Experience the history, culture and charm of India on a journey around the ‘Golden Triangle’ cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. With visits to the magnificent Taj Mahal and mighty Amber Fort, this tour is the perfect introduction to an unforgettable country.
Overview
What’s included
- Tour Manager as your host
- 6 nights in 5-star hotels
- 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
- Specialist Local Guide
- Overseas transfers on arrival & other transportation
- Porterage
Included excursions
- Sightseeing tour of New Delhi
- Explore Old Delhi
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
- Visit the Amber Fort
- Saree draping / Turban wearing demonstration
- Discover the Jantar Mantar & walk through a spice market
- Evening visit to Jaipur City Palace including dinner
Optional excursions
- An Introduction to India’s religions with visits to Hindu & Sikh temples & a Catholic cathedral
- Cookery demonstration & dinner in a local home
- Walking tour of Jaipur
Itinerary
Day 1 New Delhi
Make your own way to Delhi, where we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. There will be time to settle in and freshen up before we set off for an afternoon of sightseeing in New Delhi. This spacious, imperial city was created by the British in 1911. Our drive takes us through elegant boulevards and lush green parks where the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House are both reminders of a colonial past. We’ll also step back in time at the ancient Qutub Minar – a UNESCO-listed site.
Day 2 Old Delhi
After breakfast, join your Tour Manager on an included sightseeing tour of the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Temples and mosques fill every available space and tempting food stalls flood the narrow streets with colour and heady aromas. As we explore we’ll pass by the spectacular Red Fort, the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
This afternoon has been left free for you to explore at your own pace, in the company of your fellow travellers. If you wish, you could join our optional excursion which will introduce you to India’s array of different religions. We’ll visit Birla Mandir, the Hindu temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, and the Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral before arriving at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Hundreds of devotees are fed every day at this Sikh place of worship, and we’ll have a chance to volunteer in the kitchens before our tour continues to Nizamuddin Dargah, the shrine to Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
Day 3 Agra
Today we’ll travel south to Agra, where we’ll stay overnight. After checking in to our hotel we’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Once the imperial city of the Mogul rulers, this mighty red-sandstone fortress is where the Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son.
Day 4 Jaipur
We have an early start this morning for what is sure to be a memorable highlight of the holiday – a dawn visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife, nothing will prepare you for the breathtaking sight of this magnificent mausoleum, whose white marble walls are inlaid with semiprecious stones.
Close by is Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex, which sits on the other side of the river. You’ll get to see the Taj Mahal from here too, for equally wonderful views.
Later we’ll travel to Jaipur, affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ because all of the buildings are painted in a distinctive shade of pink. Enjoy an evening at leisure or perhaps join us for an optional cookery demonstration in a local family home, with dinner included.
Day 5 Jaipur
This morning we’ll drive to the marvellous Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold set on top of a hill. It’s a wonderful blend of Hindu and Muslim elements and we’ll step inside to explore the palace, courtyards and gardens. Back in Jaipur, we’ll learn how to carefully drape a colourful saree and to put on a turban. Our expert guides will share the secrets of these traditional items of clothing with us to help give us even more insight into the Indian culture. You can pose for pictures with your hosts in your beautiful saree or majestic turban, and you’ll be gifted the clothing you wear so you can take a piece of India back home as a souvenir.
When we return to Jaipur we’ll head to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century, and then take a stroll through Chaandpol Bazaar, where pungent aromas emanate from the shops which grind and sell all manner of brightly coloured spices. This evening we’ll visit the City Palace and see rare personal items of the Maharajas of Jaipur. During our visit we’ll watch a state-of-the-art light show narrated by a Bollywood star, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the palace.
Day 6 Delhi
We have left this morning free for you to explore Jaipur at your own pace. Alternatively, you could join our optional walking tour, which is one of the best ways to appreciate the rich heritage of the walled city. As we wander around the houses and workshops, local people will be delighted to tell you more about life in the bustling capital of Rajasthan.
Day 7 Departure
At the end of your tour, you can join your fellow travellers for a transfer to the airport or choose to make your own arrangements.
Accommodation
Day 2-3 Radisson Blu Dwarka: Guests of the 5 star Radisson Blu can really look forward to taking advantage of the brilliant facilities and service on offer. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, salon and spa. There are three onsite restaurants offering a varied selection of cuisines. The contemporarily styled rooms are furnished with a TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. The private facilities come equipped with a hairdryer and complementary toiletries. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi.
Day 4 Ramada Plaza Agra: The Ramada Plaza Agra is a contemporarily styled property that also offers a great location – being less than 4 miles from the Taj Mahal. The fantastic facilities and services on offer will also ensure guests have a great stay. There is an outdoor pool, fitness centre as well as a shared lounge area. Guests can dine at the in-house restaurant and grab a drink at the bar. Rooms are fitted with a flat screen TV, kettle, and minibar. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and complementary toiletries.
Day 5-6 Fortune Select Metropolitan – Jaipur: The 5-star Fortune Select Metropolitan is situated in the heart of Jaipur. Hotel facilities include a bar, gym, spa and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Day 7 Radisson Blu Dwarka: Guests of the 5 star Radisson Blu can really look forward to taking advantage of the brilliant facilities and service on offer. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, salon and spa. There are three onsite restaurants offering a varied selection of cuisines. The contemporarily styled rooms are furnished with a TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. The private facilities come equipped with a hairdryer and complementary toiletries. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi.
