Beyond the Golden Triangle

Your exciting adventure begins with a flight to Delhi.

When you arrive in Delhi, we will drive you to your comfortable hotel for lunch. Afterwards, you are free to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities. Maybe take a dip in the swimming pool or sip a refreshing drink at the bar – the choice is yours.
We’ll get together later for a welcome drink before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

We’ll start our sightseeing in earnest today, beginning on foot in the 17th-century walled city of Old Delhi. We’ll stroll around the street bazaar of Chandni Chowk and admire the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque. You’ll then climb aboard a rickshaw and ride through the city’s maze of crowded streets and bustling markets to see the spectacular sandstone exterior of the Red Fort.
Next, we’ll step inside the poignant Gandhi Smriti Museum, located in the house where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and the place of his assassination. A sightseeing tour will then introduce us to New Delhi, a spacious, imperial city created by the British in 1911. We'll drive through elegant boulevards to see the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both grand reminders of the city's colonial past. We'll also see Humayun's Tomb, which was built in 1570 and is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal, and visit the soaring sandstone tower, Qutub Minar.
Later we’ll drive to Agra and have dinner at the hotel this evening.

Get ready to experience one of the highlights of your holiday – a visit to the incredible Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, is one of the world's most glorious sights. Watch in awe as the sun rises over its white marble walls and enjoy some leisure time to take in this magnificent monument's beauty.
After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll head to the mighty Agra Fort, the palatial red-sandstone fortification where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son. Our sightseeing then takes us to the Itmad ud Daulah tomb, the first monument in India built entirely from marble. Known as the 'Baby Taj', we’ll admire its exquisitely carved marble lattice screens. Then it’s on to our final stop of the day, Mehtab Bagh. At this centuries-old garden complex, we’ll get a fabulous view of the Taj Mahal from the other side of the Yamuna River.
If you would like to enjoy an evening out, there's the option to watch a performance of Mohabbat the Taj, about Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife. With a spectacular set, colourful costumes, upbeat songs and dancing, it is the perfect end to your day.

Our first stop today is at the deserted, fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri. A fine example of Mughal architecture, its highlights include a huge mosque and an array of palaces and pavilions.
Later, you can sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we make our way to Ranthambore.

A thrilling day lies ahead, with not just one but two safaris in Ranthambore National Park, said to be the best game reserve in India. On morning and afternoon game drives we'll make our way through thick forest, where pretty waterfalls provide the perfect habitat for more than 300 species of birds. Our knowledgeable Local Guide will help you to spot other residents of the park, including crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and more. Keep your fingers crossed for a sighting of the elusive tiger, or the even rarer leopard.

This morning we’ll drive to our next hotel. We’ll have lunch when we arrive and then the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps you’ll head out and explore the surrounding area, take a stroll or simply relax by the pool.
Later, we’re going to enjoy a barbecue dinner, complete with a bonfire, musicians and traditional folk dancers.

As we take to the road this morning, we have the famous 'Pink City' of Jaipur in our sights. It’s the capital of Rajasthan and as we approach, we’ll see its fabulous pink and ochre-coloured buildings set amongst barren hills.
We'll get our bearings on a guided tour, which includes a visit to the City Palace, an impressive array of courtyards, gardens and regal buildings. The palace is also home to a museum that boasts a fine collection of Mughal treasures including paintings, carpets and silverware. Next, we’ll drive past the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds. This pyramid-shaped building is adorned with ornate lattice-covered windows where the ladies of the court could stand unseen, watching over the city.
You’ll then have time to browse the colourful ceramics and textiles in the Old Town's bustling markets before enjoying a glass of lassi. This traditional drink is made by blending water, yoghurt, spices and sometimes fruit.

Your day begins with a short drive to the marvellous Amber Fort, a sprawling 17th-century stronghold which sits on a hilltop overlooking the desert. We'll step inside to see its highlights, which include the eerie Temple of Kali and the enchanting Hall of Pleasures. You’ll also see the jewel-like Palace of Mirrors, a beautiful hall where the walls, ceilings and columns are completely covered in tiny pieces of sparkling glass.
Later, we’ll drive back to Delhi and dinner will be served at our hotel this evening.

After breakfast, we'll drive you to the airport for your return flight to the UK. As you are travelling westwards, you will arrive later the same day.