Arrival in Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the capital as you please. Once made up of seven separate cities, today Delhi is a vibrant metropolis full of textured history, culture and colour. Your base for the next two nights is one of the finest hotels in the city where you can dine in the award-winning restaurants or recover from the journey in the pampering spa. Otherwise, set out and explore the Chandni Chowk market, especially atmospheric after dark, dining at a local hotspot known for lip-smacking Mughlai cuisine. Overnight at The Oberoi New Delhi.
Things to do:
Delhi
Discover the highlights of India’s capital city on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. Start in Old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, with an open courtyard able to accommodate 25,000 worshippers. Turn up the pace navigating the Chandni Chowk's maze-like bazaars by cycle rickshaw, the best way to gain ground and soak up the atomsphere. In the afternoon, you'll visit Humayun’s tomb, its immaculate geometry and beautiful gardens reportedly inspiring the Taj Mahal. We've included a stop at the soaring minaret of Qutab Minar during the evening so you may catch it at its prettiest, illuminated against the darkening sky. Overnight at The Oberoi New Delhi.
Things to do:
Delhi & Agra
Drive south to Agra (approximately 4 hours) where your hotel boasts uninterrupted views of the iconic Taj Mahal. This afternoon, you have free time for some exciting optional activities such as a visit to the 16th century Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone monument that houses fairy-tale palaces, grand audience halls and two white marble mosques. Alternatively, discover the untold stories of Agra’s Mughal women on a local walking tour, or gain a different perspective of Agra on a countryside bike excursion where you’ll get to meet the rural-dwelling locals and even enjoy unique views of the Taj Mahal minus the crowds. Overnight at The Oberoi Amarvilas.
Things to do:
Agra & Jaipur
Rise early for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching the sun rise over the spectacular Taj Mahal, Agra’s crowning glory glittering in the dawn. Wander the gardens to admire its architecture before exploring the interiors inlaid with semi-precious stones and inscriptions. After breakfast, head west to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, and a journey of approximately 6 hours. You'll stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri, a walled city built from red sandstone that was once the Mughal capital. On arrival in Jaipur, check in to your palatially designed hotel set in 32 acres of exquisite gardens with peacocks roaming around. Overnight at The Oberoi Rajvilas.
Things to do:
Jaipur
This morning is free to enjoy optional activities. This could be a hot-air balloon ride for a romantic view of the city or you may choose an optional walking tour of the old city's history-rich havelis and temples. In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to the Amber Fort – a sprawling, UNESCO-listed palace once the local seat of power. Built in the 16th century, located high on a hill surrounded by the Aravalli mountains, you can wander its cobbled paths, imposing ramparts and elaborate halls. Overnight at The Oberoi Rajvilas.
Things to do:
Jaipur & Shimla
Fly to Chandigarh and transfer up the winding colourful road to Shimla (approximately 4 hours), where your base for the next two nights is a charming hotel established in the 1800s when the British Raj appointed this mountainous city as their summer capital. Enjoy some spectacular valley views with pine trees rolling into the distance. Spend time exploring the historic town, swimming laps in the pool or unwinding in the spa with a herb-infused massage, the perfect antidote to an invigorating walk in the neighbouring forest. Overnight at The Oberoi Cecil.
Things to do:
Shimla
After breakfast, transfer to Shimla station for a ride on the famous toy train, Himalayan Queen. You’ll snake through cedar forests, past waterfalls and mountain peaks before reaching Kandaghat station below. Drive back to Shimla and enjoy a short introductory tour of the town visiting the Viceregal Lodge where the British Raj planned the Partition of India. Gather your thoughts perhaps returning to the hotel along the Mall Road, Shimla's historic high street, traffic-free and lined with mock Tudor buildings. Overnight at The Oberoi Cecil.
Things to do:
Shimla
You have the morning free to relax or learn about Shimla’s literary and artistic heritage on a cultural walking tour. The trail takes you through meadows, brooks, grasslands and forests finishing at an art gallery founded by the legendary local artist, Sanath Chatterjee. Later, transfer to The Oberoi Wildflower Hall (approximately 45 minutes) where you will spend the next two nights. Once the grand estate of Lord Kitchener, its lofty location offers dazzling views (weather permitting) overlooking the rolling foothills. Overnight at The Oberoi Wildflower Hall.
Things to do:
Shimla
Enjoy a day at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel and surrounding area. The hotel is located in 22 acres of virgin woodland ideal for invigorating trekking, mountain biking or guided nature walks. There are cycle trails for all levels of ability from meandering rural paths to challenging off-road mountain trails. Afterwards, relax and take in epic views from the outdoor jacuzzi or glass-walled pool. Overnight at The Oberoi Wildflower Hall.
Things to do:
Shimla & Delhi
Transfer to Chandigarh airport (approximately 4.5 hours) to board your flight back to Delhi. On arrival , you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax at the hotel. Overnight at The Oberoi Gurgaon.
Delhi & Departure
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home or onward travel.
Another stop?
We recommend finishing your Indian adventure with a trip to Kovalam or the Andaman Islands for a beach stay. Ask your Personal Travel Expert for more information.