Tour Information
Day 1: London - Delhi
Fly overnight with Kingfisher Airlines from London Heathrow to Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
On arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest of the day at leisure or you can hail a cab or tuk tuk to one of the many colourful markets. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers can be found many monuments which stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Overnight at The Grand Hotel or similar (STD), or Taj Palace (SUP) for 2 nights. (B)
Day 3: Delhi
After breakfast enjoy a combined city tour of Old and New Delhi, beginning with a visit to the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built between 1638 – 1648 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. Later visit Raj Ghat and drive past India Gate, Parliament building and the President’s Residence, before visiting Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 4: Delhi - Agra
After breakfast you will be driven to Agra (approx 5 hours), once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Late afternoon visit the magnificent Taj Mahal and see this masterpiece at sunset. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans, 22 years to complete. Overnight at the Mansingh (STD) or The Gateway Hotel (SUP). (B)
Day 5: Agra – Jaipur
Visit Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations, and Itmad-ud-Daulah. This afternoon, you will be driven to Jaipur en route visiting Fatehpur Sikhri, a deserted red sandstone city built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. On arrival into Jaipur, check-in at thehotel. The vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink coloured buildings in its old city. Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state; it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan’s multifaceted attractions. Overnight at the Mansingh Hotel (STD) or the Jai Mahal (SUP) for 3 nights. (B)
Day 6: Jaipur
Take a morning tour of the Amber Fort, a honey coloured fortresspalace in the Aravalli Hills. Possessing a chamber of mirrors, the interiors are a decorative arts paradise and there are striking views of the gorge. You may be able to take an elephant ride to the fort if you’re up early enough (the government now restricts the number of times the elephants can transport tourists up this steep hill). In the afternoon, visit the Observatory and City Palace which boasts courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. (B)
Day 7: Jaipur
Spend a day at leisure to explore Jaipur, home to cultural delights and also a shopper’s paradise! Watch artisans produce jewellery, tie-dyed textiles, stone carvings and leather shoes. The main markets are at the Jauhari Bazaar and Badi Chaupar. (B)
Day 8: Jaipur - Delhi
Depart by road back to Delhi and enjoy a last afternoon at leisure. Overnight at The Grand Hotel (STD) or the Taj Palace (SUP). (B)
Day 9: Delhi - London
Transfer to Delhi airport for your Kingfisher Airlines flight back to London Heathrow. (Alternatively you may wish to extend your stay in Goa.)
Virgin's View
Explore the sights and sounds on this 7-night tour encompassing 3 of India’s most famous cities. Rich in culture and architecture, there will be many opportunities to take some memorable snaps during your stay and enjoy wandering around the colourful markets.
Features
Ranthambore National Park Extension
You may wish to add an extra 2 nights onto your tour to visit the Ranthambore National Park in eastern Rajasthan, famous for its majestic royal Bengal tigers. On day 8, depart by road from Jaipur to Ranthambore for a 2-night stay at the Ranthambore Regency or similar (STD) or the The Sawai Madhopur Lodge (SUP). (FB). Your stay will include 3 game drives to spot the elusive tiger. On day 10, you will transfer by train back to Delhi for a final night stay. Overnight at The Grand Hotel (STD) or the Taj Palace (SUP). (B)
Goa Extension
Why not extend your holiday on the beautiful beaches of Goa? Take a flight from Jaipur via Mumbai to Goa on day 8 and transfer to your chosen beach hotel for the remainder of your stay.
Goa Extension (Standard Hotel) - applicable to group departures
Built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, the Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort on north Goa's Sinquerim Beach is part of a 73-acre complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. There are 169 rooms and suites all with central air-conditioning, overhead fans, electronic safe, bathtubs, colour TV, direct dial telephones, tea/coffee maker and hairdryer. Situated in close proximity to the beach, the resort offers a range of accommodation as well as a wide choice of restaurants and leisure facilities, including swimming pool, tennis, badminton, water sports and Taj Spa.
Day 8: Jaipur to Goa
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Goa via Mumbai for a 3-night stay at the Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort (Standard Hotel). (B)
Day 9: Goa
At leisure. (B)
Day 10: Goa
At leisure. (B)
Day 11: Goa – London
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Heathrow via Mumbai. (B)
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Goa Extension (Superior Hotel)
Set on the south west coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Taj Exotica is situated on 56 acres of landscaped lawns, complete with tropical plants and graceful palms. All 140 rooms are very spacious and have a private veranda or balcony. Guest amenities include personal safes and extra-large bathrooms. The resort also boasts several restaurants offering Goan, Oriental and Mediterranean cuisine. There is also a swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi.
Day 8: Jaipur to Goa
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Goa via Mumbai for a 3-night stay at the Taj Exotica (Superior Hotel). (B)
Day 9: Goa
At leisure. (B)
Day 10: Goa
At leisure. (B)
Day 11: Goa – London
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Heathrow via Mumbai. (B)
Highlights
l Taj Mahal, Agra l The Red Fort and Qutab Minar, Delhi l Amber Fort, Jaipur l Fatehpur Sikhri
Notes
• Group Departure dates: 2011 7 Jan, 4 Feb, 3 Mar, 31 Mar, 28 Apr, 2 Sep, 7 Oct, 28 Oct, 18 Nov and 9 Dec.
• Independent Tours: also available every week departing the UK on a Friday, based on a minimum of 2 travelling.
• Visa: The required Indian visa is not included in the tour price – details will be provided at the time of booking.
• Prices Shown: Based on standard hotels featured on the group departure dates. Please call our sales team for independent tour prices, based on superior hotels.
STD: Standard Tour Hotels - Group Departures
SUP: Superior Tour Hotels - Independent Tours
This tour is offered by Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys, please telephone 0844 225 1231 for further information or email us at sales.journeys@virginholidays.com. Terms and Conditions apply.
Minimum Age
12