Description
Day 1: London - Delhi
Fly overnight with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your choice of hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. The best way to see this fascinating city is to get out and mingle with the locals. Hail a cab or tuk tuk to take you to one of the many bustling markets, where you can bargain hunt and barter to your heart's content! 2 nights are spent at The Park Hotel (standard option) or Taj Palace (superior option). (B)
Day 3: Delhi
Today has been reserved for a city tour of Old and New Delhi. Sights to see include the magnificent Red Fort and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. It's then time to explore the sights of New Delhi, including Humayun's Tomb built in 1565 by his grieving widow, the ancient Qutub Minar complex and the ruins of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. (B)
Day 4: Delhi - Agra
Leaving Delhi after breakfast, you embark on the 5-hour journey to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire. En route is a visit to Sikandra, the tomb of Emperor Akbar. After checking in at your hotel, the afternoon is spent sightseeing. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and possibly the world's greatest building. Smaller than you would imagine, this famous building is incredibly beautiful and the stonework detail impeccable. You will also visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah, sometimes known as Baby Taj. Overnight at the Mansingh (standard option) or Taj View (superior option). (B)
Day 5: Agra - Ranthambore
An early start this morning as you depart for the 7-hour journey to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, an epic red sandstone city built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. The number of tigers still living in the wild in India has significantly depleted in recent decades, however, Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Get an early night tonight in preparation for your early drive safari the next day. 2 nights are spent at Ranthambore Regency (standard option) or Taj Lodge (superior option). (B/D)
Day 6: Ranthambore
Today is devoted to exploring the delights of Ranthambore, an enigmatic jungle, with a 1,000-year-old abandoned fortress, turquoise lakes and 'friendly' tigers! Apart from tigers, there are wild boars, spotted deer, Indian gazelle, crocodile and leopard to look out for, if you're lucky, as well as nearly 200 species of bird. You will enjoy an early morning drive and also a late-afternoon game drive; the rest of the day is at leisure to look at those photos you have taken (hopefully!). (B/L/D)
Day 7: Ranthambore - Jaipur
Head into the jungle early this morning for another chance to spot the local wildlife. You will then depart for Jaipur (approx 3-hour journey) - known as the Pink City because of its numerous streets lined with pink-painted shop fronts and old buildings. 3 nights are spent at the Mansingh Hotel (standard option) or Jai Mahal (superior option). (B)
Day 8: Jaipur
Enjoy a tour of the Amber Fort this morning, an imposing and rugged building, the interiors of which are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic and minute mirror work. If you're lucky, you can take an elephant ride to the fort, but you'll need to make sure you're up nice and early as the government now restricts the number of times the elephants can transport tourists up this steep hill! After lunch, visit the Observatory to marvel at complex astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone. City Palace is also on the agenda, which boasts numerous outbuildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. Before returning to your hotel, make a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. (B)
Day 9: Jaipur
The day is yours to explore Jaipur at leisure, perhaps marvelling again at sights such as the Amber Fort, or simply mingling with the locals and sampling fine Indian cuisine. Jaipur is also an excellent place to go shopping - if you're the bargain-hunting type, why not barter at some of the many local stalls that line the pink city? Or, if you fancy a tailored suit or outfit made for you in 24 hours - this really is the place to do it! (B)
Day 10: Jaipur - Udaipur
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Also known as the City of Lakes, it is one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan with marble palaces, beautiful gardens and, of course, lakes galore! Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the local area - or simply relax and unwind. 2 nights are spent at the Hill Top Hotel (standard option) or the Lake Palace (superior option). (B)
Day 11: Udaipur
Your morning tour of the city takes in the City Palace, an awesome construction of marble and granite and one of the largest palaces in Rajasthan. The afternoon is yours to explore further. This evening, take a boat trip on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels). A morning trip to the Temples of Eklingji and Nagda will be provided instead of the boat trip if water levels on the lake are not sufficient. (B)
Day 12: Udaipur - Mumbai
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai, on the west coast of India. A city that never sleeps, it is vibrant and exciting with plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as cultural delights. 3 nights are spent at the Hilton Towers (standard option) or the Taj Mahal (Tower Wing - superior option). (B).
Day 13: Mumbai
Travel to the Elephanta Caves during the morning, an hour away from Mumbai. Excavated between the 5th and 8th Centuries, these cave temples are famous for their magnificently sculpted panels. This afternoon, explore Mumbai, visiting the Hanging Gardens and Mani Bhavan. Drive past Marine Drive, one of the most fashionable residential areas in the city, and monuments built during the British era, including Victoria Terminus, Mumbai University and the High Court. (B)
Day 14: Mumbai
Spend the day at leisure or join our Bollywood tour! Experience the glitz and glamour, the action and excitement of Bollywood - a worldwide phenomenon. You visit a film studio with specially designed sets, film memorabilia and equipment. You also get to see film scenes being edited by the director and witness a real-time film or television shoot! A fascinating excursion, lunch and all transfers are included (tour must be pre-booked at least 2 weeks before departure). (B)
Day 15: Mumbai - London
After breakfast, and with memories of your Indian adventure clear in your mind, you will be transferred back to Mumbai airport for your Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow, arriving the same day. (B) You will be transported in private air-conditioned vehicles throughout your tour and be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
goa beach extension
Why not extend your holiday to the beautiful beaches of Goa? Hailed as the Pearl of the Orient and famous for its magnificent scenic beauty, Goa is much more than just a beach destination - it is alive with history and culture that dates back through the ages. On day 15, you will take a short flight from Mumbai to Goa and transfer to the Holiday Inn Goa for 7 nights. Your stay in Goa will be at leisure. On day 22, you will be transferred back to Goa airport for your short flight to Mumbai where you will connect with your Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow, arriving the same day. (B)
Departs: Every Sun from London Heathrow.
Please Note: We reserve the right to substitute hotels for those of a similar standard where necessary.