India's Golden Triangle

The adventure begins in Delhi. You should reach the hotel by 1pm, as we embark on an afternoon city tour, beginning with New Delhi, where we visit the Unesco-listed Humayun's Tomb: the tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun built by his widow Hamida Banu Begam. We then drive past fine colonial buildings in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, a 320-acre (130ha) estate built by British architect Edwin Lutyens in 1931, which comprises the official residence of the President of India, Parliament House and India Gate – a memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War. We return to the hotel for a free evening. Stay: Florence Inn (or similar).

After breakfast, we see more of Delhi, starting outside the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) to learn more about the history of the building; if interested, you can enter the mosque (fees may be applicable). From Jama Masjid, you will be guided through the narrow streets of the old Delhi markets by cycle rickshaw, finishing at Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India.

This afternoon, we head to Agra (approximately four to five hours' drive).

Upon arrival, check into the hotel with the evening free to relax. Stay: The Taj Vilas (or similar) (B).

A very early start will be rewarded with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The Moghul emperor Shah Jahan built the beautiful white-marble building in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor. A short drive onwards, we visit the imposing Agra Fort (also known as the Red Fort). It was built by the third Mughal emperor, Akbar, whose mighty red sandstone walls enclose the white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards, and gardens of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Suroth Mahal (approximately three to four hours' drive), an impressive 600-year-old fort in the city of Hindaun.

Tonight's stay is in a former royal residence of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal. After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we take a 45 minute round trip by a camel cart ride to the local century old Hindu temple.

This evening, we get hands on with an authentic Rajasthani cookery masterclass hosted at Suroth Mahal. Stay: Suroth Mahal, Heritage Hotel (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we head out from our hotel on a gentle one hour walk to a 300-year-old village to meet the villagers and learn about their daily life. On the way we visit the local market (haat) and see the community going about their daily tasks, such as creating handicrafts or working in their fields.

In the afternoon, after freshening up at your hotel, check out and drive to Jaipur (approximately four to five hours). The evening is free. Stay: Lily Pool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar) (B).

Enjoy a full day exploring Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Built in the late 18th century, it is a planned city of broad sandstone avenues that were later painted pink. First, we visit the hilltop Amer Fort, which was built by Kachwaha dynasty ruler Man Singh and acted as the seat of the dynasty before the capital was shifted to Jaipur.

Later, we visit the City Palace, once a Maharaja residence and now a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sites in India, Jantar Mantar (Jaipur Observatory), an assembly of immense marble-and-brass astronomical instruments in a pleasant garden.

We also see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a five-storey landmark built of pink sandstone, which allowed the women of the royal household to observe street festivities without being noticed. Finally, we can end the day exploring the local market within the walled city – admiring the local dhurries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. Stay: Lily Pool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we return to Delhi, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy time to relax and recount the whirlwind week and memories created. Or why not squeeze in a few more sights, sounds and smells by exploring the city at your own leisure? Stay: Florence Inn (or similar) (B).

The tour ends in Delhi this morning. You can begin your return journey home, but if you'd like more time to explore this magnificent city, speak to your sales representative about booking post-tour accommodation (B).