The earliest reference to Agra can be found in the epic Mahabharata. It was in the...
Read more >Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic. (N)
Day 2: DelhiArrive in Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace for 1 night. Leisurely afternoon tour visiting the Jama Masjid mosque and exploring the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. In the early evening, dine at Haveli Dharampura and take in views of the Red Fort from its upper terrace. (D)
Day 3: New Delhi • AgraThis morning explore New Delhi which provides a fascinating contrast to Old Delhi. Begin your tour with a drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence before continuing to the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun and the Qutb Minar tower. In the afternoon leave Delhi for Agra, where you will stay for 2 nights at the Trident Agra. (B, D)
Day 4: AgraA trip to Rajasthan would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal and sunrise is the perfect time to see it, as the marble transforms its colour in the changing dawn light. After breakfast, visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and the imposing Agra fort. One visit to the Taj Mahal is never enough so this evening gather at Mehtab Bagh, a 400-year old Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna, where you can watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal. (B, D)
Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri • JaipurContinue to Jaipur via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri stepwell. En route, enjoy lunch at the lavish Laxmi Vilas Palace. Stay 3 nights at Ramgarh Lodge; a maharajah’s former hunting lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 6: JaipurMorning visit to Amber Fort and the Anokhi Museum. Afternoon visit to the striking City Palace, home of the present maharajah and the curious Jantar Mantar observatory. (B, D)
Day 7: JaipurA day at leisure to relax or explore Jaipur’s many bazaars. Alternatively, take a sunrise balloon flight, enjoy a heritage walk or visit the artistic hub of Sanganer*. (B, D)
Day 8: Shahpura • DelhiTravel to Shahpura, in the heart of the Shekhawati region, for lunch at Shahpura Haveli. Before lunch visit a local NGO to try your hand at the traditional art of block printing. Later enjoy a heritage walk through the local village stopping en route for a cup of masala chai and to marvel at the wares on display including wonderfully decorative bangles. Continue to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Taj Palace. (B, L, D)
Day 9: ShimlaThis morning head to Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj set amid evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks. To reach Shimla, take the morning express train to Kalka followed by the narrow gauge mountain railway, a journey that is said to be one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. On arrival in Shimla stay at the Oberoi Cecil for 3 nights. Upgrade to a Premier Valley View room from £160pp for 3 nights. (B, L, D)
Day 10: ShimlaFor a Himalayan hill station, Shimla packs in its fair share of impressive historic landmarks. Take a morning tour to discover colonial buildings, timbered houses, colourful markets as well at the restored Gaiety theatre and the ornate Viceregal Lodge. (B, D)
Day 11: ShimlaDay at leisure. Option to explore Shimla on a nature walk from the house where Rudyard Kipling wrote Plain Tales from the Hills to the gallery of a Shimla painter. Alternatively, enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall or visit the princely state of Dhami to spend the day with the noble family, birdwatching and enjoying their stories over lunch*. (B, D)
Day 12: DelhiDrive to Chandigarh and connect with the train to Delhi. Stay overnight at the Taj Palace. (B, D)
Day 13: Fly to LondonFly to London with Virgin Atlantic. (B)
Meal basis:As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important informationAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Superior tour:This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
*Optional activitiesThese activities can be pre-booked or booked locally and incur an additional charge.
Tour variations:Due to changes to seasonal schedules and opening times, there are minor itinerary variations for certain departure dates. Please check with your Cox & Kings travel consultant for details.
Private & tailor-made travel:This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
The Trident Agra is set in beautiful gardens and is only a short distance away from the Taj Mahal. The hotel is built of red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, and is designed around a landscaped central courtyard with swimming pool and fountains. The hotel features a multi-cuisine informal brasserie as well as an alfresco Italian restaurant. Features: 138 rooms, Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants, bar, fitness centre, beauty salon, gift shop. Room amenities: Air conditioning, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, television, safe, en suite bathroom.
The hill stations provided a cool retreat for the Raj during the heat of the Indian summer. This heritage is captured by the Oberoi Cecil, which provides a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding town and countryside. A view of the hills and forests is offered from many of the hotel’s 71 rooms. The restaurant serves both Continental and Asian cuisine other facilities include a health club, which offers massage, herbal treatments, sauna and steam baths.
Built in the late 1930s, The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge Jaipur (previously Ramgarh Lodge) was once the favourite hunting retreat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Located around 40km from Jaipur, this rustic lodge set in the forested Aravalli exudes an air of history. The lodge was converted into a hotel in the late 1980s and is now managed by the Taj group of hotels. All 13 rooms and suites are spacious, comfortably furnished, combine history with contemporary style and overlook either the rugged Aravalli Mountains or the landscaped gardens. Other facilities include a dining room with a colonial atmosphere, outdoor swimming pool and tennis court.
The Taj Palace is spread out over two and a half hectares of lush gardens in New Delhi. Guestrooms are spacious and elegantly designed with subtle touches of Mughal-era influence. Guests have a wide variety of dining options to choose from, including several multi award-winning restaurants. Features: 403 rooms, 5 restaurants, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre. Room amenities: Air conditioning, safe, television, minibar, tea & coffee facilities.
IGT2021
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
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Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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