Grand Tour of North India

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK to Delhi

  Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Delhi.

• Day 2 • Delhi

  On arrival into India's capital, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, experience flavoursome local dishes at your welcome meal.

• Day 3 • Delhi

  Following breakfast, a full day city tour will commence. Travel through narrow streets, along scented markets on a rickshaw and pass by the Red Fort before stumbling upon the UNESCO recognised Humayun's Tomb, a captivating mausoleum that seemingly floats above landscaped gardens. After lunch at local restaurant admire the transition en route from Old Delhi's historic charms to the intricate colonial town planning of New Delhi; view the minimalistic Mahatma Gandhi Memorial adorned in floral tributes before wandering through the UNESCO listed Qutb Minar complex, a city awash with ancient ruins sculpted by the country's finest craftsmen.

• Day 4 • Delhi - Varanasi

  This morning, take a train from Delhi to the sacred 'City of Life' - Varanasi. Check in to your hotel for the next two nights, before an afternoon at leisure exploring one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, regarded as one of Hinduism's seven holy cities. Your evening tour takes you to a ghat - steps that lead to the Ganges - to witness the humbling Ganga Aarti Ceremony, a spellbinding display of candles afloat along the river.

• Day 5 • Varanasi

  Begin today with a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges for a unique perspective of this spiritual watercourse and its vivid embankment of pastel edifices pierced by temple stupas. Continue your exploration of Varanasi at the Vishwanath Temple (seen from the boat), a monument dedicated to Lord Shiva and famed for an illustrious gold-coated dome. Spend the rest of your morning on a walking tour through this ancient city to observe other ghats, each with distinct floral decoration and uses including the intriguing 'burning ghats' used for funeral processions. After lunch enjoy a half-day tour of Sarnath, a sacred site on which the Buddha gave his first sermon after finding enlightenment in 530 BC. Your tour includes visits to ancient relics that document the area's spiritual significance including the Monastery Ruins, a tranquil park interrupted by a towering stupa engraved with delicate geometric carvings. Return for your final evening in Varanasi.

• Day 6 • Varanasi to Jaipur

  This morning, embark on your journey to Delhi, and from there, transfer to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Known as the 'Pink City' due to its distinctive terracotta pink buildings, which were painted in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert. Spend your evening at leisure, preparing for tomorrow’s full day of exploring the wonders of this unique city.

• Day 7 • Jaipur

  After breakfast, begin your first day in Jaipur with a visit to the spectacular 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 a local restaurant, you can visit some of the local bazaars and stalls for shopping. Try the Jal Mahal Road and Bapu Bazaar for jewellery, handicrafts, textile, and more, or wander the streets and sample the delicious and unique Rajasthani street food that Jaipur has to offer.

• Day 8 • Jaipur to Agra

  After breakfast you will head out on a city tour of Jaipur that takes in the major sights including the UNESCO recognised world heritage site Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Later take a scenic drive to Agra, where a network of rickshaws, jalebis vendors filling the air with sweet aromas and ancient Mandir temples alluding to the Mughal Empire's past grandeur await. On the way lunch at local midway restaurant.

• Day 9 • Agra

  Begin today at a tour highlight and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. This iconic ivory-white mausoleum was completed in 1640 for Emperor Shah Jahan's beloved third wife. Wander along ornamental gardens to witness the breathtaking spectacle of its minarets and distinctive bronze dome reflecting the illumination of daybreak. After lunch visit the UNESCO recognised Agra Fort, an enormous sandstone city of pavilions, palaces and splendid courtyards behind 20-metre-high walls.

• Day 10 • Agra to Delhi

  After breakfast, depart Agra and drive to Delhi. On arrival, check in at the hotel to rest.

• Day 11 • Delhi to Shimla

  This morning board your train to Shimla, from here drive along a winding track around rugged mountains and through luscious pine forests to the hill station of Shimla - the former summer capital of British India whose snow-dusted mountain position offers incredible views of the Himalayan mountains.

• Day 12 • Shimla

  Depart Shimla this morning for a day in the neighbouring hill station of Kufri. Nestled at the Himalayan foothills, this charming town is surrounded by a picturesque forest reserve under the imposing gaze of Mahasu Peak. Having admired the beautiful views of Kufri, tour the magnificent Rashtrapati Niwas, a former home to the British Viceroy. Visit the staterooms that have been transformed into an advanced study complex and stroll through the well kept gardens surrounding the building.

• Day 13 • Shimla to Chandigarh

  This morning, catch the UNESCO recognised Toy Train to Kandaghat Station, built by colonial forces, it offers dramatic views along its winding course through untouched forests and across immense gorges. Arrive in the city of Chandigarh.

• Day 14 • Chandigarh to Amritsar

  Following a packed breakfast, take the train to the largest city in the Punjab state, Amritsar. Your afternoon will be at leisure to explore the Sikhs' holy city at your own pace.

• Day 15 • Amritsar

  Enjoy a half-day city tour of Amritsar with a visit to the Golden Temple. Revered amongst Sikhs, this spectacular golden tank blends Islamic and Hindu architecture, surrounded by the Pool of Nectar. The ancient monument also contains a mesmerising display of floral motifs carved into marble alongside shimmering gold panels. After lunch enjoy an afternoon to explore at your own pace, alternatively undertake an optional excursion (at a fee) to the Indian-Pakistan border and witness the fascinating flag-lowering ceremony, a daily ritual of each side's soldiers competing to out-march, out-salute and out-shout one another.

• Day 16 • Amritsar to Delhi

  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and in the early afternoon, you will fly to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi you will be transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.

• Day 17 • Delhi to UK

  After breakfast transfer to the airport in Delhi for your flight back to the UK or continue to your chosen extension.