Spirit of India

Your itinerary

Day 1: UK/Delhi

Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi

Upon arrival you will transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. New Delhi is a spacious open imperial city created by the British as the capital of India in 1911. By contrast Old Delhi is a 17th century walled city with city gates, narrow alleys, temples, mosques and bazaars. Included afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi where you’ll see the Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi. Also included is a drive through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Delhi & Jaipur

This morning we have included a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb and Qtub Minar. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President and the Indian Gate. This afternoon, we will drive to the famous ‘pink city’ of Jaipur, arriving early evening for a two night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Jaipur

Morning visit to the lovely Amber Fort. Lunch will be enjoyed in opulent surroundings and in the company of nobility at the 17th century Sankotra Haveli. Enjoy lunch with a noble family, during which they will explain their traditions and family history. Lunch is followed by a tour of their home. In the afternoon we have included a sightseeing tour of Jaipur. All the buildings are painted pink by Maharaja’s decree, and the central landmarks are the City Palace and the Hawe Mahal (Palace of the Winds).

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Ranthambore

This morning we drive through the stunning Indian landscape to Ranthambore, where we stay for the next two nights. Ranthambore is considered to be the best game reserve in India for observing the elusive tiger, and this afternoon we include a game drive.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Ranthambore

Morning Safari in an open top vehicle and a chance to spot a tiger. After an included lunch, you have the choice of an optional game drive or an optional visit to a local village by camel cart.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 7: Agra

We transfer to the railway station at Sawai Madhopur this morning, where we board the Jan Shatabdi Express for the journey to Bharatpur. From here, we drive to Agra for a two night stay, visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri en route.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Agra

A highlight of your tour will, of course, be this morning’s visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, this magnificent mausoleum was built by Emperor Shan Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Our journey then takes us to Agra Fort, where we will see the beautiful Jasmine Tower. In the evening Mohabbat the Taj show - a saga of love.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 9: Khajuraho

This morning, we board a train for the scenic journey between Agra and Jhansi. In Jhansi you will rejoin your coach and continue south to Khajuraho for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 10: Varanasi

This morning we have included a tour of Khajuraho, visiting the world famous Khajuraho Temples. This afternoon, we fly to the sacred city aof Varanasi. Known until recently as Benares, this ‘eternal city’ is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2,000 years. Its principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats – paved steps or landings – which line the west bank of the Ganges. It is here that the Hindus come to bathe, thereby cleansing themselves of sin. Hundreds of thousands of Pilgrims make a long journey to this vibrant city where you can find the richest of the rich living side by side by the poorest of the poor. Enter Varanasi with an open mind, look beyond the poverty into the eyes of the people and you will see a sense of enlightenment and peace. Aarti ceremony in the evening. We stay in Varanasi for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 11: Varanasi

Today we include a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. You’ll sail past devout Hindus bathing and praying, women pounding their laundry and perhaps witness an elaborate funeral ceremony. After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short tour of Varanasi, driving through the Benaras Hindu University and visiting the Bharat Mata (Mother India) Temple. This afternoon, enjoy a half day visit to Sarnath. This ruined city is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, as it was here that Buddha gave his first sermon.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 12: Delhi

Your morning is free to explore before an early afternoon flight back to Delhi for a final overnight stay. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 13: Delhi/UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving later the same day.

Meals: Breakfast