7-Day Varanasi Taj Mahal Tour: The Holy Ganga, Old Delhi and Mughal Agra

Our Varanasi Taj Mahal tour joins India’s holiest city with its greatest Mughal heritage. Begin in Varanasi, or Kashi, with the evening Ganga Aarti, a sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath darshan and Sarnath. Fly to Delhi for a Heritage Walk in the Mughal Walled City of Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi, then drive to Agra for the Taj Mahal at sunrise and a Heritage Walk in the Mughal Walled City of Fatehpur Sikri. It is a private tour with your own car, driver and local guides.

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted India tour operator. Since 2002 we have planned private spiritual, heritage and cultural tours across India for families, couples and groups.

Tour at a Glance

Here are the key facts of the 7-day Varanasi Taj Mahal tour.

Tour name: Varanasi with Delhi and Agra Heritage
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights
Route: Varanasi (2 nights), Delhi (2 nights), Agra (2 nights)
Starts: Varanasi airport or station. Ends: Delhi airport
Tour type: private tour with car, driver and local guides; one short flight
Highlights: the Ganga Aarti, a sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath, Humayun’s Tomb, Old Delhi, the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
Best time: October to March

Why Choose This Tour

Varanasi and the Taj Mahal in one week: the spiritual heart of India and its most famous monument.
Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Mughal heritage and Mughal architecture: heritage walks in Old Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri with expert guides.
Hindu, Buddhist and Mughal history: the ghats, Sarnath and the great Mughal cities.
Easy pace: one short flight and two easy drives on the Yamuna Expressway.

Varanasi Taj Mahal Tour Itinerary

This is the day-by-day plan of the Varanasi Taj Mahal tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi and the Evening Ganga Aarti

Your Varanasi Taj Mahal tour begins on the banks of the Ganga. We meet you at Varanasi airport or station and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, walk through the narrow lanes of old Kashi with your guide. At sunset, watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat from a boat, as priests offer fire, incense and chants to the river.

Shamrock travel tip: keep your bags close in the evening crowd, dress modestly near the ghats and ask before you take photos of people. For more advice, read our Shamrock India Travel Tips.

Overnight: Varanasi. Read our Varanasi travel guide.

Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride, Kashi Vishwanath and Sarnath

Take a boat ride on the Ganga at sunrise, past bathing pilgrims and the old palaces on the ghats, then walk up to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. After breakfast, drive about 10 km to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, to see the Dhamek Stupa and the museum with the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Varanasi

Day 3: Fly to Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar

Fly from Varanasi to Delhi, about one and a half hours. In the afternoon, see Humayun’s Tomb, the garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal and a fine example of early Mughal architecture, and the Qutub Minar, the tall victory tower of the Delhi Sultans. In the evening, drive past India Gate or visit the Akshardham temple.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Delhi. Read about Delhi.

Day 4: Heritage Walk in the Mughal Walled City of Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi

Join a Heritage Walk in the Mughal Walled City of Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi, with your guide: the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, a cycle-rickshaw ride through the spice lanes of Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort. In the afternoon, drive past the government buildings of New Delhi and visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening, watch the light and sound show at the Red Fort.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Delhi

Day 5: Delhi to Agra and the Mughal Heritage of Agra

Drive about 230 km, three to four hours, on the Yamuna Expressway to Agra. Join a Heritage Walk in the Mughal Heritage of Agra: the red sandstone Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah, the Baby Taj. At sunset, see the Taj Mahal from the Mehtab Bagh garden across the Yamuna river.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Agra. Read about Agra.

Day 6: Taj Mahal at Sunrise, Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri

This is a highlight of your Varanasi Taj Mahal tour. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the white marble turns pink and gold. After breakfast, see Sikandra, the tomb of Emperor Akbar, then drive about 40 km, one hour, for a Heritage Walk in the Mughal Walled City of Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s red sandstone capital with the Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Salim Chishti. Return to Agra.

Shamrock travel tip: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, and only small bags, phones and cameras are allowed inside. We plan your Agra days around this. See our Shamrock India Travel Tips.

Meals: breakfast. Overnight: Agra. Read about Fatehpur Sikri.

Day 7: Agra to Delhi and Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi, about three to four hours, and we take you to Delhi airport for your onward flight. If you prefer, we can book the fast Gatimaan Express train to Delhi. Your Varanasi Taj Mahal tour ends here.

Meals: breakfast

What Is Included

Your Varanasi Taj Mahal tour includes:

Six nights in hotels of your choice, with breakfast every day
A private air-conditioned car with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
Licensed English-speaking guides in Varanasi, Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri
The Ganga Aarti boat ride, the sunrise boat ride and the cycle-rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
Monument entry tickets as per the itinerary, taxes, tolls and parking

What Is Not Included

International flights and the Varanasi to Delhi flight
Lunch and dinner
The Red Fort light and sound show, temple offerings and camera fees
Personal expenses and travel insurance

Best Time for This Tour

October to March is the best time for the Varanasi Taj Mahal tour, with cool mornings for the boat ride and the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi in November is a special time to visit, but book early. Winter mornings in Delhi and Agra can be foggy. April to June is very hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start the tour in Delhi?

Yes. We can start in Delhi and Agra and end with the Ganga in Varanasi, flying home from Varanasi.

Can I add Jaipur?

Yes. Add two nights in Jaipur to make a Varanasi with Golden Triangle tour. See our Golden Triangle tour.

Can I add Khajuraho?

Yes. Our 12-day Varanasi Khajuraho Agra Delhi tour adds Khajuraho, Orchha and Gwalior.

Are guides included?

Yes. A licensed local guide joins you in each city.

Is the Varanasi Taj Mahal tour good for families?

Yes. Children enjoy the boat rides, the rickshaw ride and the light show.

How much does the Varanasi Taj Mahal tour cost?

The price depends on your hotels, the number of travellers and the season. Tell us your plans and we will send a clear quotation.

More Varanasi Tours

Many guests change or extend their Varanasi Taj Mahal tour.

Varanasi 3-day tour package: Kashi and Sarnath only.
5-day Varanasi Prayagraj Bodhgaya tour: Kashi, the Sangam and Bodhgaya.
6-day Varanasi Khajuraho tour: the Ganga and the temples of Khajuraho.
5-day Delhi Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour: the Mughal heritage only.
12-day Varanasi Khajuraho Agra Delhi tour: the great North and Central India circuit.

See all our Varanasi tour packages, our spiritual tours of India and our cultural tours of India. We are one of the best tour operators in India, and we also plan the best North India tours. Ready to book your Varanasi Taj Mahal tour? Request your free quote

Plan Your India Holiday with Shamrock Journeys

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted India tour operator and holiday planner. Since 2002 we have designed private India tour packages, family tour packages, honeymoon tours and cultural tours for travellers from around the world.

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Tell us your travel dates and we will send you a personal itinerary. Request your free quote