We will visit and explore in detail the mesmerising temples the next morning after breakfast. We will leave later for the airport for our flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi is one of India's most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. It is one of the world's oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. This afternoon is yours to explore on your own and experience local life and traditional cuisine first hand. Evening cocktails with informal talk on the local Indian products and share your views and tips. Later in the evening visit the banks of river Ganges and join the evening prayers.

Street food is an essential part of the Indian culture and cuisine. There are a number of street food dishes from across the country that are famous, but nothing can beat the hot and crispy kachoris and samosas from Benaras or Varanasi. The holy city is situated on the banks of the river Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh and its food is defined by its culture and tradition.

The so-called City of Lights is one of the most colourful and fascinating places on earth. Strolling the ghats (riverfront, which is the site for prayers and cremations) or watching sunrise from a boat on the Ganges are a highlight, and confronting the reality and ritual of death can be a powerful experience.

take a special sunrise boat ride the next morning along the ghats of the holy Ganges, and visit the many temples, mosques and historical monuments that Varanasi has to offer. After lunch we take an excursion to Sarnath, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya.

The evening is for leisure and you may wish to explore the ancient city at your own pace.

The next day, after the breakfast we will continue our culinary journey and reach Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, famous for Kebabs and biryani, and chikan embroidery work along with the Traditional Mughlai dishes.

Sprinkled with exceptional Islamic and British Raj-era architecture, stuffed with fascinating bazaars and famed throughout India for its food, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is charismatic. This bustling city, famed for its Nawabi era finesse and amazing food, is a unique mix of the ancient and the modern.

After check in at the hotel, the afternoon is free to explore the city of Nawabs or simply relax at the hotel.

In the evening we will have a simple cooking session and a talk about the kebabs of Lucknow with the chef of a famous restaurant. The city is famous for its mouth watering makhan malai, tundey kebabs and kakori kebabs, traditional Indian cuisine which is handed down from generation to generation. The dinner will comprise of famous Lucknawi dishes including its famous kebabs and biryani.

The next morning we visit the 18th century architectural highlights of Bara Imambara, a historical edifice with such a marvellous architecture that even modern architects seem to be perplexed by its design. The Imambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and its designer was Kifayat-ullah who is said to be a relative of the architect of the Taj Mahal.

You'll also visit the Rumi Darwaza, an imposing gateway which was built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-daula in 1784. It is an example of Awadhi architecture. The Rumi Darwaza, which stands sixty feet tall, was modeled (1784) after the Sublime Porte (Bab-iHmayun) in Istanbul.

Lunch will be arranged a local traditional restaurant to give you an insight into the local cuisine. Evening hands on experience and cooking demonstration of the traditional rich and delicious Awadhi cuisine.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. At Delhi airport you will be assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or explore the capital city of India on your own. In the evening enjoy farewell cocktails and dinner at a famous south Indian speciality restaurant.

Varanasi is one of India's most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. It is one of the world's oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. This afternoon is yours to explore on your own and experience local life and traditional cuisine first hand. Evening cocktails with informal talk on the local Indian products and share your views and tips. Later in the evening visit the banks of river Ganges and join the evening prayers.The next day, we will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of memorable culture and gourmet tour of North India. Fly home with recipes, memories and flavours of India.