Premium India

Trip Type: Explorer
India | 11 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 5,256.00 /Person

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Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion, cultural heritage and spirituality come together. On this 11-day Premium adventure, you’ll disco...

Premium India

Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion, cultural heritage and spirituality come together. On this 11-day Premium adventure, you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, see the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, savour the many flavours of Lucknow cuisine and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi on a sunrise cruise. A local leader will bring the magic of India to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, you’ll discover the cultural heart of India through Exclusive Experiences, incredible accommodation and local interaction.

Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Delhi. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.

To get your bearings in Old Delhi, start the day with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

It’s time to head south to Agra. After a scenic four-hour drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Intrigued? Your Taj Mahal guide will illuminate its fascinating history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. You’re likely familiar with North Indian cuisine (butter chicken anyone?), and tonight, your local expert will take you to unknown places on a street food tour. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India for dinner tonight, where you’ll visit hyperlocal eateries that most tourists never get to see.

Start the day with a visit to Agra Fort – widely considered one of the finest-looking forts in India. Learn how Akbar built a fortress and prison out of red sandstone in 1565, and then Shah Jahan converted and added to the fort to transform it into a palace. After, you’ll journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan – for your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, exudes the charm of a traditional family home while showcasing opulent touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets and wander bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. Conclude the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.

Another day, another fort – but this time it’s Amber Fort, the crown jewel of Jaipur. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the striking City Palace – a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Havelis are royal mansions that were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which exist across the city today. You’ll meet the owner of a haveli for a tour of the property as he shares photos and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying east to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon orientation walk to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. This evening, join your group for dinner at a very special establishment – a restaurant that supports and empowers acid attack survivors. These courageous women, once too scared to leave their homes due to the physical and emotional scars of their attacks, have found refuge and a source of income through their work at the cafe.

Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable local. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home! For dinner, maybe try to find somewhere serving Tunday Kebabi (a Lucknow delicacy that allegedly contains 160 spices).

It’s an early start today, but for good reason – no trip to India is complete without a scenic train ride. The journey to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the countryside, all from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony – an experience that will surely be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over.

Early risers, this one’s for you – embark on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river while gliding past the many ghats and temples on its banks. After, decide your own schedule before coming together again at Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features several stupas and museums to explore.

It’s the penultimate day today and time to return to Delhi. When you land, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities you wish to do before your final dinner as a group. You’ll head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a historical setting – the perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Delhi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Meals
10 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Transport
Auto rickshaw , Boat , Cycle rickshaw , Metro , Plane , Private vehicle , Train

Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Delhi - Welcome dinner
  • Old Delhi City Tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
  • Agra - Agra Fort Visit
  • Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Jaipur - Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • Lucknow - Orientation Walk
  • Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
  • Lucknow City Tour
  • Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
  • Orientation Walk in Varanasi
  • Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
  • Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Sarnath Museum Visit
  • Sarnath Stupa Visit
  • Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
  • Discover the beauty in the buildings that lie across the north of India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour led by a local expert in Agra and a homecooked meal hosted by a Brahmin family in Jaipur.
  • Delve deeper into culinary mastery with a cooking class in Lucknow, the region capital renowned for its rich flavours.
  • Spend two unforgettable evenings at your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur. The heritage hotel has been in the same family since its opening in 1928 and offers opulent details and warm, friendly service.
  • Visit a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, then cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians – two Exclusive Experiences you can only find on a Premium adventure.
  • In the summer months, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection. There are several early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really come alive in the dawn light. It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.

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Price: NZD 6,075.00

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NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

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NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

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NZD 6,190.00 NZD 5,571.00

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NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

Price:
NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

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NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

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NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

Price:
NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

Price:
NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,190.00 NZD 5,571.00

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NZD 6,810.00 NZD 6,129.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,305.00 NZD 5,675.00

Price:
NZD 5,840.00 NZD 5,256.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

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NZD 6,000.00 NZD 5,400.00

Price: NZD 7,200.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00

Price:
NZD 6,685.00 NZD 6,017.00

Price:
NZD 6,075.00 NZD 5,467.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
HHPG
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Delhi, India
Trip Finishes:
Delhi, India
Countries Visited:
India
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Destination Details
India | 11 Days | 1 - 12 People

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