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Enjoy a spiritual interlude with India. Candle-lit rituals on the River Ganges, palaces, forts and tombs, a riot of colour and vibrancy around every corner - your exploration of centuries-old heritage takes you through the sandstone and marble halls of the Amber Fort and the exquisite Taj Mahal.
Embrace the vibrant energy of Delhi, the capital of India. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel where this evening you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and appetisers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton New Delhi
We 'Dive Into Culture' this morning, embarking on an exhilarating rickshaw ride around Old Delhi. We'll view the UNESCO-listed Red Fort - its towering red sandstone palace walls considered to be the most opulent of the Mughal Empire, followed by a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Our next stop at Chandni Chowk to see first-hand how its merchants spend their day trading enthusiastically. We continue along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath and past Parliament House and India Gate, commemorating the Indian soldiers who died during WWI. After lunch in a local restaurant, we'll head to the district of New Delhi, where we'll visit the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb to admire its magnificent Persian-style façades of white marble and red sandstone. Then it's on to another UNESCO-listed site, Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Our evening is at leisure.
Embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Varanasi, located on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Immerse yourself in its spiritual surrounds, exploring the city's role as the centre of Hindu religion, before escaping to the countryside and 'Make A Difference' with a visit to Rameshwar village. 'Dive Into Culture' and witness first-hand how all local activities are aimed at sustainable livelihood and community empowerment whilst ensuring the economic growth of the under-privileged. Observe local women making papad and pickles, doing embroidery or making saris which they sell to the local markets. Visit the village school and the Shanti Dham Ashram, a catholic prayer centre for the Christian society living in Varanasi. Feed your soul as you cruise down the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti, watching as the delicate diya laden with a candle and tiny blooms floats in a magical train down the river. Return to our hotel for dinner.
Admire the pink light of sunrise appear over the River Ganges, watching the sights and sounds of Varanasi stir slowly along the banks of the river. Observe the locals taking their morning bath in the holy water while worshipping the rising sun. Then, return to your hotel for breakfast followed by a visit to Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Explore the spectacular collection of Buddhist artefacts dating back to the 3 BC and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka with its inverted lotus carving, adopted as the national emblem of India. Return to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
VARANASI - AGRA
Take a short flight to Agra to delve into the imperial history of the Mughal Empire and India's Golden Age. Visit the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort this afternoon, gaining insight into the heritage, rituals and traditions of the dynasty that ruled here until the 17th century. As you drive through the city's crowded streets, connect with its vibrant spirit and witness local life first-hand. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and consider joining an Optional Experience.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Double Tree by Hilton
The Taj Mahal represents the finest example of Mughal architecture and the ‘Mohabbat-e-Taj’ show, with the backdrop of the largest replica of the Taj Mahal to date, brings to life this wonderful monument. Spend an enjoyable evening at the show and gain an insight into what life might have been like in those days. Discover the epic love story of the emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz in a typical Bollywood song and dance show, performed by over 80 talented artists dressed in lavish costumes.
Adult Price: $52.00
Day 6
AGRA - JAIPUR (2 NIGHTS)
Rise with the birds, embarking on a spiritual encounter with the magnificent UNESCO-listed Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Watch as the white alabaster marble of this monument of love glows pink and gold at the first hints of sunrise, admiring the flawless architecture that took 18 years and over 20,000 craftsmen to complete. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then depart for Jaipur, the Pink City and gateway to the colourful state of Rajasthan. This evening, we 'Connect With Locals', joining a local family for a 'Be My Guest' dinner in their home.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hilton
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest
Day 7
JAIPUR
Our first stop this morning sees us explore Jaipur's UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, one of the country's most exquisite examples of Rajput architecture. Marvel at its royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work, before returning to your hotel. En route, we'll enjoy a quick photo stop outside the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. This afternoon, we embark on a city tour including a visit to the ornate City Palace to see the seamless blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Across the road from the palace is the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, featuring the largest sundial in the world. Later this evening, we'll join our fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Our spiritual encounter with India's Golden Triangle at its end, we take a transfer to Jaipur airport for our onward flight or travel to Delhi by coach, departing at 10:00 and arriving to Delhi at approximately 16:30. The coach will drop off at Delhi International Airport and the Trafalgar post-night airport hotel; the Pride Plaza.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Mohabbat-E Taj Show
The Taj Mahal represents the finest example of Mughal architecture and the ‘Mohabbat-e-Taj’ show, with the backdrop of the largest replica of the Taj Mahal to date, brings to life this wonderful monument. Spend an enjoyable evening at the show and gain an insight into what life might have been like in those days. Discover the epic love story of the emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz in a typical Bollywood song and dance show, performed by over 80 talented artists dressed in lavish costumes.
Adult Price: $52.00
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 Dinners (Including Be My Guest)
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Enjoy dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur. (Day 6)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Take a rickshaw tour around the Old Delhi (Day 2). In Varanasi, visit the rural life and observe the locals taking a morning bath in the holy water at the River Ganges (Day 4)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At Rameshwar Village, you'll discover the 'Learn and Earn' programme which helps to raise the economic and social status of local rural women. (Day 3)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR of Delhi, Varanasi and Jaipur
Experience Ti Filled Icon
SEE the Red Fort in Delhi
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VIEW the Palace of Winds in Jaipur
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VISIT the Jama Masjid, the Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar in Delhi, Sarnath near Varanasi, the Agra Fort, the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Amber Fort, City Palace Museum in Jaipur
Special Rate Solo Rooming: The following departures of 11 and 25 April, 03 and 17 October include a discount of 11 - 16% on our standard single supplement.
2021 departures are subject to change of itinerary, price, discount and hotels. These will be confirmed in June 2020.
Important Information: For the trips starting in Delhi on 22 December and 29 December, Gala Dinners are included in Varanasi on 24 December and 31 December.
Flights: Prices include internal airfare and taxes for flights from Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Agra and are accurate as of 1st June 2018.
India's Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Nepal: Delve deeper into the culture of this region by extending your trip to see the unmissable sights of Nepal.
Visas are required for India. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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