The Very Best of India

Day 1 Depart London
Join your Tour Manager and fellow travel companions in the executive lounge before boarding your flight.

Day 2 Arrive Delhi
This morning you’ll arrive in the bustling metropolis of India’s capital city, Delhi, often referred to as the hub of the country. Among the temples, tombs and centuries-old ruins of this fascinating city, there are also fine museums and art treasures. There’s time to relax into the opulent surroundings of The Imperial, where you’ll stay for 2 nights, before this evening’s welcome drinks and dinner.

Meals: Dinner.

Day 3 Delhi
Just driving through Delhi is an experience in itself, with the intense clamour of daily life, and today you’ll really get a feel for this city as you explore its historic sights. The tour begins on a reflective note with a visit to Raj Ghat, India’s memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, following his assassination in 1948. Then, you can admire the architectural splendour of Delhi’s principal mosque, Jama Masjid, which was built in 1656 from sandstone and white marble. Your tour
continues with a visit to the bustling cultural delight of the colourful market at Chandni Chowk, or Moonlit Square. En route you’ll take in a view of the monumental 17th century Red Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. You’ll drive on to Rajpath and through to India Gate and the impressive Parliament House. This magnificent circular building, which opened in 1927, is an architectural gem.

After lunch, you’ll head into New Delhi, whose wide boulevards, parks and gardens were designed and built by the British in the 1920s. You’ll visit Humayun’s Tomb, an impressive garden tomb with high arches and a double dome, then continue on to the wonderful Qutub Complex. The beautiful grounds feature the well preserved tower of Qutub
Minar, standing over 72 metres tall.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 Delhi to Agra
There’ll be an early start this morning as you’ll be transferred the railway station to board the air-conditioned Shatabdi Express to Agra, and enjoy a picnic breakfast en-route. On arrival, you’ll visit the 16th century Agra Fort. This commanding red sandstone monument stretches 2.5 kilometres along the banks of River Yamuna, encompasses serene gardens and terrace pavilions, with striking
views providing your first glimpse of the magnificent Taj Mahal across the river. After checking in to the beautiful Oberoi Amarvilas, you’ll head out to the Taj itself. Synonymous with love and romance, the Taj Mahal was started started in 1631, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The purity of its white marble exterior, the exquisite ornamentation and precious gemstones combine with a fairy tale love story to make the Taj Mahal a fascinating wonder of the world. At sunset, it’s a particularly inspiring sight as the orange glow lights the translucent stone and
casts dramatic shadows.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Agra
Early risers will be able to see the Taj again today at dawn, capturing the subtle colour changes as the sun rises over the beautiful sandstone-vaulted gateways and mausoleum gardens. You’ll return to the hotel for breakfast, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Agra to Jaipur
After breakfast you’ll make the journey by road to Jaipur, with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri en route. This perfectly preserved 16th century Mughal capital is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll enter the historic complex through a massive gate to see the stunning architectural creativity within. The cultural and political legacy behind the Royal City of Fatehpur Sikri remains unwritten, but legend has it that the Emperor used his subjects as human chess pieces on the giant chess board, who could
only move at his command!

Having crossed the desert lands of Rajasthan, you’ll arrive this afternoon in Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City because of the pink stone of its historic buildings. Check in at the magnificent Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and your home for 2 nights. You can either relax in luxury, or go on an optional trip to Raj Mandir to watch a Bollywood movie. With its lavishly decorated auditorium, Raj Mandir is considered to be the best movie house in India.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 7 Jaipur
This morning, take a seat in our fleet of air-conditioned cars to drive through Old Jaipur on the way to the 16th century palace, known as Amber Fort. Built from white marble and red sandstone, the fortress is an excellent example of Rajput architecture. Dramatically dominating the landscape, its familiar contours can be seen from miles away. The interior is just as intriguing, with its intricate carved marble pillars. You’ll drive back through Old Jaipur, past
bustling bazaars, to Hawa Mahal, known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, with its tiny latticework windows. Legend states that its design was conceived to enable Royal ladies to watch the city’s ceremonial processions without being seen. Your next stop is the City Palace and Museum, which covers one seventh
of the city and is still home to the son of the last Maharaja.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Jaipur to Jodhpur
You’ll be back on the road today for your journey to the engaging city of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, and reach the luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace. Perched high above Jodhpur’s desert landscape, this is one of India’s great palaces and one of the largest residences in the world, set amidst 26 acres of lush garden. This historic haven is where you’ll stay for the next 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Jodhpur
After breakfast, you’ll set out for a half day tour of Jodhpur. You’ll visit Mehrangarh Fort which was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha after whom the city is named. The drive along the circular road captures the fort’s haunting beauty as we travel through the seven gates, each still bearing battle scars from a bygone era. The view from the fort is quite dramatic and you’ll see quaint blue houses scattered across the landscape from which the city derived its second endearing nickname, ‘The Blue City’. We’ll also see Jaswant Thada, an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the 19th century rulers.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Jodhpur to Udaipur
Today’s destination is the picturesque city of Udaipur, stopping en route at Ranakpur where you’ll visit the impressive fifteenth century white marble temple of Jain and the older Sun Temple, both renowned for their intricate architecture. After lunch you’ll continue to Udaipur with its majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Board a boat
for a short ride to the Oberoi Udaivilas, then relax
on the serene shores of Lake Pichola. You have the
option of upgrading to a lake view room for your
2 night stay; just ask your Personal Travel Advisor
for prices.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 Udaipur
After breakfast, your day’s tour starts with a scenic boat trip on Lake Pichola, past the Lake Palace and Jagmandir, before moving on to the City Palace. You’ll then continue on to Fateh Prakash Palace, and its Crystal Gallery, with a stunning collection of crystal treasures from all over the world, including an exquisite, antique, jewel-studded carpet.

Tonight, sit down with your travelling companions for a special farewell dinner on this last night together.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 12 Return to London
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home via Mumbai, and we hope you’ll feel enriched by your Indian experience. Alternatively, we can arrange a number of extensions to destinations including Shimla, Goa, Kerala or Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast.

Tour includes:

Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
London airport executive lounge
Inspirational sightseeing programme
Hotel luggage porterage service
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”