Golden Triangle & Goa - 13 Days

Saturday. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is then free to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to visit Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the world. This evening meet the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in India’s capital. In Old Delhi we visit Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - the largest and oldest mosque in the world. Continue to the site of Gandhi’s cremation at Raj Ghat and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaar. Later, we discover the highlights of New Delhi including the India Gate monument and the ceremonial Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘Kings Way’. This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner.

Delhi - Agra. Today we say goodbye to Delhi and travel to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. Explore behind the fortified walls of the striking Agra Fort before we continue to the Taj Mahal - India’s most famous attraction. Enjoy a tour of this iconic white mausoleum, commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. This legendary monument remains the greatest symbol to love that the world has ever seen and it has no rival.

Agra - Karauli. Early this morning we visit the well-preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri which has laid abandoned for more than 400 years. Continue to Karauli and the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas, our home for the evening. The current Maharaja still lives in the palace but some of the complex has been converted into a heritage hotel. Spend time exploring the grounds at leisure and we may even be able to join a tour of the palace led by the Princess herself. We also visit the Karauli City Palace, which the family are lovingly restoring and there is the opportunity for you to attend the evening Aarti (prayer) if you wish.

Karauli - Jaipur. This morning we pay a visit to a local school (if open), where we operate our Change for Children programme. You may wish to bring some educational gifts from home to give out to the children - these would be immensely appreciated (see trip notes). After our visit, we continue to the UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Perhaps discover one of the city’s many bustling bazaars and shop for traditional clothing or souvenirs.

Rise early this morning and join our optional Balloon Over Jaipur add-on. Sail with the wind in a hot air balloon over palaces, temples and fortresses. Discover one such fortress later today as we take a jeep ride to the stunning Amber Fort and enjoy a guided tour of the well-preserved grounds. Later, visit a local cotton weaving house before we visit the beautiful City Palace and Jantar Mantar. This UNESCO-listed space observatory is made up of 19 separate astrological instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.

Jaipur - Delhi. Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world’s largest Hindu temple.

The next five days are free to relax on the Arabian Sea coast and explore Goa as you please. The region is one of India’s prime holiday locations and you may sunbathe on the sandy beach, try out watersports and enjoy delicious local cuisine. If you prefer, there are several cultural attractions that you may wish to visit in the area. Discover the Portuguese Catholic Church of Old Goa or the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus. Why not hire a bike or scooter to explore?

If you are a keen chef, then there are several optional cooking add-ons you may wish to book to enhance your stay in Goa. We offer a one day Curry Morning add-on or a [[five day Learn To Cook Indian Cuisine add-on|122812]] to ensure you return home with all the skills you need to cook delicious Indian cuisine for friends and family.

Thursday. Our tour comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to the airport.