The Grand Tour of India

Fly to Amritsar via Delhi

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Amritsar, via Delhi, with British Airways. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Amritsar

Arrive in Amritsar and transfer to Taj Swarna for 2 nights. Visit the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony. A welcome dinner will be held this evening. (D)

Amritsar - Wagah

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its vast community kitchen (langar). Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony. (B)

Fly to Varanasi via Delhi

Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight stay at the Taj Ganges (or similar). This evening, visit the Dasaswamedh ghat (stepped wharf) to witness the magical aarti ceremony from the Ganges. (B)

Varanasi - Fly to Delhi

Rise early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, followed by a walking tour of Varanasi’s hidden alleys, paan bazaar, craftsmen colony and the spice, jewellery and flower markets. Take an evening flight to Delhi for a 2-night stay at The Imperial. (B)

Old & New Dehli

Morning tour of Old Delhi via rickshaw. Drive past the Red Fort, visit the Jama Masjid mosque, then explore on foot. This afternoon, tour New Delhi with a drive past India Gate and the Viceregal Residence, before visiting Qutb Minar and the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. (B)

Agra

Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an overnight stay at Trident Agra (or similar). Afternoon visit to the Agra Fort. This evening, visit the Taj Mahal as it’s bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. (B)

Fatehpur Silkri - Rathambore

Visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see the Taj Mahal in the golden hour of sunrise. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted 16th-century sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur for lunch at the regal Laxmi Vilas Palace before a train ride to Sawai Madhopur. Transfer to The Tigress (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, L, D)

Ranthambore National Park

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing on 4x4 safaris. Drive through the park in search of deer, sloth bears, birdlife, and the elusive Bengal tiger. (B, L, D)

Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur to stay at the ITC Rajaputana (or similar) for 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure. Evening aarti ceremony at a local Hindu temple. (B)

Jaipur

Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber Fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace, a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture; Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory; and the Maharaja Museum. Then view Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of Winds’, with its elaborate pink sandstone facade. (B)

Jodhpur - Rohet

Drive to Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and view the blue-washed Brahmin houses from the ramparts. Stay at Rohet Garh (or similar), a heritage mansion, for 2 nights. (B, D)

Rohet

Day at leisure. Optional 4x4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal village.* (B, D)

Ranakpur - Udaipur

Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Stay at the Trident Udaipur (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Udaipur

Morning tour of the City Palace and a miniature painting studio. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure followed by a cultural dance show and farewell dinner. (B, D)

Fly to Delhi

Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for an overnight stay and farewell drink at the Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka (or similar). (B)

Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for a direct flight to London with British Airways. (B)

Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.