Northern Indian Odyssey

Day 1  Delhi    
Arrive in Delhi and be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure settling into your charming hotel closely situated to India Gate.    

Day 2  Delhi    
Today, admire the Mughal architecture, explore ancient lanes, and create your personalised fragrance at an 8th-generation studio. Take in the passing streetscapes of Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw ride and absorb the essence of the Mughal Empire combined with the chaos of modern day. After a visit to a non-for-profit organisation, delight in the taste of local flavours and relish dishes such as authentic curries and kebabs.    

Day 3  Delhi to Amritsar    
Board your flight to Amritsar, the location of the spectacular Golden Temple and the centre of Sikhism. This northwestern city is an integral pilgrimage site where people travel across the world to bathe in the holy waters of Amrit Sarovar surrounding the Golden Temple and commemorate the holy Sikh scripture within. This evening, visit the Golden Temple to delight in the moving Palki Sahib night ceremony.  

Day 4  Amritsar    
The day begins with a visit to the immaculate Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple. Admire the awe-inspiring façade adorned in gold and marble. Afterwards, head to Jallianwala Bagh memorial park. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure before embarking on a historic experience this evening, a drive to Wagah border at sunset. Witness soldiers from both India and Pakistan lower their country’s flag in a moving ceremony.  

Day 5  Amritsar to Varanasi  
This morning entails another flight via Delhi to the city of more than a thousand temples, Varanasi. Another integral pilgrimage site, the river that flows through the city, the Ganges, is believed to have the power to wash away mortal sins. Renowned for its spiritual qualities and history, Varanasi echoes the essence of centuries past. Settle into your exquisite hotel, Taj Ganges, and indulge in the serenity that the location offers. Later, immerse yourself in your Real Moment and enjoy aarti, a prayer led by saffron-robed gurus at dusk on the bank of the river known for its holy water. Enchant all your senses with the scent of incense, rhythmic drumming and chanting, and a vast array of flowers and candles floating downstream.    

Day 6  Varanasi    
At dawn, board a captivating boat ride along the Ganges to witness the devotees at prayer and the sunrise. Then, join a tour of the city with your expert guide and marvel at the sheer number of temples and shrines. Stroll through the old town’s maze of narrow lanes, showcasing local culture with vibrant markets and architecture before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Later, head towards Sarnath ruins. Sarnath is celebrated for its Buddhist monuments and the site of Buddha's first sermon. Admire the Dhamekha and Chaukhandi stupas, various monasteries and temples representing a range of Buddhist schools. Upon your return to the hotel, enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure or choose from your included flexible touring options. Perhaps you’ll join a guided tour through Varanasi and learn about one of India’s most spiritual cities or take part in a cooking lesson with a local family.  

Day 7  Varanasi to Lucknow  
Begin the day with a drive to Lucknow and witness the cacophony of influences. From the Nawabs to the British, the city showcases a cultural variety of music, arts, cuisine and craftsmanship. On arrival, check in to your accommodation where you will indulge in a two nights’ stay at the Taj Mahal Lucknow. Radiating elegance and opulence, this accommodation exemplifies the finest food, decor and experiences. Savour a dinner at Oudhyana to sample North Indian fare.  

Day 8  Lucknow      
After breakfast, head to see the sights of Lucknow, beginning with the architectural wonder of La Martiniere and the striking building of Constantia. See the memorial hall honouring its students’ valour in the Mutiny of 1857, the first and second world wars and post-independence wars. Afterwards, see Dilkusha Palace and Gardens, designed by Saadat Ali Khan. Later, glimpse Chattar Manzil and The Lucknow Residency. After lunch, see the monument with the world’s most unique architecture, Asafi Imambara. Then, marvel at the Husainabad Imambara Complex and see the tallest clock tower in Asia. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 9  Lucknow to Agra      
This morning, embark on a journey to Agra, the second capital of the Mughal Empire. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the spectacular, charming architecture, constructed with red sandstone and white marble. The Mughal heritage echoes throughout the city today with enriching Mughlai cuisine filling the bustling eateries. After settling into your accommodation, head out for a tour of Agra Fort, situated at the bend of the Yamuna River. Then, as the sun sets, see the majestic Taj Mahal and be left awestruck by one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Return to the hotel for an evening at your leisure.  

Day 10  Agra to Ranthambore      
Rise early this morning to witness the Taj Mahal at dawn, delighting in the pink hues of the sun as it rises over this extravagant monument. After breakfast at the hotel, depart the city and journey towards the breathtaking Ranthambore National Park via the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This idyllic fortified red sandstone city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sight to behold. Stop for lunch in Bharatpur before continuing to Sawai Madhopur and on to your hotel in Ranthambore, your stay for the next two nights. Settle into Juna Mahal Jungle Resort Ranthambore, an elegant and centrally located accommodation in the heart of the national park.

Day 11  Ranthambore  
Embark on a thrilling tiger safari this morning and glimpse these incredible animals in their natural habitat. Take the day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ranthambore National Park with early morning and afternoon game drives with extensive opportunities to spot big cats, deer, hyenas, birdlife and more in the wild.  

Day 12  Ranthambore to Jaipur    
This morning, you’ll head towards Jaipur, India’s remarkable pink city. Admire the city’s large forts, lush gardens, spectacular palaces and temples. After your arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch before your special experience, where you will embark on a tuk tuk ride with a company run by women to support women. For the next two nights, retreat to the family-run Royal Heritage Haveli, a haven of serenity among the bustle of metropolitan life. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.  

Day 13  Jaipur    
Today you’ll travel to Amber Fort, where you will embark on your VIP tour and access behind-the-scenes vantage points to discover the detailed architecture. Afterwards, head to the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to immerse yourself in the Rajasthani craft of block prints. This afternoon, transfer back to your hotel for some free time or visit a vibrant market in Jaipur accompanied by a guide before your cultural experience tonight. Indulge in an immersive cultural experience in Jaipur as you enjoy an evening in a local family’s home. Dressed in traditional attire, take part in a Rajasthani cooking demonstration before savouring a feast of regional flavours.  

Day 14  Jaipur to Delhi      
Spend the morning at leisure before departing historic Jaipur in the afternoon. Head back to Delhi and settle into your hotel before tantalising your tastebuds at Sevilla. This award-winning Spanish restaurant offers Mediterranean charm, indoor and alfresco dining, live music and sumptuous cuisine peppered with southern European and Moroccan flavours.  

Day 15  Delhi  
This morning, bid farewell to your small group as you conclude your enriching journey through India. Depart from your hotel with your representative for your private transfer to the airport.  

Please note: You can choose to join onto either of the following extensions after this tour:  
4 day Kumarakom Lake Resort Extension    
4 day Kovalam Extension    
4 day Goa Extension