The Golden Triangle

Be welcomed to North India with a traditional floral garland and red tikka before transferring to your hotel for the next two nights, the luxurious The Leela Palace New Delhi.

Discover the contrasts of Old and New Delhi, beginning with a visit to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Then, take an exhilarating rickshaw ride past the Red Fort and through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, including Khari Baoli, Asia's largest wholesale spice market.

Later, visit Humayun's Tomb, built in 1570 and considered the architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Drive along New Delhi's ceremonial boulevard past India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan before returning to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner.

Begin your morning with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi's most prominent Sikh temples. Travel to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire, arriving mid-afternoon at your Scenic Special Stay, The Oberoi Amarvilas. Located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, every room offers uninterrupted views with complimentary butler service.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening choose your Scenic Free dining experience from the following options, Indian BBQ at Bon Barbeque Restaurant, Chinese at C'est Chine at the Hotel Jaypee Palace or enjoy a buffet meal of Asian and Western cuisine at the Bellevue Restaurant at your hotel.

Rise early to witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enduring symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to discover the World Heritage-listed Red Fort of Agra, built in the 16th century primarily by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort served as the main residence for the Mughal emperors until 1638 when the capital moved to Delhi. It offers an intricate look at Islamic architecture at that time, plus see the famous balcony where Shah Jahan was imprisoned, overlooking the Taj Mahal. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure at the hotel before your evening function.

Scenic Sunset Drinks: Gather for evening drinks to overlook and appreciate the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal from the close proximity of your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from Scenic Freechoice experiences exploring Agra by bicycle or tuk tuk, either through the surrounding countryside or the city's vibrant streets.

Travel to the Pink City, Jaipur, stopping en route at Abhaneri Village to visit the remarkable Chand Baori stepwell, one of the largest and oldest in the world, dating back over 1,000 years.

Stay at the Jai Mahal Palace for three nights, an authentic luxury palace now a lovingly restored gem of Rajasthani heritage in the heart of Jaipur. Originally built in 1745, the palace is set amidst eighteen acres of landscaped gardens. This evening, enjoy a cultural show at the hotel.

Begin your day at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), famed for its intricate honeycomb façade of 953 windows designed to capture cooling breezes. Continue to Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From here take a short walk to enjoy lunch in a restaurant attached to the City Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur. After exploring the City Palace and its museum, undertake a tuk tuk into small chowkris of the city before returning to your hotel.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening, choose a Scenic Freechoice dining experience from the following; a home-hosted cooking demonstration, undertake a jeep tour around Jaipur sampling local food haunts including a heritage liquor tasting at an ancestral Haveli with an erstwhile royal family, or enjoy Italian cuisine at Giardino Restaurant at your hotel.

Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed hilltop fortress located just outside Jaipur. Explore its opulent palaces, richly decorated with intricate carvings, mirrored halls and exquisite artwork.

After lunch, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure before your Scenic Enrich experience.

Scenic Enrich: Enjoy sundowner drinks overlooking Jaipur's old town from the terrace of Samode Haveli, followed by a magical farewell dinner set around a historic stepwell, illuminated by hundreds of flickering lamps and accompanied by local music.

Bid farewell to India as you transfer for your onward journey. Fly to Delhi for your international departure, or continue your journey with an optional extension.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or festivities. Please refer to Scenic's terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.