An Invitation to India
Experience the history, culture and charm of India on a journey around the ‘Golden Triangle’ cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Begin your adventure with sightseeing tours of both New and Old Delhi, with highlights including the iconic India Gate, UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar, the spectacular Red Fort and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Heading south, you’ll discover the Agra Fort and visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise. On to Jaipur next, painted pink by maharajas’ decree, where alongside visits to the Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, you’ll learn how to drape a saree or wear a turban, keeping these items as unique souvenirs. Jaipur’s City Palace, a fantastic setting for dinner as well as a sensational light show narrated by a Bollywood star, is a further treat before this introduction to India comes to an end.
Highlights
- Sightseeing tour of New Delhi
- Explore Old Delhi
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
- Visit the Amber Fort
- Saree-draping/turban-wearing demonstration
- Jantar Mantar & spice market
- Jaipur City Palace visit with dinner
- Try a lassi in Jaipur and try a parantha in Old Delhi
Pricing
Group tour starting at $3,249* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
7 Days – Delhi to Delhi
Your package includes
- Just You Tour Manager as your host
- 6 nights in 5-star hotels – private room for solo travelers
- 10 included meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners including welcome drink & dinner
- On-tour transportation (excludes international airfare and airport taxes)
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Delhi
Meals
Dinner
Description
Make your own way to Delhi. Today has been left free for you to explore your new destination. This evening you will meet your travelling companions over a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: The Grand (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 2
Delhi
Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll discover New Delhi. Our drive takes us through elegant boulevards and lush green parks where the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House are both reminders of a colonial past. We’ll also visit the ancient Qutub Minar – a UNESCO-listed site. We’ll then visit the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Temples and mosques fill every available space and tempting food stalls flood the narrow streets with colour and heady aromas. As we explore we’ll pass by the spectacular Red Fort, the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
We will also visit Gali Paranthe Wali, the ‘lane of parantha-makers’, which is located in Chandni Chowk.
This afternoon has been left free for you to explore at your own pace, in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 3
Delhi – Agra
Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll travel south to Agra, where we’ll stay overnight. After checking in to our hotel we’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Once the imperial city of the Mogul rulers, this mighty red-sandstone fortress is where the Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son.
Accommodation: Ramada Plaza Agra (or similar)
Day 4
Taj Mahal – Jaipur
Breakfast
We have an early start this morning for what is sure to be a memorable highlight of the holiday – a dawn visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife, nothing will prepare you for the breathtaking sight of this magnificent mausoleum, whose white marble walls are inlaid with semiprecious stones. 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 wonderful views. Later we’ll travel to Jaipur, affectionately known as the ‘pink city’ because all of the buildings are painted in a distinctive shade of pink. Enjoy an evening at leisure or perhaps join us for an optional cookery demonstration in a local family home, with dinner included.
Accommodation: Ramada Jaipur (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 5
Jaipur
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive to the marvellous Amber Fort, a 17th century stronghold set on top of a hill. It’s a wonderful blend of Hindu and Muslim elements and we’ll step inside to explore the palace, courtyards and gardens. Back in Jaipur, we’ll learn how to carefully drape a colourful saree and to put on a turban. Our expert guides will share the secrets of these traditional items of clothing with us to help give us even more insight into the Indian culture. You can pose for pictures with your hosts in your beautiful saree or majestic turban, and you’ll be gifted the clothing you wear so you can take a piece of India back home as a souvenir. Then we’ll head to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century, and then take a stroll through Chaandpol Bazaar, where pungent aromas emanate from the shops which grind and sell all manner of brightly coloured spices.
This evening we’ll visit the City Palace and see rare personal items of the Maharajas of Jaipur. During our visit we’ll watch a state-of-the-art light show narrated by a Bollywood star, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the palace.
Day 6
Jaipur – Delhi
Breakfast
We have left this morning free for you to explore Jaipur at your own pace. Alternatively, you could join our optional walking tour, which is one of the best ways to appreciate the rich heritage of the walled city. As we wander around the houses and workshops, local people will be delighted to tell you more about life in the bustling capital of Rajasthan. Later we will drive to Delhi.
Accommodation: The Grand (or similar)
Day 7
Delhi
Breakfast
Today it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your holiday comes to an end.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “An Invitation to India” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.