India In Style (12 days)
Nowhere does indulgence quite like India. This short and very relaxed tour showcases the absolute best that India has to offer in luxury heritage accommodation, covering all the big hitting destinations of Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle in comfort and style. Hotel highlights include the audacious Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, the legendary Lake Palace in Udaipur, and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to finish. It’s not all about accommodation though: a full programme of immersive sightseeing is included, allowing you to soak up all the charm of India’s premier destinations in the company of expert local guides. At just the 12 days this tour is ripe for tailoring: perhaps extending to include time with tigers in Ranthambore National Park, working in an upmarket rural property to see a quieter side to Rajasthani life, or adapting to an unforgettable honeymoon by mixing in some quieter boutique hotel options.
Guide Price
From £6,985 per person based on a shared room for departures in March.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: BA257 London Heathrow - Delhi 18.55 - 08.50 + 1
Meet & greet, transfer to hotel: Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival in Delhi by a local representative and introduced to your private driver. Together they will and take you to the nearby Aerocity complex to check in.
Time to recover: Once arrived and checked in you have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax after your long flight.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Imperial (Heritage Room)

Guided tour of Old & New Delhi This morning meet up with your guide and set out to explore Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Its construction started in 1644 and it ended up the final act of architectural extravagance of legendary ruler Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Head outside the mosque and into the surrounding bazaars (closed on Sundays), which can be explored on foot or by rickshaw. Here you can witness centuries-old arts and crafts, where present owners may be of the 6th or 7th generation to ply the family trade. There are many typical and fascinating businesses here, including a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You may also saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. Move on to the Khari Baoli, which is all about spices, and where dealers of rice, dal, dry fruits, nuts, and saffron have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market and at this point you may want to stop for lunch (payable locally).
In the afternoon you will explore New Delhi taking in Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and a drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is yet another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned sandstone and marble structure served as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73 m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of the nearby mosque, at the centre of which is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D). Round out the day with a drive or walk through Lutyens’ New Delhi, taking in the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House), and Parliament House. After the sightseeing you will return to the hotel for some time at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Delhi to Agra: After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and head south from Delhi on the Yamuna Express Toll Road to Agra, a journey of approximately 3 ½ hours. On arrival check straight into your hotel.
Guided tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal: After checking in you will be taken for a tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj Mahal took place in the famous Agra Fort. Construction of the Fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, with embellishments continually added until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals, and with its red sandstone wash Agra Fort is a striking partner to the Red Fort in Delhi.
The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity', and is an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is its blend of grandeur: a massive overall design, matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Coated in shimmering white marble, the Taj is a mirror of daylight conditions and in the late afternoon it is bathed in delicate hues of amber and cream, giving way to a rich golden red as the sun falls. After time to look around and take pictures you will return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Oberoi Amarvilas (Premier Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Jaipur, via Fatehpur Sikri: After breakfast set off on the drive to Jaipur. A straight journey will take approximately 3-4 hours, but you will stop en route to visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, this citadel of grand courts, palaces, mosques and gardens once rivalled the splendours of Delhi and Agra. Unfortunately destiny had other things in store: shortage of water, compounded by local unrest, forced Akbar to abandon the city only 13 years after its completion. However, even today after the passage of 400 years, the magnificence of this royal city has not faded and remains immaculately preserved. After the sightseeing you will continue on to Jaipur, arriving mid-afternoon. Check in and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Oberoi Rajvilas (Premier Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Jaipur: Start today with a visit to Jaipur’s intriguing milk market, where dairy farmers from across the region congregate to trade on a wholesale basis. Observe the intriguing ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk, and take a front row seat as negotiations unfold. Afterwards continue to Amber Fort – a stunning fort which holds a hilltop position above the city. ‘Amer’ was the former capital of Jaipur state; construction of this key fort began in 16th century, with embellishments continually added by successive rulers. A comprehensive look around the Fort should include the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens.
In the afternoon you will continue uncovering Jaipur’s highlights with visits to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory) and a drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Moving on to Jantar Mantar, this medieval observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which were used to calculate astronomical and astrological events. Each of these structures were built following relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Finally, you will take a quick look at Hawa Mahal. Constructing in 1799, the Palace of Winds is a landmark of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. The five-storey structure, built to enable the women of the harem to observe of the comings and goings of the outside world, without being seen themselves. After the sightseeing return to your hotel to relax.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Oberoi Rajvilas (Premier Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Jaipur to Jodhpur: This morning you will set out on the long drive to Jodhpur. The journey will take around 6 hours but will be punctuated with rest stops and a lunch break (payable locally). On arrival in Jodhpur you will be transferred straight to your hotel to check in and relax.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (Palace Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Jodhpur: This morning you will join a private guide on a tour Jodhpur. Begin, where else, with a comprehensive tour of Mehrangarh: the icon of Jodhpur, among the largest forts in India, unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur. Within the walls of the fort are packed innumerable palaces, sprawling courtyards, look-outs, galleries, and intricate stonework. There are also well-kept collections of weapons, instruments, palanquins, costumes and furniture. After ample time to explore the Fort you will drop down to visit the 19th Century royal cenotaph Jaswant Thada, This intricate marble memorial sits on the shores of a pretty lake just north of Mehrangarh. It was built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and still serves as cremation grounds for the Marwar royal family.
You then have the option of taking a fascinating walking tour through the Blue City – the oldest part of town, a maze of tight streets sprawling around the Eastern base of Mehrangarh - before heading on to the vibrant clock tower market. This is the commercial heart of Jodhpur, where one finds everyday items ferociously traded, along with more intricate treasures such as silver, textiles, and handicrafts.
After your sightseeing you will return to the hotel to relax and enjoy the many facilities.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (Palace Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Jodhpur to Udaipur with sightseeing en-route: This morning you will set out on the drive to Udaipur. The journey will take around 5 hours with a stop to see the impressive Ranakpur Temples along the way.
One of the biggest and the most important Jain temples in India, the beautiful Ranakpur complex is well worth a visit if you are anywhere near Jodhpur or Udaipur. Built in the 15th century, the Ranakpur Temples are very well preserved and one of the most holy places for Jain pilgrimage. These temples lie in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali Range. The main temple, dating back to 1439, is called the Chaumukha Temple or the “Four-faced temple” and is dedicated to Adinath — the first of the Jain teachers. Beautiful sculpture and grand structures mark the glory of this place. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 carved pillars, none of which are alike. The play of light and shade on the minutely curved figures leaves a tantalizing effect. The temple was erected on the top of a hill on a raised platform and covered an area of about 4,460 metres. Within the complex are two other Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parasnath.
After visiting the temples you will continue on to Udaipur and on arrival in the 'City of Lakes' you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and relax.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taj Lake Palace (Luxury Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Udaipur: This morning you will be taken for a privately-guided city tour of Udaipur. Start your exploration at the huge City Palace, which towers over the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. This is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, and is a blend of imposing Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish decorative art on the inside. Initial construction was started by Maharana Udai Singh, the city's founder; the City Palace is made up of at least four separate interconnecting palaces built over a period of nearly three centuries. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum which houses interesting artefacts from the heady days of royalty.
You will follow on with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari: beautiful gardens laid out in the mid-18th century for a retinue of forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting, who were sent to Udaipur as part of a princess's dowry. The gardens boast beautiful lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and marble elephant-shaped fountains - all of which reinforces the romantic reputation of Udaipur. Next continue to Jagdish Temple, sitting just outside the northern gates of the City Palace. This Indo-Aryan temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, the creator of the universe. After your visit to this interesting temple you will make a photo stop at Lake Pichola, looking out towards the iconic Lake Palace. After the tour you will have some time at leisure to look for souvenirs, before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taj Lake Palace (Luxury Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After an early breakfast you will be collected from the Taj Lake Palace and transferred to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Mumbai.
Domestic flight: Depart Udaipur Airport on IndiGo Airlines flight 6E748 to Mumbai. The flight departs at 10:00 and arrives at 11:35.
Private transfer: Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Taj Mahal Palace for a two-night stay.
Afternoon walking tour of Mumbai’s markets: After some time to rest you will head back out in the afternoon to experience the bustling colourful local markets of Mumbai. Starting at the historic Crawford Market and its bas-relies, and then visiting the steel-pot shops on Lokmanya Tilak Road, market stalls around Mumbadevi Temple (the shrine which gave Mumbai its name), Bhuleshwar Market and Zaveri Bazaar (Jeweler's Market), Yadnik Chowk (where plumbers and painters wait for customers on the sidewalks) and the antique market of Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market). Some markets may be closed depending on the day of the week, but your guide will tailor the visits to ensure you have the best experience on any given day.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taj Mahal Palace (Palace Wing Luxury Grand Seaview Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Mumbai: After breakfast you will meet up with a private guide and head out to explore India's most enthralling city. The tour will begin at 9am sharp from Victoria Terminus (you will be picked up shortly before in order to arrive on). Victoria Terminus - also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, or CST - is an architectural marvel of Mumbai. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the station is a hallmark of Victorian Gothic style on par with Paddington or St. Pancras. You will continue on foot down DN Road, also called the Heritage Mile. DN Road is one of the oldest parts of the city, reminiscent of its colonial past, and your walk here will culminate at the ornate Flora Fountain. Continue to explore the charming historic district of Kala Ghoda, with its many Gothic buildings and numerous art galleries. From here head on to the Gateway of India, an icon of Mumbai which has greeted visitors to Indian shores since 1911.
From the Gateway you will reunite with your driver and head by road to the Oval Maidan where in a great phalanx lie the Old Secretariat, University Library and Convocation Hall, High Court Building, the old PWD Building and Telegraph Department. You will then finally reach Churchgate Station around lunchtime to watch the Dabbawallas are in full swing sorting their precious, hot cargo. The guide will explain the ingenious system they use for keeping track of each and every meal and the challenges they face in delivering 200,000 lunch boxes daily. From Churchgate Station take you will board a local train to nearby Mahalaxmi station from where you can see the Dhobi ghat (the washermen’s colony). Dhobi Ghat is a well-known open air laundromat in Mumbai. The washers, locally known as Dhobis, work in the open to wash the clothes from Mumbai's hotels and hospitals.
Here the tour will end and the vehicle will collect you to drive you back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Taj Mahal Palace (Palace Wing Luxury Grand Seaview Room)
Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today you will be met by your guide and transferred to Mumbai Airport for your British Airways Flight to London Heathrow.
Flight: BA198 Bangkok - London Heathrow 13.15 - 17.55
Meals: Breakfast