Worldwide 2024-25

INDIA • RAJASTHAN & THE NORTH
The Grand Tour
of India
Duration • 17 days & 15 nights
Category • Superior
Small-group tour • From £3,795 (incl. flights)
Private tour • From £3,995 (incl. flights)
This group tour features…
Small group size – average 12
people (max 18)
4- & 5-star accommodation
Flexible – extensions, room & flight
upgrades available
International flights with British
Airways
Internal flights in India with 20kg
luggage allowance
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
Experienced local tour manager
15 breakfasts, 2 lunches &
6 dinners
All entrance fees & sightseeing
included
2 included wildlife safaris by 4x4
Porterage at hotels & train stations
Festival departures
Weather
Varanasi
J F M A M J J A S O N D
A 24 27 33 39 41 40 34 33 34 33 30 25
B 9 12 16 22 26 27 26 26 25 21 14 10
C 19 12 9 4 13 97 296 290 209 36 11 4
A: Maximum average temperature (°C)
B: Minimum average temperature (°C)
C: Average rainfall (mm)
Explore the diverse cultural influences that
have created the fascinating heritage of
India. This tour encompasses holy cities,
the resplendent Taj Mahal, Jodhpur’s bluewashed
houses, and the beautiful lakes
and palaces of Udaipur. Go in search of the
elusive Royal Bengal tiger and extend your
journey in the idyllic backwaters of Kerala.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Evening Palki Sahib ceremony at the
Golden Temple in Amritsar
Explore Varanasi’s hidden alleys and
markets
Dine in a regal palace
Take part in Holi celebrations at the
Maharajah’s Palace, Udaipur
Stay in a former fort to explore
rural Rajasthan
Days 1 & 2: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi
Fly from London (regional connections
available) to Amritsar, via Delhi, with British
Airways. Transfer to Taj Swarna for 2 nights.
Visit the Golden Temple for the auspicious
Palki Sahib night ceremony. A welcome dinner
will be held this evening. (N) (D)
Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah
Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its
vast community kitchen (langar). Weave your
way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with
colonial architectural features, before arriving
at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop
selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon
visit to Wagah, for the unmissable Changing of
the Guard ceremony. (B)
Day 4: Fly to Varanasi via Delhi
Morning flight to Varanasi for an overnight
Varanasi
stay at the Taj Ganges. This evening, visit
the Dasaswamedh ghats (stepped wharfs) to
witness the magical aarti ceremony from a
boat on the Ganges. On the 12 November 2024
and 2 November 2025 departures, enjoy the
Dev Diwali celebrations, when the steps of the
ghats are lit with more than a million earthen
lamps. (B)
Day 5: Varanasi • Fly to Delhi
Early morning sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Walking tour of Varanasi’s hidden alleys,
paan bazaar, craftsmen colony and the spice,
jewellery and flower markets. Take an evening
flight to Delhi for a 2-night stay at the Taj
Palace. (B)
Day 6: Old & New Delhi
Morning tour of Old Delhi including a drive
past the Red Fort, visit to the Jama Masjid
mosque, and walking tour. Afternoon tour of
New Delhi including a drive past India Gate
and the viceregal residence, before visiting
Qutb Minar and the tomb of Mughal Emperor,
Humayun. (B)
Day 7: Agra
Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra for an
overnight stay at Trident Agra. Afternoon visit
to the huge Agra Fort. This evening, visit the
Taj Mahal bathed in golden light as the
sun sets. (B)
Day 8: Fatehpur Sikri • Ranthambore
Visit Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see the Taj
Mahal in the golden hour of sunrise. Drive
to Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted 16th-century
sandstone city. Continue to Bharatpur for
lunch at the regal Laxmi Vilas Palace before a
train ride to Sawai Madhopur. Transfer to
Dev Vilas for 2 nights. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Ranthambore
Early morning and late afternoon wildlife
viewing on a 4x4 safari drive. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur to stay at the Devi
Ratn Hotel for 2 nights. Based on the design
of the famous Jantar Mantar astronomical
observatory, Devi Ratn is a contemporary hotel
with traditional Jaipuri features and beautiful
views over the surrounding Aravalli Hills.
Afternoon at leisure. Evening aarti ceremony at
a local Hindu temple. (B)
Day 11: Jaipur
Morning tour of the ancient palace of Amber
Fort. Afternoon visit to the City Palace and
Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. (B)
Day 12: Jodhpur • Rohet
Drive to Jodhpur. Visit the magnificent
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