Worldwide 2024-25

CENTRAL ASIA • PAKISTAN
Pakistan:
Persians, Mughals & Mystics
Duration • 10 days & 9 nights
Category • Specialist-led
Small-group tour • From £3,195 (incl. flights)
History • Art • Architecture • Archaeology
Tour overview
The Mughal Empire, derived from the
word Mongol, originated in Central
Asia. Babur, its first ruler, was a direct
descendant of the ruler and conqueror
Timur. He united Mongol traditions,
Persian high culture and the Central
Asian patronage of Islamic art with the
wealth and vibrancy of the subcontinent.
Accompanied by Diana Driscoll, an expert
in Islamic history and culture, venture to
one of the Empire’s less-visited successor
states, Pakistan, and explore the legacy
of a dynasty whose enduring cultural
influence travelled as far as the court
of Queen Victoria.
Signature Experiences
Specialist-led group tour
Visit the tomb of the fourth Mughal
emperor, Jahangir
Experience the famous Wagah border
ceremony
Admire the grandeur of the Royal Fort
in Lahore
See the artisans who produce Multan’s
renowned Kashikari glazed pottery
Specialist lecturer
Diana Driscoll read
ancient Middle East and
Islamic studies at SOAS.
She is an independent
researcher who gives
regular talks at the British
Museum. Her area of
expertise is the Islamic world: religion,
history, culture and languages.
Day 1: London
Fly overnight from London to Lahore via Dubai
or Qatar. (N)
Day 2: Lahore
Arrive in Lahore, Pakistan, and check in at
Faletti’s Hotel. After a rest, proceed to tour
the Shalimar Gardens followed by an evening
lecture and welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Lahore
Enjoy a full day’s sightseeing of Lahore, the
historic capital of both the Mughal Empire
and the Punjab region. Highlights include the
renowned Badshahi Mosque, commissioned
by Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century,
as well as the Royal Fort, one of the finest
examples of Indo-Islamic architecture on
the subcontinent. Visit both the Wazir Khan
Mosque and the Persianate Shahi Hamman
(‘Royal Baths’) which underwent a full
restoration from 2013-2015. (B)
Day 4: Lahore
Morning visit to the tomb of Emperor Jahangir,
the only one of the six major Mughal
emperors to be buried in what is now Pakistan.
Continue to the nearby tomb of his favourite
wife, Nur Jahan, before returning to central
Lahore. In the afternoon, visit the Lahore
Museum, famous in the works of Rudyard
Kipling and home to an array of impressive
Tomb of Emperor Jahangir, Lahore
Mughal artefacts. The day concludes with a
visit to the bustling Anarkali Bazaar, which
dates from the reign of Emperor Akbar the
Great. (B, L)
Day 5: Harappa • Multan
Depart Lahore for the city of Multan. Stop
en route to visit the ancient site of Harappa,
once home to one of the earliest civilisations
on the subcontinent. Arrive in Multan and
visit a workshop where artisans still produce
the city’s famous Kashikari pottery, a style
brought by Mongol invaders from Central Asia.
Continue to your hotel and stay at Faletti’s
Grand Multan for 3 nights. Optional afternoon
excursion to the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam to
see and hear local Sufi musicians perform
their art. (B)
Day 6: Uch Sharif • Multan
This morning, drive to Uch Sharif. Said to have
been founded by Alexander the Great, the city
has long been a stronghold of Islamic rule in
the subcontinent. See the famous Sufi shrines,
including the Tomb of Bibi Jiwandi, which is
currently working towards full UNESCO World
Heritage recognition. At the conclusion of your
tour, return to Multan. (B, L)
Day 7: Multan
Enjoy a morning tour of Multan, including
the city’s key Sufi shrines as well as the Shahi
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