Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India! At the airport terminal keep your eyes open for the Travel Talk sign, as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our Delhi hotel. Gather round in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm as we meet both the other tour members and the guide. Listen up for a fast and informal meeting with the leader including registration and a short brief about the adventures ahead and information about India. After the meeting, you can join the optional group dinner.

• Included Activities; Welcome Meeting
• Optional Activities ; Group Dinner
• Meals ; No

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast, we begin to explore Delhi, a colourful and chaotic city. Our first stop will be Old Delhi which includes visiting the magnificent Red Fort, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, as well as seeing Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Ghandi and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Once finished we will visit the jam-packed lanes of Chandni Chowk in a Rickshaw. This is the busiest commercial area of the city and brings to life the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar. In the afternoon we will head to modern New Delhi where you’ll be able to see many historic monuments such as the 12th century Qutab Minar which famous for the Ashokan iron pillar, Hjmayuns’ Tomb which is a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, and in contrast, visit the modern Lakshimi Narayan Temple. Lastly, we’ll drive past India Gate, the city’s World War I memorial, the President’s residence, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, all designed by Lutyens.

• Included Activities; Delhi Guided City Tour
• Optional Activities ; No
• Meals ; Breakfast

Day 3: Delhi, Jaipur

Today, we leave early at around 8:00am from Delhi for Jaipur with the drive taking about 6 hours. Jaipur is a city of history and tradition which dates back to its foundation in the 17th century by Sawai Jai Singh, from whom it derives its name. Jaipur is almost equidistant from Delhi and Agra and forms part of the famed Golden Triangle, which so many travellers to North India embark on. In the evening we will visit Birla temple for evening Aarti.

• Included Activities; Sightseeing Birla Temple in the evening
• Optional Activities ; No
• Meals ; Breakfast

Day 4: Jaipur

In the morning we start the Jaipur city tour where you get to visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Afterwards we drive out of town to visit Amber Fort where you can walk to the entrance of this traditional Rajasthani Fort and once inside the walls, you’ll see precious stones and mirrors embellishing the plasterwork walls. In the afternoon, we will visit the historic City Palace, a huge sprawling complex which is still home to the former royal family who live in one section. The rest has been converted into a museum which holds an impressive collection of royal weapons and the Hawa Mahal. Lastly, we visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features the world’s largest stone sundial.

• Included Activities; Jaipur Guided City Tour
• Optional Activities ; No
• Meals ; Breakfast

Day 5: Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Today, we depart for Agra and along the way we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a remarkably well-preserved city. This abandoned ghost city was built by the Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of Saint Sheikh Chisti who prophesied that Akbar would have three sons. For 14 years Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar’s capital until a lack of water forced the city to be deserted. Whilst visiting the city you’ll also be able to go and see the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chisti and several palaces.

• Included Activities; Sightseeing Fathepur Sikri
• Optional Activities ; No
• Meals ; Breakfast

Day 6: Agra, Taj Mahal

It’s an early start today as we make our way to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. If there is one image that sums up India to the world, it is the Taj Mahal. This beautiful monument in Agra is an absolute must see for all travellers. The Taj Mahal, a white marble tomb took 22 years (1631-1653) to be built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Queen Mumtaz. Over 20,000 craftsman from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy laboured to build this masterpiece. We then return back to hotel for breakfast and later visit Baby Taj and Agra Fort.

• Included Activities; Sightseeing Taj Mahal &  Baby Taj & Agra Fort
• Optional Activities ; No
• Meals ; Breakfast

Day 7: Agra, Delhi

The drive back to Delhi is on the agenda today and you’ll also have free time for shopping and sightseeing.

• Meals ; Breakfast

Day 8: Delhi

Our trip will end today after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel at 11:00am.

• Meals ; Breakfast