Highlights of India

Highlights:

• Delhi’s Historic Icons — Explore Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the lively atmosphere of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw.
• Agra’s Mughal Wonders — Visit the impressive Agra Fort and stand before the world‑famous Taj Mahal.
• Jaipur’s Royal Heritage — Discover the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the vibrant markets of the Pink City.
• Relaxed Goa — Enjoy time on Goa’s golden beaches and explore its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture.
• Vibrant Mumbai — Conclude your adventure in India’s west coast metropolis, home to colonial landmarks, lively bazaars and the glamour of Bollywood.

Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Day 1: Arrive Delhi, India

On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. India’s capital and one of the country’s major gateways, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis where the ancient and the modern coexist seamlessly. Its strategic location has made it the seat of power for numerous dynasties throughout history. Today, New Delhi also showcases the architectural and cultural legacy left behind by the British.

Day 2: Delhi

Spend the day exploring the highlights of Old and New Delhi. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the city has witnessed the rise of many empires—from the Pandavas to the Mughals and later the British Raj.

Drive past Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, before enjoying a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the bustling heart of Old Delhi. Continue past the Red Fort, once home to the Mughal emperors. In New Delhi, drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and key government buildings before visiting Rajghat, the serene memorial marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Conclude at Humayun’s Tomb (1562), the first garden tomb in the subcontinent and an early masterpiece of red sandstone and Persian‑influenced design.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

Travel by road to Agra today. On arrival visit the Red Fort, commissioned by Akbar in 1565 — a magnificent yet imposing example of Mughal architecture. In the afternoon, explore the famous Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world.  This vast marble mausoleum took over 21 years to complete and stands as Emperor Shah Jehan’s enduring tribute to his beloved wife.  Distance travelled: 204km / Approx 4.5 hours.

Day 4: Agra to Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur

Travel towards Jaipur, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, just west of Agra. Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this ‘City of Victory’ is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding blend of diverse architectural styles.

Continue to Jaipur, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan, famously washed in pink in 1876 to welcome visiting British royalty.  Distance Travelled: 250km / Approx 5 hours.

Day 5: Jaipur

Spend the day exploring colourful Jaipur. Begin with a visit to Amber Fort, stopping en route to view the beautifully carved Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Amber Fort is a classic Rajasthani fort palace—rugged on the outside yet richly decorated within. Inside, see the Jag Mandir (Hall of Victory) and the famed Sheesh Mahal, where the walls and ceiling are entirely inlaid with glittering mirror work.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, which occupies nearly one‑seventh of Jaipur’s old city. Once the royal residence, part of the complex is now a museum, including the Armory Museum with its impressive collection of pistols, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Continue to the nearby Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble observatory in the world.

Day 6: Jaipur to Goa

Today you will be transferred from to Jaipur Airport for a flight to Goa (flight not included in price). On arrival in Goa you will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of your day is at your leisure.

Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in 1510, and their influence—blended with the region’s simple local traditions—shaped the unique Goan way of life. The state is known for its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm‑fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, lively folk music, and its famous afternoon siesta.

Days 7-8: Goa

Enjoy a half‑day historical tour of North Goa. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Continue to the Church of St. Cajetan, built by Italian friars, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, known for its carved woodwork and murals depicting the life of the saint. See the impressive Se Cathedral, the largest church in Old Goa, with its Portuguese‑Gothic style, Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Also visit St. Monica, Goa’s only convent for nuns, home to the Museum of Christian Art, showcasing rich Indo‑Portuguese Christian heritage.

Later, take a leisurely walk through Goa’s Latin Quarter (Fontainhas), still home to some of the last Portuguese families. Browse for Portuguese crockery, glassware, art and clothing. Afterwards, enjoy views of lush greenery and the turquoise‑blue Mandovi River as you cruise along its calm waters. Conclude with a visit to Calangute Beach and Baga Beach.

Day 9: Goa to Mumbai

Transfer to Goa Airport for your flight to Mumbai (flight not included in price). On arrival in Mumbai, the largest city in India located on the west coast,  you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This vibrant ‘City of Dreams’ is filled with unique bazaars, hidden temples, great street food, world-class dining, and its role as the home of Bollywood.

Day 10: Mumbai

Spend the day exploring Mumbai on a sightseeing tour. Visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Continue to the Prince of Wales Museum, home to an exceptional collection of art, sculpture, china and antiques.

Drive past Victoria Terminus, Mumbai University, and the Rajabai Clock Tower, then make a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat, the city’s famous open‑air laundry. Continue along Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach, passing the Parsi Towers of Silence and Malabar Hill. Conclude with a visit to Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s former Mumbai residence.  

Day 11: Depart Mumbai, India

Transfer to Mumbai Airport today for your onward flight.

We have a number of other suggested India itineraries, or we can also tailor a trip for you. Here are some ideas:

India North to South – 12 Days  Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin & Kerala

Forts and Palaces of India – 11 Days  Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur & Udaipur

Ancient India – 10 Days  Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi

India Culture & Wildlife – 8 Days  Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur

The Golden Triangle – 6 Days  Delhi, Agra & Jaipur