India's North & South - Premium Adventure

The adventure begins in Delhi, one of the three cities that comprises the Golden Triangle. Around 6pm, we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Want more time in Delhi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Your journey through India starts with a jam-packed tour around the frenetic city of Delhi. We start in Old Delhi this morning, exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi in ways that support local communities and charities. You’ll see a side of Old Delhi few tourists get to visit on a walking tour led by guides who lived on the street as children. Curious and enthusiastic, they’re just as likely to ask questions as to answer them as you make your way around the hectic streets and bustling alleyways. We then visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a Sikh place of worship, before stopping at their community kitchen to meet the people who serve food to thousands of the most impoverished Delhi citizens every day. We then see the Raj Ghat (the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi) before finishing the morning at Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Old Delhi. This afternoon we drive past fine colonial buildings, including the official residence of the President of India, Parliament House, and India Gate, a memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War. We end the day visiting Humayun’s Tomb, this World Heritage site was built by Hamida Banu Begam, the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun.

After breakfast, we drive (four to five hours, traffic dependent) to Agra, our second point in the Golden Triangle, and arrive at our hotel to freshen up. This afternoon, we visit Agra Fort, which was built by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. Its mighty red sandstone walls protect the white-marble Pearl Mosque within, plus the palace, courtyards and gardens. Upgrade to a room with a private patio today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Wake early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the white-marble exterior is illuminated by the soft early light, the crowds are smaller and the birds chatter among themselves. After admiring it from the outside, we head inside, with a chance to explore the beautiful inner chambers and mausoleum, while our tour leader shares the history of this New World Wonder. Please note, if there is morning fog expected, then instead of sunrise, we visit the Taj Mahal after an early breakfast. Late morning, we complete the Golden Triangle, driving to the 18th-century city of Jaipur (approximately five to six hours’ drive). Along the way, we’ll stop at Abhaneri Step Well. Not your ordinary water well, this architectural treasure is one of the oldest and deepest stepwells in Rajasthan. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we take the Royal Grandeur tour, an exclusive exploration of the Chandra Mahal, the seven-storey private residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, which sits within the City Palace complex. During the visit you will see various royal residential areas. Please note: If we are short on time when arriving in Jaipur, this tour will be moved to the evening of Day 5. This evening, we have a special dinner arranged at Baradari, a restaurant within the City Palace. Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

After breakfast, we visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake a few miles from the main city. Descending from the fort, we reach the City Palace building in the centre of Jaipur. Formerly the residence of the Maharaja, it is now a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. After working up an appetite from our morning sightseeing, we journey through broad pink avenues of sandstone to explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur for a walking light lunch. Let your Tour Leader guide you on a foodie adventure, feasting on delicious local snacks and street food. The walk ends at Lakshmi Misthan Bhander, popularly known as LMB, one of the most famous sweet shops in Jaipur. Savour mouth-watering Rajasthani snacks and delightful treats. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to relax at the hotel or continue roaming around the old city markets. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. It will be difficult to leave without buying a small memento. Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

We say goodbye to Jaipur and head to the glorious 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace, a sprawling resort that extends over nine palace wings. Try not to get lost as you relax and recharge from the first half of your trip. Neemrana Fort-Palace is not just a hotel though; steeped in more than 500 years of history, it has hanging gardens, pools with views over the hillsides, and dromedaries (Arabian camels) that will take you on an unforgettable ride around the area (optional activity). As the sun sets over the Aravalli hills, enjoy the magical atmosphere as hundreds of lights sparkle across the resort.

Spend a relaxed morning at the Fort-Palace Hotel as your journey in North India is coming to an end. We leave the palatial surroundings and head to Delhi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Cochin (or Kochi as it’s otherwise known) in the southern state of Kerala. There’s a wild mix of history and culture in Kerala, influenced by more than 600 years of traders and travellers. The Cochin of today is a centre of Keralan arts and wandering the quaint lanes, which are lined with cafes, galleries and handicraft shops, reveals traditional and contemporary art scenes. If you’re not too tired from the travel, you can join your leader for a waterfront dinner this evening. Enjoy local seafood specialities and curried dishes while gazing over the meeting point of the backwaters and the Arabian Sea.