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Varanasi Standard Tours & Trips

105 Varanasi trips. Tours from 44 tour companies. 450 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Highlights of India: Discover Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi
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Highlights of India: Discover Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
  • I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
  • Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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12 days From$2,799
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi
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India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi

By Cosmos
none
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Varanasi

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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13 days From$2,779
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India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu, Varanasi, Udaipur & Mumbai
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India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu, Varanasi, Udaipur & Mumbai

By Cosmos
none
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Mumbai, Udaipur, Varanasi

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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16 days From$3,629
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Fascinating India
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Fascinating India

By Indus Travels
preferred
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Udaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Discover the diversity of Old and New Delhi
  • Explore the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise
  • Visit Rajasthan’s Pink City, Jaipur
  • Experience a special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat in Pushkar
  • Tour through the massive fort in Udaipur
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What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

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15 days From$2,299
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India and Nepal In-depth Tour
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India and Nepal In-depth Tour

By Bravo Asia Tours
none
5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Chennai, Chitwan National Park, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Kochi, Mumbai, Pokhara, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Travel the north of India, touch the man-made beauty of the incomparable Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Agra
  • See the Palace of the Winds and Royal City Palace in Jaipur
  • Visit the holy river in Varanasi.
  • Travel the south of India, the glory cinema show in Bollywood
  • Enjoy a peaceful backwater cruise in Kochin
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Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

Trip dates & details
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32 days From$4,800
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Heart of India
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Heart of India

By Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)
none
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Khajuraho, Qutab Minar, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Red Fort, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Visit Raj Ghat, a beautifully serene monument.
  • Visiting the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India
  • Enjoy short ride by rickshaw through the crowded lanes of the Chandni Chowk bazaar.
  • Visiting Qutab Minar, a spectacular example of Indo-Islamic architecture topped by a 234-foot-high tower.
  • Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Jaipur and its surroundings
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Festivals & Special Events, Religious

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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17 days From$3,895
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi
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Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi

By Memorable India
none
5/5 Excellent
80 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Rajasthan, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Explore the capital of Rajasthan, Infused with culture and embellished with timeless palaces with beautiful architecture
  • Discover Delhi is a city filled with history, culture and heritage
  • Visit the Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Chandini Chowk and Raj Ghat
  • See the amazing Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World
  • Visit Varanasi
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We had a very good trip with my family to Ranthambore. The tour guide was very good and the driver was excellent. The car was very comfortable and the food was good. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a good time."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$575
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Spiritual India
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Spiritual India

By Geckos Adventures
none
4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Delhi, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Agra-cadabra! do you believe in magic? let us spell it out for you. t-a-j m-a-h-a-l. india has just pulled another punny rabbit out of the hat
  • Oh, what's that running down your face? those are tears my friend. asunrise boat cruise down theganges river in varanasi can melt the hardest of hearts.
  • Make like the beatles and do some early-morning yoga in an ashram. who says you can’t be a rockstar and find spiritual harmony?
  • Delhi lights a fire in you that'll sizzle your nostril hairs. eat your way around town (consider a home cooked delhi urban adventure) and down a lassi to drown out the flames

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$730
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Varanasi Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
450  Reviews
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Excellent
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A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Northern India

Absolutely superb. Our guide, Ajay Gupta, was out of this world. All Exodus guides are super but he was just amazing. The sights we saw in such a short time, the s...

Tour:  Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An amazing, enthralling, full-on trip.

This trip is not for the faint-hearted. Despite various lengths being quoted, the traveler is effectively on the road in India for 8 days, and flies home on day 9....

Tour:  Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic trip!

An amazing trip with a very full on itinerary! You’ ll see all the highlights of Northern India, you will do all the must activities like boat ride in Varanasi. Ye...

Tour:  Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Northern India

A fantastic trip giving you an experience of the countries culture, the local wildlife and numerous modes of transport. It’s an excellent trip for first time trave...

Tour:  Highlights of Northern India - Summer itinerary

D

Deborah

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time. We were always safe, despite the traffic and the population density. The tour covered fa...

Tour:  Discover India

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