Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi: Get ready to experience the alluring charms of India, when you buckle up and jet off 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 have the day free to relax and unwind. If you love adventure, then head out and explore India’s capital, which is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines ancient monuments with modern amenities. You will adore independently strolling the streets, where you will discover that there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as Delhi. In fact, it was the magnet, which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British - all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past.
Day 2 – Delhi: Make sure you dress comfortably today as you embark on a busy day exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi. Your day will start in Old Delhi, when you will visit the 17th century Jama Masjid before wandering through the narrow lanes of the colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk market. You have the option of taking a rickshaw ride through the bazaar, which will give you a taste of local life. You will also visit the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort, where you will stop to take photos. Your last stop this morning will be a trip to Raj Ghat, which is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, you will explore New Delhi with a drive past The Presidential Palace, which is the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, as well as India Gate, which is a memorial that was raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. You will also drive past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. Your adventure will continue as you visit Qutab Minar, which is the 12th century tower of victory built by a slave king. It also became the prototype of all minars towers in India. Finally, you will pay your respects at the 16th century Humayun’s tomb, which was the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Then, you will return back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 3 – Agra: Prepare to be dazzled by the majestic city of Agra, when you travel here today. You will discover 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 enjoy a trip to Agra Fort, which was originally built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The landmark had valuable additions made to it by his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan. Later, you will visit Mehtab Bagh to enjoy splendid views of the Taj Mahal, while surrounded by the serene landscaped garden. In fact, this garden was built as an integral part of the Taj complex as the gardens of the Taj Mahal are perfectly aligned with Mehtab Bagh. This makes it the best place to view the Taj Mahal, so be sure to have your camera ready to snap countless selfies.
Day 4 – Taj Mahal: Today will be etched in your mind forever as you will wake up early to see the Taj Mahal at dawn. See the sun’s morning rays glisten on this iconic landmark, 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 are an embodiment of Mughal art. Here you will also learn how this 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, which were made with thousands of semiprecious stones. After a splendid morning at the landmark, you will head back to the hotel for breakfast, before checking out and visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This is located approximately 40 kilometers from Agra. Here you will discover how Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585 during the reign of Akbar. After this fascinating stop, you will continue your drive to Ranthambore National Park, which is situated in India’s north-western state of Rajasthan. At one time, Ranthambore was the private hunting ground for the Royal family of Jaipur before 1972, when it was brought under the Project Tiger scheme. When you arrive, you will be wowed as you travel through the forest, whichboasts open valleys, lush vegetation and lakes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger. After check-in at your hotel, you can unwind as you take in the stunning views of the park.
Day 5 & 6 - Ranthambore: Get 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 dinner and a well-earned rest.
Day 7 – Jaipur: Today you will travel to Jaipur to see the capital of the Rajasthan province, which is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Once you arrive at your hotel, you will be free to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 8 - Jaipur: This morning, you will unravel the breath-taking beauty of Amber Fort, when you visit the hilltop fortress. Take in the stunning view as you arrive at the imposing fort by jeep. 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. Next, 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 travel back to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening as you wish.
Day 9 – Delhi: Today, you will check out of your hotel and travel back to Delhi. As soon as you arrive, you will check in at your new hotel, and then have the rest of the day at leisure to spend as you wish. You can head out to the markets to buy any last-minute souvenirs or pop into a restaurant and try the nation’s delicious cuisine.
Day 10 – Departure: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the final day of your holiday. You may have an opportunity to go shopping, depending on your flight time. After check out, 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, then please speak with our highly knowledgeable Travel Specialists for more information.
