Spirit of India at Christmas

From £3,999
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: Dec 2025 - Dec 2026
Book now
From £3,999
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: Dec 2025 - Dec 2026

Tour Overview

Tour Old Delhi, enjoy a boat ride on the sacred River Ganges and visits to the shimmering Taj Mahal, and Amber Fort are among the highlights of this unforgettable holiday, which also includes the chance to search for the elusive tiger.

Your Holiday Includes

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host
  • Return flights from London
  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK
  • 11 nights half-board in 4 & 5-star hotels, plus 1 night in flight
  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
  • 27 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 11 dinners including a welcome drink
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Old Delhi tour
  • Abhaneri Stepwells
  • Agra Fort
  • Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
  • Game drives in Ranthambore
  • Amber Fort & Jaipur
  • Visit to a fragrance house for a unique perfumery tour
  • Aarti ceremony
  • Boat ride on River Ganges
  • Varanasi & Sarnath
  • Local Flavours - Enjoy a lassi in Jaipur

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Delhi

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

Day 2 Delhi

Today is free for you to explore Delhi at your leisure. This evening we will meet for a welcome dinner for the chance to meet your travelling companions.

Meals included: D

Day 3 Delhi to Jaipur

Established in the 17th century and today surrounded by the remains of the city walls, Old Delhi epitomises stereotypical India. Temples and mosques fill every available space and vibrant bazaars and tempting food stalls flood the narrow lanes with colour and heady scents. You'll also see Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi. We drive to heritage rich Jaipur this afternoon. Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Jaipur

Jaipur is home to the magnificent Amber Fort. We'll visit it this morning to explore the inner and outer workings of the fortress and its surroundings. A traditional lunch will be served in majestic surroundings as we dine with the family connected to the 17th century Sankotra Haveli. This is a special experience as we savour exceptional cuisine, wear traditional dress and learn first hand the history of one of India's most noted families. Jaipur is affectionately known as the 'pink city'. The buildings here were painted pink by Maharaja's decree to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. A highlight is the City Palace, which we visit this afternoon.
Whilst in Jaipur you will also be served a glass of Lassi, a blend of water, yogurt, spices and sometimes fruit. The drink, traditionally served in earthern pots to add an unique aroma, is topped with a thick layer of malai leaving you refreshed and surprisingly full!

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Jaipur to Ranthambore

Drive through memorable scenery to Ranthambore - considered to be the best game reserve in India - to look for the country's famous tigers. This afternoon you could take an optional excursion to Ranthambore Fort. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 6 Ranthambore

Join an early morning safari for another chance to experience the wildlife and hopefully spot a tiger. Then relax over lunch, before taking another game drive.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7 Ranthambore to Agra

Today we will travel to Agra. On the way we will visit Abhaneri step well - an incredible example of architecture. And stop for lunch at Umaid Lake Palace. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8 Agra

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shan Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife. The sight of this magnificent mausoleum is certain to surpass all your expectations. Close by is Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex, which sits on the other side of the river. You'll get to see the Taj Mahal from here too, for equally splendid views. This afternoon we head to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. This powerful fortress was the imperial city of the Mogul rulers.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9 Agra - Lucknow

Today we will travel to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its parks, gardens, monuments and fascinating bazaars. On the way we will stop for an immersive perfumery tour at an 8th generation fragrance house. Lunch is included as part of the experience.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 10 Lucknow to Varanasi

We travel to Varanasi. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is colourful, chaotic and one of Hinduism’s holiest cities. To get the most out of your time here, you need to experience the city with an open mind. Its principal attraction are the bathing ghats that line the west bank of the Ganges, where Hindus bathe in the water to cleanse themselves of sin. This evening we offer the opportunity to watch a traditional arti ceremony, which involves an offering of light, food, water and flowers to the deities. It is considered a fundamental part of the Hindu faith.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Varanasi

We rise before the sun this morning to sail along the Ganges and see devout Hindus bathing and praying beneath the rising sun. We head back to the hotel for breakfast before enjoying a short tour of Varanasi. This afternoon we visit the ruined city of Sarnath. This is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists as it was here that Buddha gave his first sermon. Meals included: B,D

Day 12 Varanasi to Delhi

Relax this morning or take the time to enjoy some final sightseeing before your afternoon flight to Delhi. Join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner this evening.

Meals included: B,D

Day 13 Delhi to UK

We'll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK.

Meals included: B

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Crowne Plaza Okhla

The 4-star Crowne Plaza Okhla is centrally located in Delhi.

Hotel facilities include two restuarants, bar, spa and fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

The 4-star Crowne Plaza Okhla is centrally located in Delhi.

Hotel facilities include two restuarants, bar, spa and fitness centre. Bedrooms have private facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Ramada Jaipur

The 4-star Ramada Hotel Jaipur is located in the heart of the 'Pink City'.

Hotel facilities include a choice of restaurants, bar, swimming pool, gym and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea/coffee maker, TV and mini-bar.

The 4-star Ramada Hotel Jaipur is located in the heart of the 'Pink City'.

Hotel facilities include a choice of restaurants, bar, swimming pool, gym and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea/coffee maker, TV and mini-bar.

Abhyaran Hotel

Hotel rooms are well-lit, spacious, and furnished with comfortable beds to ensure maximum comfort. Hotel has a 24-hour reception to be able to serve guests at all times.

Hotel rooms are well-lit, spacious, and furnished with comfortable beds to ensure maximum comfort. Hotel has a 24-hour reception to be able to serve guests at all times.

Grand Mercure

The Grand Mercure Agra is inspired by the city's rich history, and overlooks the Taj Mahal. Hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a bar.

The Grand Mercure Agra is inspired by the city's rich history, and overlooks the Taj Mahal. Hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a bar.

Fortune Park BBD

Located in the heart of Lucknow, the Fortune Hotel is a modern and comfortable hotel. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, bar and restaurant.

Located in the heart of Lucknow, the Fortune Hotel is a modern and comfortable hotel. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, bar and restaurant.

Radisson Hotel Varanasi

The Radisson Varanasi is situated in what is considered the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, and located just 4km from the spiritual river Ganges. Hotel facilities include 4 restaurants, a currency exchange and gift shop. Room facilities include large TV’s, a digital safe and free of charge Wi-Fi.

The Radisson Varanasi is situated in what is considered the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, and located just 4km from the spiritual river Ganges. Hotel facilities include 4 restaurants, a currency exchange and gift shop. Room facilities include large TV’s, a digital safe and free of charge Wi-Fi.

ITC Welcomhotel Dwarka

The ITC Welcomehotel Dwarka is perfectly located for the airport and is in New Delhi. At the hotel there is a swimming pool, gym and lounge as well as two restaurants.

The ITC Welcomehotel Dwarka is perfectly located for the airport and is in New Delhi. At the hotel there is a swimming pool, gym and lounge as well as two restaurants.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.

India - Ranthambore Fort

India - Ranthambore Fort

On this excursion we will travel the short distance to Ranthambore Fort which lies within Ranthambore National Park and near to the city of Sawai Madhopur. Built in the 10th century the fort is home a huge amount of history and religious significance, as well as offering incredible views over the national park.

Half Day – Strenuous Walking – Local Culture
On this excursion we will travel the short distance to Ranthambore Fort which lies within Ranthambore National Park and near to the city of Sawai Madhopur. Built in the 10th centur...

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Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • UK Holidays - £150 per person
  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.