Essence of North India

Essence of North India Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Delhi

  Depart on your overnight flight to Delhi International Airport.

• Day 2: Delhi

  On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, getting to know your surroundings.

• Day 3: Delhi

  A full day tour of Delhi commences after breakfast, beginning with the historic Old Delhi in the morning. Lying side by side, Old Delhi dates back to the Mughal period, whilst New Delhi was built just over a hundred years ago. Travelling through the narrow and crowded streets on a rickshaw will transport you back in time, passing vibrant food markets of Old Delhi where bread makers bake delicious scented naan from the tandoor ovens and chai wallahs brew their sweet tea. A visit to the regal Red Fort gives you a sense of the lavish life once led by the former rulers before stopping for lunch in a local restaurant. Your tour will continue on to New Delhi to see the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and UNESCO listed 12th century Qutb Minar. Built on the foundations of Jain and Hindu temples, the complex was built in 1193 after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom and displays fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture as well as the tallest stone tower in India. You will also you'll drive past the India Gate, President's House, Parliament Building and visit the Birla Temple, made purely out of 2,000 tons of Rajasthani white marble.

• Day 4: Delhi to Agra

  After breakfast, you will be driven to Agra arriving at your hotel in time for lunch. Despite being a small city, Agra was once the capital of the mighty Mughal dynasty whose strength manifested itself in the huge forts and buildings built to maintain its power. During the afternoon, you will visit the vast red sandstone Agra Fort. The colossal walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Mughals in 1573 and boasts gigantic pavilions, grand palaces and spectacular courtyards.

• Day 5: Agra to Ranthambore

  This magical day starts after breakfast with a tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Words do not do this remarkable palace justice; it really must be seen to appreciate its stupendous beauty. Taking 17 years and 20,000 men to build, the heartbroken Mughal Emperor Shahjahan dedicated this stunning white marble monument of love to his deceased wife to enshrine her mortal remains. Lunch on the way to Ranthambore. Following this, you will begin your journey to Ranthambore National Park where you will spend the night.

• Day 6: Ranthambore

  Spread over 1,344 square kilometers, Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. Once a famous hunting ground for the gallant rulers of Jaipur, today it is home to a variety of species including tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats and many more. Depart your hotel for an early morning jungle safari (safari by canter) where you may even be able to spot the elusive tiger. You will return to your hotel for breakfast and lunch with some leisure time where you can take advantage of the hotel's outdoor swimming pool. A second safari (safari by canter) trip will follow in the afternoon to visit further areas of the park.

• Day 7: Ranthambore to Jaipur

  After breakfast, today you will journey to the Pink City of Jaipur, which got its name from the distinctive earthy red-coloured buildings, painted to emulate the red sandstone architecture of the ancient Mughal cities. Lunch and dinner will be served at your hotel with the rest of the day as free time to relax or explore the largest city in Rajasthan.

• Day 8: Jaipur

  After breakfast, begin your first day in Jaipur with a visit to the spectacular UNESCO recognised Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the royal family until 1728, located just 11km from Jaipur. Spanning over four huge courtyards, you will travel to the centre of the fort by Jeep, passing snake charmers, harems of the Maharajah and the Palace of Mirrors along the way which all make for a truly unforgettable morning. After lunch at local restaurant you can visit some of the local bazaars and stalls for shopping. Try the Jal Mahal Road and Bapu Bazar for jewellery, handicrafts, textile and more, or wander the streets and sample the delicious and unique Rajasthani street food that Jaipur has to offer. Enjoy a traditional dinner before returning back to your hotel.

• Day 9: Jaipur to Delhi

  After breakfast, a city tour of Jaipur takes in the major sights including the home of the royal family of Jaipur - The City Palace and the UNESCO recognised world heritage site Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Lastly, marvel at the hundreds of tiny windows on the facade of the Hawa Mahal, known to many as the Palace of Winds (drive past), where it is said that the women of the royal family could once watch the streets below without being seen. You will then commence your return journey to Delhi, stopping for lunch on the way. You will have dinner at your hotel.

• Day 10: Delhi to UK

  After breakfast, you will have some free time before transferring to Delhi International airport in the afternoon for your return flight to the UK or to your chosen extension.