The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore Tour

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart with Emirates from the UK airport most convenient for you. Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow. Alternatively, fly direct to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow. No matter which airline or airport you choose, there will be no additional cost.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 2: Delhi, 3 nights

All flights with Emirates to Delhi travel via Dubai. On arrival into Delhi transfer to the five star Hyatt Regency hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers, to become acquainted and learn more about our adventure ahead.
 In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 3: Delhi

A city that combines both the ancient and modern, Delhi stands as the capital of modern India and is a wonderful introduction to all that is India. Our day begins with an enjoyable rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. We travel via the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire, visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and experience Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. See the imposing India Gate and Parliament House in New Delhi, before enjoying lunch at the delightful Olive Bar & Kitchen. Later, we further explore New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb and the 13^th century Qutub Minar, a red sandstone and white marble minaret, measuring over 75 metres tall.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 4: Delhi Freedom Day

Our first Indian Freedom Day allows us to spend the day as we please. Our Distant Journeys Tour Manager will be on hand to provide advice on things to do, where to eat, make any arrangements and book excursions for you to further explore the area. Perhaps visit two of India’s most architecturally impressive wonders, Akshardham Temple and Lotus Temple, or take an introduction to India’s melting pot of different cultures, languages and religions. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Delhi’s schools and markets, guided by street children who are supported by the Salaam Baalak Trust. This evening, there is an option to dine in one of three specially selected restaurants, each serving their own versions of traditional Indian cuisine.
Breakfast included

Day 5: Jaipur, 3 nights

This morning we begin our journey to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. En route we visit the excellent Heritage Transport Museum for an interesting journey through the evolution of India’s motor industry on a self-guided tour. Later, we continue to Jaipur, the colourful capital of Rajasthan, and to the Trident Hotel Jaipur, offering stunning views of Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 6: Jaipur

After breakfast we travel a short distance to meet our waiting Jeeps, which take us to the majestic Amber Fort. Set amidst the hills and overlooking the Maota Lake, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a fabulous example of Rajput architecture. Later, we stop for a photo opportunity at the beautiful façade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This afternoon visit the City Palace Museum with its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal Art, and the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726 which still provides accurate information to this day. This evening, should you wish, there is the option to take one of two wonderful dining experiences; a dinner under the stars, surrounded by bushland and the Aravali Hills, or enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner in the home of a local Rajasthani family.
Breakfast included

Day 7: Jaipur Freedom Day

Take advantage of a Jaipur Freedom Day, where you can choose to relax or explore as you please. Perhaps join a heritage walking tour through the heart of the old city, learning about the local trades and crafts. Alternatively, discover the ancient art of hand block printing and how the region’s famous Blue Pottery is created, or explore a local organic farm and enjoy a live cooking demonstration. This evening will undoubtedly be a real highlight of your tour; a dinner served at 1135AD, a beautiful restaurant set within the historic ramparts of Amber Fort. We dine like royalty, in opulent surroundings, with Amber Fort illuminated against the night sky making an enchanting backdrop.
Breakfast and dinner included

Day 8: Ranthambore, 2 nights

Leaving Jaipur behind, we journey on to Ranthambore National Park. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja, the park is now celebrated for its wildlife conservation, and in particular its majestic tigers. After lunch, we board our open canter vehicle for our first safari. Whilst the elusive tiger is the park’s most famous inhabitant, keep an eye out for sambar deer, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys, leopards and more than 250 species of bird life. Our accommodation for the next two nights is the delightful Nahargarh, built in the style of a traditional Rajput hunting palace. Dinner this evening is at our hotel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 9: Ranthambore

An early start this morning as we embark on our second safari into the National Park. Taking in a different area of Ranthambore we continue our search for the park’s varied wildlife. We return to our hotel for breakfast, and the remainder of the day is free to spend as we please. The hotel has a wonderful pool area, which is a perfect place to unwind for a few hours with a good book. This evening we enjoy a barbecue dinner within the hotel’s picturesque grounds.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 10: Agra, 2 nights

After breakfast we make our way to Bharatpur, where we enjoy lunch in the tranquil and peaceful Laxmi Niwas Palace. We continue our journey to Agra where we discover Fatehpur Sikri, an imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was deserted after only 14 years of rule. The abandoned city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a wonderful insight into life in the time of the Mughal dynasty. We continue on to Agra and our hotel, the Trident Agra.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 11: Taj Mahal

Agra is home to India’s most iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal, so our morning begins with a visit to this magnificent monument. The Mughals were at the peak of their power and wealth during Shah Jahan’s reign and it is said that over 20,000 stone carvers, masons, and artists from across India, Turkey and Iraq were employed to build this monument to love on the banks of Agra’s Yamuna River. After a wonderful visit to the Taj Mahal we visit the impressive red sandstone Agra Fort which was the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Embracing grand halls and palaces, the country was governed from here for many years. Our afternoon has been left free to spend as we please. This evening, there is an opportunity to experience Mohabbat The Taj show, depicting the romantic story of the Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Breakfast included

Day 12: Delhi, overnight

For those that wish, you can rise early for another opportunity to view the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Our vantage point is from across the river at Mehtab Bagh or ‘Moonlit Gardens’, which provide some incredible photo opportunities. Following breakfast in the hotel, we travel with our local tour manager back to Delhi. Staying at the Pride Plaza Hotel, our afternoon is free to take in any last-minute souvenir shopping.
Breakfast included

Day 13: Depart India – arrive UK

We depart Delhi with Emirates and fly via Dubai to our chosen airport. Alternatively, fly with Virgin Atlantic direct to London Heathrow.
Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks included