunting ground. Here enjoy two safaris into the jungle to view local wildlife including tigers, leopards, hyenas plus many tropical birds. Keep in mind these are wild animals, so sightings, while probable, are never guaranteed when it comes to more elusive species (leopards, especially). Be patient and enjoy the scenery while your guide follows the trail. You'll also visit the historical Ranthambore Fort.

Travel to Agra, where your visit to the Taj Mahal, India's ultimate monument to a ruler's love, will be visited followed by Agra’s Fort. Lucknow is your next stop, and probably the least known city on this itinerary. Foodies however, will be in heaven, while history buffs will lose themselves in the legacy and exciting stories of the British Raj and Persian influences.

Varanasi is a city apart from the rest of India, where the faithful wash away their sins in the ghats of the Ganges. While we don't recommend tourists join them in the holy waters, a visit here is an unforgettable India experience before you explore the beautiful temples that dot this holy city. Visit Bharat Mata Temple and take a boat ride on the Ganges before returning to Delhi for your onward flight.