The Golden Triangle Tour

Arrival in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, India’s exciting yet frenetic capital. A representative will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel, your base for the next couple of nights. Take the afternoon to relax, perhaps reviving in the outdoor pool. This evening you’ll visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh houses of worship. Learn about its community kitchen, where you’ll witness heartwarming scenes of volunteers serving food to hundreds of worshippers. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, getting to know your tour companions over a glass of beer or local wine. Overnight at The Suryaa (or similar).

Things to do:

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Discover India’s Golden Triangle on an escorted small group tour

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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: a glittering beacon of harmony and faith

Delhi

Discover the highlights of India’s capital city on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest mosque in India built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan whose other architectural feats include the legendary Taj Mahal. Drive past the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main seat of the Mughal Empire for 200 years. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, including the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Humayun’s tomb. Your final stop is Qutab Minar where you can witness the illumination of its tower, which was built in the 12th century and is a prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Overnight at The Suryaa (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Uncover Old and New Delhi with a savvy local

Delhi & Agra

Drive south to Agra (approximately 4 hours). The drive gives you the opportunity to chat to your tour guide and learn more about northern India’s culture and history. On arrival in Agra, visit the 16th century Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone monument that houses fairytale palaces, audience halls and two white marble mosques. Overnight at Taj Hotel & Convention Centre (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Contemplating the architectural marvel of Agra Fort

Agra & Jaipur

Rise early for the incredible highlight of your tour – the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching the sunrise at the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the finest pieces of architecture in the world. Be mesmerised by the captivating beauty of this monument to love as it appears to change colour with the changing light and takes on an ethereal pink glow. After breakfast at the hotel, head west to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. Stop en route to see the perfectly preserved deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was founded in 1569 but was abandoned just 16 years later due to a lack of water supply. Approximate journey time: 6 hours. Overnight at Shahpura House (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

A haveli-style hotel with royal flair

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Taj Mahal at sunrise

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Fatehpur Sikri: a city designed for grandeur

Jaipur

This morning explore Jaipur on a sightseeing tour. Visit the City Palace – an exquisite complex of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that also houses a museum and art gallery. Stop to take a photo of the picturesque Palace of the Winds. You’ll also get to visit the Royal Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts the world’s largest stone sundial. In the afternoon, discover the ancient and imposing Amber Fort which sits on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. Wander through its palatial grounds. End the day on a high by enjoying a culinary demonstration with a local family, followed by dinner. Overnight at Shahpura House (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

A haveli-style hotel with royal flair

✓  Included

Experience the magnificence of Amber Fort

✓  Included

Supper on the roof at Ikaki Niwas

Jaipur & Delhi

The morning is free for optional activities before heading back to Delhi (approximately 5.5 hours’ drive). Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon to enjoy a different perspective of the city, high up away from the hustle and bustle below. Alternatively, join a walking tour to discover the architecture of the walled city with a local expert, or explore the temples and havelis of Old Jaipur. Overnight at Vivanta Dwarka (or similar).

Things to do:

Optional

Tour the temples and havelis of old Jaipur

Optional

Discover Jaipur’s architectural treasures on foot

Optional

The hot air balloon ride with a red-carpet arrival

Delhi & Departure

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home, or onward travel.