The Grand Tour of India

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

On arrival, transfer to Taj Swarna for 2 nights. Welcome dinner and evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony. The temple is profusely lit and the lights are beautifully reflected in large water tanks surrounding the sanctum. (D)

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and the community kitchen called 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)

Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight stay at the Hotel Madin. This evening, visit the Dasaswamedh ghats to witness the magical Ganga aarti ceremony from a boat on the Ganges. On the 26 Nov 2020 and 15 Nov 2021 departures, enjoy the Dev Diwali celebrations when the steps of the ghats are lit with more than a million earthen lamps. (B)

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges, followed by breakfast at Brijrama Palace overlooking the river. Walking tour of Varanasi's hidden alleys, paan bazaar, craftsmen colony and the spice, jewellery and flower markets. Take the afternoon high-speed Vande Bharat Express train to Delhi for a 2-night stay at the LaLit. (B)

Morning tour of Old Delhi, including a drive past the Red Fort, a visit to the Jama Masjid, and a walking tour of Old Delhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi including India Gate and the viceregal residence before Qutb Minar and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. (B)

Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an overnight stay at Trident Agra (or similar). Visit the huge Agra Fort and enjoy the highlight of sunset at the Taj Mahal. (B)

Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted 16thcentury sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur and take the train to Sawai Madhopur. Transfer to Sawai Vilas for 2 nights. (B, D)

Early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing. (B, L, D)

Morning drive to Jaipur and stay at the Trident Jaipur for 2 nights. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Morning aarti ceremony at a local Hindu temple. Tour of the ancient palace of Amber Fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. (B)

Full-day drive to Rohet via Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the imposing Jaswant Thada cenotaph. Continue to Rohet and stay at Rohet Garh for 2 nights. (B, D)

Morning at leisure. After lunch, take a 4x4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal villages. (B, D)

Drive to the lake city of Udaipur, visiting the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Arrive at the Trident Udaipur for a 2-night stay. Or upgrade to the Taj Lake Palace (luxury Lake View room) from £865pp for 2 nights. (B)

Morning tour of the City Palace, Jagdish temple and a miniature painting studio. Afternoon at leisure. Evening Bagore-ki-Haveli cultural show. Holi festival departures will witness the celebrations at the Maharajah’s Palace. (B)

Transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Andaz Aerocity. (B)