Beyond the Golden Triangle with Journey to Shimla Add-on

Beyond the Golden Triangle with Journey to Shimla Add-on

You’ll delve into the country’s rich history and fascinating culture and will begin your adventure by experiencing the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi’s crowded streets. We will show you the colonial buildings in New Delhi, admire the incredible, pink-coloured architecture of Jaipur and take you to the magnificent Taj Mahal at Sunrise.

Beyond this, you’ll have opportunities to discover even more. Go on safari in search of tigers, spend two nights in a charming heritage hotel providing a welcome calm from the bustling city of Jaipur.

With a Holiday Director on hand to make sure things run smoothly, most meals and so much sightseeing included, this is a fabulous way to immerse yourself in the captivating charm of India.

What's Included:

• Return flights from London
• 12 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels and lodges plus 1 night in flight
• 29 meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 12 dinners and welcome drink
• Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
• Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights:

• Discover Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw
• Sightseeing tour of New Delhi
• Dawn visit to the Taj Mahal
• Visit the Agra Fort and Itmad ud Daulah tomb
• The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri
• Search for tigers on a morning Ranthambore safari
• Afternoon safari in Ranthambore
• Visit the 'Pink City' of Jaipur
• Stay in a charming heritage hotel with cultural evening experience
• Venture up to the hilltop Amber Fort
• Shimla sightseeing tour
• Chandigarh rock garden

Day 2: Eros Hotel

The Eros Hotel New Delhi is a distinguished accommodation which blends a contemporary design with a classic traditional Delhi hotel. Situated in the bustling commercial centre of Nehru Place, overlooking the iconic Lotus Temple, this 5-star gem emerges as one of the premier hotels in Delhi and is only a 5 minute walk from the nearest Metro station. Hotel features include an outdoor swimming pool with fitness centre, restaurant, tea lounge, bar, lounge and café. Each room has wooden floors, air conditioning, TV, safe. minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer.

Day 3 - 4: Grand Mercure

The Grand Mercure Agra is inspired by the city's rich history. Hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, a restaurant and a bar.

Day 5 - 6: Abhyaran Hotel

Hotel rooms are well-lit, spacious, and furnished with comfortable beds to ensure maximum comfort. Hotel has a 24-hour reception to be able to serve guests at all times.

Day 7 - 8: Alsisar Haveli Hotel

The grandeur of this stately setting has attracted Maharajas of Rajasthan for over five centuries. The Alsisar Haveli is located in the heart of the pink city of Jaipur yet tucked away in its own peace and quiet. The Rajput architecture style hotel was built in 1892 as a nobleman home and more recently converted into a heritage hotel. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, swimming pool, spa and a roof terrace offering views of Nahargh Fort. Rooms are decorated with vintage furniture with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV and private bathrooms.

Day 9: Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity

Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity is ideally located near Indira Gandhi International Airport and is the perfect accommodation to wind down in before leaving Delhi. Every room has private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, air conditioning, safe, TV, minibar and kettle. Other hotel facilities include free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and wellness centre.

Day 10 - 12: Radisson Jass Shimla

For your majestic getaway in the Himalayan Mountains the Radisson Shimla offers 5* service and facilities including a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, spa and steam room. Hotel rooms include central heating / cooling, TV, mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, iron/ironing board, hairdryer and private bathroom.

Day 13: Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity

Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity is ideally located near Indira Gandhi International Airport and is the perfect accommodation to wind down in before leaving Delhi. Every room has private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, air conditioning, safe, TV, minibar and kettle. Other hotel facilities include free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and wellness centre.

Day 1: UK - Delhi

Your exciting adventure begins with a flight to Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi

When you arrive in Delhi, we will drive you to your comfortable hotel for lunch. Afterwards, you are free to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities. Maybe take a dip in the swimming pool or sip a refreshing drink at the bar – the choice is yours. We’ll get together later for a welcome drink before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Meals included: L,D

Day 3: Delhi - Agra

We’ll start our sightseeing in earnest today, beginning on foot in the 17th-century walled city of Old Delhi. We’ll stroll around the street bazaar of Chandni Chowk and admire the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque. You’ll then climb aboard a rickshaw and ride through the city’s maze of crowded streets and bustling markets to see the spectacular sandstone exterior of the Red Fort.

Next, we’ll step inside the poignant Gandhi Smriti Museum, located in the house where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and the place of his assassination. A sightseeing tour will then introduce us to New Delhi, a spacious, imperial city created by the British in 1911. We'll drive through elegant boulevards to see the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both grand reminders of the city's colonial past. We'll also see Humayun's Tomb, which was built in 1570 and is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal, and visit the soaring sandstone tower, Qutub Minar.

Later we’ll drive to Agra and have dinner at the hotel this evening.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4: Agra

Get ready to experience one of the highlights of your holiday – a visit to the incredible Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, is one of the world's most glorious sights. Watch in awe as the sun rises over its white marble walls and enjoy some leisure time to take in this magnificent monument's beauty.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll head to the mighty Agra Fort, the palatial red-sandstone fortification where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son. Our sightseeing then takes us to the Itmad ud Daulah tomb, the first monument in India built entirely from marble. Known as the 'Baby Taj', we’ll admire its exquisitely carved marble lattice screens. Then it’s on to our final stop of the day, Mehtab Bagh. At this centuries-old garden complex, we’ll get a fabulous view of the Taj Mahal from the other side of the Yamuna River.

If you would like to enjoy an evening out, there's the option to watch a performance of Mohabbat the Taj, about Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife. With a spectacular set, colourful costumes, upbeat songs and dancing, it is the perfect end to your day.

Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Agra - Ranthambore

Our first stop today is at the deserted, fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri. A fine example of Mughal architecture, its highlights include a huge mosque and an array of palaces and pavilions.

Later, you can sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we make our way to Ranthambore.

Meals included: B,D

Day 6: Ranthambore

A thrilling day lies ahead, with not just one but two safaris in Ranthambore National Park, said to be the best game reserve in India. On morning and afternoon game drives we'll make our way through thick forest, where pretty waterfalls provide the perfect habitat for more than 300 species of birds. Our knowledgeable Local Guide will help you to spot other residents of the park, including crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and more. Keep your fingers crossed for a sighting of the elusive tiger, or the even rarer leopard.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7: Ranthambore - Jaipur

This morning you could choose to join our optional excursion to Ranthambore Fort, with impressive views over the national park.

We'll travel to our next destination the city of Jaipur. then the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps you’ll head out and explore the surrounding area, take a stroll or simply relax by the pool.

Later, we’re going to enjoy a cultural evening of local dinner and entertainment.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8: Jaipur

Today is the day we will explore the famous 'Pink City' of Jaipur. It’s the capital of Rajasthan and we’ll see its fabulous pink and ochre-coloured buildings set amongst barren hills.

Your day begins with a short drive to the marvellous Amber Fort, a sprawling 17th-century stronghold which sits on a hilltop overlooking the desert. We'll step inside to see its highlights, which include the eerie Temple of Kali and the enchanting Hall of Pleasures. You’ll also see the jewel-like Palace of Mirrors, a beautiful hall where the walls, ceilings and columns are completely covered in tiny pieces of sparkling glass. We'll then get our bearings on a guided tour, which includes a visit to the City Palace, an impressive array of courtyards, gardens and regal buildings. The palace is also home to a museum that boasts a fine collection of Mughal treasures including paintings, carpets and silverware. Next, we’ll drive past the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds. This pyramid-shaped building is adorned with ornate lattice-covered windows where the ladies of the court could stand unseen, watching over the city.

You’ll then have time to browse the colourful ceramics and textiles in the Old Town's bustling markets.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9: Jaipur - Delhi

Today we will have a morning at leisure to enjoy our heritage hotel or to explore even more. Later in the day we will return to Delhi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: B,D

Day 10: Shatabdi Express to Shimla

Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express for Kalka, where you change to the narrow gauge train to Shimla. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you'll stay for three nights.

Meals included: B,L,D