Itinerary
In Flight
Departure
Delhi, India
Arrival in New Delhi – We will transfer to the five-star Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay. After time to freshen up, we begin our solo tour with a visit to New Delhi, where we see the Parliament building and the India Gate, as well as some of the more ancient sites of Qutub.
This evening we enjoy a pleasant and informal welcome dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your tour manager and other like-minded travellers exploring the world on their own.
Delhi, India
Old Delhi – After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the city to Old Delhi, where we visit Mahatma Gandhi’s modest memorial, and the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple, one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras – or Sikh house of worship – in Delhi.
We continue to Agra where we stay at the four-star hotel – the Oberoi Trident.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal – An early start this morning will be worth the while when we witness the glorious sun rising over the stunning Taj Mahal.
As the mist rises above the adjoining Yamuna River, the constantly changing colours of the marble domes further highlight the symmetrical beauty of one of the modern wonders of the world. Our tour continues to the huge terracotta-coloured Agra Fort, the headquarters of the Mughal Empire for many years.
Later this evening, you’ll have the option to return to the Taj Mahal to enjoy the sunset.
Personalise your holiday –
Moonlight Garden and Baby Taj
Moonlight Garden lies north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River and was built to align perfectly with the Taj Mahal. We will get the chance to explore the gardens which also offer some amazing views of the Taj Mahal.
After this we will visit “Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb” which is built completely in white marble and is often described as a “jewel box” and also called the “Baby Taj”.
From £19pp
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
Fatehpur Sikri, India
Fatehpur Sikri – Leaving Agra this morning we continue towards the ancient, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571, as Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital. Although it was mysteriously abandoned just 15 years later, it remains in a remarkable state of preservation, with numerus palaces, wide courtyards and beautiful carvings.
We stop for lunch (included) at the the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat before going on to the railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express for our comfortable two-and-a-half-hour journey to Ranthambore National Park.
Originally the private hunting preserve of Maharajahs, its 400 square kilometres of forested rolling hills, valleys and lakes form a unique ecosystem. Started in 1973, India’s famous Tiger Project was created to protect the country’s tiger population. Despite many difficulties, the tigers of Ranthambore have survived and numbers have stabilised.
Our hotel for the next two nights is the comfortable family-run three-star Ranthambore Regency on full board basis.
Ranthambore National Park, India
Ranthambore National Park, India, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan, celebrated for its population of Bengal tigers. Nestled amidst the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, it offers a dramatic landscape of dense forests, ancient ruins, and serene lakes. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to spot tigers, leopards, and diverse flora and fauna. Key attractions include the majestic Ranthambore Fort and picturesque Padam Talao lake. Ranthambore’s blend of rich wildlife, historical sites, and natural beauty make it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India, is known as the “Pink City” for its iconic pink-hued buildings. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is famed for its rich history, majestic architecture, and vibrant culture. Key landmarks include the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amer Fort, showcasing Rajput and Mughal architectural brilliance. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also known for the Jantar Mantar observatory. Jaipur’s bustling markets offer exquisite jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts, while its festivals, music, dance, and cuisine reflect the region’s cultural richness and diversity.
In Flight
Departure
Delhi, India
Arrival in New Delhi – We will transfer to the five-star Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay. After time to freshen up, we begin our solo tour with a visit to New Delhi, where we see the Parliament building and the India Gate, as well as some of the more ancient sites of Qutub.
This evening we enjoy a pleasant and informal welcome dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your tour manager and other like-minded travellers exploring the world on their own.
Delhi, India
Old Delhi – After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the city to Old Delhi, where we visit Mahatma Gandhi’s modest memorial, and the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple, one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras – or Sikh house of worship – in Delhi.
We continue to Agra where we stay at the four-star hotel – the Oberoi Trident.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal – An early start this morning will be worth the while when we witness the glorious sun rising over the stunning Taj Mahal.
As the mist rises above the adjoining Yamuna River, the constantly changing colours of the marble domes further highlight the symmetrical beauty of one of the modern wonders of the world. Our tour continues to the huge terracotta-coloured Agra Fort, the headquarters of the Mughal Empire for many years.
Later this evening, you’ll have the option to return to the Taj Mahal to enjoy the sunset.
Personalise your holiday –
Moonlight Garden and Baby Taj
Moonlight Garden lies north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River and was built to align perfectly with the Taj Mahal. We will get the chance to explore the gardens which also offer some amazing views of the Taj Mahal.
After this we will visit “Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb” which is built completely in white marble and is often described as a “jewel box” and also called the “Baby Taj”.
From £19pp
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
Fatehpur Sikri, India
Fatehpur Sikri – Leaving Agra this morning we continue towards the ancient, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571, as Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital. Although it was mysteriously abandoned just 15 years later, it remains in a remarkable state of preservation, with numerus palaces, wide courtyards and beautiful carvings.
We stop for lunch (included) at the the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat before going on to the railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express for our comfortable two-and-a-half-hour journey to Ranthambore National Park.
Originally the private hunting preserve of Maharajahs, its 400 square kilometres of forested rolling hills, valleys and lakes form a unique ecosystem. Started in 1973, India’s famous Tiger Project was created to protect the country’s tiger population. Despite many difficulties, the tigers of Ranthambore have survived and numbers have stabilised.
Our hotel for the next two nights is the comfortable family-run three-star Ranthambore Regency on full board basis.
Ranthambore National Park, India
Ranthambore National Park, India, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan, celebrated for its population of Bengal tigers. Nestled amidst the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, it offers a dramatic landscape of dense forests, ancient ruins, and serene lakes. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to spot tigers, leopards, and diverse flora and fauna. Key attractions include the majestic Ranthambore Fort and picturesque Padam Talao lake. Ranthambore’s blend of rich wildlife, historical sites, and natural beauty make it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Jaipur, India
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India, is known as the “Pink City” for its iconic pink-hued buildings. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is famed for its rich history, majestic architecture, and vibrant culture. Key landmarks include the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amer Fort, showcasing Rajput and Mughal architectural brilliance. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also known for the Jantar Mantar observatory. Jaipur’s bustling markets offer exquisite jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts, while its festivals, music, dance, and cuisine reflect the region’s cultural richness and diversity.
Amber Fort, India
Amber Fort – Another icon of India is the colossal Amber Fort, located in the hills above Jaipur. We are treated to a local guide’s expert insights, so we can truly appreciate the fine details of this most magnificent of structures.
Alsisar, Alsisar
Rajasthan – Heading north deeper into rural Rajasthan, we’ll pass small villages and towns on our way to the Sekhawati region of the state and the village of Alsisar. Once part of India’s Silk Road, over the years the merchants here grew very rich, building luxurious mansions known as ‘havelis’ to display their wealth with magnificent frescoed walls. Though most have been abandoned, the imposing and luxurious residence of the local kings has been lovingly restored as a Heritage hotel.
This afternoon we’ll take a guided walk through the village to explore the best examples of the havelis and see the locals going about their day.
New Delhi, India
New Delhi, the capital of India, is a bustling metropolis blending rich history with modernity. Known for its grand architecture, New Delhi houses iconic landmarks like India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city showcases the Mughal legacy through monuments like Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort. New Delhi is also a cultural hub, hosting vibrant festivals, diverse cuisines, and bustling markets like Chandni Chowk. As the political and administrative heart of India, it features wide avenues, lush gardens, and a dynamic urban lifestyle, embodying the essence of contemporary India.
Shimla, India
Train to Shimla – This morning we take the express train from Delhi to Kalka in ‘chair-class’ carriages with air-conditioning and large windows. We transfer at Kalka to the narrow-gauge ‘toy train’, which although does not have the same creature comforts, offers increasingly stunning views as it crosses 800 bridges and goes through 100 tunnels along the 100km-route to the small station in Shimla.
After a busy day of travelling, we will check into the luxurious five-star Oberoi Cecil hotel for three nights.
Shimla, India
Shimla – Shimla’s colonial past is the main theme of our exploration today as we encounter the Viceregal Lodge and its stunning botanical gardens. Certain parts of the building are open to visitors and give a tantalising glimpse into the life of the Viceroy and his staff, who resided here for six months of the year.
Shimla, India
Free day in Shimla – Enjoy a day at leisure in Shimla, relax at the hotel pool or spa, or maybe take another stroll along the mall and do some last-minute bargain hunting in the markets. Alternatively, there are a number of short local ‘treks’ that can be arranged in the surrounding hills.
A sumptuous buffet dinner is included this evening.
Personalise your holiday –
Fagu Valley visit with light lunch
Fagu is one of the highest points in Shimla and from this vantage point we get views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as views over Shimla. After our visit we will enjoy a light lunch in the afternoon at the Wood Ville Palace heritage hotel, which is the former summer residence of the Raja Rana of Jubbal, a pre-independence kingdom of the Shimla Hill States.
From £39pp
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
Delhi, India
Train to Delhi – This morning after breakfast, we drive to Chandigarh station and then return by express train to New Delhi for our last night at the Taj by Vivanta.
Amber Fort, India
Amber Fort – Another icon of India is the colossal Amber Fort, located in the hills above Jaipur. We are treated to a local guide’s expert insights, so we can truly appreciate the fine details of this most magnificent of structures.
Alsisar, Alsisar
Rajasthan – Heading north deeper into rural Rajasthan, we’ll pass small villages and towns on our way to the Sekhawati region of the state and the village of Alsisar. Once part of India’s Silk Road, over the years the merchants here grew very rich, building luxurious mansions known as ‘havelis’ to display their wealth with magnificent frescoed walls. Though most have been abandoned, the imposing and luxurious residence of the local kings has been lovingly restored as a Heritage hotel.
This afternoon we’ll take a guided walk through the village to explore the best examples of the havelis and see the locals going about their day.
New Delhi, India
New Delhi, the capital of India, is a bustling metropolis blending rich history with modernity. Known for its grand architecture, New Delhi houses iconic landmarks like India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city showcases the Mughal legacy through monuments like Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort. New Delhi is also a cultural hub, hosting vibrant festivals, diverse cuisines, and bustling markets like Chandni Chowk. As the political and administrative heart of India, it features wide avenues, lush gardens, and a dynamic urban lifestyle, embodying the essence of contemporary India.
Shimla, India
Train to Shimla – This morning we take the express train from Delhi to Kalka in ‘chair-class’ carriages with air-conditioning and large windows. We transfer at Kalka to the narrow-gauge ‘toy train’, which although does not have the same creature comforts, offers increasingly stunning views as it crosses 800 bridges and goes through 100 tunnels along the 100km-route to the small station in Shimla.
After a busy day of travelling, we will check into the luxurious five-star Oberoi Cecil hotel for three nights.
Shimla, India
Shimla – Shimla’s colonial past is the main theme of our exploration today as we encounter the Viceregal Lodge and its stunning botanical gardens. Certain parts of the building are open to visitors and give a tantalising glimpse into the life of the Viceroy and his staff, who resided here for six months of the year.
Shimla, India
Free day in Shimla – Enjoy a day at leisure in Shimla, relax at the hotel pool or spa, or maybe take another stroll along the mall and do some last-minute bargain hunting in the markets. Alternatively, there are a number of short local ‘treks’ that can be arranged in the surrounding hills.
A sumptuous buffet dinner is included this evening.
Personalise your holiday –
Fagu Valley visit with light lunch
Fagu is one of the highest points in Shimla and from this vantage point we get views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as views over Shimla. After our visit we will enjoy a light lunch in the afternoon at the Wood Ville Palace heritage hotel, which is the former summer residence of the Raja Rana of Jubbal, a pre-independence kingdom of the Shimla Hill States.
From £39pp
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
Delhi, India
Train to Delhi – This morning after breakfast, we drive to Chandigarh station and then return by express train to New Delhi for our last night at the Taj by Vivanta.
Delhi, India
Return home
Delhi, India
Return home