Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi: Today you will 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 be free to explore India’s capital, which is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines ancient monuments with modern amenities. Feel free to independently stroll 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 adventure 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 bazaars, and feeling the exhilaration of having the wind in your hair. 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 is the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Then, you will return back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 3 – Agra: Gear up to be dazzled by the majestic city of Agra, when you travel here by expressway 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 visit to Mehtab Bagh for splendid views of the Taj Mahal in the lap of serene landscaped surroundings. 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 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, which were made with thousands of semiprecious stones.
Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye.
After a splendid morning at the landmark, you will head back to the hotel for breakfast, before visiting the iconic Agra Fort to discover how the massive landmark was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565. You will also learn that it was his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, who later made valuable additions to it. You will also visit Itmad ud Daula , this tomb was built in 1622 for Ghiyas Beg, father of Empress Noor-Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir. It is beautifully built in white marble, mosaic and lattice. Sometimes also called ‘Baby Taj’, it is small, intimate and has a gentle serenity. Finally, you will return to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 5 – Agra to Jaipur: After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will check out and make your way to Jaipur. Along the route, you will 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. Next, you will visit Abhaneri stepwells, before continuing your journey to Jaipur, which is the capital of the Rajasthan province. This is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will be free to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 6 - 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. After a lunchbreak, you will 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. Afterwards, you will continue to Jantar Mantar, which is an observatory that was 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. In the evening, you will be taken for a cooking demonstration followed by meal with a local Indian family in their home. Finally, you will head back to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening as you wish.
Day 7 – Travel to Dehli: You will start the morning with a scrumptious breakfast before you check-out and travel back to Delhi. Be sure to look out of your window and see India’s fascinating landscape unfold before your eyes. As soon as you arrive, you will check-in at your hotel, and then you will 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. Or simply relax inside your hotel and make the most of its facilities.
Day 8 – Departure: Be sure to soak up every last moment of your final morning in India as you enjoy a delicious breakfast. You may have an opportunity to go shopping depending on your flight time. Once you have checked-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, please speak with our highly knowledgeable Travel Specialists for more information.
