Classic India

Experience the real flavour of this fascinating country in depth. This tour reveals the major influences that shaped the India’s colourful and multi-cultural history. Visit varied and dramatic settings – see forts and the most sacred of ancient sites.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Heathrow/Delhi
Overnight non-stop Virgin Atlantic flight from Heathrow to Delhi.

Day 2 - Heathrow/Delhi
Arrive into metropolitan Delhi and you will be met and transferred to your chosen city hotel as you get your first glimpse at this bustling gateway to India.

Day 3 - Delhi
After breakfast leave for a tour of New Delhi, reflecting the legacy the British left behind. Move on to tour Imperial Delhi, visiting Humayun’s tomb. See the contrast between contemporary New Delhi and Old Delhi as you proceed to Old Delhi. Begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past Red Fort and continue to Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest Mosques. After a busy day sightseeing return to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 4 - Delhi/Jaipur
After breakfast, embark upon the journey to Jaipur (6hrs) with a lunch stop en-route at Samode Palace. See the magnificent countryside of Rajasthan, a kingdom steeped in history. The ‘City of Victory’ Jaipur presides over a fascinating desert state. (B,L)

Day 5 - Jaipur
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out of Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. The Fort surrounded by fortified battlements overlooks the Moat Lake. In the afternoon tour Jaipur. Among the highlights included is the City Palace, a complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards. Return to the hotel after your days sightseeing. (B)

Day 6 - Jaipur-Agra
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a journey to Agra (6hrs) stopping en-route for lunch at a heritage site before continuing to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri – your chance to see the deserted red sandstone city. Arrive into Agra and proceed to what may be the highlight of your tour – a stunning sunset tour of the Taj Mahal. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 7 - Agra
After breakfast embark upon a tour of Agra Fort, for years the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and Royal Pavillions. In the afternoon visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the most beautiful tomb of Mirza Ghiyath Beg, the first building to be constructed of pure marble in Moghul India. Return to your hotel afterwards. (B)

Day 8 - Agra / Khajuraho
After breakfast you are met and transferred to the Agra railway station for your train departing for Jhansi at approximately 08.00 arriving 10.25. At Jhansi you are met and embark on the rewarding journey to Khajuraho. In the evening visit the magical Eastern temples before overnight. (B)

Day 9 - Khajuraho / Varanasi
After breakfast leave for a half-day tour of the Western Temples. In the early afternoon catch a flight to Varanasi at 13.30. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Varanasi, the Hindu City, stands on the banks of the holy river Ganges, a city of more than a thousand temples and shrines. (B)

Day 10 - Varanasi
Early morning visit the Ghats to enjoy a morning boat ride to honour the rising sun. Return to the hotel for buffet breakfast after the tour hen leave for a half-day excursion of Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave is first Sermon. Return to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon relaxing. (B)

Day 11 - Varanasi / Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel before catching your flight to Delhi at 4:40. On arrival transfer to your chosen Delhi hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 12 - Delhi / Heathrow
Overnight non-stop Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow. alternatively onwards to your chosen beach destination.

Supplements (per person per tour): Room supplements available on request. Single room supplement available on request.

What’s Included:

• Services of an English-speaking local guide during excursions
• All site entrance fees while touring as appropriate
• Air-conditioned transport
• Meals included as detailed – Breakfast (B)

What’s not Included:

Optional excursions, tips for the guide or driver.