Temples, Tigers & Goa

Take off from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic as we board an overnight flight to Delhi. Please note, flight schedules and airline carriers are subject to change.

On arrival into Delhi, we’ll take you to the splendid Eros Hotel New Delhi Nehru  where we spend our first two nights in India. Later, we meet with our travelling companions and Tour Manager on a trip to the Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is one of only seven Bahai temples across the world. Later, we return to the hotel for a welcome drink and dinner.

Delhi is a city that combines rich history with modern-day India. After breakfast, join us for a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. We visit Red Fort, the palace of the Mughal Empire that’s famed for its opulence, along with the largest mosque in India (Jama Masjid) and the lively old-city market (Chandni Chowk). Later, see the imposing India Gate and Parliament House as we explore New Delhi further. We also pay a visit to Qutub Minar, a red sandstone and white marble minaret from the 13th century hat stands at 75m tall, and Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th century Mughal Emperor lies.

This morning we have an early start as we travel to the train station to board the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar. Upon arrival, we travel to our hotel for the next 2 nights, ITC Welcome Amritsar – situated just a short drive from the impressive Golden Temple. After dinner, we take a trip to the breath-taking Golden Temple to see the illuminated spectacle at night. There is also an opportunity to to witness the sacred and much revered Palki Sahib ceremony.

Tour Highlight

We begin the day with an awe-inspiring trip to the impressive Golden Temple, one of today’s highlights. The temple is one of the most spiritual places in India and offers an incredible opportunity to explore Sikhism architecture. We explore the grounds and community kitchens, where local volunteers produce over 20,000 meals per day! Next up is Jallianwala Bagh Garden and Memorial, followed by the Partition Museum dedicated to the Partition of 1947 – two historical sites of national importance. Later, we drive out to the India – Pakistan border to witness a Wagah-Attari border ceremony. Expect music from the Massed Bands of the Household Division and so much more during this spellbinding show.

Sample some of the best food in Amritsar this morning, tasting mouth-watering Punjabi dishes such as Lassi, Amritsari Kulche, Maa di daal and many more. Many of these Punjabi dishes have their own unique story to tell, from their preparation methods to cultural significance. In the afternoon, we travel to the airport to board our flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we transfer to our hotel for the next three nights – Trident Hotel or the Jaipur Hilton.

After breakfast and a relaxed morning, we begin our trip to the grand ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. We start our tour with a visit to the City Palace, exploring its gardens, courtyards and impressive architecture. We also visit the ancient equinoctial sundial, Jantar Mantar, before stopping by Hawa Mahal. The pink sandstone palace offers an incredible photo opportunity. In the evening, we head to a Rajasthani family home to enjoy a cookery demonstration, offering an insight into local family life.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking the short journey to meet our waiting jeeps, which will take us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Amber Fort. The spectacular Amber Fort, situated overlooking Maota Lake amongst the breath-taking pink hills, is a wonderful example of Rajput architecture. From here, enjoy your afternoon as you please. Join us for an optional guided walking tour as we walk the gardens and visit the old stables and visit nearby eateries to sample local delicacies.

This morning, we journey to Ranthambore from Jaipur and stay at the charming Ranthambore Regency Hotel. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful green forests and is ideally located near Rajasthan’s premier national park. In the evening, join an optional tour to Ranthambore Fort, a local UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today we get an early start as we venture out to Ranthambore National Park, a wildlife conservation park that’s famed for its impressive yet elusive tigers. Board our open shared canter vehicle as we safari through the park. The park was once the private hunting ground of India’s great ruler, the Maharaja. Today it is home to over 250 species of bird along with sloth bears, monkeys, marsh crocodiles, sambar deer and leopards. Following our safari we return to the hotel for breakfast. Later on, we further explore the park followed by a relaxing dinner at the hotel this evening.

As we leave Ranthambore behind, we begin our Journey to Abhaneri to explore the impressive Chand Baori, a 13 storey stepwell, dating back 1,300 years, that boasts impressive geometry and aesthetics. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Agra, staying overnight at the Taj Hotel Agra or Trident Hotel.

Tour Highlight

This morning, as the sun begins to rise, we pay a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic attraction and a testament of love. Commissioned in 1632, by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this awe-inspiring complex is thought to be the work of over 20,000 stone carvers, artists and masons from India, Iraq and Turkey. Having enjoyed this impressive attraction at sunrise, we return to the hotel for breakfast. Before leaving Agra, we travel to Agra Fort, an impressive historical fort which remained the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638. Following our visit, in the afternoon, we begin our journey back to Delhi, where we will overnight at the Welcome Hotel Dwarka.

Following breakfast, we make our way to Delhi Airport for our flight to Goa. With a magnificent coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea, Goa is well-known for it’s beaches. On our arrival, we travel to our hotel for the next three nights, the Zuri White Sands Resort. Located on the beach and spread across 37 acres, it makes the perfect spot for the final relaxing days of our holiday. Settle in and enjoy.

Explore at your own pace today with a Freedom Day. Why not relax and unwind by the hotel pool, or enjoy a luxury spa treatment at Maya Spa? If you prefer, you can head to the golden sands of Varca Beach for a tranquil day by the calm waters.

Enjoy another Freedom Day to explore this impressive region of India at your own pace. You have the opportunity to join an optional tour of 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 many thriving and eclectic markets, selling anything from local spices to beautiful handmade scarves and crafts.

Continue to sample the sights of Goa until we depart for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we transfer to the Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity to enjoy our final night in India.

After 17 days, it’s time to say goodbye to this incredible country and our new found friends. We depart India for the UK this morning, arriving in the UK in the evening.