Each of our holidays is a personal experience and our goal is to design an itinerary that matches your dream trip.
Below is an 8 day / 7 night sample itinerary to give you a general idea of our Footsteps of Buddha holiday starting from Delhi, Varansi or Patna: 

Day 1 - Arrival & Varanasi

Fly from Delhi to Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, also known as the city of temples.
The city is not only important for Hindus; after attaining Nirvana, Buddha came here in search of his five disciples. 

Visit the important landmarks of the city and the bathing ghats. If you would like, it is also possible to visit the Manikarnika burning ghats.
In the evening attend the Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedha Ghat.

Overnight in Varanasi for 2 nights.

Day 2 - Sarnath

Start your day with a boat ride on the Ganga river to enjoy the sunrise and the tranquility of the holy river and town.

Continue to the Sarnath Deer Park where Buddha gave his famous first sermon preaching the Middle Path to Nirvana.

Depending on your interests; we can visit various other monuments, temples, monasteries and stupas.

Day 3 & 4 - Bodhgaya

Take a short flight or a 6-hour drive to Bodhgaya, considered to be one of the most important Buddhist places in the world.

Visit the Mahabodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment, the Mahakala Caves where Buddha came to realise the Middle Path philosophy, the Buddha statue and the Buddha stone seat.
Depending on your interests; there are various other Buddhist monasteries, temples and museums in the town.

Overnight at Bodhgaya for 2 nights.

Day 5 - Barabar Caves & Rajgir

Today you have an early start so you can stop at the Barabar Caves on the way to Rajgir.
Cut into the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills, these caves are the oldest rock cut caves in India dating back to the 3rd century BC. They also have a fascinating echo effect and ancient polish.

Rajgir is important for both Buddhism and Jainism as both Buddha and Mahavira spent time there. We will visit some of the important Buddhist sites including Venuvana, Vishwa Shanti Stupa and Buddha's cave on Griddhakuta hill. It is also possible to take a dip in the hot springs at the crowded Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

Overnight in Rajgir.

Add on Festival Tour:
Rajgir Mahotsava end of November or early December

Day 6 - Nalanda

Drive to Nalanda where you will visit the remains of the ancient Buddhist university, one of the oldest and greatest universities in the world. Experience its grandeur and learn about its history as you walk amidst the ruins of stupas, temples and monasteries.

Overnight in Patna.

Day 7 - Vaishali & Departure

An early start to Vaishali, a small town set in the midst of rice fields, banana plantations and mango orchards; Vaishali was the first place Buddha visited after leaving home and also where he gave his last sermon at Kolhu.
The town is also important for Jains since it is Lord Mahavira's birthplace and we will also visit the only complete Ashok pillar on earth and some important stupas.

Fly back to Delhi.

Notes:
Since the exact itinerary is customised for your arrival and departure times, activities and tours you choose, and the pace of your trip; these might change to balance your daily travelling time.
We can of course also accommodate any preferences you have.

Here are some of the ways in which we can customise this trip:
- Add extra days to slow down the pace or enrich your itinerary with more time for activities or detours
- Cut a day or two from the itinerary to allow for reduced time or budget
- Create a themed itinerary with an emphasis on your favourite activity or interest f.e. history, culture, art, architecture, cuisine etc.

It is possible to add on domestic flights from other airports, start in Patna and end in Varanasi or Bodhgaya and combine this trip with other regions.

Price: on request

Inclusions:
- Accommodation with breakfast for 7 nights
- Chauffeur-driven private air-conditioned car for 8 days
- Monument fees and admissions as per the itinerary
- Day guide for all the sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Current applicable taxes
- Contact person in India

Note: These prices are not applicable for festival dates and Christmas-New Years period.

Notes:
We offer a variety of comfortable vehicles for different group sizes with a local driver, and a guide for the sightseeing.

We offer a wide variety of accommodations, all well rated and located so as to balance your daily travel time.

Your detailed itinerary will include must-see attractions and offbeat sights. We can also add tours and activities of your choice, restaurant recommendations and any other special interests you have. Some of this might require adding extra time to the trip.

And of course, we are always available for questions or assistance during your trip.

Additional information for your trip will be sent to you after the booking. This will include details about weather and clothing, currencies and payments, electricity system, food and water, safety, contact info, and other useful tips.