DAY 1 Delhi
Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel in vibrant Delhi.

Stay at: The Claridges Hotel (5 star)

DAY 2 Delhi
Today’s full sightseeing tour takes you to Old and New Delhi. Explore the winding streets and laneways by cycle rickshaw in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a visit to Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat. Later, drive along the broad Rajpath, known as Kings Way, past India Gate and Parliament House before visiting the Tomb of Humayun and Qutub Minar.

Stay at: The Claridges Hotel (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 Delhi - Agra
This morning, leave Delhi for Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. With your guide you will explore the famous monument of love, a flawless architectural creation built by the emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Later, continue to Agra Fort better known as the Red Fort of Agra, a powerful fortress of red sandstone. The rest of your evening is at leisure to relax or explore the local market in Agra.

Stay at: The Grand Imperial Hotel (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4 Agra – Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur
Early this morning, you will have the opportunity to witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise (optional – to be paid locally). Afterwards, travel to Fatehpur Sikri to explore the fascinating ghost city west of Agra. This UNESCO listed ancient city was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire during the reign of Emperor Akbar who built his new capital here, which included three palaces, one for each of his wives.

Later, drive to the village of Abhaneri to visit the Chand Baori Step Well, built over a thousand years ago. This step well is one of the largest in the world and the most remarkable in India, a fascinating tale of architectural innovation and water management.

Your final destination for today is Jaipur, known as the Pink City, the colourful capital of Rajasthan.

Stay at: Alsisar Haveli Hotel (Heritage property)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 Jaipur
Today’s full day sightseeing tour takes you to Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthan Fort-Palace, which stands tall overlooking the Pink City. Choose to ascend by Jeep or Elephant to reach the inner citadel, where you will find an extensive palace complex, including the magnificent Chamber of a Thousand Mirrors. This afternoon, visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Manta. Lastly, a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as The Palace of Winds.

Stay at: Alsisar Haveli Hotel (Heritage property)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6 Jaipur - Delhi
Return by road to India’s bustling capital Delhi where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Stay at: The Claridges Hotel (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7 Delhi – Shimla
Early morning transfer to the train station for your train to Kalka. In Kalka, board the Himalayan Queen, a narrow-gauge ‘Toy Train’ that will journey along the well-known Kalka-Shimla Railway. Completed in 1903, the scenic journey through mountainous terrain offers dramatic views of the pine covered hills and surrounding villages and is one of the best modes of transport for exploring this area of the Himalayas. Disembark in Solan to continue your journey by car to the quaint hill town of Shimla.

Stay at: Radisson Hotel Jass ( 5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 8 Shimla
Walk through history today with a full day sightseeing of Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj. Showcasing a wide spectrum of old colonial architecture and a glimpse of this town’s glorious history, see the Vice Regal Lodge, Gorton Castle, St. Michael's Cathedral, The Mall, The Ridge and Clarkes Hotel. Spend the evening at the famous Mall Road and The Ridge to explore local handicraft and taste local cuisine.

Stay at: Radisson Hotel Jass ( 5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 Shimla
With a full day to explore the buzzing capital of Himachal Pradesh, you are free to wander at leisure in the traffic-free zone of central Shimla. For a contrast, visit the Lakkar bazaar with its bustling maze-like alleys offering a myriad of wooden handicrafts.

Stay at: Radisson Hotel Jass ( 5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10 Shimla – Chandigarh
After breakfast, drive to Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana states. Your tour includes a visit to the city’s main attraction, the unique Nek Chand Rock Garden. The sculpture garden located near Sukhna Lake was founded by Nek Chand, a former government official who cultivated the garden secretly in his spare time. He kept the eccentric sculptures hidden from the government authorities for 18 years, till 1975. The garden features several interlinked causeways that run along the waterfalls of the Sukhna.

Stay at: Taj Chandigarh (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 11 Chandigarh – Amritsar
Travel to Amritsar, the jewel of Punjab, a state steeped in history, spirituality and vibrant culture. Late this afternoon, travel the short distance to the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan to witness the lowering of the flags ceremony, which takes place each evening before sunset. Also referred to as the ‘Beating Retreat’ border ceremony, this daily military ritual has practiced by both India and Pakistan – the Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers – since 1959. Once a symbol of longstanding rivalry, it is a beacon of hope, cooperation, and fraternity today. Return to Amritsar.

Stay at: Hyatt Regency Amritsar (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12 Amritsar
Visit the iconic Golden Temple, an enormous complex which “floats” in the middle of a large, sacred pool at the end of a causeway. The mesmerising temple is Sikhism’s spiritual and cultural centre, a place where anyone can visit to seek enlightenment and fulfillment without judgement. Amazingly, over 100,000 people visit the Golden Temple Complex daily for many reasons including worship to partaking in the 24 hours a day free communal feasting activity (Languar) where many, if not all participants assist in either preparation, cooking, serving or cleaning as required. Languar is a tradition full of warmth, selfless service and generosity, an experience to remember.

After the temple, visit Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant and solemn reminder of India’s enduring struggle for independence. The public garden marks the site of the notorious massacre of Indians under British rule who had gathered to celebrate Punjabi New Year. After this massacre, Mahatma Ghandi declared “The impossible men of India shall rise and liberate their motherland”, truly a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for freedom.

Stay at: Hyatt Regency Amritsar (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 13 Amritsar - Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back to Delhi where your tour will conclude on arrival in Delhi.

Meals included: Breakfast