Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi: Today, you will stop fantasizing of visiting India, and start living the dream when you buckle up and jet off to Delhi. Once you land, you will be welcomed by our friendly representative who 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: Make sure you enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for a busy day exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi. Your adventure will start with a drive past the magnificent Red Fort. Next, you will wander through the narrow lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. You 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 drive past Kotla Firoze Shah, which boasts ruins of an old fort from the 14th century. Later, you will explore Raj Ghat, which is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. After lunch, 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 visit the Qutub Minar, which is an impressive 72-meter-high minaret.
Day 3 – Agra: Prepare to be dazzled by the majestic city of Agra, when you travel here today on the Yamuna Express way. You will learn how it was once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, before it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs - Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan. After checking into your hotel, you will visit the iconic Taj Mahal, which is widely considered to be the most beautiful building in the world. See for yourself how Taj Mahal’s stunning architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy is 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. Your adventure does not stop there. Later on, you will visit Agra Fort in the afternoon to discover how the massive landmark was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565. However, it was his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, who later made valuable additions to it. Finally, head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 4 – Agra to 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, will be driven to Jaipur to check-into your hotel. Feel free to relax in your room or venture out and independently explore Jaipur. You will be amazed by this city, which is the capital of the Rajasthan province and is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures.
Day 5 – Jaipur: Unravel the breath-taking beauty of Amber Fort this morning, when you visit the hilltop fortress. Take in the stunning view as you arrive at the imposing fort on a decorated elephant. Get off and 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. On the way 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 you will continue to Jantar Mantar, an observatory, built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. The Maharajah, a scientist as well as an astronomer, had the principles of Euclid translated into Sanskrit. Finally, head to The City Palace which is built within the fortified area of the original city, with one of the finest monumental entrances in India. The Palace is now principally a museum housing a collection of great treasures, including miniature paintings, carpets, royal garments and other interesting objects from Jaipur's intriguing past. Interestingly, the former royal family still retains a part of the palace for their personal use. Then finally you will head back to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening as you wish.
Day 6 - Jaipur to Ranthambore: Enjoy spending the morning relaxing before embarking on a 3-hour drive to Ranthambore, which is famous for its safaris. Once you have checked into your hotel, you will be free to enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.
Day 7 to 8 - Ranthambore: Great ready to enjoy the wild side of life as you set off on an early morning safari to see the animal kingdom wake up. The park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat. The tigers can be easily spotted hunting and taking care of their young ones. Ranthambore is also a famous heritage site because of the pictorial ruins that dot the wildlife park. You will adore the time you spend on watching tigers roaming around verdant greenery. After the safari, you will return to enjoy breakfast and then lunch at the resort. Then in the afternoon you will head off on another safari to see if you can spot any more animals including leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Jackals, Sloth bears and Indian Wild Boar,
Then as the sun sets, you will return to the resort for a well-earned rest.
Day 9 – Delhi: Today, you will check out and transfer to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station for a train to Delhi. As soon as you arrive, you will be taken from the platform to your hotel for a goodnight’s sleep.
Day 10 – Departure: Relish in a leisurely breakfast on the final day of your holiday. 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.
