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India's Golden Triangle and Varanasi

India’s Golden Triangle has earnt itself legendary status and for good reason, with the frenetic backstreets of Delhi, the glittering palaces of Agra and the rose-tinted buildings of Jaipur among the key lures. This 12-day tour combines the enchanting trio with historic Lucknow and sacred Varanasi, offering plenty of off-the-track experiences along the way – from cycling with the Taj Mahal in the distance to tea with a Nawab, street food excursions to tours of Bollywood.

Tour type Itinerary

Duration 7 nights

Min price range p/p

£2,875 - £3,495pp including international flights

Recommended itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy in the capital. Formed from what were once seven separate cities, today Delhi is a vibrant metropolis with a string of impressive sights, from the Red Fort to the elaborate Jama Masjid Mosque. Choose from a range of optional local experiences, including a night tour of Old Delhi to see its bazaars in a different light. Overnight at Haveli Dharampura.

Day 2

Delhi

Enjoy a full day in the city today. If you’re feeling energetic, opt for a Delhi by Dawn tour to see the city come alive in the early hours. Alternatively, you might opt for a culinary tour with a local food expert, take a rickshaw ride round Old Delhi’s higgledy-piggledy lanes, embark on a photography excursion to capture the city’s spice markets and bazaars, or try a hands-on cooking lesson with a local family. Otherwise, head out to explore this captivating city on your own terms. Overnight at Haveli Dharampura.

Day 3

Delhi & Jaipur

After breakfast, transfer by private car to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Painted rose to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria in 1876, this striking walled city is home to several colourful temples, as well as the famous Amber Fort. Explore independently or choose to head out on an optional experience, ranging from an optional walking tour of Old Jaipur’s haveli homes and temples to a cooking lesson at a local 19th-century homestay. Overnight at Samode Haveli.

Day 4

Jaipur

Continue your explorations in Jaipur today. Embark on an optional architectural walking tour, take to the skies on a hot-air balloon flight, visit a local village and school or take a tour of the impressive Amber Fort – a sprawling, UNESCO-listed palace, built from sandstone in the 16th century on a hill overlooking the city. Overnight at Samode Haveli.

Day 5

Jaipur & Agra

Travel to Agra this morning to see one of India’s true bucket-list sites – the Taj Mahal. Set on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire until Emperor Shah Jahan shifted it to Delhi, and traces of its imperial history remain in much of its architecture today. Spend the day exploring at leisure or opt for a heritage-themed tour to learn more about the women of the Mughal dynasty. Overnight at Ekaa Villa.

Day 6

Agra & Lucknow

Set the alarm early this morning for an optional sunrise visit to see Agra’s crowning glory, the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his late wife, this marble masterpiece is best seen at dawn, when the sky turns peach above its elaborate domes. Wander the gardens to admire its architecture before exploring the interiors, inlaid with semi-precious stones and inscriptions. Afterwards, opt for a guided walking tour through Old Agra with a hosted family lunch, or choose a cycling trip to explore local villages on two wheels. Later you’ll be transferred to the historic city of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. Overnight at Saraca Hotel Lucknow.

Day 7

Lucknow

Lucknow was the centre of the Nawabs – or viceroys – in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today you’ll get to meet the present Nawab in a special included experience. After a traditional greeting, you’ll be introduced to the Nawab and his family over tea and local delicacies to learn more about the culture, art and history of this intriguing city. Overnight at Saraca Hotel Lucknow.

Day 8

Lucknow & Varanasi

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lucknow station to catch the train to Varanasi. Set on the banks of the Ganges, this is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s also a key pilgrimage centre for Hindus, with more than 3,000 temples and shrines scattered across the streets. Enjoy an afternoon in the city before embarking on a fascinating ‘death and rebirth night walk’. Here you’ll visit sacred ponds before stopping at the Ashram of the Aghor to learn more about the renunciants who meditate in the cremation grounds and are known for their controversial rituals. Overnight at Brijrama Palace.

Day 9

Varanasi

Continue exploring Varanasi today, with several optional experiences available; embark on an early-morning boat ride along the Ganges to see its waters glimmer gold at dawn or discover the lesser-visited northern side of the city. Alternatively, head off on a street food tour to sample traditional Varanasi snacks such as bathi choka (a chickpea-infused bread served with chutney). Overnight at Brijrama Palace.

Day 10

Varanasi & Mumbai

Transfer to Varanasi airport today and fly to Mumbai, where you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city of 20 million, famous for its Bollywood scene and home to a melting pot of cultures. Opt for a culinary tour sampling local street food or wander at your own pace. Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace.

Day 11

Mumbai

Make the most of your final day this morning with an optional dawn tour to see Mumbai and its markets come alive. Alternatively, choose to explore the city’s Bollywood scene on an excursion to local production houses, or explore the city independently. Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace.

Day 12

Mumbai & Departure

The tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward connection.

Not ready to head home?

The Maldives

If some down time after your India trip is on the agenda then the Maldives is the ultimate beach escape. each of our handpicked resorts is on its own private island and these aren't as similar as you might expect. Some are rustic retreats while others are cool and contemporary, and most are surrounded by a coral rich reef. We can help pair you with the island that suits you best.

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