ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrive Delhi
Please be in Delhi no later than today. If coming directly from New Zealand or Australia, you are able to connect through Singapore with Singapore Airlines arriving at 5.55am or 8.00pm. If you arrive early, once settled into our hotel, you’ll have free time today to explore the nearby Cottage Industry Emporium (traditional crafts), Tibetan Markets and Connaught Place. Alternatively, just enjoy the hotel, spa and it’s lovely swimming pool. An early night tonight!
Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: No meals included today
DAY 2 Delhi
This morning we will visit the famed Humayun’s Tomb (inspiration for the Taj Mahal) and the Qutab Minar (one of the oldest remaining landmarks in Delhi). We’ll have lunch at Khan Market and you’ll have free time to stroll the shops and boutiques of the area. Don’t miss favourites Faqir Chand Bookstore and Good Earth! Tonight we will enjoy a multi-course dinner hosted by Diwan Gautam Anand, a distinguished hotelier and deipnosophist (a master of dinner-table conversation) at a leading legacy restaurant he helped design in Delhi along with Rushina Munshaw-Ghildiyal, one of India’s leading Culinary Consultants, Chroniclers and Authors. The meal has been designed with each course reflecting an aspect of Delhi’s food history. This will be an absolute treat!
Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 Delhi
This morning we will visit Old Delhi. We will venture inside Jama Masjid Mosque (one of India’s largest), wander through the ‘Wedding Market’, visit bustling Chandhi Chowk on bicycle rickshaw and explore Asia’a largest spice bazaar, Khari Baoli accompanied by Rushina. This is real India energy! You’ll have free time this afternoon…fancy a Bollywood dance class? Maybe a massage? You’re always welcome to join Sarah as she explores things old and new…there’s a lot to do in Delhi! Tonight, we dine at one of the best restaurants in India!
Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 Delhi – Agra
It’s an early start to catch the train to Agra. We’ll arrive mid-morning and after checking in, we will head to the Agra Fort for your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal! After lunch with a view, we’ll visit the famed ‘Baby Taj’ and then get even closer for another fantastic vantage of this incredible symbol of love. Be prepared to be blown away!
Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Agra
Meals: Breakfast (packed)
DAY 5 Agra – Jaipur
This is it…an early morning guided dawn visit to the Taj Mahal. You’ll have the chance to explore the gardens, go inside and hear the fascinating love story behind the most romantic building on earth. After breakfast, we will head out of Agra, stopping to see the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. We will have lunch nearby in an old palace now operating as a hotel and then we are on to Jaipur. We are staying in an old haveli and you’ll have the chance to settle in with free time tonight.
Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6 Jaipur
Today we have a private guided tour of the Amber Fort and the Panna Meena Kund Stepwell. You’ll have free time to explore this wonderful city this afternoon. There’s so many gorgeous local shops and bazaars to explore – handicrafts, jewellery, you name it. Don’t get lost! Tonight there’s the option to do Street Food Walking tour in Jaipur…it’s a lot of fun!
Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 Jaipur
There’s the option to start today with a guided tour to visit the fruit and vegetable market, the chance to see morning pooja (worship), a visit (without the crowds) to the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and taste some local street food breakfast delicacies. After a vigorous start, there’s more free time for continued exploration of Jaipur. How about a visit the City Palace or the Jantar Mantar (stunning observatory). Tonight we’ll do a hands-on cooking class where you will learn about local cuisine, spices and cooking techniques followed by dinner, hosted by an enthusiastic cook and instructor at their home, now operated as a guest house.
Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 Jaipur
More exploration of Jaipur today. Perhaps it’s time to get creative? For those inclined, there’s the option of a fabulous textiles workshop in a nearby village to learn the artwork of traditional block printing from master artisans. How about lunch at an elephant rescue sanctuary? Tonight, for those keen, we’ll have dinner at the fabulous Bar Palladio…you’ll want to move in… it’s stunning!
Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 Jaipur – Ranthambore National Park
This morning we will leave Jaipur and head south to Ranthambore National Park famed for its rugged landscape and Tiger Reserve. Once settled into our accommodation, enjoy the swimming pool, take guided nature or village walk or enjoy the spa! Tonight we will be treated to a private chef’s dinner on the terrace overlooking the pool and garden.
Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10 Ranthambore National Park
It’s an early start today, but with the chance of wildlife sightings! We will do a Tiger Safari in the Ranthambore National Park & Tiger Reserve. We will be travelling in specially-designed open-air jeeps and will be joined by a nature guide and spotter to help us sight tigers! We will return to the hotel for a late breakfast. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the resort. Make the most of the relaxing surroundings.
Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 Ranthambore National Park – Delhi
After breakfast we will head back to Delhi. Tonight we will celebrate our time in India with a final meal together.
Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Delhi Airport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your flight. A morning departure from Delhi back to Singapore (SQ401 Delhi – Singapore) connects with overnight flights to New Zealand or Australia. Alternatively, talk to Sarah about trip extensions – maybe a couple of days in Goa on the beach or exploring the palaces of Udaipur?
Meals: Breakfast
Together, we will visit charming Delhi, Agra – home to the Taj Mahal, colourful Jaipur and venture into the Rajasthani wilderness in search of tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Stunning sights (and sites), superb eating and incredible adventures…be immersed in a world of constant contrast! This is the perfect tour to get a real taste of India with unique foodie experiences coordinated especially for this group by local culinary experts!
