b'GrandYOUR ITINERARYTour ofDays 1-2AmritsarWe start our holiday by flying to Amritsar via Doha, arriving on Day 2. After India,checking into our hotel, we visit the Wagah Border which separates Pakistan and India. Here, we witness the Changing of Guard Ceremony, a unique and Nepalunusual military concert and lowering of flags held every day at sunset. Day 3Discovering Amritsarand theWe discover Amritsar on a guided tour today. Exploring with a local guide we see the Golden Temple, the poignant Jallianwala Bagh Gardens and Himalayas memorial site, which commemorates the 1919 massacre of residents by British troops. Afterwards, we board the train to Delhi, arriving in the evening for a two-night stay. Day 4DelhiToday includes a full-day sightseeing tour of both the old and new parts of the Indian capital. We begin exploring the colourful and aromatic market streets of Old Delhi before taking a traditional rickshaw ride through the vibrant bazaar for an insight into local life. Continuing to New Delhi, we discover the distinct contrast to the traditional atmosphere of Old Delhi. Along the way, we visit the Presidents House, Parliament House, and India Gate, as well as visiting Qutab Minar and the tomb of Humayun.Days 5-6Agra, the Taj Mahal & LucknowWe join the Gatimaan Express bound for Agra this morning. On arrival, we visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. Later, we travel across the city to the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. On Day 6, we drive to Lucknow for two nights, a historic city that played an important role during the Mughal and colonial periods. Days 7-8Lucknow & VaranasiToday we visit the famous La Martiniere Boys School, founded by an endowment from Major-General Claude Martin of the British Empire. We also see the magnificent Bada Imambara, home to both a mosque and a labyrinth said to have 1000 different passageways, as well as the British Residency. On Day 8, we journey to Varanasi, a sacred city to the Hindus that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. After checking into our hotel, this evening we watch a spectacular Aarti fire ceremony, an elaborate Hindu ritual. Day 9Ganges cruise and DelhiEarly this morning, we cruise along the holy River Ganges. We then enjoy an excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha is said to have given his first sermon and now consequently holds great significance for Buddhists. This afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi where we spend the night. Day 10KathmanduReturning to the airport, we board our flight to Kathmandu in Nepal, checking into our hotel for two nights on arrival.Day 11 - PatanVisiting the town of Patan, we listen to a master create music with singing bowls, an experience that has deep spiritual connotations in Buddhist culture. Later, we return to Kathmandu for a sightseeing tour, exploring its multiple city squares, the erstwhile royal square, and Boudhanath Stupa - one of the largest stupas in the world. Afterwards, we experience a rickshaw ride to Thamel, a lively part of the city. Tonight, we dine at the well-known Rum Doodle restaurant. Once a hangout for brave mountaineers, here we chat with a local Sherpa as they relive their experiences of climbing Mount Everest.TAJ MAHAL82 INDIAN SUBCONTINENTAL'