Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Kolkata, included transfer to hotel. Overnight - Kolkata

This cultural city is an amazing example of East meets West. Enjoy a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this imposing vision in marble often called the “Taj” of the British Raj overlooks the grassy Maidan, the city’s green belt. Overnight - Kolkata (B)

Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri. Enjoy the day to independently explore Kolkata. Early this evening, you’ll board the Darjeeling Mail train. In air conditioned 1st class sleeper accommodation, relax as the train heads north to New Jalpaiguri. Overnight - Train (B)

New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling. Upon arrival in New Jalpaiguri, you’ll continue the journey to Darjeeling by car, this scenic journey will take approximately 3 hours.

Please note: There is the option to take the famous toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Relax and take in the scenery on this six hour journey as the little train wends its way through the hills to Darjeeling. We do not include the toy train as standard, because after an overnight journey, taking another six hour train ride can be tiring. However, should you wish to take the toy train, please specify at time of booking.

This popular hill station sits at a spectacular altitude with a panoramic backdrop of the mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks and surrounded by verdant tea plantations. Draw cards include a number of Buddhist monasteries and trekking possibilities in the surrounding area. Owing to Darjeeling’s proximity to Tibet, the town has a Tibetan craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios. If you have time, it’s worth a look. Overnight - Darjeeling

Early this morning, enjoy a drive to Tiger Hill to catch sunrise over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga - the world’s third highest mountain. Continuing, enjoy a visit to the Ghoom Gompa (monastery) followed by city sightseeing and a visit to a tea estate. If wanting to purchase Darjeeling’s most famous export, consider First Flush Super Fine Tippy Golden Flower Orange Pekoe 1. It’s Darjeeling’s best. Overnight - Darjeeling (B)

Darjeeling - Varanasi (via New Jalpaigur). Driving to New Jalpaiguri, you’ll catch the Varanasi North-East Express train to Varanasi. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned sleeper. Overnight - Train (B)

Arriving early this morning at Mughalsarai, it’s a short drive to Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as the Benares, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Abundant with temples and streets that resemble a mass of tangled shoe laces, Varanasi is one of India’s most colourful and exciting cities. This afternoon, enjoy a city sightseeing tour. Overnight - Varanasi

This morning, enjoy a boat ride on the holy Ganges to witness sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the famous riverside ghats (steps) that line the banks. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Sarnath - the site of Buddha’s first sermon. This evening, board the Marudhar Express train to Agra. Travel comfortably in air-conditioned 1st class sleeper. Overnight - Train (B)

An early morning arrival in Agra allows you the chance to relax until early this afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble it has no peers. Continuing, enjoy an exploration of the Agra Fort. Some of India’s finest Mughal buildings sit behind it’s fortified walls. Overnight - Agra

Agra - Kalka (via Delhi). With the morning free to do as you wish, why not visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise - a wonderful and peaceful time to appreciate the beauty of this monument. Later this afternoon you’ll be driven to Delhi to catch the Howrah Delhi Kalka Express train to Kalka. Travel comfortably in an air conditioned 1st class sleeper. Overnight - Train (B)

Kalka - Shimla. Very early today, you’ll transfer onto the Kalka-Shimla Express (non air conditioned 1st class), arriving in Shimla late morning. Shimla, the old summer capital’ of British India, sprawls along a crescent shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100m. The famous ‘Mall’ lined with stately English houses, Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge reinforces Shimla’s English flavour. Close by is the ski resort of Kufri with slopes suitable for beginners. Snow is most likely during January & February. Overnight - Shimla (B:1)

Shimla - Delhi (via Kalka). Leaving Shimla, you'll be driven to Kalka where this afternoon you'll board the Shatabdi Express train bound for Delhi, travelling in the comfort of an air conditioned chair class. Overnight - New Delhi (B)

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. This afternoon, enjoy the sights of New Delhi including the majestic India Gate, Rajpath and Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minor, a massive tower built in India in the 11th century. Late this evening, enjoy an included onward transfer to the airport.