Riviera Travel Grand Journey from India's Golden Triangle to Shimla

• 13 nights in three to five-star accommodation
• Return flights & transfers.
• Selected meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
• 14 included experiences
• Travel on the ‘toy train’ to Shimla
• Services of an Expert Riviera Tour Manager
• Checked luggage.

• See the Taj Mahal at sunrise
• Old Delhi tour with inspiring local guides
• Shimla Toy Train ride & 3-night stay
• Mehtab Bagh visit & dinner in Agra
• Fatehpur Sikri & guided Delhi tours
• Ranthambore safari with expert naturalist
• Amber Fort visit & tiger safari
• Jaipur city tour & Shimla heritage walks

Day 1: Departure
Take your overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive in New Delhi
On arrival, transfer to your hotel. After a small time to rest, head out on a guided tour of New Delhi. During the tour you’ll see some of the city’s oldest monuments including Qutub Minaret.

Day 3: Old Delhi
This morning, visit Old Delhi, starting at the Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Ghandi. Then, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple. Next, visit the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit organisation with a programme of care and education for the street children of Delhi who will show you through the sights and sounds of the alleys and markets. Then, take a rickshaw ride before leaving Delhi to head to Agra.

Day 4: Taj Mahal
Rise early to witness the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, which, in the soft morning light and with the Yamuna River mist in the background, appears as a mirage-like beauty above the landscape. After ample time to explore continue with a visit to the vast Agra Fort In the evening, you have the option to conclude your day with another visit to the Taj Mahal, this time to witness its beauty at sunset.

Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri
Leaving Agra, head to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571 as Emperor Akbar’s capital and mysteriously abandoned 15 years later. It remains remarkably well-preserved, featuring numerous palaces, spacious courtyards, and intricate carvings. Then enjoy a lunch stop at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat before proceeding to the railway station for our two-and-a-half-hour journey to Ranthambore National Park.

Day 6: Ranthambore Tiger Safari
An early start this morning is rewarded as you embark on a safari in open-top four-wheel-drive “canters”. After your morning safari, return to the hotel for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, venture into the park again for another opportunity to spot elusive tigers. Dinner is included in the evening.

Day 7: Jaipur
After breakfast, depart Ranthambore and head north to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City.’ In the afternoon, explore key highlights, including the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). You’ll then visit the Astronomical Observatory and the City Palace, the current residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur, housing collections of costumes, carpets, paintings, and an impressive armoury.

Day 8: Amber Fort
This morning, explore another highlight, the immense Amber Fort, a short drive from Jaipur. This guided tour includes the Maharajah’s wives and concubines’ quarters, as well as the remarkable hall of mirrors with delicate convex mirrors embedded in the walls and ceilings.

Day 9: Rajasthan
After breakfast, head north in rural Rajasthan, passing small villages and towns before arriving in Alsisar. Check into your heritage hotel before taking a guided walk to admire some of the havelis.

Day 10: New Delhi
After breakfast, return to Delhi, staying at the Le Meridien Hotel. Dinner is provided tonight.

Day 11: Train to Shimla
In the morning, board an express train from Delhi for a four-hour journey to Kalka. At Kalka, transfer to the Shimla narrow-gauge ‘toy’ train for the remainder of the trip.  In the late afternoon, arrive at Shimla’s small station and transfer to the luxurious five-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel, where you’ll stay for three nights with bed and breakfast

Day 12: Shimla
Today, explore the British colonial legacy in Shimla. The highlight is the impressive Viceregal Lodge, built in Scottish baronial style to house the Viceroy and staff during their six-month stay. Then stroll along the pedestrian-only Mall, passing Scandal Point, Christ Church, the mock-Tudor Post Office, Gaiety Theatre, and Town Hall.

Day 13: Free day in Shimla
Spend a leisurely day in Shimla, relaxing by the hotel pool or at the spa, exploring the mall for bargains, or considering short local hill treks. End the day with a sumptuous buffet dinner.

Day 14: Train to Delhi
Today, bid farewell to Shimla and the Oberoi Hotel, descending by car to Chandigarh where you’ll board the train back to Delhi.

Day 15: Return home
Depart from Delhi on your flight back to the UK.

Fagu Valley visit with light lunch
Visit one of the highest points in Shimla before enjoying a light lunch at the Wood Ville Palace heritage hotel, the former summer residence of the Raja Rana of Jubbal

Jaipur at night by Rickshaw
Experience Jaipur by eco-friendly auto rickshaws, part of a non-profit that provides aspirational employment for women from low income households.

Half Board Option in India
Upgrade your stay to included dinner every night at your hotel

Please contact us for more information or to add to your booking (at an extra cost).

Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi
This 5* hotel features a rooftop restaurant and a selection of bars. Rooms are cosy and equipped with air-conditioning, ensuite bath/shower, safe, tv and tea/coffee making facilities

Oberoi Trident Hotel, Agra
Located near the Taj Mahal, this hotel has its own gardens, a restaurant and a small bar. Rooms are comfortable and feature a hairdryer, minibar, tv, safe, wi-fi and tea/coffee making facilities.

Ranthambore Regency, Sawai Madhopur
Sitting close to the entrance to the national park, this small hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms and plenty of spots to relax.

Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Close to the centre of Jaipur, this modern hotel has two restaurants, a cafe and a bar. The rooms are stylish and equipped with modern amenities

Alsisar Mahal, Alsisar
This heritage hotel is full of history and features a restaurant, coffee shop, lounge and charming rooms

Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla
The Oberoi Cecil Hotel is a renowned five-star property combining colonial charm, excellent service, and Himalayan views, with elegant rooms featuring modern comforts and predominantly king-size beds.

Taj by Vivanta, New Delhi
This hotel is close to the airport, perfect for your overnight stay before your flight home.

Fact File

• Currency: Indian Rupee
• Flight Time: Approx. 8 hrs 30 mins
• Language: Hindi
• Time Zone: GMT+5.5
• Country: India

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic. time.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.