Dreams of the Taj

Welcome to the frenzy of life and colour that is Delhi, India’s bustling capital. Soak up the city’s favourite hot spots, including the imposing Red Fort, the vibrant old city market and the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid. On your first day, spend time enjoying an afternoon Three Religions tour, learning about India’s melting pot of cultures and language, while the following morning, you’ll experience New Delhi via a tasty walking street food tour with a top chef. Later, explore New Delhi with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, an impressive early example of Mughal architecture.

Depart for lively Agra, where you’ll spend your first evening enjoying a performance of Mohabbat the Taj, a passionate play that uses music to tell the story of the Taj Mahal. The next morning it’s time for the undeniable highlight of your trip: the Taj Mahal. You’ll have undoubtedly heard so much about this celebrated monument, but nothing can prepare you for the regal splendour of the architecture and the purity of the white carved marble, which reflects exquisite pink and gold hues at sunrise. But the Taj Mahal is not the only sight to see in Agra – the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort, constructed from red sandstone and once home to the state treasury and mint, is definitely worth a look as well.

Leaving Agra, you’ll stop off for a visit to the Abhaneri Step Well, a small village with one of India’s deepest and largest step wells. Similarly to Roman Baths, these places originally served as pools for ritual cleansing and relaxing, alongside a temple visit. Continue on to Jaipur and admire the flamboyance of the ‘Pink City’, once home to the Maharajas and the current state capital of Rajasthan. Stimulate the senses with an evening spice market walk, and the next day, leave the city behind and ascend the steep access roads to the magnificent Amber Fort, filled with decorated halls and intricate glasswork. You’ll also have the chance to visit the City Palace Museum, and the famous Jantar Mantar, one of five observatories in India. On your final morning here, you can even experience the Pink City by bike, before sampling breakfast at the world famous LMB eatery.

Return to Delhi for one last night. Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping, tuck in to your final curry and reminisce about your magical Indian adventure.