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Highlights: Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw; Humayun’s tomb; Gandhi's eternal flame and India Gate
When you arrive into Delhi you’ll be met by your private Yonder driver who will accommodate your every whim. After checking in at The Imperial, Delhi’s great colonial era hotel,you’ll relax after your long haul flight. Once you’ve recuperated, you’ll venture forth with your guide into Old Delhi by rickshaw to discover the sights, sounds and smells of the mesmerising maze of alleyways. You’ll then swap from peddle power to your air conditioned car to experience Delhi’s other major attractions including Humayun’s tomb, Raj Ghat (or Gandhi’s eternal flame) and India Gate along with the presidential and secetrail buildings.
While Old Delhi unravels the old charm and speaks volumes about India’s history, culture, and tradition, enchanting New Delhi exhibits the picture of modern India.
The tour will begin with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Later, visit Chandni Chowk, Asia’s largest wholesale market, a massive area packed with shops, bazaars, and people (most of the shops remain closed on Sundays). Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Also, visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Proceed towards New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The first stop will be a UNESCO World Heritage site – Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India. It is made of red stone and marble, covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an.
Later, visit the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The tour of Imperial Delhi will also include a drive past India Gate, the 42m high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings, and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India.
Highlights: Taj Mahal at sunrise; Agra Fort
You’ll be up with the 8 million commuters to catch the early morning express train from Delhi to Agra but don’t worry about the scrum as you’ll be delivered to your first class carriage in comfort. We think travelling out of Delhi by train and watching the cityscape turn into open countryside is a thoroughly rewarding experience. On arrival in Agra, check into the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas with its direct view towards the Taj Mahal. IN additon to seeing the Taj Mahal, you’ll also discover the delights of the Agra Fort, Chandni Bazar and the ancient red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri.
It is fitting to witness the extraordinary monument, the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), during the first light of day, as its exemplary beauty is truly awe-inspiring and will leave an indelible memory. This early time of day is when the site is least crowded, providing a peaceful and serene experience of the world’s most romantic landmark.
Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605). It’s a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site located just 2.5 kilometres from the famous Taj Mahal. The palaces, grand mosques, and elaborate public halls within the fort are crafted from pink-red sandstone, bearing testament to an era when Indo-Muslim art, strongly influenced by Persia, flourished. Emperor Shah Jahan, known for constructing the Taj Mahal in memory of his deceased wife, was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb within the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan is said to have passed away in the Musamman Burj, a marble tower he himself had built, providing one of the most captivating views of the Taj Mahal.
Highlights: Amber Fort; Walking tour of the Pink City; Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar and City Palace
You’ll set off once again on tracks in the direction of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The magnificent pink city with its evocative architecture, people and atmosphere is like nowhere else. This royal capital is fascinating and your guide will take you to all of the sites. As you’ll be visiting the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds and the City palace, it is only right that you also sleep in a palace. The Rambagh Palace will be home for the next few nights and here you’ll be treated like Maharajas and Maharanis.No visit to Jaipur would be complete without a visit to the Amer Fort, perched high on a hillside, just a short drive outside the site.
The City Palace is a captivating architectural marvel that seamlessly blends elements from various styles, such as Mughal, European, Rajput, and the Indian Shilpa Shastra. This exquisite design is evident in its array of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The palace complex now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, a significant cultural repository. Among the many striking structures within the complex, the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, and Shri Govind Dev Temple stand out as prominent and frequently visited highlights.
The journey to the fort through Amber village is truly picturesque and offers a glimpse into the vibrant Rajasthani culture. Upon reaching the summit of Amer Fort, take a leisurely stroll through the expansive complex of courtyards and halls.
The Amer Fort, constructed by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and later completed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, boasts grand architecture. Its expansive ramparts, sequence of gates, and cobblestone pathways provide a commanding view over Maota Lake. Prominent structures within the fort include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure).
Highlights: Walking tour of the old City; Private dining amongst the sand dunes
You’ll board a plane to fly to the far flung western flank of Rajasthan (it is also possible to do this leg by overnight sleeper train). Jaisamer, in the heart of the Thar desert, rises up out of the dunes like a honeycoloured mirage. Like a scene from Arabain Nights, the Golden City as it is also known, is like a beautiful lattice work with interconnecting buildings, huge fortified bastions and labyrinth of little streets. You’ll encounter desert nomads in brightly coloured turbans, women carrying earthenware pots on their heads and camel caravans using the city as a watering point. Your digs will be the simple but charming rooms at Khila Bhawan, located inside the old city walls.
After breakfast, your guide will be waiting to take you on a morning city tour of Jaisalmer. The honey-coloured fort will be your first stop, where a quarter of the population of the city still live. After this you’ll explore the Badal Vilas Palace and some of the beautiful havelis.
Highlights: Private cruise on Lake Pichola; Walking tour of the old town; Visit to City Palace
You take a short flight from Jaisalmer to Udaipur the City of Love. As soon as you arrive you’ll feel the romance in the air. The five interconnecting lakes, the City Palace and the old city with its maze of streets and alleyways all combine to create a city of immense beauty. No wonder it is India’s most visited destination. The Lake Palace, exquisitely set in the middle of Lake Pichola, is our favourite choice of hotel. From here, it’s easy to set out across the lake to the gates of the City Palace as well as Jag Mandir.
After breakfast you’ll cross Lake Pichola by boat and go on foot to explore the City Palace and museum. You’ll have a private guided tour of the palace before moving on down the hill to the 17th century Jagdish temple. You’ll catch up with your driver who will take you around Fatehsagar Lake and then on to the Kahelion ki Bari (or the Garden for the Maids of Honour) which is a beautiful garden replete with fountains and marble kiosks.
Highlights: Experience Mumbai at dawn; Meet the Dabbawallas; Visit the Dobhi Ghat
We adore Mumbai. It’s ever evolving and always exciting. It is the engine room of India’s economy, the birthplace of the Bollywood film industry and and home to the most fantical cricket supporters you’ll ever meet. You’ll explore the delights of Mumbai with your private Yonder guide to discover rich culture culture and fascinating history along with some beautiful colonial era architecture. Whilst in Bombay, as the locals still affectionately call it,you’ll put your head down at the magnificent Taj Mahal hotel, often said to be the finest building in the city.
Your guide will be on hand to take you out into this thriving city. You’ll visit the Prince of Wales Museum built in grand Indo Saracenic style, drive down Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade, and see the Kamla Nehru Park along with the Hanging Gardens on the slopes of the Malabar Hills, offering spectacular views of the marine lines and the Chowpatty Beach. You’ll also swing past the Jain temple, Mani Bhawan where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay and the Dhobi Ghat. And of course no visit is complete without seeing the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus Train Station.
Delhi
A unique blend of Victorian, Old Colonial and Art Deco style, the iconic and historic Imperial is seriously good. Beyond the turbaned, mustachioed doormen, elegant interiors are adorned with fine…
Agra & The Taj Mahal
A view with a room: the whole orientation of the Oberoi Amarvilas is towards the Taj Mahal, which is visible from much of the lobby and bar area. Rooms are…
Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace hotel is not only a historic luxury hotel that has played host to the most illustrious of guests but it is Mumbai’s greatest landmark in its…
Jaipur
This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunning grand luxury rooms and suites, once the chambers of the Maharaja. The palace retains its splendour with vintage cars, guards on…
Udaipur
The most iconic and romantic hotel in India. Set upon Lake Pichola, everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to James Bond have enjoyed spectacular sunsets from its rooftop. Interiors are charming in…
Jodhpur
There are no other hotels in Jaisalmer quite like the Killa Bhawan. It is the place to stay with its unique location within the ancient fortress. A delightful boutique guest…
Duration: 21 Days | Price: From £4,800
Contact us now to customise this itinerary.
This itinerary would typically cost from £4,800 inclusive of international flights staying in the specified hotels and having the services of a private chauffeur and guide.
The costs vary based on season, flights, room type and board basis. All our holidays are tailor-made and can be created around your budget.
Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.
All Yonder holidays include flights, carefully curated hotels. private drivers, expert guides and local concierges alongside 24/7 support from Yonder should it ever be needed so you know you are in safe hands.
We are immensely proud of our unique and in-depth expertise of the destinations we offer. Unlike some travel companies, each hotel we feature is handpicked and personally experienced by us so we can give you the inside story. We also carefully choose our guides based on their their exhaustive knowledge and professionalism to ensure you have a perfect holiday.
We love to chat. Tell us about your Yonderlust, your travel tastes, your wishes and desires. The more we know the better and we will make a few suggestions based on extensive our first-hand experience.
Once we‘ve glimpsed your travel soul we will start crafting your unique itinerary. And then we will refine it until you’re as excited as we are.
When you are ready to go Yonder you can make your reservation. We usually take a 30% deposit (but this can vary depending on your holiday). The balance payable 90 days prior to departure. Best of all, booking with Yonder really is headache free. You have complete financial protection for all holidays which include flights through our ATOL licence (11237).
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Please get in touch by phone, by email or by filling in our simple enquiry form so that our travel experts can get in touch to discuss your perfect tailor-made holiday.
A unique blend of Victorian, Old Colonial and Art Deco style, the iconic and historic Imperial is seriously good. Beyond the turbaned, mustachioed doormen, elegant interiors are adorned with fine art. Great rooms compiled with delicious understated elegance.
A view with a room: the whole orientation of the Oberoi Amarvilas is towards the Taj Mahal, which is visible from much of the lobby and bar area. Rooms are exquisitely appointed. Superb pool area is a sunken step well. Two brilliant restaurants.
A dazzling reincarnation of a former Maharaja’s palace. Bespoke wallpapers, butlers pristine in white, scents of jasmine from the lush gardens, Art Deco pool, monogrammed linen, custom china… 14 suites, all unique but united by creative flair. And fabulous food to boot.
Super hip, refined, elegant and contemporary, The Lodhi oozes luxury. There’s an art gallery, a library and cigar room, a spectacular sunken pool, a vast gym and health club. The restaurants are truly superb and the rooms simply the best in Delhi.
The Taj Mahal Palace hotel is not only a historic luxury hotel that has played host to the most illustrious of guests but it is Mumbai’s greatest landmark in its own right.
This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunning grand luxury rooms and suites, once the chambers of the Maharaja. The palace retains its splendour with vintage cars, guards on horseback and exquisitely uniformed staff. Mughal gardens and exceptional cuisine.
Classic in its decor, as well as in the quality and standards of attentive service, The Claridges Delhi, built in 1952, has a long-established reputation as one of the go-to quality hotels in Delhi.
The most iconic and romantic hotel in India. Set upon Lake Pichola, everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to James Bond have enjoyed spectacular sunsets from its rooftop. Interiors are charming in their faded elegance. Sumptuous rooms come complete with Butlers.
There are no other hotels in Jaisalmer quite like the Killa Bhawan. It is the place to stay with its unique location within the ancient fortress. A delightful boutique guest house full of character, it is simple, unpretentious and utterly charming.
Bursting with ornate, regal splendour, the Samode Haveli is a hidden treasure buried amongst the bustling streets of old Jaipur.
With only 20 rooms, the Amet Haveli is a treasure trove of history dating back to 1752 set in a perfect location on Lake Pichola. Rooms are delightfully idiosyncratic with intricately carved windows and decorative coving. Small plunge pool and superb restaurant.
Trident Nariman Point has a superb location at the heart of bustling Mumbai overlooking the sea. Soaring 35 storeys high, it offers panoramic views of the Marine Drive or the Queen’s necklace, as the beautiful promenade is lovingly called.
In a league of its own, the Oberoi Udaivilas is a sensational creation of Mughal style domes, charming pavilions, reflection pools and ornate fountains with views over Lake Pichola, together with opulent interiors and exquisite dining. Linger and luxuriate.
A little island of cleanliness and calm in the middle of the Taj Mahal mayhem. With this chain, you can be sure of excellent service, flawlessly clean rooms and a tickbox list of facilities. Lacking a little character, perhaps, but excellent value for money.
