Taj Tour

The imperial monuments of India’s capital Delhi, the Royal Palaces of Jaipur and the beautiful Taj Mahal at Agra are the main attractions of this classic north India tour.

Choose from three, four or five star hotels for the main tour and add an exciting extension to experience a little more of this fabulous country. An excellent introduction to India, covering all the ‘must-sees’.

Tour overview
•   Stay in Delhi, touring its landmarks and Old Delhi
•   Explore Agra and visit the Taj Mahal
•   See the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri and the step-well at Abhaneri
•   Discover 'Pink City' Jaipur and the Amber Fort

Guide

• The main tour is accompanied by a professional, English speaking local tour manager from arrival in Delhi right through to departure from Delhi.

• Extensions to the main tour are on an unescorted basis, but assistance is available throughout from our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
•   Prices include breakfast throughout the main tour and all extensions; breakfast, lunch and dinner in Ranthambore.

ACCOMMODATION
•   A choice of three, four or five star hotels is available.
•   It may be necessary on certain occasions to amend the accommodation to another hotel of a similar standard.

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Local conditions may necessitate slight variations to timings of the itinerary.

GROUP SIZE:
•   Maximum 14 passengers (2012) 30 passengers (2011).

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (call for for details).

GRATUITIES
•   Porterage and tips for meals are included in your tour price.
•   We recommend that for your driver and guide you tip at the end of your holiday.

NB
•   Driving times are approximate and do not include time taken for sightseeing, meals and comfort stops.
•   Check-in at hotels in India is only after 12pm.
•   A framed group photo at the Taj Mahal is presented to all guests (one photo per room).
•   Due to foggy weather in Dec and Jan in North India, there may be slight changes in the timing of sightseeing due to low visibility.
•   The Festival of Colours, Holi, will be celebrated all over India on Mar08 2012, during which people spray each other with different coloured dyes and this may cause a slight change to the itinerary, if affected.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO DELHI
Fly Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Delhi.

DAY 2 - DELHI
Arrive late morning in Delhi and transfer to your hotel for one night. An optional evening 'Glimpses of Delhi' tour includes visits to Lodhi Garden, Gandhi Smiriti and Birla Temple.

DAY 3 - DELHI TO AGRA
Visit chaotic yet mesmerising Old Delhi, then continue by road to Lutyen’s New Delhi, an imperial architectural masterpiece. This afternoon drive to Agra for two nights (130 miles, approx. 5 hours).

DAY 4 - AGRA
This morning visit the spectacular Taj Mahal, an exceptional monument to love and one of the finest pieces of architecture in the world. A short tour around Agra follows including the 16th Century red sandstone fort, home to the fairytale Jahangir Palace. We highly recommend the optional tour to the Taj Mahal at sunset, or the tour of Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb, known as 'Baby Taj'.

DAY 5 - AGRA TO JAIPUR
After an early breakfast leave Agra for the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur stopping en route to see the perfectly preserved deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri and the fascinating step-well at Abhaneri between Agra and Jaipur (160 miles, approx. 6 hours).

DAY 6 - JAIPUR
This morning visit the ancient imposing Amber Fort. In the afternoon return to Jaipur and visit the Royal Observatory and Maharajah’s Palace. Marvel at the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets.

DAY 7 - JAIPUR TO DELHI
Drive back to Delhi for one last night (160 miles, approx. 5½ hours).

DAY 8 - DELHI TO LONDON
Fly to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic, arriving later the same day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

SHIMLA
Discover Shimla, once the summer capital of the British Raj.
DAY 8 - DELHI TO SHIMLA
Board the Shatabdi Express for Chandigarh, then drive fours hours through the foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla for a three-night stay.
DAY 9 & 10 - SHIMLA
Enjoy the next two days in this beautiful mountain resort, including a morning ride on the toy train to Taradevi, a visit to Vice Regal Lodge and plenty of free time to relax or explore at leisure.
DAY 11 - SHIMLA TO DELHI
Transfer by road (3 hours) to Kalka, before reboading the Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer for an overnight stay.
DAY 12 - DELHI TO LONDON
Transfer back to the airport for your Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

TIGERS OF RANTHAMBORE
Ranthambore National Park is a major example of Project Tiger’s conservation plans in Rajasthan.
DAY 7 - JAIPUR TO RANTHAMBORE
Drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore (approx. 4 hours) for three nights. Three game drives in open top canters are included.
DAY 10 - RANTHAMBORE TO DELHI
Catch the Jan Shatabdi express train (approx. 5½ hours) to Delhi, and stay overnight in your original hotel.
DAY 11 - DELHI TO LONDON
Fly Virgin Atlantic arriving Heathrow the same day.
NB: Ranthambore is closed Jul01-Sep30. Please note that canters are compact.

AMRITSAR
Explore this Sikh holy city, home to the beguiling and colourful Golden Temple.

DAY 8 - DELHI TO AMRITSAR
Transfer to the railway station for your early-morning Shatabdi Express journey to Amritsar (approx. 6 hours). Take an optional evening visit to the brilliantly illuminated Golden Temple to see the Paalki ceremony (available locally).
DAY 9 - AMRITSAR
Morning half day city tour of Amritsar including the Golden Temple and Jaliawala Bagh. Afternoon excursion to the Wagah Border to witness the Change of the Guards ceremony.
DAY 10 - AMRITSAR TO DELHI
Catch the late afternoon Shatabdi Express (approx. 6 hours) back to Delhi for a night at your original hotel.
DAY 11 - DELHI TO LONDON
Fly to Heathrow with Jet Airways, arriving later the same day.

BEACHES OF GOA
The perfect relaxing end to your tour.
DAY 7 - DELHI TO GOA
Fly Jet Airways to Goa for five nights or more at your chosen hotel, please call for further details and alternative hotels.
DAY 12 - GOA TO LONDON
Fly to Mumbai to connect with your Virgin Atlantic flight, arriving Heathrow later the same day.

KATHMANDU
Backed by the stunning Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu gives you an excellent taster of enchanting Nepal.
DAY 8 - DELHI TO KATHMANDU
Fly Jet Airways to Kathmandu for three nights in this fascinating city. A half-day city tour is included.
DAY 11 - KATHMANDU TO LONDON
Fly Jet Airways to Delhi then on with Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.