Sacred Tour of the Ganges with John and Laura

Join John Vosler, Laura McKinzie and A Classic Tours Collection for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Visit Rishikesh, Haridwar and Varanasi as you follow the path of India’s famed Ganges river.

Jan. 16 to 27, 2023

Meet John Vosler . Meet Laura McKinzie

PRE & POST GANGES TOUR EXTENSIONS: Scroll down to see details and prices. 

1. Golden Triangle Tour- 6 Days visiting: Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur

2.  Delhi & Agra Tour – 4 days

3. Customized tour extensions, stopovers.

Your Sacred tour of Ganges begins:

Monday 16 January 2023                         DELHI/ DEHRADUN/ RISHIKESH- Dinner

Board flight departing for Dehradun this morning. On arrival, proceed to the exit where you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel in Rishikesh. Known as the Yoga Capital of the world and Global center for spiritualism, Rishikesh is approximately a one-hour drive from Dehradun. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.  In the evening, join rest of the group for an orientation meeting & Dinner followed by Yoga & Yoga Nidra. Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

 NOTE: Please schedule your arrival into Delhi on international flight for 9 AM or before to connect with flight to Dehradun. Additional night stay in Delhi with round trip transfers is available at additional cost. Flight schedule to Dehradun is subject to change. Please check at time of booking.

Rishikesh stay package includes – Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy (Abhiyangam- 45-minute duration and Shirodhara- 35 minutes duration) and a facial massage – 40-minute duration, with the hotel. Advance bookings are required. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. 

Tuesday 17 January 2023                        RISHIKESH TEMPLE TOUR- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early this morning, participate in the Yoga and Yoga Nidra at the hotel. After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of Rishikesh, the temple city visiting Lakshman Jhula a suspension bridge across the river Ganges, connecting two villages of Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal Jonk in Pauri Garhwal. It is said that the Hindu deity Lakshman crossed the Ganges on jute ropes where today this bridge (Jhula) stands. Next visit Ram Jhula an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges, Trayambakeshwar temple one of important holy shrines in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan an ashram founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj, largest ashram in Rishikesh with over 1000 rooms, Swargashram built in the memory of Swami Vishudhanand, the saint better known as Kali Kamli Wala (the saint with a black blanket), Gita Bhawan a huge complex with several discourse halls. Finally visit Beatles ashram founded by Maharshi Mahesh yogi. Evening participate in the Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat on River Ganges. The aarti takes place in the midst of chanting of bhajans, beating of drums and bells, lighting of oil diyas, putting them on flower-filled leaf boats and releasing in the holy waters of the river Ganges. The entire Ghat area/gets illuminated, with millions of lamps all over.  Enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by Yoga Nidra. Stay overnight at the hotel. Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

Note: This a busy walking day. Walking amongst crowds, narrow streets and markets. Please bring a small bag to keep water bottle, belongings (or leave them in Hotel safe). Comfortable walking shoes & clothing are recommended.

Wednesday 18 January 2023   RISHIKESH – ASHRAM/ TEMPLE VISITS- BREAKFAST & DINNER

Early this morning, participate in Yoga and Yoga Nidra at the hotel. After breakfast, embark on a tour of Rishikesh visiting Ashrams and market. Visit Shivananda Ashram near Ram Jhula, an abode of Swami Shivananda, administered by Divine Life Society, Iskon temple located within the premises of Madhuban Ashram, and other Ashrams of spiritual importance. Afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a presentation of cultural dances and music followed by dinner.  Stay overnight at the hotel. Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

Thursday 19 January 2023 HARIDWAR EXCURSION- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Yoga & Yoga Nidra at the hotel. After breakfast, embark on a full day tour of Haridwar. Visit Mansa Devi temple, known for being the holy abode of Mansa, a form of Shakti.  Enjoy rope way ride to and from the temple. Next visit Daksh Mahadev temple, named after King Daksha Prajapati, Sati’s father. Enjoy Lunch at the local restaurant. Following lunch visit Chandi Devi temple a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi, situated atop the Neel Parvat (hilltop). Free time to explore the market. Shop or photograph the pilgrims coming from all over India. In the evening visit Har Ki Pauri where you will witness the majestic aarti ceremony on the ghat. It is a prayer dedicated to River Ganga, the holiest river of India, considered like a Goddess.  The aarti starts with the priest holding large fire bowls in their hands, the bells in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants of mantras flowing out in the air. People float diyas with flowers in the Ganga River. The shadow reflecting on the river and lighting diyas on flowing Ganga looks charismatic. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel in Rishikesh. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel. Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

Friday 20 January 2023  RISHIKESH- KUNJAPURI DEVI TREK & GADDU WATERFALL- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner    

Early this morning, you will be driven to Kunjapuri, roughly a one-hour drive, located in the green forested hills, at a height of 1,645 Meters from Rishikesh. Steeped in the echoing silence, the shrine is one of the many seats of Shakti, the Mother Goddess. Witness the majestic sunrise over the deep valley from the hilltop. Enjoy box breakfast and hot tea prior to your trek downhill, taking roughly 3 ½ hours.  You will be crossing various mountain villages. Meet with the local villagers, to learn about their daily life. Relax and enjoy the Gaddu Waterfalls before returning to the hotel for lunch.  Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, participate in Yoga Nidra at the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel. Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

NOTE:  5 HRS TREK- Level 4 – Brisk trekking and various types of moderate to difficult terrain, including rough trails and more difficult canyoning. Requires an average to above average fitness level.

Afternoon pre-appointed sessions for palmistry and astrology & included massage spa treatments. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.   PALMISTRY & ASTROLOGY for 30 minutes per person- advance information required from palmistry & Astrology (prior to departing for India) like time, date and place of birth for Palmistry & Astrology session. 

 Saturday 21 January 2023         RISHIKESH- RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Yoga & Yoga Nidra program in the morning is followed by Breakfast. Rest of the time is free until lunch at the hotel. This afternoon you will be driven to Rajaji National Park for a game drive. The nature reserve is famous for the Asian Elephants. At Rajaji you may see spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, tiger, leopard, barking deer, Goral, two kinds of Bears- Himalayan Black and Sloth, and over 400 bird species which makes Rajaji National Park a perfect wildlife safari and bird watching destination. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Evening enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by Yoga Nidra. Stay overnight at the hotel.  Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

 NOTE: Time for souvenir shopping at Park shop.

Sunday 22 January 2023                           RISHIKESH- SILENCE DAY- Breakfast & Dinner

Early this morning, Yoga & Yoga Nidra at the hotel. After breakfast, embark on a half day excursion to Vasishtha Cave- 20 kms from the downtown. Vasishtha Cave is an ancient cave located on Rishikesh — Badrinath road, situated on the banks of the Ganga River, is a great place for meditation. This is the cave where great Sage Vasishtha said to have meditated, who is among the seven great sages (Saptarishis) and the guru of Lord Ram. It is a natural formation of 60 feet deep that has a Shiv Linga inclined vertically into the cave opening. This cave is situated in the middle of a grove of Gular (Ficus) trees and the slopes leading to sacred River Ganga. To reach this cave, one has to climb around 200 steps. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Time for Palm reading/ Astrology & Massage /Spa activities. Dinner, Yoga Nidra & overnight at the hotel.  Aloha on the Ganges Hotel

Monday 23 January 2023                         RISHIKESH/ VARANASI – Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Dehradun airport to board flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. It is said that Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.” And that Varanasi is a city that cannot be described but only experienced. This holy, Hindu city is studded with temples and its labyrinth of streets with their throngs of people is exciting and enticing. Evening Yoga Nidra is followed by dinner at the hotel. Radisson Hotel

Tuesday 24 January 2023                        VARANASI CITY TOUR & AARTI CEREMONY- Breakfast & Dinner

Early morning embarks on a Boat ride on the river Ganges to enjoy the sunrise and to witness the pilgrims worshipping to sun god. Walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi to experience the local life and also visit Golden temple. Return to the hotel to freshen up and for breakfast After Breakfast embark on a tour of Varanasi. Visit Durga temple, Sankat Mochan temple and BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Tulsi Manas Mandir etc. Enjoy lunch on own in the city and time free to walk around ghats, markets and surrounding areas. This evening witness the Aarti ceremony at Dashwamedha Ghat. Radisson Hotel

Wednesday 25 January 2023                  VARANASI- OLD CITY WALKING TOUR- Breakfast & Lunch

Early this morning Yoga Nidra.  After breakfast, proceed to a walking tour of old city passing through by lanes of Varanasi, along different temples and local markets- Utensil market, Flower market, numerous lined up Incense, & vermillion shops around temples. We will also witness old British buildings and unique architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by visit to a silk factory to see brocade work and carpet weaving. Another shopping opportunity awaits you at hotel, where local sellers will be exhibiting goods from home-based industries. Radisson Hotel

Thursday 26 January 2023       VARANASI & SARNATH, SILENCE DAY – Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.

Yoga & Yoga Nidra at hotel Later visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment. Visit the museum to see its fine collection of Buddhist artifacts. Rest of the afternoon is free for independent activities. Tonight, enjoy farewell dinner, a vegetarian delight on a decorated boat on the Ganges River, in the midst of live classical music on board. Radisson Hotel

Friday 27 January 2023                            VARANASI/DELHI – Breakfast

After breakfast, rest of the day is at leisure until departure. This afternoon, A Classic Tours Collection Representative will assist with your transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. On arrival at collect luggage and proceed to the international departures section at airport to check-in bags for your international flight back home.

LAND TOUR PRICE including Internal India air (Economy class):

Shared room — $5499.00 per person sharing / Early Bird discount (book on or before Aug 15, 2022): $5199. 00

Private room — $6499 / Early Bird discount (book on or before Aug 15, 2022): $6199.00

PAY CASH, CHECK OR BANK WIRE TRANSFER  – TAKE ADDITIONAL 4% OFF

TOUR EXTENSIONS: Available both pre or Post Sacred Tour of Ganges. 

1.     GOLDEN TRIANGLE- Visiting : DELHI, AGRA, FATEHPUR SIKRI & JAIPUR

PRE GANGES TOUR / POST GANGES TOUR DATES

Day 1:  Jan. 11 / Jan. 27– ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive in Delhi, sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of each ruler’s character. Meeting assistance on arrival by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transfer to HOTEL RADISSON MARINA

Day 2 : Jan. 12 / Jan. 28-OLD AND NEW DELHI SIGHTSEEING – BREAKFAST

Breakfast at Hotel. Morning tour of Old Delhi. Your first stop is Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; the Ashoka Pillar & the famous Chandani Chowk bazaars, once the shopping arcade of Mughal royalty. Take a Rickshaw ride through the narrow and colorful lanes of old market. Finally visit marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid. Time free to have lunch on own. Your sightseeing tour of New Delhi this afternoon includes a viusit to sikh temple- Bangla sahib, a drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President’s Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India’s soldiers. Continue to Humayun’s tomb, forerunner to Taj Mahal. Your final stop is at the Qutab Minar and ruins of Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutabshahi period. HOTEL RADISSON MARINA

Day 3: Jan. 13 / Jan. 29– DELHI / AGRA- BREAKFAST

Breakfast at Hotel or on train. Travel by the express train to Agra. To the lover of art and the traveler seeking the wonders of India, Agra is a sublime destination. Transfer to HOTEL. This afternoon visit the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. Continue the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. View Taj by day and sunset. HOTEL CRYSTAL SAROVAR (Taj facing rooms)

Day 4: Jan. 14 / Jan. 30– AGRA/ FATEH PUR SIKRI / JAIPUR- BREAKFAST

Revisit Taj Mahal by sunrise, best time to see Taj when it is less crowded. Return to Hotel for Breakfast. Later travel overland to Fatehpur Sikri, once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great around 1570. After the tour continue to Bharatpur where you will board express train to Jaipur. In case you are interested in bird watching a visit to Bharatpur Keoladeo bird sanctuary can be added (additional cost) . Jaipur owes its name, foundations and careful planning, to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Transfer to Hotel.  HOTEL SHAHPURA HOUSE (Suite).

Day 5: Jan. 15 / Jan. 31–  JAIPUR – AMBER FORT EXCURSION, CITY TOUR – BREAKFAST

Breakfast at Hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Amber. Ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant and tour the intricate chambers and hallways of the palace. Enroute to Amber, stop to photograph a major Rajput landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).  This afternoon Tour the City Palace built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Continue to the Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. HOTEL SHAHPURA HOUSE (Suite)

Day 6. Jan. 16/ Feb. 1– JAIPUR/ /DEHRADUN – BREAKFAST
Early morning transfer to airport for flight fly to Dehradun (box breakfast will be provided).

TOUR PRICES: PRETOUR – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – LAND & AIR (economy class): 

$ 1280.00 per person sharing

Single room – $ 1560.00

Includes: Hotel accommodations as listed or similar, Full Breakfast daily, All transfers and tours as listed. Services of Local English speaking guide. Train (AC Chair car) & Air fares (economy class) & applicable taxes, entrance fees as of Mar. 17, 2021.

2.     HISTORIC DELHI & TAJMAHAL – Visiting: DELHI & AGRA

PRE GANGES TOUR / POST GANGES TOUR DATES

Day 1:  Jan. 13 / Jan. 27– ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive in Delhi, sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of each ruler’s character. Meeting assistance on arrival by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transfer to HOTEL RADISSON MARINA

Day 2: Jan. 14 / Jan. 28– AGRA- Day trip- BREAKFAST

Travel by the express train. To the lover of art and the traveler seeking the wonders of India, Agra is a sublime destination. Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. Time free to have lunch on own. In the afternoon visit the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. View Taj by day and sunset. After the tour transfer and board express train to Delhi. Transfer to Hotel. HOTEL RADISSON MARINA

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Day 3: Jan. 15 / Jan. 29- DELHI- Old and New Delhi tour – BREAKFAST

Breakfast at Hotel. Morning tour of Old Delhi. Your first stop is Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; the Ashoka Pillar & the famous Chandni Chowk bazaars, once the shopping arcade of Mughal royalty. Take a Rickshaw ride through the narrow and colorful lanes of old market. Finally visit marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid. Time free to have lunch on own. Your sightseeing tour of New Delhi this afternoon includes a visit to Sikh temple- Bangla sahib, a drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President’s Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India’s soldiers. Continue to Humayun’s tomb, forerunner to Taj Mahal. Your final stop is at the Qutab Minar and ruins of Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutabshahi period. HOTEL TAJ CONNAUGHT

Day 4:  Jan. 16 / Jan. 30– DELHI DEPART– BREAKFAST

Breakfast at Hotel time free until next flight

TOUR PRICES: PRETOUR – LAND TOUR : 

 $ 740.00 per person sharing

Single room – $ 920.00

Includes: Hotel accommodations as listed or similar, Full Breakfast daily, All transfers and tours as listed. Services of Local English speaking guide. Train (AC Chair car) & applicable taxes, entrance fees as of Mar. 17, 2021.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Extra Night in Delhi: Includes Round trip transfers Airport/Hotel/Airport, Full Breakfast.
Hotel near airport or in Central Delhi- $ 110.00 per person sharing. Single Room: $185.00

FOR TOUR DETAILS IN PDF, TERMS & CONDITIONS & INFORMATION ON MORE UPCOMING EVENTS WITH LAURA MCKENZIE & JOHN VESLOR:

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RESERVATIONS CALL: 1 310 504 0242 OR EMAIL: [email protected]