Premium North & South India

Namaste! Welcome to India! When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city at your own pace. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.

To get your bearings of Old Delhi, start today with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan. When you arrive, you’ll head to your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, has the charm of a traditional family home with regal touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained-glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour in one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in India as you stop by bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. End the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.

After breakfast, take a guided tour of the iconic Amber Fort, learning stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the City Palace in the heart of the Pink City – constructed by Jaipur’s founder in a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. This afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Maybe visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory – one of the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories – or float over the city in a hot air balloon. This evening, join your group for a Premium Experience at Kishore Niwas – a sixth-generation haveli with deep ties to Jaipur’s royal past. Your hosts will share personal stories and family traditions as you sip heritage liqueurs on the rooftop while the city glows below. After, you’ll probably want to sample some Rajasthani street food, like pyaaz kachori (a crispy pastry filled with spiced onion).

Today, you’ll head to Agra. After a scenic drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Your local guide will tell you its history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. For dinner tonight, your leader can recommend a great local spot to try the best curries.

This morning, you’ll visit Agra Fort – the seat of the Mughal Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The present structure was built by Akbar as the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. After, you’ll head off to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon walk to help you get your bearings. This evening, head out for dinner at a restaurant that supports and empowers acid attack survivors. These courageous women, once too scared to leave their homes due to the physical and emotional scars of their attacks, have found refuge and a source of income through their work at the cafe.

Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable local. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home!