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October 17 - 29, 2025
Embark on a Heartfelt Pilgrimage
Join the Chasing Bubbles Foundation on a heartfelt pilgrimage to incredible India to retrace the final steps of Captain Alex Rust. This journey will honor his spirit of discovery and service. Participants will embark on an immersive experience exploring the meaning of life, adventure, and purpose. Along the way, we will continue his legacy by helping children in need, just as he did. Come be a part of this profound journey, blending introspection with impactful service, and celebrate a life devoted to adventure and giving back.
Why India? What does Chasing Bubbles and sailing have to do with this place? India is where Alex found new purpose beyond the adventure of the open sea, and where the roots of our foundation began.
To read more about our origin story and Alex's journey, check out the full story here: chasingbubbles.org/post/alex-s-last-steps-our-first
Pictured above are some highlights from Alex's final trip.
Trip Highlights:
Discover the rich history and culture of India through its food, colors, people, fortresses, and temples, spanning vibrant cities like New Delhi and Jaipur.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple at dawn. Ranked by the BBC as two of the top ten sites to visit in the world!
Participate in Diwali, the "Festival of Lights," a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Visit Dharamsala, the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. This unique town is a global center for Tibetan Buddhism and culture!
Walk the ghats of Varanasi, one of the most sacred cities in Hindu tradition.
Explore numerous other holy sites, including Hindu and Sikh places of worship, while immersing yourself in local culture and vibrant bazaars.
Included in the Trip:
Daily breakfast, and hotels for all 12 nights
All domestic transportation including an air conditioned bus and 3 domestic flights in economy class
Sacred ceremonies and special access to Diwali activities
English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Costs Do Not Include:
International airfare in & out of Delhi
Tips & gratuities
Additional food & drink including mineral water and alcohol
Still camera & video camera fees at the various monuments and museums
Cost:
Double Share Room: $4,850 per person
Single Room: $5,995 per person
*A portion of these fees go back to support the mission of Chasing Bubbles Foundation
Ready to Commit?
Please fill out the following registration form and join us on this profound journey of discovery and service:
The Rust family retraces part of Alex's last steps in India in 2018.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Overview
For all spiritual seekers, travel to India holds a special appeal. This ancient land, where spiritual practices were developed and perfected over 5,000 years ago, can profoundly impact your soul. A journey here promises to transform your life and worldview. Our tour offers the comforts of home while immersing you in India's rich spiritual traditions, with safe food, excellent lodging, and experienced staff. India, geographically the size of Europe, boasts 17 different languages, each with its own script. Just as visiting France doesn't represent all of Europe, North and South India are vastly different.
Map of proposed itinerary. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/AEyqq7m3sytn3vDN6). Zoom in and out to change detail. Route shows travel by road, but some will be by air.
October 17: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Tour Group representatives will meet you as you exit customs and immigration and escort you to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi.
October 18: Delhi
Spend the day on a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Overnight: Delhi.
October 19: Delhi - Agra
Sightseeing in Delhi then drive to Agra. (4 hrs). Spend the rest of the day sightseeing & shopping. Overnight: Agra.
October 20: Agra - Jaipur
Visit the Taj Mahal at dawn, return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, and then drive to Jaipur (6 hrs) enroute visiting Fathepursikri. In the evening enjoy Diwali celebration in Jaipur. Overnight: Jaipur.
October 21: Jaipur
Light day of sightseeing in the "Pink City," shopping at local markets and spending time at some of the shops offering museum quality pieces. Overnight: Jaipur.
October 22: Jaipur
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur. Overnight: Jaipur.
October 23: Jaipur - Dharmasala
Depart mid morning and fly to Dharmasala. Spend rest of day sightseeing at this tranquil Buddhist town. Overnight: Dharamsala.
October 24: Dharamsala - Amritsar
After an hour or so of sightseeing in the morning, drive from Dharmasala for Amritsar (4 1/2 hrs), and go straight to the Pakistan/India border town of Wagah to see the change of guard ceremony. It is a spectacle comparable to 'Changing of the Guards' in London. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Changing of the Guards within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle. Overnight: Amritsar.
October 25: Amristar - Varanasi
Sightseeing in the moring in Amritsar. At dawn, visit the Golden Temple the most important place of worship for the Sikhs, and see the Guru Granth Sahib being brought to Harmindar Sahib. Have lanager there, then depart for the airport for your flight to Varanasi.
Overnight: Varanasi.
October 26: Varanasi
Spend the day sightseeing and overnight in Varanasi. Early in the morning, go to the Holy River Ganga before dawn to experience a Ganges cruise and watch activities on the ghats. After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Sarnath for sightseeing. Explore the Stupas, monasteries, Ashoka Pillar, Deer Park, Dhamekh Stupa, Bodhi tree, Moolgandha Kuti Vihara, and Archaeology Museum (closed on Friday). In the evening, witness an aarti on the banks of the Ganga and stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi bazaar for shopping.
October 27: Varanasi - Guwahati
Fly to Guwahti. Meet with the Jesuit Missionaries and explore their work in the region over the last 50 years. Overnight: Guwahati.
October 28: Guwahati
Tour Jesuit missions around the Kohima Region and interact with students supported by Chasing Bubbles. Overnight: Guwahati.
October 29: Guwahti - Delhi
Tour Group Representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Delhi this morning. Fly to Delhi, and stay at airport. Tour Group representative will assist you on arrival and departure for your onward journey. Overnight: On board your flight.
HOTELS ENVISAGED, or Similar:
City | Nights | Hotel, (Room Type) |
Delhi | 2 | Hyatt Centric, Standard |
Agra | 1 | Clarks Shiraz, Standard |
Jaipur | 3 | Ramada by Wyndham North, Standard |
Dharamsala | 1 | Amritara Surya, Superior |
Amritsar | 1 | Ramada, Standard |
Varanasi | 2 | Madin, Standard |
Guwahti | 2 | Vivanta by Taj, Superior |
Total Nights: | 12 |
Trip organized by:
Spiritual Journeys, LLC
262 Upland Road
Cambridge, MA 02140. USA.
Ph: +1-508-358-4267
Ready to Commit?
Please fill out the following registration form and join us on this profound journey of discovery and service: