The Golden Triangle Extension – Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

Day 1
Depart Vana and fly from Dehradun to Jaipur to stay for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis at the ITC Rajputana, a luxury hotel that reflects the tradition of Rajasthan in its settings and surroundings.

The capital of Rajasthan province, Jaipur is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics, stone sculptures and pink buildings, and it is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Day 2
After an early breakfast visit the UNESCO World Heritage hilltop fortress at Amber, ascending the imposing fort by jeep.

After pausing to view the elegant Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of Winds’; an elaborate building encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies, the next highlight will be Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. The City Palace, which boasts one of the finest monumental entrances in India, will be the final stop.

Day 3
Depart Jaipur and travel to visit Fatehpur Sikri - a deserted red sandstone city built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. Abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells ran dry, today it remains a ghost town complete with palaces and mosques.

Continue onwards to Agra to stay for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis at the ITC Mughal, an opulent hotel with rooms and suites that recreate the Mughal period.

Being the proud owner of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is one of the most important tourist destinations in India and the beautiful city is home to some of the finest mausoleums, forts and palaces.

Day 4
Wake early to enjoy a sunrise like no other – at the truly magnificent Taj Mahal.

Built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, it is an extraordinary building.

This afternoon visit the massive Agra Fort, originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, as well as the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known affectionately as the Baby Taj.

Day 5
Depart from Agra and travel to Delhi to stay for three nights on a bed & breakfast basis at the ITC Maurya, situated in close proximity to the city and graced by the presence of public figures from across the world.

Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, India’s largest city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments, and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 6
Enjoy a half day tour of fascinating Old Delhi, beginning with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques - built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Take a rickshaw ride through the winding lanes of the colourful Chandni Chowk market, a massive area packed with shops, bazaars and people before stopping for photos at the famous Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 17th century, and also visiting Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

Day 7
Enjoy a half day tour of New Delhi with the first stop Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret which is made of red stone and marble covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. Later visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a precursor of the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a drive past of India Gate, the War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India.

Day 8
Transfer to Delhi airport for onward flight.

Total Cost – from £1,395.00 per person sharing, with £995.00 single supplement

Included: domestic flights and transfers as detailed; accommodation and meals as specified; private sightseeing with English-speaking guide; departure taxes; entrance fees; Jeep ride; rickshaw ride.

Not included: international flights; meals and activities where not detailed; items of a personal nature; gratuities; travel insurance; visas; souvenirs.