Day 1: UK/Delhi
You’ll depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi today.
Day 2: Delhi
On arrival in Delhi lunch has been arranged at a hotel and you will have the opportunity to freshen up before continuing to Agra for a two-night stay.
Day 3: Agra
Today you’ll have an early start for one of the highlights of your holiday – an included dawn visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. You will travel to the banks of the Yamuna River where this magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife is located. Nothing prepares you for the reality of this glorious building, especially as the sun rises and the light is reflecting on the marble in shades of rose and gold. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, its white walls inlaid with semi-precious stones are truly breathtaking and you’ll soon understand why 20,000 men took 20 years to complete the world’s most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man’s love of a woman.
A visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son has also been included. Wander through the chambers and capture glimpses of the shimmering white Taj Mahal, framed by a perfect archway. You will also visit the exquisite Chowk Pearl Mosque and the Jasmine Tower.
This evening we offer an optional performance of Mohabbat the Taj, a spectacular re-enactment of the life and love of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Colourful costumes, enchanting songs, energetic dancing and an incredible set deliver the perfect end to a magical day (not available May-July).
Day 4: Ranthambore
This morning you’ll transfer to the station for the journey to Ranthambore National Park. Join the throng of travellers and soak up the atmosphere as you board the train. Local vendors sell spicy samosas and small boys lug huge silver kettles of chai. Sit back and enjoy the constantly changing scenery and engaging company of fellow passengers, an Indian rail journey is always a memorable experience. You will stay at Ranthambore for two nights.
Day 5: Ranthambore
We have included both morning and afternoon safaris today so that you have plenty of time to experience Ranthambore which is considered to be the best game reserve in India. Thick forest, lush vegetation and pretty waterfalls provide the perfect environment for over 300 species of birds. With the help of your Local Guide you may even spot the elusive tiger. Even if you don’t there are many other residents of the park for you to see including crocodile, hyena, jackal and maybe the rarer leopard too.
Day 6: Jaipur
This morning your journey continues by road to the famous ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, where you will stay overnight. Sandstone buildings tinged with pink and ochre and set amongst barren hills will greet you as you arrive in the capital of Rajasthan. Get to know Jaipur on an included tour this afternoon. All the buildings here were to be painted pink by Maharaja’s decree. Explore the commanding City Palace, still the official residence of the Maharaja and discover Mughal treasures in the museum. Linger at the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds, from where ladies of the court could watch unseen, and seek out colourful ceramics and textiles in the bustling markets of the old town.
Day 7: Samode
This morning you’ll take a short drive to the marvellous Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold that commands a hilltop setting high above the parched desert and surrounding valley. Step inside and visit the eerie Temple of Kali, the jewel-like Palace of Mirrors and experience the enchanting Hall of Pleasures.
Continue by road to the former royal retreat of Samode Bagh, where a unique experience awaits. Your tented accommodation for the night features carpets, air conditioning and a marble bathroom with hot and cold running water! Spend the rest of the day relaxing with a cool drink in the beautiful gardens or take a dip in the pool. Dinner this evening is included in the splendid restaurant, after which you can sit around a roaring camp fire and swap stories with your travelling companions (please note that camp fire will not be available during summer months May-August).
Day 8: Delhi/Gurgaon
Relax amidst the stunning surroundings of Samode Bagh before an included lunch.
This afternoon you will continue by road to your hotel in Delhi-Gurgaon for a two-night stay. Gurgaon is a bustling satellite city of Delhi with great connections to the city.
Day 9: Delhi/Gurgaon
A morning included sightseeing tour will introduce you to the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Delve into a maze of crowded narrow streets and thronging markets, see the spectacular Red Fort and stroll through the fabled street bazaar of vibrant Chandni Chowk. Admire the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque and visit Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
This afternoon your sightseeing will continue in New Delhi, a spacious open imperial city created by the British in 1911. You will drive through elegant boulevards and lush green parks where the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House are both reminders of a colonial past. Step back in time again at the ancient Qtub Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and the exquisite Humayun’s Tomb.
Day 10: Shimla
Transfer to New Delhi railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Kalka. Here, you’ll change to the narrow gauge train which will take you to Shimla – the highlight of your trip. The journey is quite spectacular as the railway climbs to over 6,000 feet.
Day 11: Shimla
Enjoy a tour of Shimla today. Highlights include the Mall, Tara Devi Temple and the Vice Regal Lodge.
Day 12: Shimla
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore Shimla at your own pace.
Day 13: Delhi
Today you will travel to Chandigarh, where a brief tour has been arranged, including a visit to the Rock Garden. You’ll then board the Shatabdi Express back to Delhi, where an overnight stay has been arranged.
Day 14: UK
Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Please note
Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:
4-star Trident Hotel or similar in Agra
Tiger Den Resort in Ranthambore National Park
5-star Holiday Inn in Jaipur
Luxury tented accommodation at the Samode Bagh in Samode
4-star Country Inn & Suites or similar in Gurgaon
All guest rooms have en suite facilities and air-conditioning. Most hotel facilities include swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
Your tented accommodation at Samode Bagh is set in 20 acres of Mughal-style gardens which boast an abundance of trees, flowers, fountains and waterways. Built more than 250 years ago, Samode Bagh is an idyllic retreat. Your luxury accommodation features en suite facilities with marble fittings, air-conditioning and a private terrace.
For your Shimla add-on, you will stay in the:
4-star Radisson Shimla
This delightful hotel boasts facilities including a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool, and is ideally located just a short distance from the train station. Guest rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-maker, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, telephone, TV and en suite facilities.
All hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Included excursions and visits
Taj Mahal (dawn visit)
Agra Fort, Chowk Pearl Mosque and Jasmine Tower (half day)
Ranthambore morning safari (half day)
Ranthambore afternoon safari (half day)
Jaipur sightseeing (half day)
Amber Fort
Old Delhi (half day)
New Delhi (half day)
Shimla tour
Chandigarh Rock Garden
Optional excursions
Mohabbat The Taj performance (evening)
Your holiday includes
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guides
12 nights’ accommodation
Overseas transfers and other transportation
Scheduled flights as described
Half-board basis – plus 4 lunches
Overnight stay in luxury tented accommodation
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes
With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.
By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.
Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.
Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”
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