Experience a taste of India on this outstanding introductory tour of the country’s most celebrated sights. Exploring the Golden Triangle, this journey combines imperial Delhi with the legendary Taj Mahal at Agra and a 3-night stay in the princely city of Jaipur, culminating in the beautiful hill station of Shimla.

13 Days & 11 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic. (N)

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon tour of Old Delhi, including the Jama Masjid mosque and Raj Ghat. (D)

Day 3: New Delhi • Agra

Morning tour of New Delhi with a drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence. Continue to the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun and the Qutb Minar tower. Afternoon drive to Agra, where you will stay for 2 nights at the Trident Agra (or similar). (B, D)

Day 4: Agra

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra fort. Evening visit to Mehtab Bagh, to see the sun set over the Taj Mahal. (B, D)

Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri • Jaipur

Continue to the pink city of Jaipur via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and exquisite Abhaneri Stepwell. Stay 3 nights at Ramgarh Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Jaipur

Visit the ancient palace of Amber fort and then the City Palace in the afternoon, home of the present maharajah. (B, D)

Day 7: Jaipur

A day at leisure to relax or explore Jaipur’s many bazaars. Alternatively, visit the elephant camp at Dera Amer or take a sunrise balloon flight over the peaceful countryside*. (B, D)

Day 8: Delhi

Drive to Delhi in the morning and stay overnight at the Taj Palace (or similar). (B, D)

Day 9: Shimla

Take the morning express train to Kalka followed by the narrow gauge mountain railway toy train ride to Shimla. Stay at the Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, the British summer capital during the Raj era, for 3 nights

Days 10-11: Shimla

Morning tour of Shimla. Remainder of time at leisure. (B, D)

Day 12: Delhi

Drive to Chandigarh and connect with the express train to Delhi. Stay overnight at the Taj Palace (or similar). (B, D)

Day 13: Fly to London

Morning transfer to the airport. Fly to London with Virgin Atlantic. (B)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.