Jewel in the Crown - 11 days

FROM USD $2,999

Head out on a journey to some of India’s finest sights. Take in bustling Delhi, the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur, the spectacular Taj Mahal in Agra and the mysterious erotic temples of Khujaraho. Finish off with a journey to the home of the famous purifying Ganges – holy Varanasi.

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India! You will be met upon arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. Overnight - Delhi

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi this morning, taking in the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi, designed by the eminent Sir Edward Lutyens. Highlights include the India Gate, Rajpath and bustling Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minar, essentially a massive tower built to proclaim the arrival of Islam in the 11th century and a carpet emporium. Overnight - Delhi (B)

Jewel in the Crown - 11 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Two smiling Indian girls in red and purple saris stand in front of a turquoise wall

Days 3 - 4: Jaipur

Delhi - Jaipur. Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan affectionately known as the Pink City and relax in the afternoon. On day 4 take a stately elephant ride to the 15th Century Amber Fort, after which enjoy a city tour of the City Palace, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar space observatory. Don’t miss the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its incredible façade of balconies. Overnight - Jaipur (B:2)

Days 5 - 6: Agra

Jaipur - Agra. En route to Agra, enjoy a visit to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra, the rest of the day is at your disposal. On day 6, enjoy a horsecart ride to the Taj Mahal. Possibly the most recognised of all India’s landmarks, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century. Later, enjoy a visit to the colossal 15th century Agra Fort and also a marble craftshop. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight - Agra (B:2)

The beautifully detailed temples of Khajuraho

Day 7: Khajuraho

Agra - Khajuraho (via Jhansi & Orchha). Transfer to the rail station for the morning train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, the journey continues by road to Khajuraho. En route a visit is made to Orchha. On the banks of the River Betwa, Orchha is famed for its temples and palaces built by the 16th century Bundela rulers. Overnight - Khajuraho (B)

Day 8: Temples of Khajuraho

Khajuraho - Varanasi. Close behind the Taj Mahal and up there with Varanasi and Jaipur, are the amazing temples of Khajuraho. Immortalised in stone is a wealth of sensuous and erotic sculptures. This morning visit these famous temples. To avoid a long drive, you will fly to the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India – Varanasi. Overnight - Varanasi (B)

The colourful and intricate buildings of Varanasi by the Ganges river

Day 9: Varanasi

Abundant with temples and a labyrinth of streets, Varanasi is exciting, enticing and a city not to be missed. Early this morning we enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to view the sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the ghats (riverside steps). Enjoy a tour of the city, with its numerous temples and wonderful historic feel; with time later to relax. Overnight - Varanasi (B)

Day 10: Return to Delhi by air

Varanasi - Delhi. After a leisurely morning, we return to Delhi by air. Overnight - Delhi (B)

Day 11: Delhi

Delhi - breakfast. Morning is at leisure. Later we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home. (B)

NOTE: Taj Mahal, Agra - closed Friday; Red Fort, Delhi - closed Monday

FROM USD $2,999

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices shown are ‘per person’, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The single supplement price needs to be added to the twin/double price if single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel i.e. during India’s peak travel season of 21 Dec - 10 Jan, additional supplements will apply. Equally, if you with to travel to India during the summer, rates will be cheaper than those quoted.. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value.

This itinerary is based upon superior accommodation. Standard and deluxe properties are also available upon request.

Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 our more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.



Date	Price/Person	Single Supp.
Jewel in the Crown - 11 days	USD $2,999	USD $1,179

Jewel in the Crown - 11 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Experiences

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

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!

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.

Trip Highlights

Old and New Delhi - the magnificent Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and Gandhi's crematorium Raj Ghat.
The Pink City of Jaipur - the lofty Amber Fort, the very regal City Palace and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar.
Fatehpur Sikri - an ancient abandoned Mughal city
Orchha Temples - wonderful complex of brilliantly preserved 16th century temples.
Varanasi - the holiest city in India, Mother India site, local temples, mosque and the holy River Ganges

An exotic elephant ride into Jaipur's Amber Fort - just like the Raj would have done
The spectacular Taj Mahal - India's most famous monument in all its glory.
Agra - the beautiful Agra Fort and the Mughal mausoleum known as Baby Taj
Khajuraho - the stunning Chandela erotic temples.

What's Included

10 breakfasts
Buggy ride to Taj Mahal - Agra
Sunrise boat cruise on the holy Ganges - Varanasi
Train journey - Agra - Jhansi (air-conditioned chair car)
Local English speaking specialist guides at local sights
Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

10 nights - superior hotels (standard and deluxe hotels available on request)
Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
Economy class flight - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Touring and excursions as per itinerary
Entrance fees to all included sights
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 11

What's Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Laundry, drinks, items of a personal nature

Starts in: Delhi / Ends in: Delhi
Departs: any day of the year
No local payment required
Breakfast:10, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
Hotel Rating: superior
Tour Guide: Yes (for locally included sights)

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