Buddha’s Footsteps Varanasi & Bodhgaya 8 days 7 nights Visit Varanasi, Sarnath and Bodhgaya - places of immense spiritual significance in India. Firstly we visit Varanasi, one of the holiest places in India where Hindu pilgrims, who come from all over India, bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges. We then visit Sarnath, site of the Buddha’s first sermon and, to end our tour, we travel to Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment, making it the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. Day 1: Delhi Transfer from International / Domestic Airport to your hotel in Delhi. Free time to shop and relax in the hotel. Overnight Delhi Overnight Delhi Day 2: Sightseeing Delhi. Visit the local markets and tourist attractions such as India Gate, the Jama Masjid and Connaught Place. In the afternoon leave by train for Varanasi. Overnight Train to Varanasi Day 3: Varanasi and Sarnath. Arrive early morning in Varanasi, rest of the morning free. In the afternoon visit Sarnath to see the Dhamekh Stupa, Buddhist ruins, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulganda Kuti Vihar followed by a visit to the Deer Park and Archaeological Museum. Overnight Varanasi. Day 4: Full day sightseeing Varanasi. Today we visit places of significance in Varanasi including Godaulia and the Old City, the main Ghats, and the Vishwanath Temple. Watch the evening puja on the Ganges river. Overnight Varanasi Day 5: Depart for Bodhgaya. Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, followed by a mid morning departure by train for Bodhgaya. Arrive Gaya station mid afternoon where your hotel will collect you from the station. After checking in visit Mahabodhi Temple at sunset to watch monks chanting. Overnight Bodhgaya Day 6: Full day of sightseeing. Today we take a car and driver to visit Rajgir, Vultures Peak, Ratmagiri and Nalanda University. Overnight Bodhgaya Day 7: Sightseeing in Bodhgaya. Evening departure by train for Delhi. Overnight train to Delhi Day 8: Arrive Delhi. We arrive in Delhi in the early morning. Tour arrangements end upon arrival in Delhi at the hotel. COST: A$1250 per person Includes Pickup and drop off from Delhi Airport 7 nights’ accommodation 7 breakfasts 2-tier A/C Trains from Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Gaya and Gaya to Delhi Transfers from train stations to hotels and return Local car and driver for excursions to Sarnath, Rajgir, Vultures Peak and Nalanda Universtity. Excludes Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs Tipping expenses Compulsory insurance of any kind Camera and video entry charges at local sights .