Culinary tour of North India

- Arrival in Delhi. - Welcome with a flower necklace and Mauli. Welcome with a flower garland and Mauli upon arrival at Delhi airport, meet Sentiers Du Monde representative and your guide who will accompany you during the tour.. Upon arrival at airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer to hotel (Standard Check in time at the hotel is 1400 noon). Overnight in the hotel. MAULI The red thread or Kalava symbolizes longevity and protection against enemies.This is why it is also called "thread of Raksha". Many attributes are associatedwith Mauli, it is known as the protective shield that keeps evil/negative energies and problems from the world at bay. The Mauli is also tied to receive the blessings of the deity worshiped during the puja (prayer) or havan (sacred fire) ceremony.

- Introduction of Hindi: - Visit Humayun’sTomb and Qutub Minar. - visit Akshardham Temple: Breakfast at the hotel. Introduction of Hindi: Learn a few Hindi words from your guide, which will help you understand and communicate with the locals. After breakfast in the hotel, youwill proceed for the sightseeing tour of NewDelhi Qutub Minar – a 72 meters high tower built in 1199 A.D. Later on, visit Humayun’s Tomb – set in wonderful gardens built in the Mughal Emperors memory by his wife; Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive pass India Gate – a 42 meters high, free-standing arch built as a war memorial; Rashtrapati Bhawan, which is the official residence of the President of India and finally visit Bangla Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Visit Akshardham Temple: - Optional: Kabootarbaazi On the roof of old Delhi - In the evening, you will start our culinary adventure Breakfast at the hotel. Morning youwill proceed to visit Akshardham Temple: Amarvel of traditional Hindu architecture and spirituality in Delhi, India, featuring intricately carved art, serene gardens, and a captivating cultural showcase. Lunch in a local restaurant. You will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Old and NewDelhi which includes drive pass Red Fort; Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) famed for its colorful bazaars in narrow lanes; visit the Jama Masjid – Friday Mosque, which is the country’s largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Optional: Kabootarbaazi On the roof of old Delhi: Get an up-close look at the fascinating flight of pigeons on an Old Delhi resident's roof. Enjoy Indian hospitality in the warm surroundings of a family home. Magnificent viewofoldDelhi froma rooftop. Feed healthy pet pigeons, understand their lifestyle and habits. Wave flags, blow whistles and help direct the pigeon formation. Understanding the sport's user-friendly awarded reward system. In the evening, youwill start our culinary adventure with the famous Aloo Tikki or shallow fried potato patty on the street of ChandniChowk and enjoy a scrumptious meal of Parantha i.e. Deep-friedstuffed flat Indian bread from the iconic centuries-old lane called Gali Paranthe Wali. After that, we will take a little sneak peek into the vibrant and colorful market which is the hub of wedding shopping. Post this, we will go exploring a 17th -century street market full of Silver jewelers present sinceMughal times, where we will try the Samosa and Indian version of Pretzel called Jalebi at an almost 150 year old eatery. After the satiating meal, you will take a short tuk-tuk ride to Asia's biggest spice market to have a look at a variety of both local and exotic spices followed by a visit to a flower market. Here we will take an invigorating teabreak. This whole experience is quite surreal. Finally, youwill dive into a lip-smacking array of succulent Kebabs, Korma, butter chicken and luscious rice pudding in the lane’s historic lanes in and around Jama Masjid, Delhi's biggestmosque. Fromthere, we will head towards our final stop to indulge in different flavors of Kulfi or the Indian version of Ice-cream at over a century old Kulfi shop. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Drive to Jaipur. - In the evening, you will proceed to visit the local family home Mita's Cultural Paradise - Enjoy the cooking demo with dinner After breakfast in the hotel, you will drive to Jaipur. Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur is where modernity and tradition exist side by side. The walled city, vibrant with colours, houses the City Palace, an astronomical observatory and a bustling bazaar where artisans fashion puppets, silver jewellery, lac bangles and other handicrafts in their workshops. At a short distance is the Amber Fort Palace at Amber. Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will proceed to check in at your hotel and lunch. In the evening, youwill proceed to visit the local familyhome Mita's Cultural Paradise to enjoy the cooking demo with dinner Overnight in the hotel

- Visit of the splendid Amber Fort - Optional: Walking on water in Nahargarh OR - Optional: The Elephantesque experience - Electronic rickshaw ride in the old market of Jaipur - Visit City Palace & Jantar Mantar - An evening of Bollywood cinema After breakfast in the hotel, you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Jaipur which starts with a visit to the Amber Fort, 11 kms away fromthe city. Amberwas the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hill side, overlooking a lake. The climb to the fort by Jeep. Optional: Walking on water in Nahargarh During this 2-hour guided tour, you will discover ancient hydraulic structures - canals, Roman aqueducts, steppedwells, storage tanks - and learn their function, architecture and history. You will discover ancient hydraulic structures - canals, Roman aqueducts, stepped wells, storage tanks - and learn about their function, architecture and history. The tour is peppered with facts, anecdotes and stories that make the experience fun and entertaining OR Optional: The Elephantesque Experience: - Encountering elephants in their natural habitat is an experience worth having. It offers a responsible way to spend quality time with these gentle giants rather than bothering them for walks. Take a subtle walk around the village surrounded by the Aravali mountains and an elephant bathing water body in between. Explore the elephant shelter and sharesmiles with their keepers and family. We have plenty of bananas for you to become friends with. A unique opportunity to learn the sign language used by their keepers and dry rub them to strengthen your friendship. You have time !Why not bake a loaf or two and feed themfresh! The day with the elephants is a memorable experience forwildlife enthusiasts, who can get closer to elephants and participate in responsible tourism. Lunch at local restaurant. The tour also includes a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with it’s façade of all pink windows and filigree screens, and visits to the City Palace and Museum, still the home of the former Royalty of Jaipur and now housing a Museum that has an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Finish the tour by visiting the Jantar Mantar (observatory) built in 1728, with its striking instruments and construction formeasuring the positions of stars, planets, altitudes and calculating eclipses. E-rickshaw ride in the oldmarket of Jaipur, the bazaars of Jaipur are legendary. In 1729, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II sent letters to famous trading houses across India, inviting them to settle in Jaipur. They received prime locations, free land and concessions on taxes. Situated on important trade routes, Jaipur quickly became a major center for trade and commerce, home to a large number of artisans and merchants. An eveningof Bollywood cinema then awaits at the RAJ Mandir, the largest cinema in Rajasthanwith a capacity of 2,500 seats, with small waiting rooms, a bar and very chic decor. Even if you don't understandHindi, this experience will leave you with a certain amount of astonishment. Bollywood is part of the Indian way of life and practically the only entertainment for the majority population of India Dinner & overnight in the hotel

- Drive to Agra - Enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri - In the evening, you will attend a magic show (private) After breakfast in the hotel, you will drive to Agra, enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri The deserted capital of Emperor Akbar is approximately 35 kms outside Agra. It was built in the 16th century and abandoned 12 years later due to a scarcity of water. Lunch in a local restaurant. Then continue to Agra. Agra - "Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal and capital of the erstwhileMughal Empire. Agra is also the gateway to the legendary Braj region, the land of Lord Krishna. "Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is as loved by Indians as it is by foreigners who throng here in large numbers to admire its beauty. Upon arrival in Agra, you will proceed to check in at your hotel. In the evening, you attend a magic show (private) Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Sightseeing tour of Agra Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. - In the evening, you will enjoy the Agra Food Trail After breakfast in the hotel, youwill be met and proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra Taj Mahal (Closedon Friday’s)– Said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world, Taj Mahal is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy. Lunch at local restaurant. Then you will visit the red sandstone Agra Fort The red sandstone Agra Fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, KhaasMahal, SheeshMahal (mirrored palace), andMusamman Burj. Then youwill visit Itimad-ud- daulah. It is also known as Baby Taj, for its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. In the evening, you will enjoy the Agra Food Trail A sure shot way to experience a place is by indulging in it’s local cuisine. Treat your taste buds to a variety of local picks at some of the most iconic food spots in the city. PLACES COVERED INCLUSIONS • RamBabu Paratha • MamaFranky ChickenHouse • Chaat Gali • Deviram Sweets • Panchhi Petha DURATION 2 hours Return to hotel Overnight at the hotel.

- Drive to Lucknow - Optional: Visiting a Petha shop in Agra is a delightful experience - In the evening, you will enjoy the CURATED DINING AT SHEESH MAHAL After breakfast in the hotel, you will drive to Lucknow. Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, enchants with its rich heritage, featuring Mughal and colonial-era architecture, and offers a culinary journey with its renowned Awadhi cuisine. Upon arrival, you will proceed to check in at your hotel and lunch. In the evening, youwill enjoy the CURATEDDINING ATSHEESHMAHAL A typical fare at SheehMahal includes Kebab, Korma, Pulao, Rumali and Phirni. Food at SheeshMahal is prepared by their ancestral family cooks and the ladies of the house and each meal here is a celebration of household family recipes that have been passed on frommother- in-laws and mothers of the present generation that resides here. Overnight at the hotel.

- The sightseeing tour of Lucknow After breakfast in the hotel, you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara -Labyrinth -this magnificent monument recalls the glorious past of the nawabs and stands out for its in austerity in style, proportion and symmetry along with daring techniques in architecture. Chota Imambara -this structure houses the tomb of Mohammed Ali Shah. Built between 1837 and 1842, it is approached though fine garden, has white dome and numerous turrets and minarets. Rumi Gate - this colossal ornate gateway is said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. It was built by Nawab As-Ud-Daulah in 1784to create employment during the terrible famine of 1784. Residency - Built by British Resident in 1780--180, it was originally a very extensive and beautiful building. It was the scene of dramaticevents during themutiny of 1857. The sacred ruins tell the story of the British community besieged by the rebels. Lunch at local restaurant. `Return to hotel Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Drive to Varanasi. - In the evening, Ganga Aarti ceremony. After breakfast in the hotel, youwill drive to Varanasi. Varanasi is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest of India. The culture of Varanasi is closely associatedwith the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years. People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of lights", and "the city of learning ." On arrival transfer to hotel and lunch. In the evening, youwill visit the Ghats - The best time to visit when the river is bathed in a luminous yellow light as colourful throngs of pilgrims perform their morning devotions. A sunset boat ride on the river rewards with the magical sight of thousands of tiny candlelit lamps made of leaves andmarigolds being set afloat as part of the Ganga Aarti Ceremony. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Early morning boat trip on the Ganges - The visit to Sarnath - Chaat tasting in Varanasi in the local market - Lunch (Thali specialty dinner) - In the evening to witness the fascinating Arati Early in the morning, head to a Ghat for a boat ride on the Ganges where you can see at sunrise women bathing discreetly in their saris, men practicing yoga exercises and Brahmin priests offering their blessings. Located on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is the holy city of Indiawhere Hindus come to seek spiritual de liverance. Pilgrims flock to the ghats as well which lead to the river. The great attraction of Varanasi is the long chain of ghats which border the west bank of the Ganges. Continuation of the walk along the banks of the ghats as well as the small streets of the old town and visit the Bharat Mata temple. Then, departure fromthe hotel to visit Sarnath, one of the high places of Buddhism. It was there, in fact, that Buddha came to set in motion “The Wheel of Law”, his first sermon. At the site there are still remains of the buildings equipped by Ashoka himself, with the main temple from the 6th century, the Ashoka Column and the Lady Stupa. Tasting Chaat in Varanasi in the local market, Chaat, or Chāt, is a family of savory snacks of Indian origin, usually served as hors d'oeuvres or on the side of the road in stalls or food floats throughout South Asia in India. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, India, the cat has become extremely popular throughout the rest of South Asia. Lunch (Thali Specialty Dinner) will be hosted in a unique restaurant where many meal courses will be served in authentic Indian tradition, using antique plates and cutlery. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Optional: 1 hour Yoga session - Optional: Visit to a Gaushala (cow shelters) - Then head to the airport to take the flight to Delhi. - After arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel, time to relax, followed by dinner at the hotel. Optional: 1 hour Yoga session Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but became popular as a way to promote physical and mental well- being. Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free. Optional: Visit to a Gaushala (cow shelters) Cow shelters, also known as goshalas, are facilities designed to provide shelter, care and support for cows, especially those that are elderly, sick or abandoned. These shelters are of great importance in various cultural, religious and practical contexts. Visitors can learn about how the facility works, the importance of cow protection in local culture or religion, and the role of cows in sustainable agriculture. Knowledgeable guides can provide insight into the shelter's history, traditions, and daily activities. Overall, visiting a cow sanctuary can provide tourists with a unique and educational experience, allowing them to better understand the relationship between humans and animals, sustainable farming practices, and cultural traditions. It can also be an opportunity for meaningful engagement with local communities and support for important conservation efforts. Then head to the airport to take the flight to Delhi. Lunch on board. After arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel, time to relax, followed by dinner at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Montreal. ***END OF TOUR***