General

DAY 1 – Depart for India

Depart from London Heathrow Airport or your preferred airport on your scheduled flight to Delhi. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

DAY 2 –Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city that sports a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be greeted at the airport by our English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag and get ready for the adventures awaiting you! (India is 4 &1/2 hours ahead of UK GMT).

Later we will proceed to see Akshardham, the newly built Swaminarayan temple the one of its kind of the world. Akshardham Temple, it is a beautifully ornate structure carved by 7000 sculptors out of pink sandstone and white marble with over 20,000 statues, floral motifs and exquisite carved pillars made of stone that epitomizes the spirituality and beauty of the country’s rich Hindu culture. This architectural masterpiece, built along the river Yamuna, lies in an area of over 100 acres with beautiful gardens, water fountains and carved pavilions.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Dinner | Overnight: Delhi

DAY 3 – Delhi City tour

A morning included sightseeing tour will introduce you to the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi.

Wake up this morning to the incredible journey in India that awaits you. Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Travel along the winding streets admire the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque, visit Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and site of his cremation. Stop to photograph the massive Red Fort, a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The tour continues to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret (spire) and the 20th-century Birla Temple, honouring the Hindu goddess of wealth. Drive past the imposing iconic India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, the Parliament and the palatial Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s residence.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Delhi

DAY 4 – Flight Delhi to Udaipur

Today we depart for Indira Ghandi International Airport Delhi for our flight to Udaipur your gateway to Rajasthan, where chivalrous tales come to life at forts and palaces. It is renowned for its romantic atmosphere and recognised as one of the finest creations of the Rajputs. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to your Hotel where we will stay for the next two nights.

Later visit the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Udaipur

DAY 5 – Udaipur and Lake Pichola

On our morning tour of Udaipur we visit the spectacular City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake’s edge. This extravagant palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with glittering Belgium mirrors. After, on to the Jagdish Temple a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with its exterior reliefs of alligators, elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rising in tiers, the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur. The serene setting of the Sheliyon-ki-Bari gardens is our next stop, with its lovely fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants. Linger at the gardens, return to the town, or return to the hotel.

This evening, cruise along Lake Pichola and take in views of the Jag Mandir Palace and the City Palace (subject to water levels).

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Udaipur

DAY 6 – Udaipur – Jaipur

This morning, depart on a scenic drive through the countryside to the “Pink City” of Jaipur. After having lunch and checking into your hotel, head out for a brief stop at Hawa Mahal, home to a former Maharaja, beholding its façade of 953 windows.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Jaipur

DAY 7 – Jaipur – Amber Fort

Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort (includes ride on an elephant), a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles, with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Step inside and visit the eerie Temple of Kali, the jewel like Palace of Mirrors and experience the enchanting Hall of Pleasures.

On the way, drive past the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds” with its lacy ornamental façade accented by delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Arrive to the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep, or on the back of an elephant (if available). From here, view the breathtaking panorama of Jaipur’s original city walls and Maotha Lake. Enjoy some refreshments while browsing a local Rajasthan textile and handicrafts store with silk-weaving, embroidery, clothing and carpets created by the villagers. This afternoon’s tour includes the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh, still retains its futuristic looks.

This evening is highlighted by the exotic flavours of Indian cuisine at a local restaurant, while you’re entertained by performers in traditional attire as they perform various interesting dance moves on the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Jaipur

DAY 8 – Jaipur – Bharatpur

Today you will take a drive to Bharatpur, stopping en route at Abhaneri’s step well, invented by the locals to harvest rain water. After lunch at your hotel, you’ll spend the afternoon visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary by rickshaw. Look out for fascinating water birds and waterside birds, as well as sambar and chital deer, boar and nilgai – the largest Asian antelope.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Bharatpur

DAY 9 – Bharatpur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

This morning you’ll travel to Agra, stopping at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route. Stroll through the pink and red sandstone pavilions and palaces built by an emperor in 1569 to celebrate the birth of his son.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son. Wander through the chambers and capture glimpses of the shimmering white Taj Mahal. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers and room of mirrors. You’ll also see the white-marble Itmad ud Daulah tomb, the first monument in India built entirely from marble and also known as the ‘Baby Taj’.

Upon arrival in Agra transfer to your hotel.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Agra

DAY 10 – Agra, -Taj Mahal – Delhi

A memorable day as we visit the astonishing Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen Mumtaz. Perhaps this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period – regarded as the finest example of Mughal design in the world.

Afterwards, stop at a local marble shop to see the wide selection of hand-crafted marble arts and crafts. Later, a visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones.

We will have some free time to explore and possibly visit the Kinari Bazaar, the city’s main market place. Later drive to Delhi. In the evening enjoy an exciting entertainment the Kingdom of Dreams. In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Delhi

DAY 11 – Flight Delhi to Amritsar – Wagha Border

Today, you will be transferred to Indira Ghandi International Airport to board your flight for Amritsar. On arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel in Amritsar.

This evening we proceed to visit the famous Wagha border at India – Pakistan border. Please carry your passport to get priority seating.

Wagha border:– A visit to the border is an interesting experience, especially at sun-set, when the retreat ceremony takes place with the Border Security Force (B.S.F.) on the Indian side and The Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well co-ordinated and spectacular display which compares very favourably with the changing of royal guard in London.

The sound from the bugles blown together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and Pakistan were one, simultaneously Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause. Today this point is only land route to approach Pakistan and central Asia.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Amritsar

DAY 12 – Amritsar – Golden Temple 

Today we include a half-day sightseeing tour of Amritsar. There are a number of religious and historical sites to see, including the Durgiana Temple, the Tower of Baba Atal Rai, then we proceed for a tour of the famous Golden Temple and darshan.

Later visit Jallianwala Bagh, also known as the Amritsar massacre. the site of a massacre where bullet marks can still be seen.

Golden Temple:– The temple is situated in Amritsar, located in Northern Punjab, India, which is close to the border of Pakistan. It is the central Gurdwara, is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood.

Jallianwala Bagh:- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was a seminal event in the British rule of India. On 13 April 1919, a crowd of non-violent protesters, along with Baishakhi pilgrims, had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh garden in Amritsar.

Our last night in India, share wonderful memories of our journey at our Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers tonight.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: Amritsar

DAY 13 – Depart India – Amritsar – Delhi – London

After breakfast depart for Amritsar Airport to board flight for London via Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi Airport, transit flight. Please follow the local procedure at the airport and board your flight for London.

On arrival at London Heathrow Airport, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect baggage and follow sign for exit.

** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. **