expedia
Skip to main content
A person sitting on a wooden dock by a river with buildings in the background. 1
A group of monks in orange robes standing in a line by a river. 2
A person lighting a traditional oil lamp. 3
Four people sitting at a table with food and drinks, toasting with their glasses. 4
A person sitting on stone steps wearing orange clothing, with baskets and a stick nearby. 5
By Pacific Classic Tours India

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good
Free cancellation available
Price is €120 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 14h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

  • Experience the very best of Varanasi on this all-inclusive private city tour, featuring a comfortable private vehicle, expert local guide, and all entrance fees included for a seamless day of exploration. Start with a peaceful sunrise boat ride on the Ganges as the ghats come alive with rituals, chants and traditional morning prayers. Explore the newly restored Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, wander through atmospheric Old City lanes, and discover the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

    Enjoy a lavish 5-star buffet lunch, followed by time to experience Varanasi’s vibrant culture, ancient temples, riverside traditions and spiritual rhythms. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony from your boat — a moving display of fire, music and devotion that becomes the highlight of many travelers’ journeys. Bottled water is provided throughout for your comfort, ensuring a smooth, enriching and unforgettable Varanasi experience.

Activity location

  • Ganges River
    • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Ganges River
    • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Check availability

5 or more Travelers

  • Activity duration is 14 hours14h
    14h
  • English

Includes: Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise Ganges Boat ride + Entry Fees + 5★ Buffet Lunch + Bottled water
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 05:30
Price details
€120.36 x 5 Adults€601.80
Total
Price is €601.80

4 Travelers

  • Activity duration is 14 hours14h
    14h
  • English

Includes: Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise Ganges Boat ride + Entry Fees + 5★ Buffet Lunch + Bottled water
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 05:30
Price details
€127.66 x 4 Adults€510.64
Total
Price is €510.64

3 Travelers

  • Activity duration is 14 hours14h
    14h
  • English

Includes: Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise Ganges Boat ride + Entry Fees + 5★ Buffet Lunch + Bottled water
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 05:30
Price details
€139.82 x 3 Adults€419.46
Total
Price is €419.46

2 Travelers

  • Activity duration is 14 hours14h
    14h
  • English

Includes: Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise Ganges Boat ride + Entry Fees + 5★ Buffet Lunch + Bottled water
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 05:30
Price details
€158.05 x 2 Adults€316.10
Total
Price is €316.10

1 Traveler

  • Activity duration is 14 hours14h
    14h
  • English

Includes: Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Sunrise Ganges Boat ride + Entry Fees + 5★ Buffet Lunch + Bottled water
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 05:30
Price details
€243.16 x 1 Adult€243.16
Total
Price is €243.16

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    All parking, tolls, fuel charges, and taxes — no hidden costs
  • Inclusions
    Private tour – only your group participates
  • Inclusions
    Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day (hotel pickup & drop-off included)
  • Inclusions
    Entrance fees to all monuments and sites as per itinerary
  • Inclusions
    Gourmet buffet lunch at a premium 5★ restaurant
  • Inclusions
    Professional English-speaking local guide
  • Inclusions
    Morning Ganges boat ride (included – no extra charges)
  • Inclusions
    Bottled mineral water throughout the tour
  • Exclusions
    Any Kind of drinks with lunch

Know before you book

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Dress code: modest smart-casual; please ensure shoulders and knees are covered while visiting temples and Ghats.
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if this is required (meals are at your own expense)
    • Moderate walking and stair/climb at Ghats required — comfortable walking shoes recommended
    • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
    • Please note: The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is closed on Fridays
    • During rainy season (July to September), Boat ride is subject to availability due to Ganges river overflow.
    • Pickup and drop-off from any hotel or railway station in Varanasi included; private air-conditioned vehicle for your group only.
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Ganges River

  • 1h
Your private tour guide pick you at 5.30 am from your hotel in Varanasi. Begin your journey comfortably in a private air-conditioned car. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride at sunrise along the Ganges, where you’ll see: Historic Ghats, Daily rituals & ceremonies, Holy bathers, Riverfront architecture, Beautiful photo-worthy scenes. This is often the highlight of the tour.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

  • 1h
Visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex and walk through the impressive new corridor connecting the temple to the Ganga ghats. Your guide explains the temple’s history, significance, and rituals. Later drive back to your hotel for breakfast.

Banaras Hindu University

  • 1h
Post breakfast Visit one of Asia’s largest universities and see the modern replica of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Bharat Mata Temple

  • 30m
Bharat Mata Temple – A Unique Tribute to Mother India, dedicated not to a deity but to Mother India. Built in 1936, the temple houses a remarkable relief map of India carved in marble, showing the country’s mountains, rivers and geography in perfect scale.

Varanasi

  • 1h
Shopping in Varanasi (Optional, No Obligation to Buy), Enjoy an optional visit to Varanasi’s traditional craft shops, known for Banarasi silk, hand-woven textiles, wooden carvings and local handicrafts. Your guide will take you to reputable artisan workshops where you can see the craftsmanship up close. This stop is purely optional, and there is absolutely no pressure or obligation to purchase anything.

The Clarks

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Relish a lavish multi-cuisine buffet lunch at one of Varanasi premium 5★ restaurant. Enjoy authentic local and international flavors in a royal ambiance.

Sarnath

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Travel to Sarnath — where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. See: Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Deer Park, Buddhist temples from around the world, Archaeological Museum (closed Fridays) Sarnath offers serenity and a deep contrast to the city’s lively Ghats.

Ganges River

  • 2h
Evening witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Aarti Ceremony is a devotional Hindu ritual performed at dusk on the banks of the Ganges, using fire as an offering to, the affectionately referenced, Maa Ganga, goddess of the holiest river in India. Your tour ends with a return to your hotel or other desired location in Varanasi.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Ganges River
    • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Ganges River
    • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Varanasi your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Varanasi

With so many things to do in Varanasi, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Varanasi. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Varanasi to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.