Experience the Real India: FULLY ESCORTED Over 60s Social Tour

Your fare excludes:

Day 1 - 17 March 2025: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi, India's rambunctious capital. You will be met on arrival at Delhi Airport by our local representative. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

• H​otel: Hotel Lemon Tree or Radisson Dwarka

Day 2 - 18 March 2025: Delhi Highlights

After a lavish breakfast head off for a half day city tour of Delhi. New Delhi is a mix of modern and colonial - with elegant pockets of tree-lined boulevards and blinding-white Georgian colonnades. We drive past the presidential palace of Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate - built to commemorate Indian soldiers who died in WWI then stop to visit Raj Ghat - the final resting place of Gandhi. Jama Masjid - it was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656, and inaugurated by its first Imam. Situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (today Old Delhi), it served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the demise of the empire in 1857.

Enjoy a special traditional lunch at Haveli Dharampura. Return to the hotel for some free time to relax prior to dinner at the hotel.

• H​otel: Hotel Lemon Tree or Radisson Dwarka
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - 19 March 2025: Delhi to Agra (205kms / 4hrs drive)

Morning visit Qutub Minar. The Qutub Minar, is a minaret and "victory tower" that forms part of the Qutub complex, which lies at the site of Delhi's oldest fortified city, Lal Kot, founded by the Tomar Rajputs.

Drive to Agra and visit Agra Fort. Begun in 1565 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, this vast red sandstone fort was finished over successive reigns by his grandson and great-grandson. A proper family home, the finished result is 2.5km long and 21m high.

Optional (additional cost):

Evening High Tea overlooking the gorgeous Taj Mahal.

• H​otel: Radisson / Grand Mercure
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - 20 March 2025: Agra Highlights

Early morning we take a memorable, guided sunrise tour of Taj Mahal. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, and while it remains the star of the show, the former capital of the Mughal empire has more imperial treasures in its trove. We then return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast.

L​ater, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri. Renowned as “The City Of Victory”, it was founded by the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Exhibiting a fusion of Hindu, Jain and Islamic style of architecture, this city is built using the red sandstone also called as the “Sikri Sandstone”.

Next we explore Sikandra - a mainly residential area known for the tombs of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wife, Mariam. The 17th-century Tomb of Akbar the Great is an ornate sandstone building inlaid with white marble.

Optional (additional cost)

Kalakriti Dance Show. The only daily live show in India. "Mohabbat The Taj" is based on the story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal's love saga. The 16th century era is portrayed on stage by professional artists with interpretation facilities in 10 foreign languages. The highlight of the show is the biggest replica of Taj Mahal appearing on the stage and a light and sound show mesmerizes you with the Taj in different moods.

• H​otel: Radisson / Grand Mercure
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - 21 March 2025: Agra – Bharatpur – Ranthambore (4hrs road / train journey)

This morning we visit Keoladeo National Park (formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), a famous avifauna sanctuary in Bharatpur that hosts thousands of birds, especially during the winter season. Over 350 species of birds are known to be resident. Later, transfer to railway station to board Kota Janshatabdi Express Train to Ranthambore. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel.

Sawai Madhopur - the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. Slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, the 1,000-year-old crumbling forts and tangled vines provide an Indiana Jones-esque backdrop for spotting India’s elusive Bengal tigers. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool ahead of tomorrow’s safaris.

Optional Excursions (additional cost):

- A guided nature walk or

- A visit to Dastkar to see the stunning handicrafts made by the women of the village in order to support their families.

• H​otel: Pugmark Resort
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - 22 March 2025: Ranthambore

Today we go on a morning and afternoon safari drive in open-sided vehicles. The promise of tigers and leopards are the big cat draw of Ranthambore, we also keep a close watch for the park’s other residents amongst the scattered ruins and lakes - including hyena, sambar, wild boar, water buffalo and crocodile.

• H​otel: Pugmark Resort
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - 23 March 2025: Ranthambore to Jaipur (190kms / 4.5hrs)

Today we drive to one of the points of Rajasthan’s famous Golden Triangle, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. The jewel in Rajasthan’s already be-jewelled crown, the pink-hued archways, bustling bazaars and carved palaces of Jaipur. Arriving mid-morning, the rest of the day is free.

• H​otel: Hotel Indiana Palace or Royal Orchid
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - 24 March 2025: Jaipur full day sightseeing

Early morning gather for a one hour yoga session with the professional trainer.

Today’s tour starts outside Jaipur at the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the Rajput empire. Seemingly carved out of the desert sandstone hillside, the palace complex rises majestically above a mirrored lake. Within the creamy coloured ramparts, we explore a maze of marble-inlaid halls, emerald-green gardens and sunken royal courtyards. Back in Jaipur, we visit City Palace - a royal residence and former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Visit Jantar Mantar. Built in the 1720s, architectural and astronomical accuracy combine to reveal 18 huge stone sculptures, including a 27m-high sundial that can calculate the time to within two seconds. Not bad for a 300-year-old clock. We also drive past Hawa Mahal, ‘The Palace of the Winds’. Built in 1799 so that royal women could watch street processions while in purdah, like tiers on a wedding cake, layer after layer of intricately carved windows create Jaipur’s most recognisable site.

Enjoy a traditional Rajasthan Lunch at a local restaurant.

Optional (additional cost)

Enjoy an Elephant ride at Amer Fort.

• H​otel: Hotel Indiana Palace or Royal Orchid
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 - 25 March 2025: Jaipur to Delhi (250kms / 6hrs)

This morning we make our way to Delhi. In the afternoon visit Humayun Tomb. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Later there is free time to explore Janpath local market.

Enjoy dinner at Café Lota Delhi, a modern Indian restaurant reinventing classic dishes.

• H​otel: Hotel Lemon Tree or Radisson Dwarka
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 - 26 March 2025: Delhi to Varanasi (by domestic flight)

This morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi. Mid afternoon check in to your hotel in Varanasi.

Later, We will go for visiting of Sarnath Temple. it was there that the Buddha began teaching his followers. Sarnath contains a stupa (shrine) called the Dhamek Stupa, which marks the place where the Buddha first taught.

After that enjoy a traditional Satvik. Sarnath is where, circa 528 BCE, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. It is also where the Buddhist sangha first came into existence as a result of the enlightenment of his first five disciples.

• H​otel: Hotel Radisson or Madin or Rivatas
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11 - 27 March 2025: Varanasi

Early morning enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges. The boat ride will pass through various ghats i.e. Man Mandir Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Kedar Ghat.

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Vishwanath Gali. The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The presiding deity is known by the names Vishwanath and Vishweshwara (IAST: Viśvanātha and Viśveśvara), literally meaning Lord of the Universe

L​ater, we return to the hotel for some free time at your leisure.

This afternoon you will do the Heritage walk of Varanasi with a local storyteller guide. You'll stroll through the ancient city's history.

This evening attend Ganga Aarti Ceremony that would remind you of the ancient Vedic Rituals of fire and water.

• H​otel: Hotel Radisson or Madin or Rivatas
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12 - 28 March 2025: Varanasi to Delhi (by domestic flight)

This morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi.

Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel, later free time at own leisure.

• H​otel: Hotel Lemon Tree or Radisson Dwarka
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - 29 March 2025: Delhi to Amritsar (4hr train journey)

This morning, we will take you to the local market, where you can do some shopping or visit the many cafes.

This afternoon transfer to railway station to board Vande Bharat Train to Amritsar. On arrival at Amritsar, transfer to Hotel.

• H​otel: Hotel Hyatt Regency
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - 30 March 2025: Amritsar Highlights

Amritsar is a city of extremes, where resplendent temples and artificial lakes provide moments of serenity and enlightenment amongst the beeping traffic and full-to-bursting bazaars. This morning’s tour takes us to Jallianwalah Bagh, a memorial to commemorate the Indians who died at the hands of British troops during a demonstration in 1919. We also visit a local bazaar and Durgiana Temple, or the Silver Temple - an elaborately carved Hindu temple built in the style of the city’s Golden Temple.

Later, we will take a village tour with lunch.

Late afternoon we travel to the border town of Wagah to see the Changing of the Guard - a military ceremony involving Indian and Pakistan troops that’s taken place each evening since 1959. Attended by hundreds, with loud cheering from both sides of the border, it’s quite the spectacle. This evening, we admire Amritsar’s crowning glory - the gilded domes and mirrored waters of the Golden Temple. The holiest site in the world for Sikhs, we visit a free community kitchen nearby that feeds thousands of pilgrims each day.

• H​otel: Hotel Hyatt Regency
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 15 - 31 March 2025: Amritsar to Delhi (4hr train journey)

Transfer this morning to Amritsar railway station to board Vande Bharat train to Delhi. Later this afternoon we visit Lotus Temple at New Delhi. A Baháʼí House of Worship, dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its lotus-like shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification.

Tonight is our last night together. Celebrate the end of an amazing tour of India at our farewell dinner in the hotel.

• H​otel: Hotel Lemon Tree or Radisson Dwarka
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Day 16 - 1 April 2025: Delhi - Home

You will be transferred from our hotel to Delhi Airport based on your flight departure time. Instructions for check-out and hotel pickup times will be provided by Mohini or our local guides.

Fly home to Australia, arriving the same or the following day.

*Please note the above itinerary is subject to change without notice.

One date only: 17 March - 1 April 2025

• F​rom $4,399 per person twin share
• From $6,199 for solo travellers

Don't want to pay the single supplement? Let us know if you're willing to share accommodation. Our team will endeavor to pair you with another single traveller of the same gender.

Call our team today 1300 414 198 to book. O​ur team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.

N​ote: prices are subject to change without notice.

• Delhi - Hotel Lemon Tree or Radisson Dwarka
• Agra - Radisson or Grand Mercure
• Ranthambore - Hotel Pug Mark Resort
• Jaipur - Hotel Indiana Palace or Royal Orchid
• Varanasi - Hotel Radisson or Madin or Rivatas
• Amritsar - Hotel Hyatt Regency

W​hat are the visa requirements?

You must apply for a visa before arrival. Refer to Smartraveller.gov.au for full details. Check if you're eligible for an e-visa on the Indian Visa Online website. For information regarding other visa categories or entry and exit requirements, see the Indian High Commission in Australia website.  

Indian Tourist e-Visas can be granted for 30 days, one year or five years. Additional conditions regarding the maximum length of stay may apply depending on the nationality shown on your passport. Detailed information regarding your visa validity and the maximum length of stay for each visa category can be found on the Indian Visa Online and Ministry of Home Affairs websites.  

Is March a good time to travel to India?

o​f course, its the shoulder season. Average temperature 20-30 C during the day.

What is the dress code on this tour?

The dress code while on tour is very relaxed; however please note that clothing covering the arms and legs may be more appropriate when visiting religious buildings. Be sure to include your comfortable walking shoes. We suggest smart casual attire for the evenings.

H​ow fit do I need to be for this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is required. Some days on tour will be longer than others. Excursions may require moderate walking at a steady pace, and you might be required to walk further distances, including over mixed terrain and up and down stairs. Wheelchairs or wheelie walkers will not be able to be accommodated on this tour.

H​ow much money should carry for this tour?

Whilst on tour you will need to take enough money to cover the cost of any meals not included in the holiday and for drinks, tipping and other incidentals including shopping and optional activities. We recommend that you have access to more than one source of money while travelling in Asia - bringing some cash, a credit card and an ATM debit card (or travel card) will give you the most security and flexibility. 

Counterfeit cash is a problem throughout Asia, so shop owners and clerks at banks or exchange desks are very cautious and can refuse to accept notes in bad condition. Do not accept any notes that are torn, very faded, a different shade, have ink stamps or writing on them. If you accept the notes or sign the exchange receipt and then notice a problem later, you will not be able to exchange them.

I​s tipping mandatory in India?

T​ipping is not mandatory in India. Its a gesture towards the service provider as a appreciation. We recommend to tip to driver, assistance and the guide.