The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore Tour

Day 1: Depart UK
You’ll leave the UK from the airport that’s most convenient for you: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow, flying with Emirates, and travelling via Dubai. Alternatively, you can choose to fly direct with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow. Whichever airport or airline you select, there’s no additional cost.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 2: Delhi, 3 nights
No matter where in the UK you’re flying from, you’ll arrive in the bustling capital Delhi and transfer to the Hyatt Regency, a five star hotel in the centre of New Delhi. You’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travellers and your Tour Manager with a welcome drink, giving you a great opportunity to find out more about your upcoming adventure.

Day 3: Delhi
The capital of modern India, Delhi is comprised of two adjoining cities, Old and New Delhi. We start the day with a tour of Chandani Chowk in Old Delhi, one of the oldest markets in the city. We’ll navigate the bustling, narrow streets on a cycle rickshaw which will also take us via the opulent Mughal-built Red Fort, whose main gate faces the market. There is also a visit to Jama Masjid, which is India’s largest Mosque, before we stop for a delicious lunch at the Olive Bar & Kitchen. Refuelled and refreshed, we’ll spend the afternoon in New Delhi. The contrast between the Old and New cities can be seen in the wide, tree-lined boulevards, manicured gardens and impressive government buildings. There’s still plenty of history to be found here, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Humayun’s Tomb,and Qutub Minar, the largest brick minaret in the world at 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 help with advice on things to do, and to make any arrangements and book excursions for you to further explore the area. Perhaps you would like to learn about India’s melting pot of different cultures, languages and religions during a half day tour, or take a walking tour of Delhi’s schools and markets, guided by street children who are supported by the Salaam Baalak Trust. This evening, we have the option to dine in one of three distinct restaurants: Fio Country Kitchen blends traditional Indian cuisine with more Mediterranean influences, and Veda serves a wide range of dishes spanning the Indian subcontinent. If you would like to try something a little different, you also have the option of dining at Chor Bizarre – a themed restaurant capturing the spirit of the thieves market.

Breakfast included

Day 5: Jaipur, 3 nights

This morning, following breakfast, we’ll begin the journey to Jaipur. En route, we’ll stop to visit the fantastic Heritage Transport Museum. During our self-guided tour, we’ll journey through the history of India’s motor industry – and admire some of the perfectly preserved cars on site. We’ll then continue on to the ‘Pink City’ and to our hotel, the ITC Rajputana which is located in the heart of Jaipur.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 6: Jaipur
We start our morning by heading out of the city and to waiting Jeeps which will wind their way up the steep slopes of the magnificent Amber Fort, one of the most famous examples of Rajput design and architecture, not to mention the intricately decorated interior of mirror, ivory and glasswork. As part of our Golden Triangle Tour, we visit this UNESCO World Heritage site in addition to a photo-stop at the Hawa Mahal – Palace of the Winds – with its overhanging windows, lattice work, domes and spires. We’ll then spend the afternoon discovering more of the delights of Jaipur. We’ll visit the City Palace Museum, with its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal Art, plus Jantar Mantar, an amazing observatory which was built in 1726, yet still provides accurate information today.
This evening, we have the option to enjoy one of two fantastic dining experiences. These do come at an extra cost, however you’ll have the choice of dining under the stars, surrounded by the Aravali Hills at Dera Amer. Alternatively you can choose to dine in the home of a local Rajasthani family, where you will be treated to a cooking demonstration and an insight into well-heeled Indian life, in the company of your friendly hosts.
Breakfast included

Day 7: TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Jaipur Freedom Day & Amber Fort Dinner
Our first Freedom Day in India is an opportunity to explore Jaipur under our own steam, or simply decide to relax at the hotel. Speak to your Distant Journeys Tour Manager who is on hand to help you make the most of your time in India. They can make any arrangements or book excursions for you do more of what you enjoy. You could take part in a heritage walking tour, learning about the local crafts and trades as you wind through the narrow streets of the old city. There is also the opportunity visit a local organic farm, with a cookery demonstration, utilising produce from the garden; or discover the ancient art of hand block printing and the region’s famous.
Undoubtedly a real highlight of the tour will be this evening; for we will be having a lavish dinner served at 1135AD, a beautiful restaurant set within the historic ramparts of Amber Fort. In our opulent surroundings we’ll dine like royals, complete with the Amber Fort illuminated against the night sky.
Breakfast and dinner included

Day 8: Ranthambore, 2 nights
After our magical send-off from Jaipur, this morning we’ll make our way to our hotel in Ranthambore. Nahargarh, is a fantastic hotel which has been built in the style of a traditional Rajput hunting palace. Ranthambore National Park was once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja, and it’s easy to understand why. The forested park features rugged, rocky ridges, lakes and wide, open valleys and is home to over 250 species of bird. The hunting days are gone, and the park is now celebrated for its wildlife conservation, particularly its majestic tigers. Following lunch, we’ll take our first game drive in the park, aboard open canter vehicles. Although the tiger is the park’s most famous – and most elusive – resident, keep an eye out for leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, and marsh crocodiles. After what will surely be an exciting afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel in time for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 9: Ranthambore
We have an early start this morning, so that we can explore a different area of the National Park in search of more wildlife, plus we’ll see some of the impressive forts, and ancient temple ruins dotting the landscape. We return to our hotel in time for breakfast, with the remainder of the day free to spend as we would like. You might like to take advantage of the pretty pool area – it’s a fantastic spot to relax with a good book. This evening the hotel’s beautifully manicured grounds is our location for dinner, where we’ll enjoy an alfresco barbecue.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 10: Agra, 2 nights
This morning we leave Ranthambore and make our way to Bharatpur. We’ll stop for lunch in the opulent Laxmi Niwas Palace before we journey to Fatehpur Sikri – The City of Victory. The city was built in the 16th century, but was abandoned after only 14 years of rule. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, having been fantastically well preserved. After our tour of Fatehpur Sikri, we’ll continue to Agra and to our home for the next two nights, the Jaypee Palace.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 11: TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Agra and the Taj Mahal
Agra – a city home to India’s most iconic attraction: the Taj Mahal. This morning we’ll enjoy our first experience of this majestic building. It took 22 years and over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock to complete this famous monument to love. Its white marble exterior and sparkling gemstones makes this arguably the most beautiful building in the world. Today we also visit Agra Fort, an impressive 16th century red sandstone monument which stretches out for 2.5 kilometres along the banks of the River Yamuna. We then have the afternoon free to spend as we wish. This evening, why not immerse yourself further in the love story behind the Taj Mahal – Mohabbat the Taj show is an 80-minute song and dance spectacular.
Breakfast included

Day 12: Delhi, overnight
If you’d like another opportunity to view the Taj Mahal, there is the opportunity for an early trip to the Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Gardens, just across the river. These beautiful gardens offer a perfect opportunity to view the monument – not to mention the incredible photo opportunities during sunrise. Once we’ve had breakfast at the hotel, we’ll make our way back to New Delhi. The afternoon has been left free, and in the evening we’ll celebrate our time in this magnificent country – and the friends we’ve made – with a celebratory dinner at our hotel, the Pride Plaza.
Breakfast and dinner included

Day 13: Depart India – Arrive UK
Leaving Delhi, we fly via Dubai to your chosen UK airport with Emirates, or alternatively, direct to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic.
Breakfast,in-flight meals and drinks included