Itinerary

Day 1: WELCOME TO DELHI - You will be greeted by our local team at Delhi’s International Airport and taken to your hotel, The Claridges, a prestigious and luxurious hotel set in lush greenery close to the diplomatic centre of Delhi. You will have the afternoon to explore. Overnight at The Claridges.

Day 2: THRILLING RICKSHAW RIDE AROUND OLD DELHI - After enjoying a delicious breakfast, prepare yourself for the must-do pedal rickshaw tour of Old Delhi. This exciting experience will take you to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, Chandni Chowk dubbed “Moonlit Street” and Old Delhi’s main street that is packed with colourful shopping bazaars. With your head buzzing from all the sounds, sights and smells you’ll take a car drive down the spectacular Rajpath, “the Kingsway,” passing the India Gate (the memorial built on behalf of the unknown soldiers), the President’s House, the House of Parliament and end up at the Humayun’s Tomb, a Mughal architecture that inspired the Taj Mahal. Overnight at The Claridges.

Day 3: SUNSET VIEW OF THE TAJ MAHAL FROM A VILLAGE - This morning after breakfast, you will be driven to Agra with a journey time of up to 4 hours. Upon arrival you will check in at the luxurious ITC Mughal before driving to the artisan village, Katchpura, across the river from the Taj Mahal. You will get to spend time with the artisans who are responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the Taj Majal and appreciate the skills they have handed down through generations. Enjoy the view of the beautiful sunset over Taj Mahal before driving back to the hotel. Overnight at ITC Maurya.

Day 4:SUNRISE AT THE MAJESTIC TAJ MAHAL AND CITY TOUR - This morning, you have the option to either wake up really early to experience a spectacular sunrise over the Taj Mahal and then back to the hotel for breakfast. Or you can sleep in and then join our local guide after breakfast to visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. If you get back to the hotel before sunset, you can have a drink at the top of ITC Mughal and again admire the Taj Mahal at sunset. With its shimmering white marble domes and exquisite craftsmanship, the Taj Mahal is Agra’s pride and one of the world’s greatest monuments. Built in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj is inlaid with black marble and semi-precious stones on its inside and out, while the entire Koran is inscribed on the exterior of its main dome. (Please note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays) A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agra Fort is an imposing structure made of red sandstone – enclosed within its walls are royal apartments, mosques, assembly halls and a dungeon. Its courtly buildings reflect the architectural styles ranging from the dynasties of Emperor Akbar to Emperor Shah Jahan. Known as a “jewel box in marble”, the small yet elegant garden tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628, is an exquisite example of Mughal-era craftsmanship. One of Agra’s prettiest sights, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the first to be made of white inlaid marble. Overnight at ITC Mughal.

Day 5: A DAY IN RANTHAMBORE TIGER RESERVE - You will spend morning and evening in jungle excursions by canter with a local naturalist. Canter safari is the best way to observe an array of fantastic wildlife within Ranthambore National Park. The open grasslands, forested areas and ruins of monuments within Ranthambore National park provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Tigers can be seen hunting deer, their primary prey, on the open grassy regions. A glimpse of a magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger is a sight that cannot be forgotten. Get your cameras ready as many renowned wildlife experts and wildlife photographers have observed and photographed the tigers of Ranthambore from jeeps and canters within the park. The park also has a large population of panthers which are the second largest predators of this forest. There are also marsh crocodiles in and around the lakes. Hyenas, jackals and jungle cats everywhere. You may also encounter sloth bears while driving through the park whilst Sambars are seen everywhere and in large herds around the lakes. Chital and Nilgai are extremely common through­out the park and they come to water in their hundreds. Basically, you will be spoilt for choice of animals to watch during your safari! Overnight at Khem Villas.

Day 6: WELCOME TO ROYAL JAIPUR - After breakfast you’ll be driven to Jaipur, a 3 hour car journey. You will arrive and check into the ITC Rajputana, the finest luxury hotel in Jaipur that echo the city’s regal history. Retreat into one of the guest rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, ask our friendly staff for ideas of places to see and things to do. Overnight at ITC Rajputana.

Day 7: JAIPUR’S ROYAL RESIDENCE - After breakfast you have a full day of touring with our experienced guide and driver. You will visit Amber Fort, an imposing and rugged defensive structure on the outside in stark contrast to its ornate and lavish interior. Its gates are gigantic; designed to allow elephants to pass during stately ceremonies. You will then be driven to the City Palace & Museum which is still a royal residence and is a sprawling blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture in the centre of Jaipur. A part of it has been converted into a museum – full of miniature paintings, royal manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weaponry. Last is Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest and the best-preserved among the five built in India by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. UNESCO’s World Heritage List describes it as "an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince”. Overnight at ITC Rajputana.

Day 8: FAREWELL AMAZING INDIA - After the exciting past week you’ve had absorbing and enjoying the historical sites, rich culture of the Golden Triangle and getting close to some majestic animals at Ranthambore, this morning you will have at leisure. Later we will drive back to Delhi Airport, a 5-6 hour drive, for your onward flight..

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