Taj Express
Experience the richness of Indian culture on this classic tour of India's Golden Triangle. Kick off in Delhi, both old and new. Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra and the stunning Pink City of Jaipur. Combine this with a night at a Maharaja's Palace and you have the perfect one week Indian adventure.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi
Day 1 Delhi
Saturday. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Day 2 Old & New Delhi
Day 2 Old & New Delhi
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a group Namaste dinner for departures in 2024. Please note there is no dinner included for departures in 2025.
Day 3 Taj Mahal
Day 3 Taj Mahal
This morning, we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most renowned monument. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, this iconic white marble mausoleum is an unparalleled symbol of love and devotion, standing as one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world. Be sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of photos!
Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, we’ll journey to the impressive Agra Fort. This massive red sandstone fortress houses some of India's most exquisite Mughal buildings, all safeguarded behind its towering fortified walls. It’s a site rich with history and grandeur, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Mughal era.
Day 4 Karauli or Dholpur
Day 4 Karauli or Dholpur
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning we journey to either Karauli or Dholpur breaking for lunch en route.
In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Please note: Lunch will be included in 2024. Please note there is no lunch included for departures in 2025, instead you will have time to enjoy lunch at your own expense.
Day 5 Jaipur
Day 5 Jaipur
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Day 6 Jaipur sightseeing
Day 6 Jaipur sightseeing
Jaipur. Enjoy an unforgettable experience early this morning with an optional balloon ride over Jaipur. Sail with the wind over the surrounding region and pass above hill-top forts and regal palaces. Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 7 Return to Delhi
Day 7 Return to Delhi
Jaipur - Delhi. Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world’s largest Hindu temple.
Day 8 Delhi
Day 8 Delhi
Saturday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Set in the heart of one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Delhi, the Park Inn by Radisson offers a comfortable stay in India’s bustling capital. With contemporary guestrooms which feature en suite bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. Enjoy al fresco dining and drinks at the 24-hour RBG Bar & Grill, which serves tasty traditional Indian fare and international cuisine. After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind with a swim in the hotel's sparkling pool or work up a sweat in the fitness centre. Ideally located just 20 minutes from the airport and a short walk from a metro station, it's easy to reach popular sites such as the Lotus Temple, India Gate and Connaught Place.
Best Western Maharani Bagh New Delhi offers comfortable accommodation amidst serene surroundings. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant on-site. Services including a 24-hour front desk, room service, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property add to the convenience. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with some rooms featuring a balcony for added relaxation. Guests will also find amenities such as a wardrobe and a kettle, ensuring a comfortable stay at Best Western Maharani Bagh New Delhi.
The stylish Royale Regent hotel offers views of the magnificent Taj Mahal from its rooftop pool, so guests can gaze at this World wonder while sipping on a cocktail and retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can also enjoy an array of flavours in the onsite garden or mutli-cuisine restaurant.
Experience the best of Agra's offerings at Royale Sarovar Portico, located just a 10-minute drive from the iconic Taj Mahal. Indulge in rejuvenating massages or pampering manicures and pedicures. Enjoy delectable meals at Hibiscus, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Unwind in the outdoor pool, socialize at the bar/lounge, or stay active at the fitness center. With free Wi-Fi throughout the property, this upscale property offers massage services, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center for a fulfilling stay.
Built in 1938, this stunning property is the residence of the Maharaja (181st in the Royal Dynasty) and Maharani of Karauli. Both the architecture and furniture have been designed in fitting with colonial styles and the property offers a fantastic insight into the history and elegance of a bygone era. The property offers deluxe rooms and luxury suites, each including a range of modern amenities such as a mini bar, a well-appointed ensuite and a plush king-sized bed. In the evenings, guests can tuck into an array of regional specialties as well as international cuisine in the hotel's restaurant.
With vibrant history and a rich heritage, Dholpur Palace also known as Raj Niwas Palace, is a mesmerizing journey back in time. Once home to generations of Royals, this converted palace still reflects the magnificence of the Rajasthani architecture of that era. Guest rooms offer a refreshing mix of Indian heritage and modern facilities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a mini bar. Set in 13 acres of garden, the Palace grounds are full of peacock and bird life that nip over from the National Chambal Sanctuary nearby.
Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Radisson Hotel Jaipur City Centre is the perfect base for travelers touring India's famed Golden Triangle. Located centrally in Jaipur, the hotel is close to various forts, palaces and bazaars that the Pink City is renowned for. All guest rooms offer air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, kettle, a desk, seating areas and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a satisfying continental breakfast buffet at Mosiac, one of four on-site restaurants. Additionally, boasts a business center, a gym and spa, steam room and a relaxing rooftop pool where guests are free to unwind.
Tour Reviews
Tour was really enjoyable, and the guide (Yusuf) was excellent, the information he gave us about the places we saw, the country, the people, the culture and history was fabulous and made the tour. Agra and Jaipur were great to see, interesting and impressive, but Delhi was under-served
Yusuf was a very friendly, intelligent and well spoken man. Considering English is his second language he was easily understood. He told us he has been working as a guide for many years, he did say the number but I have forgotten, I suppose the years in the business has also educated him
The tour guide, Yusuf was very knowledgeable, witty and easy to get along with. He obviously enjoyed his job and was always handy with many interesting facts about the places we visited. I would highly recommend him.
Our tour was sooo good, very enjoyable a bit of a culture shock but with our fantastic guide Yusuf we settle into the rhythm very quickly. We could not have asked for a better guide he is a very knowledgeable polite helpful man.
Our tour was sooo good, very enjoyable a bit of a culture shock but with our fantastic guide Yusuf we settle into the rhythm very quickly. We could not have asked for a better guide he is a very knowledgeable polite helpful man.
Extras and add-ons
Delhi Morning Cycle
This add-on can be booked in conjunction with any group tour, city break and private tour that visits Delhi, and is offered on Saturday mornings.Experience a different side of Old Delhi with an early morning bike ride. Heading out before the city awakens, we discover hidden gems on two wheels before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.
Backstreets of Delhi
Explore the vibrant and colourful streets of Old Delhi on this walking tour that takes you to some of the most famous and delicious spots in the city. This tour is the perfect way to experience the authentic, diverse cuisine and culture of Old Delhi.
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