Classical India with Nepal, a Women-Only Tour
with Insight Vacations
- Explore 5 cities in 2 countries
- Participate in a Varanasi Aarti chanting sunset ceremony
- Small group - up to 24 travellers
- The Big Tour Sale - Save up to 10%^
Discover the glorious sights and culinary delights of India & Nepal on this 11- night Women-Only guided tour.
Set out on the journey of a lifetime as you meet the women who climbed Mount Everest in Kathmandu. With a small group on your women-only tour, step back in time to the Mughal Empire in Old Delhi and take a rickshaw tour through Jaipur guided by the women who know the city best. Journey from Jaipur to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Tour this architectural wonder and explore the nearby village of Kachhpura. A chef shares her insights into the food markets of Delhi and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Sheroes Cafe finds you supporting local women. In the Holy City of Varanasi, rise before dawn for a spectacular sunrise boat cruise on the River Ganges.
Highlights:
- Visit Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu: Visit sacred Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple after its mischievous inhabitants.
- Meet a woman who summitted Mount Everest: Hear an inspirational talk led by a woman who summited Mount Everest, the highest point above sea level on Earth.
- Kathmandu Pottery Demonstration: Visit a pottery workshop, where a local craftsman will provide you with a demonstration on this age-old craft.
- Delhi Akshardham Temple Visit: Visit the Hindu Temple of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony.
- Delhi Rickshaw Ride through Chandni Chowk Bazaar: Ride by rickshaw through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi.
- Food tour with a chef: Indulge your taste buds over a special food tour of Delhi with a passionate local chef. Gain insights into the city’s food culture, from hidden gems to bustling kitchens and beyond, as your guide shares her expertise. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or love uncovering local businesses, celebrating women or all of the above, this food tour is perfect for all travellers.
- Jaipur Flower and Spice Market Visit: Visit the flower market and spice market and take in the sights and sounds.
- Jaipur Palace of the Winds Visit: Join your Travel Director who will show you the marvel of Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Its 953 windows were designed to allow the ladies of the royal court to watch the drama of the street below, unobserved behind their delicate latticework.
- Agra Taj Mahal Visit: Visit the Taj Mahal, a monument of love, built by a king in everlasting memory of his beloved queen. Enjoy fast-track access through the gates meaning you have even more time to admire this architectural marvel.
- Varanasi Aarti Chanting Sunset Ceremony: Join a Local Expert in India's religious rituals to learn more about the colourful candlelit tradition of Aarti as you participate in the sunset ceremony in the Ganges, against a backdrop of ringing bells and chanting music.
- Varanasi Ganges River Cruise: Take a dawn cruise past the Ghats on the Ganges River - an experience never to be forgotten.
- & many more!
Inclusions
- Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
- Superior dining in top rated restaurants
- Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
- ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom (available on most tours)
- Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
- Local discovery led by Local Experts
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants is included
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by an Insight representative and transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Kathmandu. At 17:00 meet your Travel Director and venture out in Thamel on a rickshaw ride. Head to a local restaurant for a welcome reception, drinks and dinner.
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner with wine
Day 2: Kathmandu the City of Beauty
Start the day bright and early with a morning visit to Kathmandu City. See the tranquil Swayambhunath Temple. Stop in Patan, the third largest city in Nepal, for an included lunch. Originally called Lalitpur or “City of Beauty” in Sanskrit, explore this pretty city with a Local Expert in the afternoon. Highlights include the Golden Temple, Durbar Square and Mul Chowk, the largest and oldest of the Royal Palace’s three main chow squares. Enjoy the flavours of the region in the evening with an indulgent dinner.
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Kathmandu's Spiritual History
Delve into Kathmandu’s spiritual history with a morning visit to the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River and take in the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Head to the city of Bhadgaon, before visiting a local pottery workshop where a local craftsperson provides a demonstration. In the evening head to an inspirational talk by a woman who summited Mount Everest. She’ll discuss her experience guiding through some of the most challenging terrain on earth.
Accommodation: The Soaltee Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: On to Vibrant Delhi
Head to the airport for your flight to Delhi, India. On arrival you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in before joining your group and Travel Director for a trip to Akshardham Temple. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this Hindu temple is a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, ask your Travel Director for recommendations on where to explore, or perhaps relax at your hotel’s spa.
Accommodation: Le Méridien New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Exploring New and Old Delhi
This morning, head out on an exciting sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi with your knowledgeable Travel Director. Drive past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. Founded in 1526, the Mughal Empire compromised the majority of the Indian subcontinent until 1707. Then, treat your palate to a culinary adventure on a food tour led by a chef who shares her insights into Dehli’s food scene. Next up, visit a Sikh temple and visit its community kitchen that prepares and serves free nourishing vegetarian meals to those in need. Drive past the President Palace, India Gate and Parliament House before ending the day with a tour of Humayun’s Tomb with your Travel Director.
Accommodation: Le Méridien New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: The Pink City
Travel to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 for a visit from Queen Victoria. Explore culture over a Bollywood Dance Class Optional Experience. Later, join your Travel Director for an evening visit to a flower and spice market.
Accommodation: Hotel ITC Rajputana
Meals: Breakfast,lunch
Day 7: Delve into Jaipur
Ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerize with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special blessing ceremony. Tour the City Palace Museum and royal observatory Jaipur before joining the women of Pink City Rickshaw Ride seeing the Hawa Mahal and the Palace of Winds. Delve deeper into Jaipur’s rich heritage joining your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s historic lanes and observe artisans at work using age-old techniques. As the day concludes, enjoy a cooking session with a local family.
Accommodation: Hotel ITC Rajputana
Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine
Day 8: Jaipur to Agra
In the morning, depart for Agra, home to the spectacular phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal. Along the way, stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Agra, the evening is yours at leisure. Make the most of the amenities at your hotel, unwinding before tomorrow’s adventure.
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9: The Taj Mahal
Before sunrise, travel to the Taj Mahal to see the world phenomenon in its best light. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Continue on to Agra Fort to. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit the Sheroes Café. This local business supports female victims of acid attacks who have been empowered by this organisation.
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 10: On to Varanasi
In the morning, drive to Delhi, then take a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. On arrival you’ll be checked into your luxury hotel, the Taj Ganges. A contemporary ode to its classical city, this five-star accommodation includes a pool, fitness centre, traditional Indian Spa Therapies and a beautiful flower garden. In the evening, participate in an Aarti on the ghats, where you’ll offer prayers to the River Ganges. This spiritual ceremony is performed daily to honour the River Goddess Ganga. It is a Hindu religious ritual of worship and involves hundreds of diyas and flowers being released onto the river, as the words “Har Har Gange!” are chanted.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: The Holy City of Varanasi
Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise boat cruise on River Ganges, followed by a visit to an Akhara. Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading on a tour of Varanasi. This involves seeing the Sarnath, a sacred deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence through Kondanna’s enlightenment. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel.
Accommodation: Taj Ganges
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Leave Varanasi for Delhi
End your trip with an optional relaxing early morning yoga session in the fresh air by the banks of the holy Ganges River, a surreal experience. After breakfast and a transfer to the airport, head back to Delhi before your onward flights. Please do not schedule flights before 9pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Prices
| Standard Price per person, twin share |
Promotional Price per person, twin share |
|---|---|
| From $8475 | From $7750 |
Dates
| Departs |
|---|
| Between November 2025 - March 2026 & Between November 2026 - March 2027 |
*Advertised price is based on twin share and is based on 17 November 2025 departure. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing.
*Advertised price is based on 17 November 2025 departure and is subject to availability and change at any time. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing. Other departure dates available at seasonal surcharge. Further conditions apply, please check with your RAC travel consultant at time of booking.
^The Big Tour Sales - Save up to 10%: Applies to select 2025 departures featured as “The Big Tour Sale”. New bookings only made with deposit by 20 February 2025. Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure from Australia; whichever comes first. The Big Tour Sale savings are valid on the land-only portion of select itineraries and departure dates (does not apply to airfares or extra night’s accommodations), are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. The Big Tour Sale may be combined with Global Tour Rewards 5% past guest discount only; not combinable with group discounts, custom group bookings or any other discount or promotion. Please note that websites do not reflect live capacity and in some instances, sold out departures may still display for a brief period of time. Other conditions may apply.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
