The Treasures of India - 14 days from £2699

Accommodation

Delhi - Le Meridien New Delhi (5-star) or similar
3 nights’ half board. This city centre hotel boasts a selection of bars and restaurants as well as a spa, health club and luxurious guest rooms.

Jaipur - Sheraton Rajputana (4-star)
3 nights: 2 nights’ half board, 1 night bed and breakfast. This modern and elegant hotel boasts a choice of three dining areas, a large outdoor pool and a fitness centre. All rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV and fridge. Some rooms have pool views and/or a balcony.

Agra - Mughal Hotel (5-star)
2 nights’ half board. The Mughal Sheraton is set within 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine in the restaurants and relax in the bar. The hotel also has a pool and comfortable guest rooms.

Khajuraho - Taj Chandela Hotel (5-star)
2 nights’ half board. With its wonderful gardens, marvellous restaurants and superb facilities, including a pool, this is a fine hotel. Each room is well equipped, with telephone and TV.

Varanasi - Gateway Ganges Hotel (5-star)
2 nights’ half board. The Gateway Ganges has a restaurant, cafe and bar. Enjoy a dip in the pool and relax in your comfortable room, which has TV and telephone.

Please note: Outdoor swimming pools are typically open between May and September, but this is dependent on weather conditions.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2: UK/Delhi

Fly overnight to Delhi, arriving on day 2, where you stay for two nights. Your Tour Manager will be on hand throughout the holiday and Specialist Guides will share their specific knowledge so you uncover the best of India. Discover New Delhi this afternoon, driving through the British-built boulevards and lush green parks. The iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both reminders of a colonial past, contrast with the ancient Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and the exquisite Humayun’s Tomb.

Meals: Dinner on day 2

Day 3: Delhi

Delve into a maze of crowded narrow streets and thronging markets inside the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and stroll along vibrant Chandni Chowk. Colourful silk saris adorn store fronts and the fragrance of local spices fills the air. Pay your respects at Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and admire the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Jaipur

Leave the bustle of Delhi and drive into the desert state of Rajasthan, renowned for magnificent Maharajah’s palaces and a lavish lifestyle. Your destination is the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, where you stay for three nights.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Jaipur

A 17th century stronghold, the Amber Fort commands a hill-top setting above the parched desert. Step inside and visit the eerie Temple of Kali, the jewel-like Palace of Mirrors and experience the enchanting Hall of Pleasures. The royal theme continues this evening with a special Indian feast, spellbinding performances of music and dance and a firework finale at the splendid Samode Palace.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Jaipur

Emperor Jai Singh consulted the stars before building Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory, a testimony to his faith in astrology. Explore the City Palace, linger at the elaborate façade of the Palace of the Winds, from where ladies of the court could watch the public processions in the streets below unseen. Encounter a cacophony of noise and colour as you browse in the bustling markets of the old town.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Fatehpur Sikri & Agra

Journey east to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by an emperor to celebrate the birth of his son. Stroll through the pink and red sandstone pillared pavilions and palaces, built to catch the cooling breezes. Agra awaits where you stay for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Nothing prepares you for the overwhelming beauty of the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, its white marble walls inlaid with semi-precious stones are truly breathtaking. Wander through the chambers of the red sandstone Agra Fort, a former royal residence.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Orchha & Khajuraho

The station platform heaves with travellers as you board the train bound for Jhansi, local vendors sell spicy samosas and small boys lug huge silver kettles of chai. Disembark at Jhansi and journey by road to the charming town of Orchha, dotted with temples and palaces built by Bandela kings. You arrive in Khajuraho later today for a two-night stay, a performance of Indian classical dance is an option this evening.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 10: Chandela Temples

The medieval temples of Khajuraho are famed for their erotic and explicit sculptures which leave little to the imagination. As you wander through these masterpieces of sandstone architecture imagine the shock of an officer of the British Raj who discovered the deserted temples during a rather more restrained era. Afternoon at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 11: Varanasi

Take the short flight to the ‘Eternal City’ of Varanasi on the banks of the sacred River Ganges where you stay for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 12: Varanasi & The River Ganges

As dawn breaks sail along the Ganges and watch the city come alive. Drift past the tumbling ghats, a different crowd gathers at each brightly painted staircase. Devout Hindus bathe and pray and chattering women in brightly coloured saris pound their laundry. Follow the narrow streets close to the river and watch out for wandering sacred cows as you turn each corner for another fascinating glimpse of local life. See the Benares Hindu University on the drive back to the hotel. Return to the Ganges this evening and experience the sights and sounds of a traditional Hindu aarti ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 13: Delhi

Take the opportunity to discover more of Varanasi before the flight to Delhi where you stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 14: Delhi/UK

Return to the UK arriving later the same day.

Meals: Breakfast