Welcome to Lahore! Upon arriving at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and whisked away to your hotel. Lahore is known as the "City of Gardens." It’s a vibrant cultural hub and the heart of Pakistan's film industry, known for its magnificent Mughal architecture, renowned educational institutions, and some of the best gardens and parks on the continent. Tonight, gather with your group for a welcome dinner featuring the best of Pakistani cuisine. 

Begin your first full day in Lahore at the historic Delhi Gate. Check out Shahi Hamaam, a Mughal-era royal bathhouse, and take in the stunning artistry of Wazir Khan Mosque's colorful tiles. Take in the towering Minar-e-Pakistan, a symbol of national pride, before gazing at the grand Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wander around the lively Anarkali Market for a shopping adventure, then learn the secrets of Lahore's cuisine during a hands-on cooking class with a local family in their home. Feel the warmth of Pakistani hospitality as you stir a traditional pot with vibrant spices, and learn how to make an authentic Karahi curry. 

Dive deeper into Lahore's heritage today, beginning with a visit to Lahore Museum. Pay your respects at Jahangir's Tomb, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to the most powerful of Mughal emperors. Wander through the tranquil Shalimar Gardens and admire the beauty of its design. Feel the energy at the Wagah Border during the flag-lowering ceremony, a powerful symbol of Indo-Pakistani unity. Later, satiate your street food cravings at Food Street, Lahore’s oldest street market, sampling a variety of Lahore's rich flavors. Delight in juicy meat kababs, creamy lentils, and spinach with cheese, all paired with soft naan and crispy chapati. To top it all off, enjoy a thrilling dhol (drum) performance, which delightfully captures the vibrant spirit of Punjabi music. 

Take a scenic drive to Multan today, famous for its lively bazaars, impressive mosques, and mango farms. (Multan mangoes are said to be the best in the world.) En route, we'll visit Harappa, an archaeological treasure trove of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Discover the remnants of this fortified city that thrived over 4,000 years ago and learn more about its fascinating past at the Harappa Museum, which showcases artifacts that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of this sophisticated civilization. Upon arrival in Multan, take a break to unwind or stroll around the city’s historic streets. Tonight, gather with your group for dinner and share stories of today’s adventure. 

Begin your day with a sensory journey through Multan’s lively markets, where you can explore traditional handmade goods such as embroidered and block-printed Multani fabrics, glass bangles, and colorful pottery. Mingle with local vendors and pick up unique souvenirs. Pay your respects at Multan's renowned shrines, including Shah Rukn-i-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, where devotion and spirituality fill the air. Then, immerse yourself in the city’s artistic heritage by meeting talented local artisans and discovering the stories behind their crafts. The pièce de résistance will be a visit to the Institute of Blue Pottery, where you'll learn the art of creating stunning pottery exclusive to the region. Enjoy a hands-on session as you craft your own ceramic masterpiece. Tonight, gather with the group for another mouthwatering feast. 

After breakfast, you’ll leave Multan and journey along scenic roads to Bahawalpur, a city known for its Nawab-era architecture and textile production. After checking in at your hotel, explore the city’s regal charm and Nawabi heritage on a guided tour through its magnificent buildings. Later, meet local artisans and learn about the city’s vibrant craft traditions. Meet women artisans trained by a local organization in embroidery and textiles, and hear their inspiring stories of resilience and empowerment. See the intricate designs and vibrant colors of their creations firsthand. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, head out for an expedition to the Cholistan desert, taking in its sweeping vistas and unique nomadic culture. Once home to a mighty river, this arid region holds numerous Indus Valley Civilization settlements. Visit the grand Derawar Fort, a striking stronghold in the desert with massive, towering bastions that seem to rise out of nowhere. Feel the ancient history as you explore this majestic site and imagine its past glory. Later, return to Bahawalpur for a tasty group dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Leave Bahawalpur for Sukkur today, stopping at bustling Uch Sharif along the way. Spend time exploring this ancient town's captivating ruins and blue mosaic-adorned tombs, including the stunning tomb of Bibi Jawindi. Enjoy lunch here before continuing to Sukkur, a city known for its date production, located on the western bank of the Indus River. Wander the streets with your guide, taking in the sights. Get a lesson in engineering with a stop at Sukkur Barrage, an architectural marvel from the British Raj era. This ornate dam on the River Indus stands as a testament to the agricultural prosperity of the region, and is still a key part of Pakistan's irrigation system. End your day of sightseeing with dinner at a local restaurant. 

History lovers rejoice, our agenda today includes forts, ancient ruins and museums. Our first stop is Kot Diji Fort, an 18th-century citadel 25 miles east of the Indus River at the edge of the Thar Desert. The fort sits above a pre-Harappan civilization archaeological site dating back 3,000 years. Next, journey back in time to the Mohenjo-Daro archaeological site and museum. Wrap up your day in Larkana, a key trade hub known as the Eden of Sindh because of the fertile plains it’s surrounded by, abundant with crops like sugarcane, rice, and guavas. Share stories with your fellow intrepid travelers over dinner at a traditional local restaurant, reflecting on the day's incredible journey through history.

Today's adventure takes you to Pakistan's most significant and sacred shrines. First, visit the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalander, a Sufi saint known for his teachings of love and tolerance across all faiths. Feel the spiritual ambiance as you walk among the millions of pilgrims who visit this very special place every year. Next, experience more serenity at the shrine of Abdul Latif Bhittai, celebrated as the greatest poet of the Sindhi language. Cap off your day in Hyderabad, a city steeped in history along the River Indus. Once the capital of Sindh, it earned the nickname the "Paris of India" for its elegance and cleanliness. Don't miss the vibrant colors and energy of the expansive Shahi Bazaar before winding down for the night.

Start your day by visiting the historic city of Thatta, once the medieval capital of the Sindh region. Here, you’ll explore Shah Jahan Mosque, an architectural stunner with 93 domes that create an impressive echo, allowing prayers at the Mihrab to be heard throughout the mosque. Marvel at the intricate tile work, a showcase of Indo-Pakistani art. Then, head to the nearby Makli Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you'll wander through centuries-old, beautifully decaying tombs that served as a burial ground for local royalty. Your day wraps up in Karachi, Pakistan's dynamic coastal capital, where you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards, retreat to your luxurious 5-star hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Your last day in Karachi will be one to remember! Kick things off with a trip to the Mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s esteemed founder, and delve into the nation’s history at the National Museum. Next, pay homage to the revered shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi. Now, it’s time for the feast! Get ready for a sumptuous lunch showcasing Karachi's culinary highlights—tender nihari and fragrant biryani are a must-try. Afterward, take a breather at Clifton Beach, where the Arabian Sea kisses the coastline. Your grand finale? A foodie tour with your fellow travelers! Savor the city’s best street food, from tangy chaats to crispy fried bites. For dinner, dive into Karachi’s crown jewel—its seafood! Enjoy the freshest catches from the sea, from succulent prawns to flavorful fish. Today, you’ll be on a culinary roll, ending your two-week journey with a tasteful bang!

After 13 days of exploring some of Pakistan’s many wonders, hopping from ancient archaeological sites and intricate mausoleums, to pottery workshops and bustling markets, it’s time to bid farewell to the country and the friends you’ve made along the way. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your departing flight. Or if you fancy sticking around for more adventures, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Pakistan for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!