Small group · Women · 4 to 15 November 2026
North India: From Lights to Rituals
Come alone. Never feel alone.
Let's explore India together. Join a small group of up to 12 women exploring India with curiosity, on a 12-day journey that runs from Diwali in Jaipur to dawn on the Ganges. Only 12 places available.
Off the tourist trail, into the real India
Step away from the predictable tourist trails and immerse yourself in the living, breathing heart of India. This curated 12-day journey is designed exclusively for an intimate, small group of mindful travelers who value raw authenticity over generic luxury. By keeping our circle small, we are able to bypass the heavy tourist buses and blend seamlessly into the local rhythm, balancing North India's iconic monuments with its best-kept neighborhood secrets.
A small group of up to 12 women, solo travellers welcome, for mindful travellers who value raw authenticity over generic luxury.
Your 12-day route: from lights to rituals
Twelve days on the calendar, one slow thread from Delhi to Varanasi, shaped so the group never feels rushed.
- 1
Day 1 · 4 Nov
Arrival in Delhi
Land in the capital, clear customs and settle into your hotel to rest before the journey ahead.
- 2
Day 2 · 5 Nov
Explore Delhi
The bustling contrast of Old and New Delhi: historic landmarks, lively markets and street heritage.
- 3
Day 3 · 6 Nov
Delhi to Jaipur
Into the heart of Rajasthan, to the Pink City of Jaipur, famed for its colour, royal history and architecture.
- 4
Day 4 · 7 Nov
Jaipur: Amber Fort & block print
The majestic Amber Fort, then the local markets and a hands-on block print workshop with Rajasthani artisans.
- 5
Day 5 · 8 Nov
Diwali in Jaipur
The magic of the Festival of Lights: the streets light up and we share in the local celebrations.
- 6
Day 6 · 9 Nov
Jaipur, Abhaneri, Fatehpur Sikri & Agra
On the road to Agra, two stops most tours skip: the Chand Baori stepwell and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.
- 7
Day 7 · 10 Nov
Taj Mahal sunrise, Agra Fort & Orchha
The Taj Mahal at dawn and the grand Agra Fort, then a scenic train to peaceful Orchha.
- 8
Day 8 · 11 Nov
Explore Orchha
The rustic, hidden heritage of Orchha: palaces, cenotaphs and quiet riverside corners.
- 9
Day 9 · 12 Nov
Orchha to Khajuraho
On to Khajuraho and its UNESCO temple complex, covered in intricate, breathtaking sculpture.
- 10
Day 10 · 13 Nov
Khajuraho to Varanasi
Eastward to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities on Earth and India's spiritual heart.
- 11
Day 11 · 14 Nov
Varanasi: sunrise boat & Ganga Aarti
Morning rituals from a boat on the Ganges, and at sunset the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- 12
Day 12 · 15 Nov
Free time in Varanasi & departure
A slow morning for reflection or last shopping before your onward journey home.
Iconic destinations along the way
The journey peaks in Jaipur during Diwali 2026, when the city shines with lights and celebration. En route to Agra, we visit the historic Abhaneri Stepwell and Fatehpur Sikri. Highlights also include hand-block printing with local artisans, sunrise at the Taj Mahal, and exploring the ancient temples of Orchha and Khajuraho. The trip concludes in Varanasi, where life along the Ganges provides a powerful and unforgettable finale.
Four experiences at the heart of the journey
Indian artisans
A private block printing masterclass
Step inside a local family atelier in Jaipur. Here, you will join a Private Block Printing Masterclass. Learn the alchemy of natural vegetable dyes and stamp your own custom fabric using hand-carved teak wood blocks. You will take home a tactile piece of art created by your own hands.
Unique shopping
The bazaars of Jaipur, together
Jaipur's vibrant bazaars are filled with colorful textiles, local silver, and the scent of marigolds. To make exploring easier and more enjoyable, we'll experience these lively markets together, discovering hidden gems and authentic local treasures along the way.
Indian street food
Guided food walks, eaten with confidence
Jaipur's street food scene is a feast for the senses, with crispy kachoris, sweet jalebis, and spiced chai around every corner. To help you enjoy these authentic flavors safely and confidently, we've included guided food walks to some of the city's best hidden spots.
Spiritual journey
Dawn on the sacred Ganges
The voyage concludes with an unforgettable spiritual crescendo in Varanasi: drifting on a local wooden boat at 6:00 AM, watching the ancient city wake up as the morning mist rises off the sacred Ganges River to the sound of temple chants and dawn rituals.
Varanasi · 6:00 AM
The mist rises off the sacred Ganges, temple chants begin, and the ancient city wakes around your wooden boat. This is how the journey ends.
Our story
Your host, Eva
Eva Bertelli is an Italian textile designer based in Jaipur. A former fashion product manager, she left fast fashion behind for slow craft and never looked back. She speaks Italian, English, French and German, switching from one to the next to put everyone at ease. She keeps the group small on purpose, so no one feels lost, solo travellers most of all.
Look inside the journey
Real places along the route, from the Pink City to the ghats of Varanasi.
Ready to come along?
€1,100 per person · €935 early bird
Only 12 places, and the early bird rate (€935) runs until 31 August 2026. Message Eva on WhatsApp to reserve your spot. She replies in your language, usually within a day.
Early bird €935 until 30 September 2026, then €1,100. Only 12 places (deposit 50% of total amount, balance due 60 days before departure). Message Eva on WhatsApp to reserve your spot.