Experience this captivating group tour across India's cultural highlights. We journey to Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, the Taj Mahal, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Throughout this tour, experience spectacular architecture, beautiful wilderness, unique culture, bustling streets, ancient ruins, and sacred monuments. Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience of India's cultural tapestry, architectural wonders, and natural splendour. 

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy class airfares from Brisbane to Delhi  
• Air-conditioned coach travel within India 
• One-way executive class train travel from Varanasi to Delhi  
• 15 nights 4 to 5 star accommodation  
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour 
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary 
• Gratuities, tips & porterage 
• Indian Visa 
• Hosted by an experienced Travel Associates Travel Advisor 
• Meals included as per itinerary 

Group size: Minimum 12, Maximum 20

DAY 1 -11th OCTOBER - BRISBANE TO DELHI
This morning, we will meet at the Brisbane International Airport for our Hosted Holiday to India.  Today is spent travelling to our first destination, Delhi.  Upon arrival this evening, we will meet our local tour guide and transfer to The Eros Hotel, our home for the next three nights.  This evening, relax and take advantage of the hotel facilities. 

Accommodation: The Eros Hotel 

DAY 2 -12TH OCTOBER – DELHI
Namaste and welcome to India! Today we will ease into this wonderful country by exploring New Delhi on a half day sightseeing tour.  We see Parliament House, the War Memorial Arch (India Gate) and residence of the President of India.  We conclude our tour with a visit to the Qutub Minar; a soaring 73 m-high tower of victory, built out of red sandstone and one of the most important landmarks of Delhi.  This afternoon is at leisure before we meet for a group welcome dinner. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: The Eros Hotel

DAY 3 - 13TH OCTOBER – DELHI
This morning is at leisure, a chance to explore the area around our hotel or simply enjoy the in-house facilities.  Later in the afternoon we travel to Old Delhi, a city established by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. It was considered a gem of the empire and continues to be the heart of the Capital as well. Here we take a Food Walking Tour where we can sample the likes of juicy jalebis, aloo chaat, varieties of stuffed parathas, tender kebabs, as well as fried & butter chicken with roomali roti and biryani. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: The Eros Hotel

DAY 4 - 14TH OCTOBER – JAIPUR
After breakfast we travel by air-conditioned coach to Jaipur.  This vibrant city is the amalgamation of the old and the new, known as the Pink City due to the distinct colour of its buildings. With the old city surrounded by walls and gates decorated with drawings on the backdrop of a beautiful pink hue, it manages to retain its old-world charm. Majestic buildings, tales of heroic battles, resplendent forts and palaces, Jaipur has long been one of the shiniest cultural jewels on the Indian subcontinent.  This evening, we have group dinner at one of the local restaurants where you will enjoy a traditional dance performance. Rajasthan is famous for its colourful folk dances. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hilton Jaipur

DAY 5 - 15TH OCTOBER – JAIPUR
This morning, we enjoy a city tour of Jaipur starting with a drive to Amber Fort. En-route there is a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). The fort complex built of red sandstone and marble boasts various edifices of prominence like the diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Shila Devi Temple and ‘Ganesh Pol’ gate that leads to private palaces of the royals. The fort presents a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After Amber Fort, we enjoy another photo stop at Jal Mahal, built in the middle of the lake, watching as it gets more beautiful as the sun starts to set. Later we return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hilton Jaipur

DAY 6 - 16TH OCTOBER – JAIPUR
After breakfast, it is time for half a day of sightseeing.  We visit the City Palace Museum which boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures of the ancient past, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and elephant saddles, and is registered in the Guinness Book of Records to contain the biggest silver objects in the world. Then we travel onto Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site built in the 18th century with instruments chiselled out of stone. It features the world's largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a busy day of sightseeing, this afternoon and evening are at your leisure.  You may like to explore Jaipur by night. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hilton Jaipur

Day 7 - 17TH OCTOBER – RANTHANBORE NATIONAL PARK
Today we set off on a five-hour journey by road to Ranthambore in an air-conditioned coach.  Along the way we make a stop at Abhaneri, an ancient village in Rajasthan which is renowned for its early medieval monuments, Chand Baori – one of the largest stepwells in India and Harshat Mata temple, which dates to the 10th century and is dedicated to Goddess of Happiness. Afterwards we continue our journey to one of the biggest most renowned National Parks in Northern India. Considered as one of the famous former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park is a major wildlife tourist attraction which harbours various species of mammals, reptiles and avian wildlife.  Our accommodation is in The Tigress Ranthambore, a magnificent luxury resort built on Rajasthan's royal heritage theme.  The resort features grandeur and illustriousness in its' well-appointed royal suites. Sitting adjacent the National Park, it provides modern amenities whilst allowing undisturbed quality time amidst nature. This evening, we enjoy a group dinner before an early night in preparation for our morning safari. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: The Tigress 

Day 8 - 18TH OCTOBER – RANTHANBORE NATIONAL PARK
We rise early in the morning and prepare for the first game drive of the day.  The park is spread over an area of 1,334 square kilometres, famous for its tigers and providing one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. We travel through the national park in a jeep spotting wild animals and birds. Later in the afternoon we enjoy an additional game drive through the National Park, having another chance to explore the diverse wilderness and spot more wildlife.  After a busy day, this evening is at leisure. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: The Tigress 

Day 9 - 19TH OCTOBER – AGRA
After breakfast it is time to travel to Agra, home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. A poem of white marble, the Taj is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Our journey by air-conditioned coach takes approximately six hours with convenience stops along the way and a chance to observe the countryside of Rajasthan.  After settling into our hotel, it is time to enjoy a group dinner. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hotel Clarks Shiraz 

Day 10 - 20TH OCTOBER – AGRA
Early this morning we visit India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This breathtaking symbol of love stands majestically on the banks of the river Yamuna and was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his queen. Made with pure white marble, adorned with semi-precious stones and built surrounded by beautiful gardens, it is a stunning architectural feat. A difficult act to follow, but next is the Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar.  This red sandstone fort became the prison of Shah Jahan when his son usurped his rule. Confined to his prison quarters, sadly Shah Jahan could only view his beloved Taj from afar.  This evening, we visit the market in Agra to witness the Diwali festival activities. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Clarks Shiraz

Day 11 - 21ST OCTOBER – LUCKNOW
This morning sees us travel to Lucknow - the city of Nawabs, known for their courtesy, love of literature, food and royal living.  Our journey today takes approximately 6 hours.  This evening, we enjoy one aspect that Lucknow is famous for - its’ cuisine.  We embark upon a Cuisine Walk to indulge at the traditional and unrivalled roadside eateries.  Not a tour for vegetarians, we start with Shri Lassi and move to Kaleji Kabab, Rahim's Kulche Nihari, Mobeen's Pasanda Kabab, Tunde's Gilawat Kabab and finally to sweeten the mouth, the Silver foiled Malai Gilori at Radhey's.  Thankfully we can walk our dinner off on the way back to our hotel. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Saraca Lucknow - A Heritage Hotel 

Day 12 - 22ND OCTOBER – VARANASI
After breakfast we embark on a drive-past tour of Lucknow, starting with the Saadat Ali Nawab Tomb, an elegant mausoleum showcasing the Mughal architectural splendour of early 19th century Lucknow. We continue to the imposing Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate, a stunning 60-foot-tall gateway built in 1784. Next, we pass the Bada Imambara, a grand complex featuring the famous Bhulbhulaiya (labyrinth). We then see the Chota Imambara, built in 1838, known for its ornate decorations. From here we continue our journey to Varanasi where tonight we enjoy vegetarian Thali dinner at local restaurant. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Varanasi

Day 13 - 23RD OCTOBER – VARANASI
Today we set off before breakfast to enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges. This vantage point allows us to see the unique and sacred city with the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the riverbank steps and the vivid colours of their clothes against the pale water as they perform their morning rituals. Afterwards we take a heritage walk visiting the Banaras ghat and Assi ghat.  Along the way we will see sacred cows, goats, colourful Swamis, temples, processions and pyres – a truly fascinating glimpse into Hinduism. Later we return to our hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Varanasi 

Day 14 - 24TH OCTOBER – VARANASI
This morning is free to relax.  This afternoon we visit the weavers’ village of Varanasi, where the Banarasi silk sarees are produced by the talented local weaving community. Varanasi is famous in the art of silk weaving, producing the precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are considered collector's items worldwide. Later this evening we will witness the surreal grand prayer ceremony on the ghats of river Ganges. Dozens of lamps are lit and swayed in unison with the priests’ chanting of Vedic hymns and playing traditional instruments.  We watch as pilgrims and visitors release hundreds of small earthen lamps with flickering lights onto the Ganges as the sun sets.   

Meals: B

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Varanasi

Day 15 - 25TH OCTOBER – DELHI
After an early breakfast we return by express train to Delhi.   We arrive at the station and enjoy the spectacle of this unique experience.  We travel in executive comfort to Delhi where on arrival we are transferred to our hotel and our final group dinner. 

Meals:  B + L + D 

Accommodation: Novotel Aerocity 

Day 16 - 26TH OCTOBER – DELHI TO BRISBANE
After breakfast we depart for the airport to start our journey back to Australia. 

Meals:  B

Day 17 - 27TH OCTOBER – ARRIVE BRISBANE
Our Hosted Holiday adventure in India has come to an end and it is time to farewell our new friends and head for home with amazing memories of this incredible destination and amazing people.