Golden Triangle & Goa

Fly from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic on our overnight flight to Delhi.

On arrival, our transfer will take us to the impressive ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi, where we  will spend our first two nights in India. Later that evening, join our knowledgeable Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel. This is a great opportunity to get to know the group ahead of your adventures.

Delhi offers a fascinating insight into India’s rich history while offering a glimpse of modern-day India. After breakfast, we begin our day with a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, exploring the sights as we ride through the streets, including the Red Fort, an opulent palace from the Mughal Empire in the 1500s. We visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, along with the lively city-market Chandni Chowk. It’s an action-packed morning, concluding with a street food walk in Old Delhi, where we explore the cultural mesh of flavours and Dilli recipes on offer in its many eateries. Later, we also witness the imposing India Gate and Parliament House as we explore New Delhi. Visits include Qutub Minar, a 13th century red sandstone and white marble minaret measuring 75 metres tall, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th century Mughal Emperor lies.

Following breakfast, we take a trip to the railway station to board India’s first semi-high-speed train – the Gatimaan Express – to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra, we explore Agra Fort, an impressive fort that was once the main residence of the Mughal emperors. After, we travel to our beautiful overnight hotel, the ITC Mughal Hotel, located just a short distance from the Taj Mahal. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, offering a sense of calm in the city.

Tour Highlight
As the night draws in, we venture out to explore India’s most iconic attraction – the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this breathing attraction is a true testament of love. It is said to have been constructed on the banks of Agra’s Yamuna River by over 20,000 stone carvers, artists and masons from across the country, Iraq and Turkey. Witnessing this incredible monument at sunset is an experience like no other.

As we leave Agra behind, we journey to Abhaneri and pay a visit to Chand Baori, a 13-storey, 1,300-year-old steepwell famed for its impressive geometry and aesthetics. Next, we visit Umaid Palace, a tranquil retreat nestled amongst India’s rustic countryside. We Enjoy lunch in the palace’s stunning surroundings. After, we continue our journey to Ranthambore, where we will enjoy our next two nights at the Ranthambore Regency Hotel. The hotel is located near Rajasthan’s premier national park, a picturesque animal sanctuary surrounded by flourishing forests. In the evening, we enjoy a tiger talk with a local naturalist as we learn more about Ranthambore’s most famous inhabitant.

An early start is on the cards as we journey into Ranthambore National Park. Before breakfast, we board the open shared canter vehicle our first safari through the park. Celebrated for its wildlife conservation, and famed for its majestic and elusive tigers, the park was once the hunting ground of India’s great ruler, the Maharaja. The park is also home to marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys, sambar deer, leopards and over 250 different species of bird. It’s an impressive sight to behold. We return to the hotel, where we can relax before we further explore the park this afternoon. As the evening draws in, enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel.

This morning, enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel to relax and unwind. After lunch, we travel to the opulent ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. In Jaipur, we stay three nights at the majestic ITC Rajputana Hotel in the heart of the city. The hotel was inspired by the architecture of Rajasthan’s traditional havelis. In the evening, enjoy some downtime as you explore the hotel’s beautiful surroundings.

After breakfast, we journey to our waiting jeeps that will take us to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the magnificent Amber Fort, set amongst the dramatic pink hills and overlooking the picturesque Maota Lake. This impressive fort is a beautiful example of Rajput architecture. Later, enjoy a unique cookery demonstration at a family home, offering an exclusive insight into Rajasthani family life with dinner at a family home.

This morning, we take a trip to the City Palace to explore its maze of gardens, impressive courtyards and eye-catching architecture. We also visit Jantar Mantar, the ancient equinoctial sundial, before stopping for a photo at Hawa Mahal, the impressive pink sandstone palace. The rest of the day is yours to spend how you please, or join us for a guided walk as we visit the old stables that have since been converted into a market. Observe locals selling and promoting their products, from milk to sweets, or meander through the neighbouring eateries to try a local delicacy or two.

Today, we bid farewell to wonderful Jaipur. We travel to Jaipur Airport for our flight to Goa. A holiday destination since colonial times, Goa is known for being a traveller’s paradise. On arrival, we transfer to the Zuri White Sands Hotel, where we will spend the next three nights. Located on Varca Beach and spread across 37 acres, the resort is ideal for enjoying Goa’s famous beaches.

Your day is at leisure to spend as you please, whether it be unwinding beside the hotel pool or enjoying a spa treatment at Maya Spa. Alternatively, why not spend a day at the picturesque Varca Beach, known for its calm waters and glorious white sands?

A further Freedom Day to enjoy this popular region. You may wish to take this opportunity to visit the famed Bom Jesus Basilica Church during an optional half-day tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. The tour also visits one of the area’s many thriving and eclectic markets, selling anything from local spices to beautiful handmade scarves and crafts

Continue to enjoy the delights of Goa until it is time to depart for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival we make our way to the Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, where we shall have our final night in India.

After 14 fun-filled days, following breakfast, we travel to Delhi Airport for our morning flight with Virgin Atlantic. We will arrive back in London later today.