Classic Northern India

India, 13 Nights

Our Classic Northern India itinerary is the perfect introduction to India and the beautiful state of Rajasthan. It includes a visit to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal as well as incredible Lake Pichola. Throughout your journey there will be the opportunity of staying in converted palaces.

Day 1 - London/Delhi
Depart from London Heathrow to Delhi.

Day 2 - Delhi
Arriving in Delhi in the early hours, transfer to the Taj Mahal hotel for a morning at leisure. Later visit the impressive Red Fort and Rajghat, the site where Mahatama Gandhi was cremated. You will also visit Jama Masjid Mosque and wander through Old Delhi's teeming bazaars. Later this evening, return to the Red Fort for a Son et Lumiere performance.

Day 3 - Delhi
The morning's sightseeing takes you into the leafy avenues of New Delhi, where you will drive along Rajpath, past India Gate, Parliament House and the President's residence. The tour includes the 238-foot Qutab Minar minaret and the Tomb of Humayun.

Day 4 - Delhi/Agra
An early morning start sees you departing by road to Agra (200km/4 hours) where you will catch a glimpse of the elegant Taj Mahal before checking into Oberoi Amarvilas for a two night stay.

Day 5 - Agra
Visit India's best-known landmark, the breathtaking Taj Mahal, built by the Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. You will also see Agra's imposing Red Fort. Later return to see the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Day 6 - Agra/Jaipur
Sunrise is the most evocative time to visit the Taj Mahal, so early risers will enjoy this opportunity. You will depart Agra for Jaipur by road (250kms/5 hours), stopping en route at the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. You will arrive in Jaipur in the late afternoon where you will stay at Rambagh Palace for a two night stay.

Day 7 - Jaipur
This morning you will visit the Amber Fort, making your ascent by jeep to view its extravagantly decorated halls and chambers. This afternoon visit the Pink City of Jaipur, the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Day 8 - Jaipur/Jodhpur
Drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur (320km/6 hours) where you will stay for two nights at Umaid Bhawan Palace enabling you to immerse yourself in this wonderful provincial location. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 9 - Jodhpur
Spend the morning seeing the sights of Jodhpur, notably the mighty 15th century Meherangarh Fort. After lunch visit Mandore, the ancient capital of the state of Marwar.

Day 10 - Jodhpur/Devi Garh
Drive to Devi Garh (250km/5 hours) via the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur and check in to the spectacular fortress hotel, just 40 minutes from Udaipur, where you will spend the night in the fortress itself.

Day 11 - Devi Garh/Udaipur
Today drive (40kms/1/2 hour) to Udaipur where your home for the next two nights will be the Lake Palace hotel floating on Lake Pichola.

Day 12 - Udaipur
Visit Udaipur's City Palace, with its mirrored walls, inlaid marble balconies and the famous Peacock Courtyard. Wander around the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens and enjoy a cruise by motor launch on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.

Day 13 - Udaipur/Delhi or Mumbai
An afternoon/evening flight takes you to either Delhi or Mumbai, where you will have use of a day room and time to relax and enjoy your final few hours before your flight to London Heathrow arriving day 14.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 14 day suggested journey in India will cost from £3,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.