An Invitation to India

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Delhi

  Today, you fly to Delhi, arriving on day 2.

• Day 2 • Delhi

  Today has been left free for you to explore your new destination. This evening you will join your travelling companions and get to know them over a welcome dinner.

• Day 3 • Delhi

  Today we'll discover New Delhi. Our drive takes us through elegant boulevards and lush green parks where the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House are both reminders of a colonial past. We'll also visit the ancient Qutub Minar - a UNESCO-listed site. We'll then visit the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Temples and mosques fill every available space and tempting food stalls flood the narrow streets with colour and heady aromas. As we explore we'll pass by the spectacular Red Fort, the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We will also do the cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi's lane and will enjoy the Chawdi bazaar and Spice Market of Old Delhi. This afternoon has been left free for you to explore at your own pace, in the company of your fellow travellers. If you wish, you could join our optional excursion which will introduce you to India's array of different religions. We'll visit Birla Mandir, the Hindu temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, and the Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral before arriving at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Hundreds of devotees are fed every day at this Sikh place of worship, and we'll have a chance to volunteer in the kitchens before our tour continues to Nizamuddin Dargah, the shrine to Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.

• Day 4 • Delhi - Agra

  Today we'll travel south to Agra, where we'll stay overnight. After checking in to our hotel we'll visit the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Once the imperial city of the Mogul rulers, this mighty red-sandstone fortress is where the Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son. This afternoon we’ll visit Sheroes Hangout Café, a unique social enterprise run by and employing survivors of acid attacks. We’ll stay for refreshments and learn more about the café and how it helps individuals regain their confidence by offering employment and a safe space to share their experiences.

• Day 5 • Agra - Ranthambore

  We have an early start this morning for what is sure to be a memorable highlight of the holiday – a dawn visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife, nothing will prepare you for the breathtaking sight of this magnificent mausoleum, whose white marble walls are inlaid with semiprecious stones. Later we will travel to Ranthambore National Park, said to be the best game reserve in India, where we will stay for two nights. Along the way we will visit the incredible architecture of Abhaneri Stepwells.

• Day 6 • Ranthambore

  This morning you could take a moment to relax or join our optional excursion to Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During afternoon game drive we'll make our way through thick forest, where pretty waterfalls provide the perfect habitat for more than 300 species of birds. Our knowledgeable local guide will help you to spot other residents of the park, including crocodile, hyena, jackal and more. Keep your fingers crossed for a sighting of the elusive tiger or the even rarer leopard.

• Day 7 • Ranthambore - Jaipur

  Before we leave Ranthambore, we'll head out for an early morning safari for another chance to experience wildlife and hopefully spot a tiger. Later we’ll travel to Jaipur, affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ because all of the buildings are painted in a distinctive shade of pink.

• Day 8 • Jaipur

  This morning we'll drive to the marvellous Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold set on top of a hill. It's a wonderful blend of Hindu and Muslim elements and we'll step inside to explore the palace, courtyards and gardens. We'll head to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century, and then take a stroll through Chaandpol Bazaar, where heady aromas emanate from the shops which grind and sell all manner of brightly coloured spices. This evening we include a cookery demonstration with dinner in a local family home.

• Day 9 • Jaipur - Delhi

  We have left this morning free for you to explore Jaipur at your own pace. Alternatively, you could join our optional walking tour, which is one of the best ways to appreciate the rich heritage of the walled city. As we wander around the houses and workshops, local people will be delighted to tell you more about life in the bustling capital of Rajasthan. Later we will drive to Delhi.

• Day 10 • Delhi - UK

  After breakfast we'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.