Incredible India has recently become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A feast for all the senses, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of magnificent historical sites and royal cities, medieval forts and palaces, golden beaches and misty mountains, colourful people, lively festivals and rich culture. From the moment you set foot in India you will be greeted by a graceful Namaste – a warm and inviting gesture that denotes both welcome and respect.
Our program includes a number of “real India” experiences, as well as many of the major highlights, such as: Mumbai – India’s bustling port city which reflects both British and Indian history in its ornate architecture; Udaipur – with its glittering lake and palaces; Jaipur – the enchanting “Pink City”; Ranthambore National Park – home to the endangered and majestic Indian Tiger; the romantic and awe-inspiring Taj Mahal in Agra; Varanasi – the holiest place in India located on the sacred River Ganges; and finally the bustling capital city of Delhi – a rich tapestry of contrasts characteristic of this complex country.

To enrich our in-depth experience, we have included a variety of unique attractions: a Cultural Dance performance; dinner with a local family; a jeep drive through India’s fascinating countryside; a Bollywood movie at the best Hindi cinema in the country; serene boat trips; and exciting rickshaw rides.
Our hotels in India are all four or five stars with the comforts and standards of North American hotels, including two special overnight stays at Heritage listed properties; Chomu Palace – a 300-year-old fortified palace now converted into a stunning hotel, and Deogarh Fort – one of the most magnificent medieval palaces in Rajasthan with grand entrances and gateways, imposing arches, domes, balconies and cannons.
We recommend this tour for only experienced travellers who are fit and active.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai in the late evening and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

This morning we enjoy a cruise to visit the 1200-year-old Elephanta Caves, housing some of India’s most beautiful rock-cuts. Our afternoon tour starts with the Gateway of India - Mumbai’s most famous landmark commemorating the visit by George V in 1911. We then stop at the Jain Temples before ascending Malabar Hill via the Tower of Silence. We also visit the Hanging Gardens and Dhobhi Ghat - the incredible local laundry system.

Day 3: Mumbai / Udaipur

This morning we visit the Prince of Wales Museum - a Victorian Gothic style stone building surrounded by a beautiful garden. This grand structure houses a priceless collection of art, sculpture and much more. This afternoon we fly to the romantic city of Udaipur.

Day 4: Udaipur

Our city tour includes the City Palace, now a museum overlooking the lake, Jagdish Temple with its sculpted figures and ornamental interiors, and Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) - the scene of royal parties for centuries. Afternoon at leisure. This evening we take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples and bathing ghats. We visit the island palace of Jag Mandir, followed by lunch at a restaurant reminiscent of the 19th century with fountains, pergolas and lily pools alongside beautiful views of Fateh Sagar Lake.

Day 5: Deogarh

We depart for one of the most magnificent medieval castles in Rajasthan, Deogarh Fort, built in grand architectural style with huge entrances and gateways, and imposing arches and domes. We will spend the night in this magnificent medieval fort, now converted into a Heritage hotel. En route we will enjoy a unique jeep drive through the rural landscape to see locals tending their cattle, visit a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a lakeside stop to spot migratory birds and small animals.

Day 6: Jaipur

We travel via Pushkar Lake to see the ghats and temples that surround this holy sight - a prominent Hindu pilgrimage town. We arrive in Jaipur and this evening we attend a Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir Theatre - an Art Deco style theatre known for its opulent interior.

Day 7: Jaipur

This morning we ride an elephant up to the Amber Fort, which offers fantastic views over the hills of Rajasthan. The Fort looks time-ravaged on the outside, but the interior is splendid with paintings, precious stones and mirrors. We also see the famous façade of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This afternoon we see the Maharaja’s Palace and Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone and marble crafted observatory. Dinner is with a local family, who will teach us some of the secrets of Indian cuisine.

Day 8: Chomu Palace

We depart for Chomu Palace, a 300-year-old fortified palace now converted into a fabulous hotel. This evening we enjoy a lively dance performance.

Day 09: Ranthambore National Park

We travel to Ranthambore National Park, former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur and now a renowned wildlife reserve. In the afternoon we enjoy a game drive to search for the famous diurnal tiger and other popular animals such as leopard, hyena, jackal, crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer that can be found here.

Day 10: Ranthambore National Park

We spend the morning and afternoon on safari in the park to observe the animals and also the great variety of birds that call the park home; Quail, Gray Legged Goose, Woodpecker, Indian Gray Hornbill, Kingfisher, Sandpiper, Owl, Flycatcher to name a few!

Day 11: Agra

We take an early morning train to Bharatpur then continue by coach to Fatehpur Sikri, a well preserved 16th century city that was one the centre of Moghul power in India. In the afternoon we visit Agra Fort, another fine example of Moghul architecture combining defensive features with beauty and design.

Day 12: Taj Mahal / Varanasi

Our Tonga (Horse Carriage) takes us to the world famous Taj Mahal - built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy. It took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'. We then drive to Delhi airport for our flight to Varanasi.

Day 13: Varanasi

We take an early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. Here thousands of pilgrims descend the steps to the river and immerse themselves in the sacred waters, washing away their sins - rites that can be deeply moving to witness. We then walk the narrow lanes of Varanasi. Throughout history millions have passed these lanes seeking "Nirvana" at the river. This afternoon we visit the gold-plated Vishwanath Temple, and in the evening we witness the spectacular site of Arti of Ganges (collective nightly prayer to the river).

Day 14: Varanasi / Delhi

We visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, and we also see Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temples and the Archeological Museum with its extensive collection of Buddhist sculptures. Later we fly to Delhi.

Day 15: Delhi

Our tour of Old Delhi includes 300-year-old Chandni Chowk Market - a maze of lanes crowded with shops selling a huge variety of items, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque, and Raj Ghat - a simple and beautiful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. An unforgettable rickshaw ride through Old Delhi takes us to the Red Fort - Delhi’s most famous landmark. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner.

Day 16: Delhi

Our touring of Delhi continues with Qutab Minar - a monument built in 1199 to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. We also see India Gate, the Presidential Palace and Parliament House. The afternoon is at leisure until our late evening transfer to the airport.

Day 17: Home

Transfer to airport for departure.