JANUARY 2024
MARCH 2024
9 DAYS | 8 NIGHTS | INDIA
Northern India
Northern India
Northern India conjures up colourful images of turbans, saris, rickshaws and flavoursome curries. On this trip we sample it all, visiting the Pink City of Jaipur, home to the former Maharaja’s Palace and hilltop Amber Fort. We also stop at Agra and the serene Taj Mahal, which fully live up to expectations. Our early morning boat ride along the mist-shrouded ghats of Varanasi is both fascinating and deeply moving; an experience only equalled by spotting a tiger in Ranthambore National Park.
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
9 days 8 nights
A day at the Taj
Ranthambore NP
Ganges at Varanasi
Street Food
Jama Masjid
TRIP
Itinerary
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DAY 01: DELHI
Namaste
Delhi!
Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces and spice-crammed street food. We’ll gather for the first time at the start hotel (normally the Florence Inn) before departing for Jaipur, a drive which may take between five and seven hours depending upon traffic.
Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)
DAY 02: JAIPUR
Explore
Jaipur
Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum. Close to the palace is the observatory of Jai Singh, an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur’s impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear.
Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 03: RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore
National Park
We wind through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approximately a five-hour drive); staying in a hotel not far from the park entrance we’re well located for our afternoon game drive into the park.Ranthambore is one of the reserves set up by Project Tiger, a government-backed conservation programme. There was initial success, but poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population here and the chance of spotting one is small. There is other wildlife to spot including several deer species, crocodiles, and bird life including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets and partridges.
Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 04: FATEHPUR SIKRI
Agra via
Fatehpur Sikri
In the morning, visit a rural village for a cultural exchange, including a home visit, cattle observation, and a local activity. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Then, proceed to Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's historic city, known for its impressive architecture. Akbar left the city in 1584, and it remains well-preserved. Finally, arrive in Agra in the early evening after a seven-hour drive.
Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: AGRA
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which the Mughul Emperor Shah Jahan built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 06: VARANASI
Relax in
Varanasi
We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. Immerse in its rich Hindu culture, explore narrow lanes, visit temples, and witness Hindu ceremonies. In the afternoon, opt to visit the sacred Sarnath Temple, significant to Buddhists. Your leader can arrange additional activities during your two-day stay.
Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: VARANASI
Dawn Boat Ride
on the Ganges
Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi. A great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner will be served onboard and you will arrive into Delhi and transfer onto your hotel late evening.
Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 08: DELHI
Explore
Delhi
Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh.
Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 09: DELHI
Alvida
Delhi
Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: DELHI
Namaste
Delhi!
Our adventure begins in Delhi, a thrumming city chock full of architectural masterpieces and spice-crammed street food. We’ll gather for the first time at the start hotel (normally the Florence Inn) before departing for Jaipur, a drive which may take between five and seven hours depending upon traffic.
Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)
DAY 02: JAIPUR
Explore
Jaipur
Built in the late 18th century, Jaipur is a planned city of broad avenues built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. We visit the City Palace in the centre of Jaipur, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, now a fine museum. Close to the palace is the observatory of Jai Singh, an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur’s impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. We then visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear.
Accommodation: Fort Chandragupt (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 03: RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore
National Park
We wind through the villages of rural India to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (approximately a five-hour drive); staying in a hotel not far from the park entrance we’re well located for our afternoon game drive into the park.Ranthambore is one of the reserves set up by Project Tiger, a government-backed conservation programme. There was initial success, but poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population here and the chance of spotting one is small. There is other wildlife to spot including several deer species, crocodiles, and bird life including purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets and partridges.
Accommodation: Raj Palace Resort (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 04: FATEHPUR SIKRI
Agra via
Fatehpur Sikri
In the morning, visit a rural village for a cultural exchange, including a home visit, cattle observation, and a local activity. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Then, proceed to Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's historic city, known for its impressive architecture. Akbar left the city in 1584, and it remains well-preserved. Finally, arrive in Agra in the early evening after a seven-hour drive.
Accommodation: Hotel Avalon Palms (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: AGRA
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Today we wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, which the Mughul Emperor Shah Jahan built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is matched by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of Emperor Akbar’s sons and successors: Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we will transfer to Agra train station and join the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 06: VARANASI
Relax in
Varanasi
We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. On the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. Immerse in its rich Hindu culture, explore narrow lanes, visit temples, and witness Hindu ceremonies. In the afternoon, opt to visit the sacred Sarnath Temple, significant to Buddhists. Your leader can arrange additional activities during your two-day stay.
Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 07: VARANASI
Dawn Boat Ride
on the Ganges
Just before dawn, we take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats, the steps leading down to the river. Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch of riverbank to soak in the holy waters. This afternoon we board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi. A great opportunity to see and experience more of India as you pass through rural villages, towns and cities. A light snack dinner will be served onboard and you will arrive into Delhi and transfer onto your hotel late evening.
Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 08: DELHI
Explore
Delhi
Today you are free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish). Recommended sites include the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and Raj Ghat. For last-minute shopping, visit the market area of Chandni Chowk or Karol Bagh.
Accommodation: Florence Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 09: DELHI
Alvida
Delhi
Our adventure through northern India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, make your way to the airport and begin your return journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
Inquire for Pricing
The itinerary has a service based option. You can pick the events and experiences you want to be a part of. Fill out this with a small message as to what all you'll be interested in and we'd love to get things rolling for you!
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
What's
Included
All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners
All accommodation
Tips for local staff
Entrances fees to Monuments in Jaipur and Agra (as per itinerary)
Jungle Safari (as per itinerary)
Tour leader throughout
What's not
Included
Tip for the leader
Travel insurance
Single supplement
