DAY 1 - UK/Delhi
Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi.
DAY 2 - Delhi
On arrival in Delhi this morning, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Included afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. You will see the Jami Masjid Mosque and the Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi. Also included is a drive through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk.
DAY 3 - Jaipur
This morning we have included a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb (aptly described as the predecessor of the Taj Mahal) and the Qtub Minar. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President and the Indian Gate. Afternoon departure travelling south-west to the famous ‘pink city’ of Jaipur which is made up of sandstone buildings tinged with pink and ochre. It is set amongst barren hills and is the capital of Rajasthan. Here, India is arguably at its most colourful and exotic. Under the British, Rajasthan continued as a collection of princely states, each with its own Maharaja. Huge, battle-scarred forts dominate almost every town, the most spectacular of which is the Amber Fort, eight miles outside Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 4 - Jaipur
Morning visit to the Amber Fort, set high above its surrounding valley and lake, it is a classic Rajasthani fort palace. In the afternoon we have included a sightseeing tour of Jaipur. All the buildings here are painted pink by Maharaja’s decree. The central landmarks are the City Palace and the Hawe Mahal (Palace of the Winds) which is considered to be one of the best sights in all India.
DAY 5 - Agra
Morning drive from Jaipur to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This graceful sandstone city has one of the largest mosques in the country, the Jami Masjid. Continue to Agra for a two night stay.
DAY 6 - Agra
The highlight of your tour will, of course, be a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. No matter how many times you’ve seen it in pictures, nothing prepares you for the reality of this glorious building. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child. Twenty thousand men took twenty years to complete the world’s most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man’s love of a woman. You will also visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, and see the exquisite Chowk Pearl Mosque and Jasmine Tower. A visit to the Tomb of Emperor Akbar the Great at Sikandra is also included.
DAY 7 - Delhi
Morning free before travelling overland to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 8 - Delhi/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. As you are travelling westwards, arrival will be later the same day.