Best of India - From £1,575

Asia India
OVERVIEW
This spiritual encounter with the Ganges and sacred Varanasi brings to life India’s iconic Golden Triangle, the rugged wilderness of Ranthambore and centuries-old traditions.
EXPERIENCES
Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audiences halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers. 

Agra: See the imposing gate to the Jama Masjid and gain insight into life in Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted ''ghost town.''

Delhi: See Old Delhi's Red Fort. 

Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.

Delhi: Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli and take in the arched niches of this citybound step well. 

Jaipur: Discover the vibrant craft of block-printing in Jaipur with a Local Specialist. You’ll get a live demonstration before learning about this centuries-old art form, then roll up your sleeves and create your own masterpiece using the carved wooden blocks. 

Jaipur: During an orientation of Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. 

Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur.

Jama Masjid: Admire the red sandstone and marble details of Jama Masjid during your visit to one of the largest mosques in the country. 

New Delhi: During your orientation of New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, and see India Gate and the Qutub Minar complex. 

Ranthambore National Park: Tour Ranthambore National Park for a chance to glimpse the resident animals and birdlife. 

Taj Mahal: Admire the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic treasures of world heritage.

Varanasi: As the sun rises over Varanasi, view the banks of the River Ganges come to life during a morning boat ride.

Varanasi: Cruise down the Ganges and delve into local tradition as you witness the ritual of Aarti. 

Varanasi: Explore Varanasi on foot through its old lanes and temple precincts, where daily life and devotion sit side by side. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most important sacred sites, known for its gold-plated spire and domes.
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02/01/2027 12/01/2027 £1,850   Book
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01/11/2027 11/11/2027 £1,925   Book
13/11/2027 23/11/2027 £1,850 Book
27/11/2027 07/12/2027 £1,850   Book
15/12/2027 25/12/2027 £1,925   Book
22/12/2027 01/01/2028 £1,975   Book
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ITINERARY

India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable journey through northern India’s most exquisite sights. On arrival in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a dinner this evening.

Savour the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colourful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This non-profit organisation that aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavours for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.

It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travellers. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.

There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal, as you’ll discover during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Walk through the chambers of this 17th-century residence, once home to Mughal emperors before the capital moved to Delhi. You’ll then explore Fatehpur Sikri, the once-grand 'Ghost Town' built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned soon after. Its red sandstone buildings remain hauntingly intact. After visiting Bharatpur, board a train to Ranthambore: where you’ll stay at The Shergarh Resort, one of our Stays with Stories. This simple, family-run hotel was founded by a local who grew up near the park and now supports his village through tourism.

Head out on an early morning game drive, one of the best times to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. Animals spotted and breakfast eaten, visit Dhonk Textile Studio, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where local women create handcrafted textiles as part of a conservation initiative that supports ethical livelihoods and protects wildlife. Enjoy some time to unwind before heading back into the park for your second game drive, making the most of your last chance to spot Ranthambore’s incredible wildlife.

Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a hand-block printing workshop, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. From beautifully embroidered textiles to exquisite blue pottery, you’ll find plenty of treasures to admire and perhaps a special keepsake to bring home. This evening, enjoy true Indian hospitality at Jaideo and Devika’s guesthouse in Jaipur for a Be My Guest experience. Your hosts, a family from the royal Rajpoot community, welcome you into their home, share stories of life in India and serve traditional dishes like daal and bati for a real taste of Jaipur’s culture.

One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return.

Depart Jaipur this morning and board your flight to Varanasi, the sacred city at the heart of Hinduism. On arrival, there’s free time for lunch before sightseeing introduces the city’s temples, old ghats and deep connection to the Ganges, where daily rituals and centuries of belief shape life along the riverbanks. Later this evening, cruise along the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti, watching as lamps and flowers are set afloat on the water during this important act of devotion, before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Rise early for a boat ride on the Ganges as Varanasi stirs to life along the riverbanks. Back on land, take a heritage walk through the city’s old lanes and temple precincts before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later, visit Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites, to see its sacred monuments and remarkable collection of artefacts. Then join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to meet local weavers and learn about Varanasi’s centuries-old silk tradition. This evening, perhaps choose an Optional Experience to watch a performance of Indian classical dance before coming together for dinner.

Your spiritual and cultural encounter with India at its end, it's time to bid farewell to Varanasi. Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Radisson Blu Towers - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Radisson Blu Towers - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Radisson Blu Towers - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Saura Hotel - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: The Shergarh Resort - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: The Shergarh Resort - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Club Mahindra Resort - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Club Mahindra Resort - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Madin - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: Madin - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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