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Upon arrival in New Delhi, we transfer to the luxurious Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay. After a brief rest, we begin our guided tour of New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911, the city’s center showcases wide, tree-lined avenues and reflects the Raj legacy. We’ll pass landmarks like India Gate and Parliament, and visit historic sites such as the Qutub Minaret and Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture.

This morning, we continue our city tour, starting with Old Delhi and the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We then pass the grand Red Fort before visiting the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple, one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras in Delhi. In the afternoon, we depart for Agra, arriving at the four-star Oberoi Trident hotel in the late afternoon.

We start early to witness the sunrise over the Taj Mahal. As the mist rises from the Yamuna River, the Taj appears to float in the soft morning light. Its beauty, symmetry, and history make it one of the world’s most iconic monuments. Next, we visit the Agra Fort, completed in 1573. In the evening, you can opt to return to the Taj Mahal for a sunset view.

We leave Agra and visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571 as Akbar’s capital. Despite being abandoned after 15 years, it remains well-preserved with palaces, courtyards, and carvings. After lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat, we take the Shatabdi Express to Ranthambore National Park, home to India’s Tiger Project. Our stay for the next two nights is at the Ranthambore Regency on full board.

We begin early today for a safari in Ranthambore, using open-top 20-person ‘canters’. After years of conservation, Ranthambore is the top place to spot tigers in India. The park is also home to over 300 bird species, including eagles and peacocks, plus sambars, crocodiles, wild boars, sloth bears, and leopards. We return to our hotel for lunch, then head out for a second safari in the afternoon, with dinner included.

After breakfast, we depart Ranthambore and head north to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. Our afternoon tour includes key sights like the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, and the Astronomical Observatory, built in 1726. We’ll also visit the City Palace, still the residence of the Maharajah, to view collections of costumes, carpets, paintings, and the impressive armoury.

This morning, we visit the impressive Amber Fort, just outside Jaipur. Our guided tour covers the sections reserved for the Maharajah’s wives and concubines, as well as the stunning hall of mirrors, where tiny convex mirrors are embedded like a mosaic in the walls and ceilings, offering a fascinating glimpse into the fort’s history.

After breakfast, we journey north to rural Rajasthan, making a stop at the historic Bhangarh Fort. Upon arrival at our hotel, we’ll have lunch, followed by free time to explore the scenic surroundings or unwind by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration along with traditional music and dance before our included dinner.

We leave Rajasthan and return to New Delhi for our final night, staying at the five-star Hyatt Regency Delhi. After breakfast, we head back to Delhi for an evening at the hotel. Enjoy your last night with a delicious included dinner, marking the end of our memorable tour.

We board the morning express train from Delhi for a four-hour journey to Kalka in air-conditioned ‘chair-class’ carriages. At Kalka, we transfer to the Shimla narrow-gauge ‘toy’ train for the scenic final stretch, passing 800 bridges and 102 tunnels. A packed lunch is included. Upon arrival, we head to the luxurious Oberoi Cecil Hotel for a three-night stay with air-conditioned rooms and forest views.

Today, we explore Shimla’s British colonial past, starting with the Viceregal Lodge and its beautiful botanical gardens. Built in Scottish baronial style, it once housed the Viceroy. Some areas are closed, but the open spaces offer a glimpse into the past, with Victorian-era photographs. We also stroll the Mall, visiting Scandal Point, Christ Church, and markets known for pashmina shawls.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Shimla, unwinding at the hotel pool or spa, or exploring the Mall for last-minute shopping. Alternatively, take a short trek in the surrounding hills. Later, we bid farewell to Shimla and the Oberoi Hotel as we drive down to Kalka. From there, we catch the train back to Delhi for our final night at the Hyatt Regency Delhi.

Conclude your unforgettable holiday as you board your flight back to London. Reflect on the amazing experiences and memories created along the way. Whether you relax and recharge or gaze out at the landscapes below, your journey home offers a chance to reminisce. Arrive feeling refreshed and excited to share your stories with family and friends!