A very Indian Adventure - 15 days

FROM USD $3,449

On an adventure through the vibrant landscapes of North India, this two week escapade in the land of the Maharaja Gaipajama includes; Delhi – both old and new; Agra – home to the Taj Mahal and the jewel in India’s crown; Ranthambhore National Park – where, if you are very very quiet, you may spot a tiger; the City of Jaipur – poetic and pretty in pink; majestic Jodhpur – perched on the edge of the Thar Desert; and Shimla the romantic hill station and summer capital of the British Raj.

Our holiday recaptures much of the imagery portrayed in Tintin’s travels – a meandering train journey through the Himalayan foothills, lodges tucked away in deep jungle, an elephant ride perched atop with a mahout, a visit to a Royal Palace – and hopefully tigers. We wander through teeming bazaars at various ports of call, immerse ourselves in the bustle and colour and watch artisans at work, that's been passed down the ages. Truly a very Indian adventure!

Day 1: Arrival into Delhi

Delhi: Hello India! Tintin and Haddock walked the tarmac – but today it’s an aerobridge for your first taste of modern India. Suitably garlanded, we drive to our hotel with the rest of the day free to acclimatise and recoup from your flight. Overnight - Old Delhi

Day 2: Old Delhi

Ambling through the historic old city you’ll see a few sites familiar to Tintin and the captain – most notably the famous Red Fort. Other highlights include the Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid and a rickshaw ride to lively Chore Bazaar. Overnight - Old Delhi (B, L)

Day 3: On to Agra

Chug out of the Delhi morning mists on the train to Agra, home to the exquisite Taj Mahal , one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. We’ll visit Agra Fort, with magnificent views across to the Taj and watch the town’s Pacchikari marble producers in action. Overnight - Agra (B)

Day 4: Taj Mahal – Fatehpur Sikr

It’s a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal when it is most spectacular. Then prepare for an eventful drive, dodging holy cows no doubt, to the haunting Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Late this afternoon we pull into Ranthambhore National Park, formerly the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and settle down for a night in the jungle. Overnight - Ranthambhore NP (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tiger Country!

Tiger spotting! Dawn and dusk game drives. We’ll hope for a calmer encounter with our stripy friend than Tintin’s narrow escape with a man eater! Overnight - Ranthambhore NP (B, L, D)

Day 6: The Pink City

A 5-hour drive to the famous pink city of Jaipur and a free afternoon to explore this charming city, a real favourite amongst travellers to India. Tintin donned a turban and so shall ye – a bit of fun over dinner together tonight! Overnight - Jaipur (B, D)

Day 7: Jaipur

Sidestep any water spraying trunks as we ascend the 11th century Amber fort on elephant back early this morning. Then to the City Palace – taking us back to the grand old days of Maharaja Gaipajama. Dodging the hypnotic gaze of any fakirs, we might be lucky enough to come across a snake charmer as we explore the colourful city markets. Overnight - Jaipur (B)

Day 8: Jodpur via Ajmer

Following in Tintin’s footsteps we board the train to Ajmer and then drive on to the majestic ‘blue’ city of Jodhpur located right by the edge of the Thar Desert. Overnight - Jodhpur (B, L)

Day 9: The Blue City

Discover the sites of this charming Rajasthani city including the mighty Meherangarh fort and lively textile bazaars set around the old towns’ clock tower. Overnight - Jodhpur (B, L)

Day 10: The Rajasthan Desert

Manvar: For a special treat we drive to the desert camp of Manvar – literally in the middle of nowhere. Mop the sweat off your brow and hope for an imminent oasis as we trek by camel over dusty desert dunes – you’ll truly feel part of the script of Tintin’s many adventures! Safely back at camp under stars of the expansive night sky, we light a bonfire over dinner to the sounds of local musicians. Overnight - Manvar (B, L, D)

Day 11: Delhi

Flying back to modern civilisation, dinner tonight will be at one of Delhi’s specialty Indian restaurants – a stark contrast to our recent foray in the Rajasthani wilderness. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)

Day 12: The Himalayan Foothils

Anticipating a safer landing than Tintin’s into the stunning Himalayan foothills, we explore the summer capital of the Raj, Shimla, on foot, dropping in at the India Coffee House, which has been going since colonial times. Overnight - Shimla (B)

Day 13: Shimla

Take in the fresh mountain air and breath-taking Himalayan vistas draped in pine, rhododendron, and oak – it’s a free day to explore Shimla as you wish. Overnight - Shimla (B)

Day 14: Kalka - Delhi

We ride along UNESCO’s world heritage listed narrow gauge railway to Kalka, meandering our way through the Himalayan foothills. Fortunately, there’s no derailments and precarious car chases this time! And it’s back to Delhi on one of India’s more modern express trains. Overnight - Delhi (B, L, D)

Day 15: Delhi

Bid farewell to the land of Maharajas – it’s time to be transferred to the international airport for our flight back home. (B)

Extend your stay: Kolkata - 3 days

In the North East of India lies her capital of culture – Kolkata. Formerly known as Calcutta, Tintin visited this cultural, iconic and famously intellectual city – where everything from fish to fashion is a subject of hot debate. Top sights include the famous Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge and the colourful flower market on the Hooghly River.

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.

For family tour dates (as indicated below), a 20% discount applies for children aged 7 to 12 and who share a room with their parents throughout the tour.

Please note that since we have travellers joining our tours from all over the world, international flights are NOT included in the tour prices below.

Experiences

If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.

Wild at Heart

Elephants

Found across Asia and Africa, the largest concentration of elephants can be spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Track elephant with us on safari in Africa and India, visit the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka or ride an elephant on safari in Nepal.

Safari

Go in search of the Big Five in some of Africa's greatest game parks, from the wilds of the Masai Mara, to gorillas in Uganda and the open plains of the Serengeti. Or perhaps head to one of India's finest national parks to try to spot the elusive big cat - the Royal Bengal tiger. There is nothing like seeing wildlife in its natural habitat!

A tiger wading through the water in Ranthambhore National Park, India

Tigers

There are very few places where the rare and enigmatic tiger can still be glimpsed in the wild, stalking through dense forest and undergrowth, a solitary predator with no natural enemies, save one. Go in search of tigers at some of the best wildlife parks in central India, Nepal and Siberia.

Adrenalin Rush

A group in Morocco setting off on a camel trek to a Bedouin camp in the Sahara

Camel Treks

Take a memorable camel ride across the rolling sand dunes of the mighty Sahara Desert in Morocco or the Great Indian Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Alternatively, enjoy the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World on camel back as you ride between the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Live It Local

The-Palace-Of-Catherine-The-Great-In-St-Petersburg

Palaces & Forts

Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort!

The Great Outdoors

The rolling sand dunes of the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Desertscapes

Experience breathtaking sunsets, incredible starry skies and the vast, beautiful landscapes of some of the world's most spectacular deserts. See the incredible limestone formations of the White Desert in Egypt, camel trek across the endless rolling sand dunes of the Sahara or India's great Thar Desert and climb Dune 45 in Namibia.

Great Train Rides

Transportation isn't simply a practicality, it can be an experience in itself. Enjoy the world's greatest train ride, traversing a third of the globe on the legendary Trans-Siberian or combine six scenic colourful and cultural train journeys through India.

The Himalayan Mountains reflected in a lake

Mountain Regions

From the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas and Everest - the world's highest mountain, to Patagonia's immense glaciers and holy Mt Sinai in Egypt, Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Russia's Urals and China's breathtaking Yellow Mountain. Our tours visit all of these breathtaking mountain regions and more.

Wonders of the World

The beautiful white marble Taj Mahal in Agra

The Taj Mahal

One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and an enduring Indian icon, the elegant structure known as the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who sadly died in 1631, giving birth to their 14th child. In her dying breath, Mumtaz Mahal urged Shah Jahan to build a mausoleum for her, more beautiful than any the world had ever seen. In 1632 building began on the world’s greatest monument to love, which, even today, undoubtedly has no peer. In order to ensure the perfection of the Taj Mahal could not be replicated anywhere else on earth, the artisans and workers who created it, are said to have later had their hands or thumbs amputated.

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.