Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi: Buckle up for an unforgettable trip as you set off on your direct British Airways flight to Delhi. Once you land, you will be welcomed by our friendly representative who will transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will be free to explore India’s capital, which is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines ancient monuments with modern amenities.
Day 2 – Delhi: Be sure to wear comfy shoes today to prepare for a busy day of exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi. Your adventure will start with a drive past the magnificent Red Fort. Learn how it was founded by Emperor Shah Jahan and took 10 years to construct from 1638. You will learn how it had the decapitated bodies of prisoners built into the foundations for luck, and is surrounded by an 18m-high wall. Next, you will wander through the narrow lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. You will have the option of taking a rickshaw ride through the bazaars, and feeling the exhilaration of having the wind in your hair. You will also explore Raj Ghat, which is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, your adventure will continue when you will explore New Delhi by driving past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, and the India Gate. Last but not least, you will end the day on a high with a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is an impressive 72-meter-high minaret. Be sure to pull out your camera to snap a selfie with this impressive landmark.
Day 3 - Delhi to Agra: Today will be etched in your mind forever when you visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Your day will start when you check-out of your hotel and take the Yamuna Express way to Agra. Once you arrive, you will check-in at your hotel. You will have time to freshen up before you visit the most beautiful building in the world - the Taj Mahal. Today you will finally see it’s stunning architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy, which are all an embodiment of Mughal art. Learn how this epic site was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. At the time, specialists were brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and inlay work - made with thousands of semiprecious stones. Next, you will visit Agra Fort. Here you will have the chance to look behind its forbidding red sandstone, before returning to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 4 – Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur: Wake up to a delicious breakfast, before setting off this morning to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. It is of great importance as it was the capital of the Mughal empire between 1571 and 1585 during the reign of Akbar. After a fascinating morning, you will continue your journey to Jaipur, where you will check-in at your hotel for a well-earned rest. You will have the rest of the day free to spend at leisure. If you love a bargain, then head to the local markets and put your bartering skills to the test.
Day 5 - Jaipur: Prepare to unravel the breath-taking beauty of Amber Fort, when you visit the hilltop fortress this morning. Take in the stunning view as you arrive at the imposing fort. Get your camera ready as you explore this magnificent fort, which comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, as well as white marble. It is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. Either on the way there or back, there will be a quick stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. This elaborate building, which is now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, used to sneak views of the outside world. Then in the afternoon you will visit Jai Singh’s Observatory. Discover how it was built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. Your adventure does not stop there, as you will also visit City Palace, which is now a museum that contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts, armoury, old carpets, and even amazingly embroidered clothes of the Maharajas and the Maharanis.
Day 6 - Jaipur to Delhi: Today you will check out of your hotel and travel by road to Delhi. You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day free for independent activities. You can simply relax inside the hotel or travel into the city to pick up some souvenirs.
Day 7 – Shimla: Today, you will have an early morning transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Kalka. At 11:45am, you will arrive in Kalka, where you will change to a narrow gauge Heritage ‘Toy’ train and travel to Dharampur. The journey takes 5 hours as the train moves at a low speed and passes through various tunnels. Once you arrive in Dharampur Railway Station, you will be driven to Shimla. You will be able to enjoy a packed lunch, which will be pre-arranged for you. Once you have checked-in at your hotel, you will have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend at leisure. You will adore exploring Shimla, which has an interesting history. It was once declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India’s independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.
Day 8 – Shimla: Make sure your camera is fully charged as you will not want to miss out on taking snaps of this wonderful city. Your morning tour will start with a visit to The Mall, which is Shimla's main promenade. Here, contemporary commercial enterprises rub shoulders with stately colonial edifices, churches and other landmarks of the town. At the end of The Mall, you will spot the city's colourful local market called Lakkar Bazaar, which is a great place to shop.
Next, you will explore the Vice-Regal Lodge, which is where the partition of India and Pakistan was planned on the world map. You will be impressed by the British architecture here, which boasts wooden work from the British rule. Finally, you will visit the Botanical gardens and Christ Church, before enjoying an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 9 – Shimla: Start the day with a delicious breakfast, before heading to
Mall Road on your own to spend the day as you wish. Here you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the shops, head to a local café for a traditional lunch or simply stroll the streets and take in its charming atmosphere.
Day 10 - Shimla, Chandigarh & Delhi: After breakfast, you will be driven to Chandigarh Airport for your flight to Delhi. Once you land, you will be transferred to your hotel, for check-in. Feel free to rest inside the hotel or venture out by yourself and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 11 – Departure: Indulge in a leisurely breakfast on the final day of your holiday. Depending on your flight time, you may have an opportunity to go shopping. Later, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to the UK. As you buckle-up, your mind will be buzzing with the amazing adventures you have encountered during your stay. If you would like to extend your stay or travel onwards to another destination, travel in a premium cabin, or upgrade your hotels, please speak with our highly knowledgeable Travel Specialists for more information.
