India : Golden Triangle & Shimla

Experience a taste of on this outstanding introductory tour of the country’s most celebrated sights. Exploring the Golden Triangle, this journey combines imperial Delhi with the legendary Taj Mahal at Agra and a 3-night stay in the princely city of Jaipur, culminating in the beautiful hill station of Shimla.

 Relax at a former maharaja's hunting lodge in Jaipur  Watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh gardens  Ride the toy train to Shimla  Visit the sublime Abhaneri stepwell  Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation  Small group size - average 18 people

Itinerary:

Superior group tour in brief

Day 1: Fly to Delhi Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic. (N)Day

2: Delhi Arrive in Delhi this morning and transfer to the Taj Palace (or similar) where you will spend the night. After freshening up, take an afternoon tour of Old Delhi, where you will find the mighty Mughal-built , the vast Jama Masjid Mosque and, between the two, the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk where a bewildering array of wares are traded. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. (D)

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Day 3: New Delhi • Agra This morning explore New Delhi which provides a fascinating contrast to Old Delhi. Begin your tour with a drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence before continuing to the tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun and the Qutb Minar tower. In the afternoon leave Delhi for Agra, where you will stay for 2 nights at the Trident Agra (or similar). (B, D)

Day 4: Agra A trip to Rajasthan would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal and sunrise is the perfect time to see it, as the marble transforms its colour in the changing dawn light. After breakfast, visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and the imposing . One visit to the Taj Mahal is never enough so this evening gather at Mehtab Bagh, a 400-year old Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna, where you can watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal. (B, D)

Day 5: • Jaipur Continue to the pink city of Jaipur via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, known for its array of forts, palaces and mosques. The city was built as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, but was abandoned just 15 years after it was built due to a shortage of water. You will also stop at the exquisite Abhaneri Stepwell, a geometric wonder with 11 visible levels. Stay 3 nights at Ramgarh Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Jaipur Spend the morning just outside Jaipur in Amber, the ancient capital of the Kachwaha . Here you will find a majestic fort-palace displaying both Mughal and designs. After a morning exploring the fort, head back to Jaipur and explore the Pink City including visits to the sprawling City Palace, which is still the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur and showcases an extensive collection of art, carpets, textiles and weapons, all beautifully preserved. Your tour will also include a visit to the curious astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar, home to a fine collection of 18th century astronomical instruments that can still be used with astonishing accuracy. Later, view the exterior of the iconic Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of the Winds'. The five-storey structure with over 900 latticed windows was designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals without having to reveal themselves to the public. (B, D)

Day 7: Jaipur A day at leisure to relax or explore Jaipur's many bazaars. Alternatively, visit the elephant camp at Dera Amer or take a sunrise balloon flight over the peaceful countryside*. (B, D)

Day 8: Delhi Return to Delhi in the morning and stay overnight at the Taj Palace (or similar). (B, D)

Day 9: Shimla This morning head to Shimla, the former summer capital of the set amid evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks. To reach Shimla, take the morning express train to Kalka followed by the narrow gauge mountain railway, a journey that is said to be one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. On arrival in Shimla stay at the Oberoi Cecil for 3 nights. Upgrade to a Premier Valley View room from £375 for 3 nights. (B, L, D)

Days 10-11: Shimla For a Himalayan hill station, Shimla packs in its fair share of impressive historic landmarks. Take a morning tour to discover colonial buildings, timbered houses, colourful markets as well at the restored Gaiety theatre and the ornate Viceregal Lodge. The rest of your time in Shimla is at your leisure to explore at your own pace. (B, D)

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Day 12: Delhi Drive to Chandigarh and connect with the express train to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the Taj Palace (or similar) for overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 13: Fly to London Morning transfer to the airport. Fly to London with Virgin Atlantic. (B)

Meal basis

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information

Superior tour

This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.

Hotel Details:

Eros Hotel , Delhi

In the heart of south Delhi's prosperous business district, the Eros Hotel managed by Hilton (InterContinental Eros) offers magnificent views of the Lotus Temple and has 224 guestrooms. Facilities include 24-hour room service, 24-hour broadband connectivity, and a 24-hour business centre to name just a few. There are five dining options and, when it comes to recreation, there is an outdoor pool and a nine-hole putting green.

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Taj Palace, Delhi

The Taj Palace is spread out over two and a half hectares of lush gardens in New Delhi. Guestrooms are spacious and elegantly designed with subtle touches of Mughal-era influence. Guests have a wide variety of dining options to choose from, including several multi award-winning restaurants.

Features: 403 rooms, 5 restaurants, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre.

Room amenities: Air conditioning, safe, television, minibar, tea & coffee facilities.

The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge Jaipur, Jaipur

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Built in the late 1930s, The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge Jaipur (previously Ramgarh Lodge) was once the favourite hunting retreat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Located around 40 km from Jaipur, this rustic lodge set in the forested Aravalli exudes an air of history. The lodge was converted into a hotel in the late 1980s and is now managed by the Taj group of hotels. All 13 rooms and suites are spacious, comfortably furnished, combine history with contemporary style and overlook either the rugged Aravalli Mountains or the landscaped gardens. Other facilities include a dining room with a colonial atmosphere, outdoor swimming pool and tennis court.

The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

The hill stations provided a cool retreat for the Raj during the heat of the Indian summer. This heritage is captured by the Oberoi Cecil, which provides a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding town and countryside. A view of the hills and forests is offered from many of the hotel’s 71 rooms. The restaurant serves both Continental and Asian cuisine other facilities include a health club, which offers massage, herbal treatments, sauna and steam baths.

The Trident Agra, Agra

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Accommodation rating: Luxury

The Trident Agra is set in beautiful gardens and is only a short distance away from the Taj Mahal. The hotel is built of red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, and is designed around a landscaped central courtyard with swimming pool and fountains. The hotel features a multi-cuisine informal brasserie as well as an alfresco Italian restaurant.

Features: 138 rooms, Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants, bar, fitness centre, beauty salon, gift shop.

Room amenities: Air conditioning, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, television, safe, en suite bathroom.

What’s included

• 4- & 5-star accommodation

• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available

• Small group size - 18 people (max 26)

• Direct international flights with Virgin Atlantic

• Express train travel in air-conditioned executive class

• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

• Experienced local tour manager

• 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 11 dinners

• Guided sightseeing & all entrance fees

• Porterage at airports and stations

• Balanced pace

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Tour Prices:

Tour Dates: London Departures

20th September 2019 until 2nd October 2019 - Price Per person subject to availability £1999

4th October 2019 until 16th October 2019 Price Per person subject to availability would be £2285

1st November 2019 until 13th November 2019 Price Per person subject to availability would be £2399

8th November 2019 until 20th November 2019 Price Per person subject to availability would be £2385

15th November 2019 until 27th November 2019 Price Per person subject to availability would be £2399

22nd November 2019 until 4th December 2019 Price Per person subject to availability would be

£2399

20th December 2019 until 1st January 2020 Price Per person subject to availability would be £2795pp

The following extensions are also available if you wish to visit any other areas whilst in India:

Amritsar

2 Nights from £395

Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikhs, is the location of their most sacred shrine – the Darbar Sahib, or Golden Temple. Fashioned in marble, mirror work and gold, it is beautifully reflected in the surrounding expanse of water.

Day 1: Amritsar

Travel to Amritsar and transfer to Taj Swarna and stay for 2 nights. (B)

Day 2: Amritsar • Wagah

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Morning visit to the famed Golden Temple, Jallianwalla memorial and the Ram Bagh gardens with the summer palace of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. This afternoon, transfer to Wagah on the India- Pakistan border to see the spectacular Sunset Retreat ceremony. (B)

Day 3: Fly to London via Delhi

Transfer to the airport and fly to London via Delhi. (B)

Haridwar + Corbett National Park

4 Nights from £790

Extend your tour with a visit to the sacred towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh and picturesque Corbett National Park, a renowned tiger reserve.

Day 1: Haridwar

Travel to Haridwar. Overnight at the Haveli Hari Ganga. Evening aarti ceremony. (B)

Day 2: Corbett National Park

Drive to Corbett National Park. Afternoon wildlife drive. Stay 2 nights at Jim's Jungle Retreat. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Corbett National Park

Full-day wildlife viewing. Look out for tigers, large elephant herds, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, deer and prolific birdlife. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Delhi

Early morning wildlife drive. Drive to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Aerocity. (B)

Day 5: Fly to London (B)

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Mumbai

2 Nights from £395

Packed with colonial-era architecture and home to India’s most prolific film industry, the ‘City of Dreams’ is a melting pot of vibrant bazaars, temples, galleries and excellent restaurants.

Day 1: Fly to Mumbai

Fly to Mumbai (Bombay). Transfer to Trident Nariman Point, located on Marine Drive, for a 2-night stay. (B)

Day 2: Mumbai

Day at leisure. Spend the day wandering through Chor bazaar, known as the ‘thieves market’ and one of the largest flea markets in India; exploring Asia’s largest slum in Dharavi; strolling through the heritage village of Khotachiwadi; taking a Mumbai culinary tour; or visiting Kala Ghoda, an area that houses some of the city’s finest museums and art galleries. (B)

Day 3: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

Ranthambore

3 Nights from £655

Ranthambore is a stunningly beautiful reserve dominated by its majestic fort and home to a dazzling array of tigers, sambhars, panthers, marsh crocodiles and sloth bears. As a result of the stringent conservation efforts, tigers are more active in Ranthambore during the day than in any other park in India.

Day 1: Ranthambore

Travel to Ranthambore for 2 nights at Swai Villas. (B, D)

Day 2: Ranthambore

Early morning and late afternoon drives to search for tigers. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Delhi

Morning wildlife viewing. Return to Delhi for 1 night at Claridges. (B)

Day 4: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents

Varanasi

3 Nights from £550

Varanasi is set on the riverbanks of the sacred . For Hindus, it is believed that bathing in the river will purge all sins. A dawn boat trip along the ghats reveals an intoxicating blend of incense, chimes and morning rituals.

Day 1: Fly to Varanasi

Morning flight to Varanasi. Stay at the Hotel Madin (or similar) for 2 nights. Afternoon tour of . This evening visit the Dasaswamedh ghats to witness the Ganga aarti ceremony. (B)

Day 2: Varanasi

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Later this morning visit and Ramnagar fort. (B)

Day 3: Fly to Delhi

Fly to Delhi and stay overnight at the Radisson Blu Dwarka (or similar). (B)

Day 4: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents