Essence of India

Expedition

Adventure across India—from the Presidential Palace of Delhi, to the tigers of Ranthambore and onwards to the pink city of Jaipur.

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

Adventure across India—from the Presidential Palace of Delhi, to the tigers of Ranthambore and onwards to the pink city of Jaipur. Delhi impresses with a private tour of Jama Masjid, while in Jaipur a VIP Afternoon Tea experience unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja. The culinary highlights continue at the opulent 1135 AD restaurant where a Highlight Dinner is served in a royal interior, with traditional music and stunning sunset views. In Ranthambore, search out the elusive tigers in their natural habitat as you stalk the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs, peppered with palatial ruins and traditional Chhatri. Later explore Jaipur your way with the choice of shopping the fresh flower and spice markets, or a visit to the Hindu Temple Birla Mandir—to witness the traditional aarti prayer ceremony.

highlights

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
Delhi: Join a well-known chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets where you will tantalise your taste buds. Experience a wide variety of foods and learn the effect that mixing different flavours has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
Jaipur: Step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionate about passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage.

Additional Included Highlights

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. See booking conditions for exemptions.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Exceptional Dining

Delhi: Relax and acclimatise before your days in Delhi get underway with a delicious Welcome Dinner in the comfort of your hotel. Get to know your Travel Concierge and other travellers over superbly prepared local food and wine.
Jaipur: Dine in the elegant surroundings of 1135 AD, one of Jaipur’s most revered local restaurants, offering fine Indian dining served amid opulent royal interiors with stunning sunset views. Hear traditional music playing as you indulge your palate.
Jaipur: Savour an exquisite Celebration Dinner created by head chef Kuldeep Rajvanshi using expertise developed over 30 years of dedicated service at Jai Mahal Palace hotel at its pan-Indian restaurant, Cinnamon. Raise a glass to your travels and the memories you have created.

Journey Highlights

Truly experience India by travelling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures, in the fall you can experience Diwali, which means “row of lights” and is honored by all Indians, regardless of faith.
Truly experience India by travelling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures in spring, experience the ancient Hindu celebration of Holi, known for its colorful parades.
Delhi: View the monuments of Old and New Delhi when you drive out to Red Fort, the former home of the Mughal emperors. Cruise down the Rajpath to see India Gate and Parliament House.
Delhi: Take a tour of Jama Masjid with your Travel Concierge. Feel the majesty of the largest mosque in India with its three great gates, 40-metre-high minarets, and a courtyard large enough for 25,000 devotees.
Delhi: Jump into the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi by taking an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk. Let the city’s sights and sounds swirl around you as you’re transported in traditional style.
Delhi: Visit a Sikh temple and community kitchen, where meals are given out to locals and travellers. Those of the Sikh faith regularly open their place of worship to those in greater need.
Agra: Visit the impressive fortress in Agra and delve into the history of the Mughal Dynasty, who ruled their empire for over 300 years. See the glorious mosques and fairytale palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal within its protected walls.
Agra: Rise in the morning light to view one of the greatest monuments in the world, the grand Taj Mahal. With the light of dawn and fewer visitors, you can fully appreciate its grandeur in peace, accompanied by only the birds and monkeys.
Ranthambore: Sit back and relax on the express train from Bharatpur to Ranthambore. Enjoy the scenic vistas of northern India as you are transported door-to-door in just a few hours. Experience the quickest way to travel in India, as small villages and plantations whizz by.
Ranthambore: With an expert naturalist, seek out a rare sighting of tigers in their natural habitat on your dawn and dusk safaris in the maharajahs’ former hunting grounds. Witness a wealth of local animals as you search for those elusive stripes.
Jaipur: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the intricately designed complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort. Enjoy the shimmering walls and ceilings and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and receive a special blessing at this 16th-century residence.
Jaipur: Meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw who will take you on a tour of Jaipur. Hear their stories from growing up in the slum to becoming part of this unique initiative where they have become shareholders in their own company. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience advances SDG 5: Gender Equality. The ladies of Pink City Rickshaw got the chance to rise from the slums and turn their lives around ultimately becoming shareholders in their own company.
Jaipur: Explore Hawa Mahal alongside your Traveling Concierge and marvel at its incredible 953 windows. The unusual façade of this Palace of the Winds was designed to allow ladies of the court to look out on the street below while hidden from view.
Jaipur: Enter the towering gates to the City Palace Museum for a look back through time at chandeliers, cannons, chariots and incredible murals. Built between 1729 -1732, this glorious complex is still home to the Jaipur royal family and young king.

Luxury Hotels

New Delhi: Located in the heart of the Pink City and set in 18 acres of Mughal style gardens, Jai Mahal Palace showcases Rajasthan's stunning heritage. Relax in pulence with rooms decorated with antique furniture or unwind with a relaxing treatment at Jiva Spa.

Personalize your day

Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
Delhi: Join a well-known chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets where you will tantalise your taste buds. Experience a wide variety of foods and learn the effect that mixing different flavours has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.
Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
Jaipur: Step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionate about passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage.

VIP Experiences

Jaipur: Enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Savour an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique.

Well-being

Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Highlights

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
Delhi: Join a well-known chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets where you will tantalise your taste buds. Experience a wide variety of foods and learn the effect that mixing different flavours has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
Jaipur: Step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionate about passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage.

Additional Included Highlights

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. See booking conditions for exemptions.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Exceptional Dining

Delhi: Relax and acclimatise before your days in Delhi get underway with a delicious Welcome Dinner in the comfort of your hotel. Get to know your Travel Concierge and other travellers over superbly prepared local food and wine.
Jaipur: Dine in the elegant surroundings of 1135 AD, one of Jaipur’s most revered local restaurants, offering fine Indian dining served amid opulent royal interiors with stunning sunset views. Hear traditional music playing as you indulge your palate.
Jaipur: Savour an exquisite Celebration Dinner created by head chef Kuldeep Rajvanshi using expertise developed over 30 years of dedicated service at Jai Mahal Palace hotel at its pan-Indian restaurant, Cinnamon. Raise a glass to your travels and the memories you have created.

Journey Highlights

Truly experience India by travelling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures, in the fall you can experience Diwali, which means “row of lights” and is honored by all Indians, regardless of faith.
Truly experience India by travelling during one of its famed festivals. On select departures in spring, experience the ancient Hindu celebration of Holi, known for its colorful parades.
Delhi: View the monuments of Old and New Delhi when you drive out to Red Fort, the former home of the Mughal emperors. Cruise down the Rajpath to see India Gate and Parliament House.
Delhi: Take a tour of Jama Masjid with your Travel Concierge. Feel the majesty of the largest mosque in India with its three great gates, 40-metre-high minarets, and a courtyard large enough for 25,000 devotees.
Delhi: Jump into the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi by taking an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk. Let the city’s sights and sounds swirl around you as you’re transported in traditional style.
Delhi: Visit a Sikh temple and community kitchen, where meals are given out to locals and travellers. Those of the Sikh faith regularly open their place of worship to those in greater need.
Agra: Visit the impressive fortress in Agra and delve into the history of the Mughal Dynasty, who ruled their empire for over 300 years. See the glorious mosques and fairytale palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal within its protected walls.
Agra: Rise in the morning light to view one of the greatest monuments in the world, the grand Taj Mahal. With the light of dawn and fewer visitors, you can fully appreciate its grandeur in peace, accompanied by only the birds and monkeys.
Ranthambore: Sit back and relax on the express train from Bharatpur to Ranthambore. Enjoy the scenic vistas of northern India as you are transported door-to-door in just a few hours. Experience the quickest way to travel in India, as small villages and plantations whizz by.
Ranthambore: With an expert naturalist, seek out a rare sighting of tigers in their natural habitat on your dawn and dusk safaris in the maharajahs’ former hunting grounds. Witness a wealth of local animals as you search for those elusive stripes.
Jaipur: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the intricately designed complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort. Enjoy the shimmering walls and ceilings and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and receive a special blessing at this 16th-century residence.
Jaipur: Meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw who will take you on a tour of Jaipur. Hear their stories from growing up in the slum to becoming part of this unique initiative where they have become shareholders in their own company. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience advances SDG 5: Gender Equality. The ladies of Pink City Rickshaw got the chance to rise from the slums and turn their lives around ultimately becoming shareholders in their own company.
Jaipur: Explore Hawa Mahal alongside your Traveling Concierge and marvel at its incredible 953 windows. The unusual façade of this Palace of the Winds was designed to allow ladies of the court to look out on the street below while hidden from view.
Jaipur: Enter the towering gates to the City Palace Museum for a look back through time at chandeliers, cannons, chariots and incredible murals. Built between 1729 -1732, this glorious complex is still home to the Jaipur royal family and young king.

Luxury Hotels

New Delhi: Located in the heart of the Pink City and set in 18 acres of Mughal style gardens, Jai Mahal Palace showcases Rajasthan's stunning heritage. Relax in pulence with rooms decorated with antique furniture or unwind with a relaxing treatment at Jiva Spa.

Personalize your day

Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch.
Delhi: Join a well-known chef for a culinary exploration of Delhi streets where you will tantalise your taste buds. Experience a wide variety of foods and learn the effect that mixing different flavours has on the palate as you sample Indian delicacies from local stallholders.
Jaipur: Focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop.
Jaipur: Step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionate about passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage.

VIP Experiences

Jaipur: Enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Savour an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique.

Well-being

Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Trip details

Trip Type: Group Tour

Comfort: Deluxe

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Starts: New Delhi, India

Finishes: New Delhi, India

Duration: 8 days

ITINERARY

1Day 1: Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot

A traditional floral garland welcome to your luxury tour from Delhi awaits, before your private chauffeur whisks you to your elegant hotel. Tonight, dine on fine cuisine as the sun sets over Delhi.

Accommodation: The Leela Palace.
Meals: Dinner

2Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

See Delhi’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Curate your day and join a renowned chef for a foodie walk in Old Delhi or visit the 12th-century Qutub Minar. Take an exhilarating rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, and view the President Palace, India gate and Parliament House.

Accommodation: The Leela Palace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

3Day 3: An Agra Adventure

Arrive at Agra’s historical fort and elegant Muthamman Burj palace. Personalise your day with an eye-opening Mughal heritage walk or visit a private colonial bungalow for an intimate high tea with a local family.

Accommodation: Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4Day 4: The Taj Mahal and Ranthambore

Bask in the majesty of the Taj Mahal, framed in the warm hues of sunrise. Travel to the historic town of Bharatpur for lunch before boarding the Jan Shatabdi Express, the Express Train to Ranthambore, and taking in the views. Arrive at your hotel nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range.

Accommodation: Nahargarh Ranthambhore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5Day 5: In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore

Experience the beauty of Ranthambore National Park, the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur. Join a Local Expert on a quest for the elusive tiger. Explore the lakes and palace ruins of the park with an Expert Naturalist, including traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort.

Accommodation: Nahargarh Ranthambhore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6Day 6: Jaipur, the Pink City

Wind through the countryside to the Rajasthan capital of Jaipur, the Pink City. Revel in the warm tones of the historic buildings and discover Amber Fort’s royal halls of ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. The day ends embracing India’s spiritual majesty with a blessing ceremony before dinner the opulent 1135 AD Restaurant.

Accommodation: Taj Devi Ratn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7Day 7: Jaipur Sightseeing Relaxed Start

View the Palace of the Winds followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory. Luxuriate in a VIP Indian influenced high tea at City Palace. Meet the inspiring ladies of Pink City Rickshaw before visiting the fresh flower and spice market or Birla Mandir for a prayer ceremony. Toast to your travels with a decadent final dinner at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

8Day 8: Depart Delhi

Concluding your India luxury tour, your transfer awaits to take you to Jaipur Airport for your onward flight to Delhi.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Partner Details

Luxury Gold (US)

In Business Since 1978

A world of immersive journeys awaits you, each with VIP experiences, exceptional dining, magnificent hotels and a Travelling Concierge who’s there to tailor everything to your desires.