This exciting adventure takes you through the northern hill stations of the Himalayas to the fantastical, iconic Golden Triangle of Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi, immersing you in North Indian culture.
Morning Yoga in the Himalaya's - In the birthplace of yoga, start the day with an invigorating morning practice and meditation session with a master, in the spectacular surroundings of the Himalayan foothills.
Golden Temple Kitchens - Visit the Golden Temple's 'langar', the kitchen that feeds up to 100,000 people a day for free! Meet the volunteers who prepare and cook the food and watch them making thousands of chapatis by hand.
Border Closing Ceremony - Travel to the border of India and Pakistan to witness the border closing ceremony, a display of fantastically over the top showmanship that involves speed marching, high kicks and stomps, all cheered on by the crowd of locals and tourists alike.
Delhi (2N+1N+1N) - Amritsar (2N) - Dharamsala (3N) - Shimla (2N) - Agra (1N), Jaipur (2N)
Day 1: Fly To Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Discover Delhi
Take a full day to explore India's vibrant capital. Starting in Old Delhi, embark on a rickshaw ride to the Khari Baoli spice market where you'll learn about local herbs and spices, and visit Jama Masjid. Cross into New Delhi to view the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, finishing the day at Humayun's Tomb.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Train To Amritsar
Transfer to Delhi station and hop on a train travelling north to Amritsar. Head to the close by India-Pakistan border to watch the elaborate border closing ceremony with its fantastically over-the-top showmanship.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Explore Amritsar
Enjoy a heritage walk of the city, taking in local markets and temples including Jallianwalla Bagh. Visit the Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib – the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith. Built in the 16th-century, its dome is richly gilded in shimmering gold. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity and walk around the sacred waters of Amrit Sarovar. Return to the temple this evening to experience Palki Sahib, an atmospheric ceremony accompanied by drums and hymns.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Travel To Dharamshala
Ascend into the Himalayas to Dharamshala, a former British hill station that has become the home of the Tibetan Government in exile. This afternoon, visit the Tibetan Library and the Tibetan Medical Institute.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Explore Dharamshala
Start the day at Bhagsunag, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva before exploring Mcleodganj, a town with a distinctly Tibetan feel. Explore the town, visiting Buddhist temples and local markets, and popping into the Dalai Lama Temple and the Tibetan Museum.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Yoga Experience
Start the day with a yoga and meditation session. Continue your explorations at the Kangra State Museum and St John's Church. Enjoy a demonstration of how to cook local dishes before spending some time at the Norbulingka Institute. A major centre for Buddhist learning, it also works to preserve Tibet's cultural heritage.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Travel To Shimla
Drive to Shimla. On arrival enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Toy Train
All aboard the famous Toy Train, a World Heritage railway built in 1903. This is one of India's most scenic train journeys, where you can admire spectacular views as you wind your way down from the mountains. Return to Shimla by car. This afternoon visit Jakhoo Temple, which sits at the highest point of the city, offering amazing views. Continue to the Himachal State Museum and enjoy a walking tour of Mall Road, Shimla's main street constructed during British colonial rule.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Shimla To Delhi
Visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Transfer to Kalka to board the train to Delhi where your afternoon and evening will be at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Agra Fort
Travel to Agra by road. On arrival, admire the colossal Agra Fort, built by the Mughals in the mid-1500s. The evening is at leisure in Agra.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Taj Mahal
Wake early to see the sun rise over India's most iconic sight. At dawn, when the crowds are at their thinnest, the Taj Mahal is often swathed in mist and tinged pink by the rising sun – a magical sight. Depart Agra for Jaipur, stopping en route to admire the symmetrical beauty of the Chand Baori stepwell. Arrive in the 'Pink City' and visit the City Palace and the fascinating Jantar Mantar observatory.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Explore Jaipur
Start with a photo stop this morning at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before visiting the spectacular Amber Fort. Stop at a craft centre to watch artisans at work, block printing and carpet weaving. Before dinner you will have a cooking demonstration.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Return To Delhi
Return to Delhi by road. This evening sit down to a final group dinner and a Kathak Dance performance.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 15-16: Fly Delhi To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
The Park Hotel - New Delhi, India
The Park Hotel, New Delhi, highly rated among the luxury five star hotels in Delhi is situated in the heart of the city centre's entertainment hub - Connaught Place. The hotel boasts luxurious and stylish en-suite rooms fitted with modern amenities, and access to indulgent restaurants, a day gym, spa and salon.
Holiday Inn - Amritsar, India
Located in the commercial district in Amritsar with major tourist attractions a short distance away.
The Pride Surya Mountain Resort - Dharamsala, India
The Pride Surya Mountain Resort, is perfectly located just a short walk from the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and Kalachakra Temple in Dharamsala. The resort boasts comfortable rooms fitted with a range of amenities, and access to a restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.
Woodville Palace Hotel - Shimla, India
Escape to the heart of nature, as the Woodville Palace Hotel is surrounded by 4 acres of greenery. Guests staying at this hotel will also have the Himalayas at their doorstep, making for an unforgettable experience. Accommodation is inspired by 1930's art decor with each room boasting it's own unique character. The Woodville Palace Hotel also offers a range of facilities, including a bar and lounge area, restaurant as well as recreational facilities such as table tennis and horseback riding.
Clarks Shiraz - Agra, India
Overlooking the Taj and Agra Fort, The 5* Hotel Clarks Shiraz, is located 2 km from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of Agra. Spread over 8 landscaped acres, the hotel comprises of 237 fully renovated en-suite rooms, with modern amenities including a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and minibar.The hotel also offers an array of delicious cuisine, ranging from Mughlai, Continental, and Chinese at its various restaurants.
Ramada Jaipur - Jaipur, India
Located within the city centre and a short 15-minute drive from Jaipur Railway Station, the 4* Ramada Jaipur is a modern hotel featuring a range of amenities, including a mini-bar and coffee maker. Leisure time can be spent relaxing at the rooftop outdoor pool, gym or spa. Other facilities include a restaurant servicing flavours from around the world as well as delicious barbecue and grilled dishes served at the roof top grill.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.