Indian Getaway
Tour Description
Day 1: Delhi
Dive into India on this 11-day adventure and discover a wide range of cultural highlights in a relatively short amount of time. From the spiritual centre of Varanasi to the chaotic capital of Delhi, this journey is perfect for travellers who want local guidance and unique included experiences without sacrificing the freedom to explore independently. Witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal, feel enlightened on a boat trip along the River Ganges, and get the royal treatment during a 16th-century heritage stay. Bring an open mind and an open heart and plunge headfirst into this utterly captivating destination.
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Honk-honk! Beep-beep! Welcome to Delhi, a fabulously chaotic capital city that will warm your heart and overwhelm your senses. The air is thick with the smell of spices and the sound of mayhem as vendors whip up masala chai on the sidestreets, locals barter at bazaars for the best bargain, bhangra music blasts from the alleyways and the honking horns of cycle-rickshaws resonate through vast crowds of colourful sari-clad women. With no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore the streets.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. After the meeting, perhaps get to know your new travel buddies over an optional group dinner.
Day 2: Delhi – Overnight Train
This morning, check out the sights and sounds of Old Delhi on a leader-led tour of this enchanting quarter of the capital. Take a ride on the city’s modern metro system and get a taste of India’s famed public transport with a cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets (such as the famous Chandni Chowk). Make a visit to the Jama Masjid – Delhi’s oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings – then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi (approximately 13 hours).
Day 3: Varanasi
On arrival into Varanasi this morning, check in to your hotel and freshen up before heading out on a guided walking tour of the Old City. Set along the banks of the holy Ganges River, Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience this spiritual city. Overflowing with temples, shrines, and devotees, it might not be one of the world’s cleanest cities but there’s no doubt it’s one of the most amazing. It’s a unique experience to navigate through Varanasi’s maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops, stalls, and lumbering cows. See pilgrims performing rituals unchanged for hundreds of years and pass chiming temples as wafts of incense fill the air.
Day 4: Varanasi
Today’s an early start, but it’s completely worth it as you take a boat ride down the Ganges to watch the sunrise. Even if you’re not the spiritual sort, you can’t help but get goosebumps. Pass the many ghats (stairs leading to the water) and temples along the river, and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun bathes the surrounds in glorious shades of amber and orange. Witness the rituals of life and death taking place along the riverbank and be prepared for potentially confronting sights and smells, as this is also where families come to cremate deceased loved ones. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Day 5: Varanasi – Overnight Train
Today there’s lots of free time to explore more of Varanasi before you get a unique slice of Indian life on board an overnight sleeper train bound for Agra (approximately 13 hours). You could take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations and the site where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment. There’s also the crumbling 17th-century fort and palace on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ram Nagar Fort. Varanasi is home to India’s silk-making industry, so maybe investigate the many silk markets dotted around the city, otherwise, take the chance to perfect your yoga in the ultimate chakra-balancing place.
Day 6: Agra
Agra might not be the prettiest city in the world, but the minute you check out its most famous site that won’t matter one bit – of course, we’re talking about the glorious Taj Mahal, and you’ll head out for a guided tour of this elaborate monument on arrival. Afterward, enjoy a free day to explore Agra’s alternative highlights. An optional trip on a motorised rickshaw takes you to some of the city’s best monuments. If you’ve got the energy, head out to Agra Fort and stroll the palatial gardens of this red sandstone stronghold or check out Akbar’s Mausoleum, a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors. In the evening, perhaps try Agra’s delicious signature curry – butter chicken – or a meal at Sheroes Hangout, a cafe that supports acid attack survivors.
Day 7: Tordi Garh
Jump into private transport and drive through idyllic countryside to Tordi Garh, a village that few travellers venture to (approximately 8 hours). This remote and rarely visited village offers a fantastic glimpse of the real Rajasthan. Once there, meet the locals, visit the old village temple and wander through the markets, gaining an insight into everyday life in this peaceful community. Tonight you’ll sleep in heritage accommodation, a 16th-century palace with its owner as your host. Settle in, then savour delicious local flavours in tonight’s included dinner.
Day 8: Jaipur
Journey to Jaipur, India’s oh-so-pretty Pink City, by private vehicle (about 3 hours). You’ll have plenty of free time here to haggle to your heart’s content at the bazaars and backstreets where vendors sell a variety of textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and stunning blue pottery. Enjoy a guided walk on arrival to orientate yourself with the city, then perhaps drop by one of India’s finest palaces, the Royal City Palace. Food lovers will want to hit the streets for raj kachori chaat, a snack served with chutney, yogurt, chili, and potato. Then cool off with a lassi at Jaipur’s oldest and most famous lassi shop. Cinema buffs won’t want to miss the chance to take in a Bollywood blockbuster at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema this evening. Your accommodation for tonight will be in another family-run heritage hotel.
Day 9: Jaipur
If you’re keen for a different view of the Pink City, an optional early morning hot air balloon ride is a trip highlight for many visitors. For more information please see the Important Notes. Later in the morning, you’ll drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the impressive five-storey facade with pink and honeycombed windows is it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. Then it’s out to the old capital of Amber and an exploration of the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you like.
Day 10: Delhi
This morning, take a train ride back to India’s capital (5 hours). This exciting city is overflowing with incredible historic sites, museums and galleries, shops, and endless bazaars. Watch one of the world’s greatest shows unfold as people, cars, rickshaws, and cows all work together in a kind of organised chaos. Perhaps sit back with a chai and let it all soak in as you enjoy a free day to explore. Ask your expert leader for their top recommendations on how to make the most of your time here. This evening, enjoy an optional dinner with your group and toast to your adventures.
Day 11: Delhi
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time in Delhi, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 | $842.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2024 | Oct 4, 2024 | $944.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2024 | Oct 10, 2024 | $884.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2024 | Oct 14, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2024 | Oct 19, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2024 | Oct 28, 2024 | $749.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | $926.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2024 | Nov 4, 2024 | $926.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2024 | Nov 14, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Nov 11, 2024 | Nov 21, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 25, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2024 | Nov 29, 2024 | $926.00 | |
| Nov 25, 2024 | Dec 5, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2024 | Dec 13, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2024 | Dec 21, 2024 | $910.00 | |
| Dec 19, 2024 | Dec 29, 2024 | $1,030.00 | |
| Dec 24, 2024 | Jan 3, 2025 | $1,030.00 | |
| Dec 28, 2024 | Jan 7, 2025 | $1,030.00 | |
| Jan 7, 2025 | Jan 17, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jan 14, 2025 | Jan 24, 2025 | $1,008.00 | |
| Jan 28, 2025 | Feb 7, 2025 | $1,008.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2025 | Feb 14, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Feb 21, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Feb 18, 2025 | Feb 28, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Feb 25, 2025 | Mar 7, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Mar 14, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Mar 28, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2025 | Apr 4, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2025 | Apr 11, 2025 | $972.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Apr 18, 2025 | $1,008.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Apr 25, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Apr 22, 2025 | May 2, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Apr 29, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| May 27, 2025 | Jun 6, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jun 10, 2025 | Jun 20, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jun 24, 2025 | Jul 4, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jul 1, 2025 | Jul 11, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jul 8, 2025 | Jul 18, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Aug 1, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Jul 29, 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Aug 12, 2025 | Aug 22, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Aug 26, 2025 | Sep 5, 2025 | $1,120.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2025 | Sep 12, 2025 | $1,080.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2025 | Sep 19, 2025 | $1,080.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2025 | Sep 26, 2025 | $1,080.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Oct 3, 2025 | $1,080.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | $1,080.00 | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Oct 16, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Oct 20, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Oct 23, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Oct 30, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Nov 3, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2025 | Nov 6, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2025 | Nov 10, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Nov 3, 2025 | Nov 13, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | Nov 20, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2025 | Nov 24, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2025 | Dec 1, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | Dec 4, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2025 | Dec 8, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Dec 2, 2025 | Dec 12, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Dec 9, 2025 | Dec 19, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Dec 16, 2025 | Dec 26, 2025 | $1,125.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2025 | Jan 2, 2026 | $1,080.00 | |
| Dec 26, 2025 | Jan 5, 2026 | $1,080.00 | |
| Dec 30, 2025 | Jan 9, 2026 | $1,080.00 | |
| Jan 6, 2026 | Jan 16, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jan 13, 2026 | Jan 23, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jan 27, 2026 | Feb 6, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Feb 13, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Feb 20, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Mar 6, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Mar 3, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Mar 17, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Apr 17, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Apr 24, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Apr 21, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Apr 28, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| May 26, 2026 | Jun 5, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jun 9, 2026 | Jun 19, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jun 23, 2026 | Jul 3, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jun 30, 2026 | Jul 10, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Jul 17, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jul 21, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Aug 7, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Aug 11, 2026 | Aug 21, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Sep 4, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 19, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Nov 9, 2026 | Nov 19, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 26, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Dec 7, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Dec 8, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 25, 2026 | $1,165.00 | |
| Dec 22, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | $1,165.00 | |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $1,165.00 | |
| Dec 29, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | $1,165.00 |