Golden Triangle & Goa

On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is then free to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to visit Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the world. This evening meet the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.

This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Jama Masjid - India's oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King's Way' and see the famous India Gate monument.

This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner. (B/D)

Today we travel to Agra, where we enjoy lunch before taking a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity watch the sunset fade over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos! (B)

In the morning, we will make our way to the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls.

Continue to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer). (B/L/D)

This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur.

On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments. (B)

Enjoy an unforgettable experience early this morning with an optional balloon ride over Jaipur. Sail with the wind over the surrounding region and pass above hill-top forts and regal palaces.

Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City. (B)

Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world's largest Hindu temple. (B)

This morning we transfer to the airport for your included flight to Goa. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

The next four days are free to relax on the Arabian Sea coast and explore Goa as you please. The region is one of India's prime holiday locations and you may sunbathe on the sandy beach, try out watersports and enjoy delicious local cuisine. If you prefer, there are several cultural attractions that you may wish to visit in the area. Discover the Portuguese Catholic Church of Old Goa or the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus. Why not hire a bike or scooter to explore?

If you are a keen chef, then there are several optional cooking add-ons you may wish to book to enhance your stay in Goa. We offer a one day Curry Morning add-on or a five day Learn To Cook Indian Cuisine add-on to ensure you return home with all the skills you need to cook delicious Indian cuisine for friends and family. (Bx5)

Our tour comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to the airport. (B)