Your journey of a lifetime begins in New Delhi. Arrive at the international airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. It is recommended that you spend your first evening at leisure in your hotel to recuperate from your international journey. 

Few places on earth combine beauty, history and escapism to such dazzling effect as the great city of Delhi- the sprawling and fascinating capital of India. The title “A Tale of Two Cities” is apt as Delhi bridges together two different worlds. The Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, contrasts with the British-built centre of New Delhi.  On this journey you will scratch the surface and discover a land sprinkled with dazzling gems of India’s “golden” legacy. 

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

We have strategically selected this location (en-route Jaipur) to avoid city traffic and save time on travel the next day.

After breakfast, you will start your adventure by driving to the city of Jaipur. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, is a dusky pink pearl sitting elegantly on the edge of the desert. Rose painted Mughal palaces slope to the old town’s bazaars, filled with textiles and jewellery.  

We have lined up an evening of drama and atmosphere at the world-famous Light and Sound Show, which is an entertaining way to discover the history of Amber Fort and Jaipur.  Scripted by renowned Bollywood filmmaker Gulzar and performed near Maota Lake, folk music and colourful lighting combine to bring to life the historical legends revolving round the 28 kings of the Kachwaha dynasty. 

OVERNIGHT IN JAIPUR

After breakfast, explore the splendour of Amber Fort, set on a rugged hill with impressive yellow sandstone battlements and a craggy façade. It was built to protect against any threat from the Mongol invaders.

Later you will drive past the Hawa Mahal. In the afternoon visit the City Palace and museum, before continuing to Jantar Mantar, a structural masterpiece displaying the science of early Indian architecture. 

OVERNIGHT IN JAIPUR

After breakfast, drive to the Mughal city of Agra and your hotel for check-in. Once the most important city in India, it was subjected to a great deal of ambitious architecture. Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, introduced the first Persian garden on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Afternoon will be at leisure. 

OVERNIGHT IN AGRA

Romance is in the air as we arrive at the Taj Mahal at the brink of dawn. Discover a love poem in stone as you behold the sight of the sun striking its glowing cupid arrow onto the dome that radiates like a giant golden trinket. 

Taj Mahal cannot be left out of India’s Golden Triangle! The finest example of archaeological brilliance, it is the country’s most famous attraction. Traveller Eleanor Roosevelt said that its white marble “symbolizes the purity of real love.” The Taj was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the resting place for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. What else but great love could have inspired such outstanding beauty?

Return to the hotel for breakfast. 

Later head towards Delhi via the newly built Taj Expressway. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Enjoy an evening at leisure or start exploring the India Gate and Connaught Place.

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

After breakfast, your visit will include a tour of Old Delhi and the immense Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India. You will also see the legendary Red Fort and Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Finally, awaken the senses with a thrilling rickshaw ride through the busy markets of Chandni Chowk. 

Also visit Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & go on a rickshaw ride through the silver street in Chandni Chowk.

New Delhi offers a fascinating contrast: here, you will walk the wide, straight boulevards and pass the monuments of the Empire. Walking the imperial residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, to the mighty arch of India Gate, designed by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, the eternal flame burns day and night to remember the soldiers in the Indo-Pakistan war. 

Continue to the Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar. Another highlight is the Bahai Temple with its lotus dome. 

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure. If you’re feeling energetic, step outside onto the streets of Delhi. Between its vividly painted buildings, you will find the chatter and treasures of the bustling markets. 

In the evening, it is time to head home via assisted transfer to the international airport for a hassle-free flight back to the UK or continue onto the optional extension tour. For extension please ask for more details.

END OF TOUR