India's North & South Premium Adventure

Day 1  Delhi  
The adventure begins in Delhi, one of the three cities that comprises the Golden Triangle. Make sure you arrive at the start hotel by midday to join the afternoon tour. Your local leader will meet you at the hotel and you’ll head out for a gentle introduction to the city, visiting Humayun’s Tomb. Relax this evening and get to know your travel companions over dinner in the hotel before a restful night’s sleep.  

Day 2  Delhi  
Your journey through India starts with a jam-packed tour around the frenetic city of Delhi. This afternoon is dedicated to exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi in ways that support local communities and charities.  

Day 3  Delhi to Agra    
After breakfast, we drive to Agra, our second point in the Golden Triangle, and arrive at our hotel to freshen up. This afternoon, we visit Agra Fort, which was built by the third Mughal emperor Akbar.

Day 4  Agra to Jaipur  
The day starts with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Late morning, we complete the Golden Triangle, driving to the 18th-century city of Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we take the Royal Grandeur tour, an exclusive exploration of the Chandra Mahal, which sits within the City Palace complex. This evening, we have a special dinner arranged at Baradari, a restaurant within the City Palace.  

Day 5  Jaipur  
After breakfast, we visit the splendid Amber Fort, which rises above a lake a few miles from the main city. After working up an appetite from our morning sightseeing, we journey through broad pink avenues of sandstone to explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur for a walking light lunch. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to relax at the hotel or continue roaming around the old city markets.

Day 6  Jaipur to Neemrana Fort-Palace  
We say goodbye to Jaipur and head to the glorious 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace, a sprawling resort that extends over nine palace wings. As the sun sets over the Aravalli hills, enjoy the magical atmosphere as hundreds of lights sparkle across the resort.

Day 7  Neemrana Fort-Palace to Kerala  
Spend a relaxed morning at the Fort-Palace Hotel as your journey in North India is coming to an end. We leave the palatial surroundings and head to Delhi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Cochin in the southern state of Kerala. If you’re not too tired from the travel, you can join your leader for a waterfront dinner this evening.

Day 8  Kerala to Munnar    
After an early breakfast, we cross over the harbour for a walking tour of the Fort Kochi neighbourhood. We have time to grab a bite to eat or explore more of the market shops before we continue into the tea hills of Munnar.

Day 9  Munnar  
Waking up to peaceful views and fresh air, we walk among the beautiful hillside tea plantations this morning. Watch the pickers working and learn the local history and tea-making process from your local guide. For those keen to learn more about tea, this afternoon there is an optional visit to the Tea Museum and factory and your leader can also arrange a tea-tasting experience.

Day 10  Munnar to Thekkady  
Today we head to Thekkady, driving through the Kerala countryside out of the tea hills and into the spice plantations. Late afternoon, we head to a local spice plantation for a tour and insight into the variety of spices and plants grown in the region.

Day 11  Thekkady  
It’s an early start today. We join an indigenous guide at Periyar National Park for a nature walk through the evergreen and moist deciduous forests, which are interspersed with marshy grasslands. This afternoon, we return to the park for a boat cruise (on sharing basis) on Periyar Lake. Dinner this evening will be at 50 Mile, a restaurant in the CGH Spice Village where all ingredients are sourced within 50mi (80km) of the property.

Day 12  Thekkady to Alleppey  
Early risers can join a yoga session within the hotel grounds to wake up and feel ready to start the day. After a relaxed breakfast, we head to Alleppey, where we cruise the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat. Lunch and dinner are served on board; in the evening, the boat is anchored by a bank and we watch the sun set over paddy fields.  

Day 13  Alleppey to Kovalam  
We enjoy breakfast on board before we arrive back in Alleppey and it’s time to leave our houseboat and start the drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beachside destination of Kovalam. Your afternoon is free to relax at the hotel, spend time at the beach or rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic massage. This evening, your leader invites you to join him for a farewell dinner as the sun sets at your hotel with your fellow travellers.  

Day 14  Kovalam    
Today is free to unwind after a whirlwind journey through India. Walk along the soft, sandy beach or visit the shops for last-minute souvenirs.  

Day 15  Kovalam  
The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kovalam, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.