Day 1: Depart for Delhi
Day 2: Delhi & New Delhi
Morning: Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met by our local representative before being transferred to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, enjoy a guided excursion visiting New Delhi to see the 12th Century Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret standing 100 metres tall. It is hand carved and has withstood the ravages of time for over 1,500 years. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner. Dinner is included each night of your stay in India.
Day 3: Guided Tour of Old Delhi
Morning: After breakfast you will see all the sights and sounds of bustling Old Delhi, beginning with a cycle rickshaw ride through the city. After your ride, visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, where you can see an eternal flame burning at the spot of his cremation. From here you will move on to the Jama Masjid mosque and view the beautiful 17th century place of worship, which is home to an ancient Qur’an written on deerskin. There will be time to pick up some souvenirs and local bargains at the bustling and colourful market of Chandni Chowk. Later visit New Delhi to see Hamayun’s Tomb, a beautiful 16th Century building and the tomb of the Emperor Humayun. After drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the Indian fallen soldiers), the president’s residence and an interesting blend of Victorian architecture.
Afternoon: You will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4: Agra, Transfer to Agra
Morning: Transfer from your hotel to Agra by coach, the journey will take approximately four hours (210km) where you will spend one night in Agra.
Afternoon: In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Built in the 11th century, era marked by invasions and battles, this red stone-fortified castle was the site of the India Rebellion of 1857. Return to your hotel where you will enjoy your evening at leisure.
Day 5: Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri,Visit the Taj Mahal
Morning: In the morning you will visit the Taj Mahal* where you will enjoy sunrise at the one of the world’s biggest monuments to love. The morning is an ideal time to photograph this spectacular building when the lighting is at its most dramatic. This famous mausoleum, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favourite wife, is a highlight for many visitors to India and it is easy to see why. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon: After breakfast depart for Jaipur the "Pink City". Today's journey is a full day and will take approximately seven hours (235km) with comfort stops along the way. En-route you will visit the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri (located 40km from Agra). Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. Arrive in the evening to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 6: Jaipur - The Pink City. Guided Tour of Amber Fort
Morning: Enjoy a full day guided tour of Jaipur - the Pink City. Visit the Amber Fort, a spectacular Hindu fort overlooking Lake Maota, before visiting the City Palace Museum, to see the beautiful former seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
Afternoon: In the afternoon see the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar sundial, and finally Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Winds’. After returning to your hotel, enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.
Day 7: Jodhpur. Transfer to Jodhpur
Full Day: Today, you will transfer to Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, your local guide will be happy to suggest places to see and visit depending on your interests. Jodhpur is sometimes referred to as the 'Blue City' due to the brightly painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort and was named as Lonely Planet's most extraordinary place to stay in 2014.
Day 8: Tour of Jodhpur. Half Day Guided Tour
Morning: Enjoy a guided tour of Jodhpur, the home of the Rathore rulers of the princely state of Rajasthan. Here you will visit Mehrangarh Fort, an imposing structure sitting on a hill, which was seen in the film The Dark Knight Rises. The tour will also bring you to Jaswant Thada, a beautiful monument built entirely out of white marble.
Afternoon: The afternoon will be free to enjoy at your leisure, your guide will be happy to point out further places of interest to visit. Spend some free time shopping for souvenirs, further exploring the "Blue City" or simply relax and unwind at your hotel.
Day 9: Udaipur "Venice of the East". Transfer to Udaipur.
Full Day: Today, you will transfer to Udaipur, also known as the city of the lakes. This beautiful city has been described as the “Venice of the East” and its centrepiece is the Lake Palace, which sits in the middle of Lake Pichola. En-route to Udaipur there will be a stop in Ranakpur, at one of the largest and most beautiful Jain temples in India. Today's journey is a full day and will take approximately six hours drive (269km) before reaching Udaipur, where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 10: Udaipur. Guided Excursion of Udaipur
Morning: Today you will have a guided morning excursion to the City Palace Museum and the spectacular garden of Saheliyon-ki-Bari, which is brimming with lotus ponds, marble elephants and gushing fountains
Afternoon: Later in the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola (boat ride is subject to availability of water in the lake).
Day 11: Transfer from Udaipur to Delhi. Last night in Delhi
Afternoon: Following a morning at leisure, you will be transferred by coach to Udaipur airport for your internal flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi airport you will be brought to your hotel for your last night in India. Spend your final evening doing some last-minute souvenir shopping, soaking up the atmosphere, or relaxing and unwinding.
Day 12: Return Home. Depart India
Your Splendours of India tour finishes today. Transfer by coach to Delhi Airport for your return flights home.
*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, cleaning and restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding and mud treatment, thus a clear view of the entire monument may not be possible.
- Visas are required for travel on this tour. Please visit our visa information page for more information.
- 10 nights accommodation in India and 1 or 2 overnight flights.
