2008
Taj Tour
The imperial monuments of India's busy capital Delhi, the Royal Palaces, the 'Pink' city of Jaipur and the overwhelmingly beautiful Taj Mahal at Agra are the principal attractions of this classic north India tour
Our opinion
Choose from medium, first class or deluxe hotels for the main Taj classic tour and add one of the exciting extensions to experience just a little more of this fabulous country.
Escorted
Accompanied from arrival in Delhi right through to departure from Delhi by a professional English speaking local tour manager. Extensions to the main tour are on an unescorted basis, however assistance will be available from our local representatives throughout.
Itinerary
- Delhi: 1 night
- Agra: 2 nights
- Jaipur: 2 nights
- Delhi: 1 night
Day 1 Sat London/Delhi
Fly Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Delhi.
Day 2 Sun Delhi
Arrive late morning in Delhi and transfer to your hotel for one night. The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional evening visit to the Sound and Light show at the Red Fort or the Dances of India show.
Day 3 Mon Delhi/Agra
After breakfast begin the day with a fascinating morning orientation of Delhi. Visit the chaotic yet mesmerising Old Delhi, with its narrow bustling streets and teeming colourful bazaars. Take a rickshaw ride through the colourful markets of Chandi Chowk to the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) Continue by coach to the imperial architectural masterpiece of Lutyen's New Delhi. Visit Ghandi's memorial 'Rajgat' before driving along the sweeping Rajpath to the monumental India Gate. Drive in the afternoon to Agra for two nights (130 miles) B
Day 4 Tue Agra
This morning visit the spectacular Taj Mahal. 20,000 craftsmen laboured 20 years to build this fabulous memorial for Shah Jahan to honour his wife, Mumtaz. The cool marble and clear symmetry are justifiably a masterpiece of the modern world. A short tour around Agra follows including the 16th century red sandstone fort and the fairy tale Jahangir Palace. The afternoon is left at leisure with an optional tour to visit the Itimad-ul-Daulah (Baby Taj) available. We highly recommend the optional tour to the Taj Mahal at sunset to witness its translucent stone gradually change as the light fades colour to a warm pink and then finally a silvery white under moonlight. B.
Day 5 Wed Agra/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 Fatephur Sikri. Rest for lunch en route (at additional cost) at the village of Abhaneri. Rest of the day at leisure. (160 miles) B
Day 6 Thu Jaipur
Leave Jaipur and visit the ancient imposing Amber Fort. Constructed by raj Man Singh in 1592, the austere exterior of the fort gives way to a beautiful fusion of Hindi and Mughal architectural influences. In the afternoon return to Jaipur and the Royal Observatory and Maharajah’s Palace. Marvel at the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) , a five storied wonder with a pyramidal facade dotted with overhanging windows with latticed screens. Later enjoy leisure time to wander the many bazaars or take an optional tour to the central SOS Children's Village to observe the charity work undertaken there. In the evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 7 Fri Jaipur/Delhi
Drive back to Delhi for one last night, fly to Goa for the Goa Extension or drive directly to Ranthambore for those taking the Ranthambore Tiger Extension (Ranth. 113 miles; Delhi 162 miles) B
Day 8 Sat Delhi/London
After breakfast in Delhi transfer for your flight to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic arriving the same day. (B)
Amritsar Extension (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the Amritsar Extension staying in Deluxe Class hotels
Amritsar Extension (First)
Follow the same itinerary as the Amritsar Extension staying in First Class hotels
Amritsar Extension (Medium)
Taj Tour: 6 nights
Amritsar: 2 nights
Delhi: 1 night
Day 8 Sat Delhi/Amritsar
Transfer to the railway station for your early morning Shatabdi Express (6hrs) to the Sikh holy city of Amritsar. Upon arrival transfer for two nights at the Hotel Ranjit Swasa. In the afternoon drive to the Pakistan border to witness the 'Change of the Guards' ceremony (B); Evening flight to Colombo to stay at Riverina (STD) - Medium; Bentota Beach (STD) - First class or The Beach (DLX) - Deluxe for six nights or more (B); Transfer to the railway station for the early morning Shatabdi Express (3hrs 30mins) to Jhansi. Upon arrival transfer to Khajuraho visiting the medieval town of Orchha en route for two nights at the Holiday Inn (medium); Radisson (first class) or Taj Chandela (deluxe) B; Morning train 'Himalayan Queen' to Kalka (4hrs 30mins) then by narrow gauge toy train, through the foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla, once summer capital of the British Raj. Three nights or more at Clarks (Medium); Radisson (First class) or Cecil Oberoi (Deluxe) B; Ranthambore National Park is a major example of Project Tiger's conservation plans in Rajasthan. Three game drives in open top cantors are included plus some free time. (B,D)
Day 9 Amritsar
Your morning half day tour begins at the beguiling and colourful Golden Temple. Later visit the historic Jaliawala Bagh. Optional evening return visit to witness the brilliantly illuminated Golden Temple (B)
Day 10 Mon Amritsar/Delhi
Enjoy a relaxing day before transferring to the train station for the late afternoon Shatabdi Express (6 hours) to Delhi for a night at your original hotel. B.
Day 11 Tue Delhi/London
Leave Delhi for Heathrow at lunchtime with Virgin Airways arriving later the same day. B.
Ganges and Khajuraho Extension (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the Ganges Extension staying in Deluxe Class hotels
Ganges and Khajuraho Extension (First)
Follow the same itinerary as the Ganges Extension staying in First Class hotels
Ganges and Khajuraho Extension (Medium)
Taj Tour: 6 nights
Khajuraho: 2 nights
Varanasi: 2 nights
Delhi: 1 night
Day 8 Say Delhi/Ganges and Khajuraho
Transfer to the railway station for the early morning Shatabdi Express (4½ hours) to Jhansi. Upon arrival transfer to Khajuraho visiting the medieval town of Orchha en route for two nights at the Holiday Inn (Medium), Radisson (First Class) or Taj Chandela (Deluxe). B.
Day 9 Sun Ganges and Khajuraho
A morning of sightseeing to the magnificent Western temples. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join an optional visit to the Eastern and Southern group of temples. B.
Day 10 Mon Ganges and Khajuraho/Varansi
Transfer to the airport for your midday flight with Jet Airways to Varanasi, one of the holiest sites in India. Upon arrival transfer to the Clarks (Medium), Radisson (First Class) or Taj Ganges (Deluxe) for two nights. Spend an afternoon at leisure and perhaps take the optional evening visit to the banks of the Ganges to enjoy a colourful Aarti ceremony. B.
Day 11 Tue Varansi
An early morning visit to the Ghats to witness the ceremonial cleansing followed by a boat ride on the river Ganges. Later tour the temples and maze of bazaars that characterise Varanasi. B.
Day 12 Wed Varansi/Delhi
Enjoy an optional visit to the holy sites of Sarnath or spend a leisurely morning before transferring for your lunchtime flight with Jet Airways to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your original hotel for one night. B
Day 13 Thur Delhi/London
Leave Delhi for Heathrow at lunchtime with Virgin Airways arriving later the same day. B.
Goa Extension (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the Goa Extension staying in Deluxe Class hotels
Goa Extension (First)
Follow the same itinerary as the Goa extension staying in First Class hotels.
Goa Extension (Medium)
Taj Tour: 5 nights
Goa: 7 nights
Day 7 Fri to Day 13 Thu Delhi/Goa
Fly with Kingfisher Airlines to Goa for seven nights at the La Calypso (EXE) - Medium; Ramada Caravela (SUP) - First or Park Hyatt (PRK) - Deluxe (B)
Day 16 Sat Goa/Mumbai/London
Fly Jet Airways to Mumbai for your Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow arriving the same day
Ranthambore Extension (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the Ranthambore Extension staying in Deluxe Class hotels
Ranthambore Extension (First)
Follow the same itinerary as the Ranthambore Extension staying in First Class hotels
Ranthambore Extension (Medium)
Taj Tour: 5 nights
Ranthambore: 3 nights
Delhi: 1 night
N.B Ranthambore is closed from Jul01-Sep30
Day 7 Jaipur/Ranthambore
Drive south from Jaipur to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, (113 miles) for three nights at the Ranthambore Regency hotel (Dev Villas with Deluxe Taj Tour). B.
Day 8 Sat to Day 9 Sun Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is a major example of Project Tiger’s conservation plans in Rajasthan. Three game drives in open top cantors are included plus some free time. B,D.
Day 10 Mon Ranthambore/Delhi
Catch the Jan Shatabdhi Express train in the morning (5½ hours) to Delhi for a night at your original hotel. B.
Day 11 Tue Delhi/London
Fly Virgin Atlantic arriving Heathrow later the same day. B.
Shimla Extension (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the Shimla Extension staying in Deluxe Class hotels
Shimla Extension (First)
Follow the same itinerary as the Shimla Extension staying in First Class hotels
Shimla Extension (Medium)
Taj Tour: 6 nights
Shimla: 3 nights
Delhi: 1 night
Day 8 Sat Delhi/Shimla
Sat Morning train ‘Himalayan Queen’ to Kalka (4½ hours) then by narrow gauge toy train, through the foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla, once summer capital of the British Raj. Three nights or more at Clarks (Medium), Radisson (First Class) or Cecil Oberoi (Deluxe). B.
Day 9 Sun to Day 10 Mon Shimla
Time to explore the many lanes and walks, Christchurch, Scandal Corner, the Himalayan Aviary and take in the beautiful view from along The Mall. B.
Day 11 Tue Shimla/Delhi
Morning at leisure before connecting with the Shatabdhi Express train to Delhi (4½ hours) and transfer to your original hotel for one night. B.
Day 12 Wed Delhi/London
Fly Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow arriving later the same day.
Sri Lanka Extension (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the Sri Lanka Extension staying in Deluxe Class hotels
Sri Lanka Extension (First)
Follow the same itinerary as the Sri Lanka Extension staying in First Class hotels
Sri Lanka Extension (Medium)
Taj Tour: 6 nights
Sri Lanka: 6 nights
Day 8 Sat Delhi/Colombo
Evening flight to Colombo to stay at Riverina (STD) (Medium), Bentota Beach (STD) (First Class) or The Beach (DLX) (Deluxe) for six nights or more.
Day 14 Fri Colombo/London
Fly on SriLankan Airlines to Heathrow arriving later the same day (B)
Taj Tour (Deluxe)
Follow the same itinerary as the main tour staying in Deluxe Class hotels, as shown in 'Important Notes'.
Taj Tour (First Class)
Follow the same itinerary as the main tour staying in First Class hotels, as shown in 'Important Notes'.
