Women only tour to VARANASI
VARANASI AT A GLANCE
Varanasi, the gem of Northern India, is the land of the divine Ganges River that is believed to have an overwhelming spiritual power. The city’s narrow and meandering streets are home to more than 2,000 temples that provide a breathtaking glimpse into India’s rich and diverse religious history.
Varanasi, a city of unparalleled tranquility, is the perfect destination to unwind after an eventful 10-day tour of Northern India’s most iconic sites. We designed Varanasi as an add-on, giving you the opportunity to witness the divine beauty of India. However, if you only have a few days to spare, traveling with us to this enchanted city will undoubtedly be a rejuvenating and worthwhile experience.
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Highlights
Inclusions
- 2 domestic flights from Delhi
- Airport transfers
- 3 breakfasts
- Expert local guide for the whole tour
- Twin share rooms
- 3 nights in hand-picked accommodation
- All activities listed in the itinerary
Notes
Designed as an add-on to the India Meetup Tour, the Varanasi Meetup Tour is all about peaceful vibes and ancient enchantment. It can be booked on its own too, as an off the beaten path addition to any of your travels.
A SoFe leader is not guaranteed on this trip, however you’ll have a SUPERB local guide, and will be well taken care of.
Proof of travel insurance is required before joining day 1 of any Meetup Tour. International flights are not included.
Meet your new BFF.
People often leave our Meetup Tours with friends for life and couches to crash on all over the world.
Guaranteed solo time.
Spend it with friends or explore on your own, but take time to reflect on your incredible journey.
Get your beauty sleep.
Enjoy our hand-picked, premium accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.
Itinerary
Day 1
Let's Jet to varanasi
Flight to Varanasi, city tour & sunset Ganges Prayer Ceremony
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating trip to Varanasi, starting with a comfortable pick-up from Delhi and a short flight to the land of the divine Ganges. This afternoon, get ready to explore the mesmerizing alleys behind the Ghats, where you can witness pilgrims effortlessly performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies. Experience the spellbinding atmosphere of the Ganges Prayer Ceremony at sunset and be enchanted as you behold the breathtaking candle flower ceremony that illuminates the night sky.
Day 2
varanasi
Visit Sarnath & Banaras Hindu University
Embark on a memorable journey through religious history, starting with a visit to Sarnath – the land of deer park where Buddha taught Dharma, and the iconic Sarnath Stupa that was erected by Emperor Ashoka to spread the message of love and compassion. Afterward, visit the Banaras Hindu University – one of the world’s largest universities and a prime attraction in Varanasi, where you can spend some peaceful moments exploring its unique buildings and beautiful architecture.
Day 3
varanasi to delhi
Flight to Delhi & solo time
We’ll check out of our hotel after breakfast and take a return flight to Delhi. After arriving and transferring to our hotel, we’ll have time to unwind and enjoy some solo time. You might want to relax in the gardens of the Lotus Temple, go shopping in the vibrant Delhi Haat or visit the intricate resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. For more ideas, just ask your guide!
Day 4
Farewell for now
Our adventure ends today after breakfast. Whether you choose to continue your journey through India or transfer to the airport for a flight home, we hope to see you again soon!
What About The Rest of india?
Make the most of your group travel experience with a short spiritual retreat to Varanasi, following a visit to awe-inspiring destinations such as the iconic Taj Mahal, the Mehrangarh Fort, and a whimsical ride on a rickshaw through the lively streets of Old Delhi. For an ultimate travel experience, add the Northern India or Southern India & Sri Lanka Meetup Tour, and join like-minded travelers to explore the best of India and create unforgettable memories.
A bit about The Northern India Meetup Tour:
- Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Make your own block print in a niche textile town
- Meet the women of Sheroes Cafe
- Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw
- Stay in gorgeous hand-picked hotels
- Be invited into family homes for delicious meals
If booking both The India Meetup Tour as well as The Varanasi Meetup Tour, book separately as two separate tours. You can add Varanasi to your India booking ups to 60 days before departure, depending on availability.
Hand-picked Accommodation
What better way to embrace tranquility in Varanasi than a charming luxury village? Imagine waking up to birds chirping and cowbells ringing in the distance as the fresh aroma of soft soil gently stirs your senses. Here you can dine like maharajas, enjoy a sunrise yoga class or simply lay back and enjoy the brilliance of a starry night sky.
Details
Arrival:
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
If you are adding this tour onto The Northern India Meetup Tour, we will transfer you from the last hotel to the airport for your flight to Varanasi in the morning of Day 10. If joining Varanasi without the India tour, then please plan on meeting us at The Suryaa Hotel in the morning of Day 1. The time will be determined after booking. Please plan to arrive a day early to not miss the start time.
Departure:
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Included in this tour is a flight back to Delhi. We can not schedule this flight for any alternate dates or times than what is included on the last day of the Varanasi tour. If leaving from the Delhi Airport, please make sure your flights leave no earlier than 5pm on the last day.
- International airfares
- Travel insurance (mandatory for all travelers)
- Guide and driver tips
- Any meals not listed under inclusions
- Any optional activities as indicated in the itinerary
- A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 90 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot earlier than 90 days before departure, you can apply your payment to any trip within the next year.
- No refunds on deposits.
On rare occasions, any domestic flight that we include in this trip may be changed or canceled with little notice. Remember, we cannot control the decisions that airlines make, so sometimes amendments will need to be made to our mode of transportation. Rest assured that if this happens, we will still get you to your destination. Part of the unique experience of traveling in any form is having the flexibility and grace to embrace detours.
Most nationalities are required to possess a visa in order to enter India. The process is relatively simple, but takes a few dates to process. Please be sure you apply for the e-visa at least a week before departure, but earlier is better. Apply here.
The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
The baggage allowance for our internal flights is 1 check in suitcase that is a maximum of 30lbs/15kg and 1 carryon. An additional fee applies to bags that exceed this.
What our travelers say
Sofe's tour was a great blend
Sofe's tour was a great blend
“I was heartened by how welcoming people were in India and will never forget the seemingly infinite unique sari and kurti outfits on dazzling display everywhere. SoFe’s itinerary was a great blend of cultural, historical, and social activities and our tour leader helped in many ways to keep us having fun, even over long days of traveling.” Jennie R. | India
100% RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY
“If you are thinking about doing a SoFe tour -do it! It was so awesome to connect and explore a country with like-minded solo female travelers. I loved getting to experience a country and connect with other SoFe travelers in network. I really appreciated the security of going with a group as well, especially for a country such as India. ” Michelle P. | India
INCREDIBLE TOUR THROUGH INDIA
“India was spectacular – it was vibrant, beautiful, dirty, spiritual, and chaotic – all at once! SoFe provided a wonderfully curated trip through the northern region of the country. Our guides brought the places we visited to life. Shopping was exceptional! Thank you Nidhi and Nikki for a life-changing trip!” Leslie R. | India