Riviera Travel India Tour

• Experience the magic of the ‘Golden Triangle’ in northern India
• Witness the Taj Mahal’s splendour in the soft morning light, admiring its pure white marble and exquisite inlay work
• Discover the charms of both Old and New Delhi on city tours, taking in all the iconic landmarks
• Embark on a guided exploration of Fatehpur Sikri, a 400-year-old abandoned Mughal city
• Go on a thrilling driving safari in Ranthambore National Park, India’s prime destination for elusive tiger sightings
• Immerse yourself in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with a guided city tour
• Be awestruck by the breathtaking location and beauty of Amber Fort, the majestic residence of an influential Maharaja
• Indulge in the unique experience of staying at an original Rajasthani fort transformed into a stunning Heritage Hotel

• A 9-night stay in handpicked three to five-star accommodations
• Benefit from the convenience of included return flights and transfers
• Immerse yourself in a thoughtfully crafted daily itinerary filled with tours and visits, providing a rich and immersive exploration of each location.
• Selected Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners
• Travel with confidence under the guidance of an expert Tour Manager
• Enjoy the convenience of included checked luggage

Day 1 – Departure

Check in for your overnight flight to Delhi

Day 2 – Arrival in New Delhi

Upon arrival, transfer to the five-star Le Meridien Hotel for one night, followed by a guided tour of New Delhi. The city center, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911, boasts wide, tree-lined avenues that reflect its Raj legacy, housing the former Viceroy’s Palace, now the Presidential Palace.

Along the majestic Rajpath, pass India Gate and the Parliament building, before exploring older monuments like the Qutub Minaret, India’s tallest stone-built tower, dating back to 1199. Nearby, Humayun’s tomb, a remarkable example of Mughal architecture, predates the Taj Mahal by nearly a century. Enjoy a buffet dinner tonight.

Day 3 – Old Delhi

This morning, the city tour continues with a visit to Old Delhi. The first stop is the Raj Ghat, a humble yet fitting memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We then proceed, passing the grand Red Fort’s impressive walls and battlements, before exploring the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques.

In the afternoon, depart from Delhi and head to Agra, reaching your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 4 – Taj Mahal

Rise early to witness the Taj Mahal bathed in the gentle morning light, a breathtaking sight as it appears to float above the Yamuna River in the mist. This world wonder’s extraordinary beauty, symmetry, and history make it a truly remarkable monument.

Next, explore the colossal Agra Fort, built in 1573, which served as the Moghul Empire’s headquarters, resembling a magnificent walled palace.

In the evening, you can choose to enhance your day with another visit to the Taj Mahal, this time to witness its captivating beauty at sunset.

Day 5 – Fatehpur Sikri

Leaving Agra this morning, head towards the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571 as Emperor Akbar’s capital. Abandoned just 15 years later, it remarkably remains well-preserved, showcasing numerous palaces, expansive courtyards, and intricate carvings.

After a included lunch at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat, proceed to the railway station for a comfortable two-and-a-half-hour journey on the Shatabdi Express to Ranthambore National Park. Originally a Maharajahs’ hunting preserve, it spans 400 square kilometres of forested hills, valleys, and lakes, forming a unique ecosystem. Ranthambore’s tigers, despite challenges, have thrived, and their numbers have stabilized.

Day 6 – Ranthambore Tiger Safari

Start early for a safari in specially designed 20-person open-top four-wheel-drive “canters” at Ranthambore. Known for tiger sightings, the reserve also boasts 300+ bird species, including impressive eagles, painted storks, and wild peacocks. Residents include sambars, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, leopards, and playful black-faced langur monkeys near the entrance.

After returning to the hotel late morning, you’ll have leisure time around lunch. In the afternoon, head back into the park for another chance to spot elusive tigers.

Day 7 – Jaipur

After breakfast, depart Ranthambore and journey north to the enchanting ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. In the afternoon, our comprehensive tour explores the city’s major attractions. Begin with the iconic Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, before visiting the 1726 Astronomical Observatory. Our journey continues to the City Palace, the current residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur, where you’ll discover remarkable collections of costumes, carpets, paintings, and an impressive armoury.

Day 8 – Amber Fort

This morning, you’ll explore another captivating highlight as part of our tour of Jaipur’s finest attractions. Take a visit to the expansive Amber Fort, nestled in the hills just a short drive from Jaipur. ThE guided tour offers a glimpse of the sections dedicated to the Maharajah’s wives and concubines, as well as the extraordinary Hall of Mirrors, where intricate convex mirrors are intricately embedded in the walls and ceilings, creating a mesmerizing mosaic effect.

Day 9 – Rajasthan

2023:
After breakfast, depart Jaipur and journey north to rural Rajasthan’s Sekhawati region, home to the village of Alsisar. This area was once part of the Silk Road, and wealthy merchants adorned it with opulent mansions known as ‘havelis.’ Stay at the beautifully restored Alsisar Mahal, an imposing heritage hotel with a buffet dinner. The afternoon includes a guided village walk to explore nearby havelis.

2024:
Following breakfast, we head north into rural Rajasthan, stopping at the historic Bhangarth Fort. You’ll reach the hotel in time for lunch, offering a free afternoon for enjoying nature or relaxing by the pool. In the evening, a cooking demonstration and local music and dance precede the included dinner.

Day 10 – New Delhi

After breakfast, head back to Delhi for the last night of the tour

Day 11 – Return Home

In the morning, transfer to the airport for our flight home

Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi
This five-star Le Meridien hotel in New Delhi offers a 24-hour front desk, a lift, and air conditioning in its 358 contemporary rooms. The hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and the Three Graces by Amatrra Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi, TV, and in-room amenities like tea/coffee facilities, a safe, and 24-hour room service are available. The hotel is centrally located for exploring historic Lutyens Delhi within walking distance.

Oberoi Trident Hotel, Agra
The four-star hotel features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, lounge, fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. With beautiful gardens, water features, and its vegetable cultivation, the hotel offers Indian and continental cuisine at its contemporary-style restaurant. There’s also a lobby bar and 137 comfortable air-conditioned rooms overlooking gardens or the pool. In-room facilities include an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, minibar (local charges apply), satellite TV, safe, and tea/coffee maker. The hotel is conveniently located near the Taj Mahal.

Ranthambore Regency, Sawai Madhopur
The three-star Ranthambore Regency Hotel, situated near the entrance of Ranthambore National Park, offers a peaceful atmosphere with well-tended gardens, a small pool, and a variety of relaxation spots. The hotel features a spacious lounge with a bar, a small shop, and 42 spacious air-conditioned rooms overlooking the gardens. In-room amenities include an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, cable TV, mini-fridge, tea/coffee-maker, and Wi-Fi (extra charge).

Marriot Hotel, Jaipur
This modern and contemporary hotel in Jaipur offers an array of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa, lounge, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and fitness center. With 374 stylish, air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern comforts such as bath, shower, hairdryer, minibar, safe, iron/board, cable TV, tea/coffee-maker, and Wi-Fi, guests enjoy a comfortable stay. Please note that outdoor pools in India are typically unheated and may not be usable in winter. The hotel is conveniently located near the centre of Jaipur.

Heritage Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan
The Alsisar Mahal, a unique half-palace, half-castle property, boasts an entrance through ancient wooden doors leading to a courtyard surrounded by domed roofs and overhanging balconies. The hotel offers an open-air pool, spa, traditional bar, billiard room, and restaurant. Its 51 air-conditioned rooms, each distinctive in style and size and some furnished with antiques, feature spacious marble bathrooms. Located in rural India, near the village of Alsisar in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region.

Vanaashrya Resort, Rajasthan (2024 only)
Experience a nature retreat at The Vanaashrya Resort, which features an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a spa for various treatments, and a bar on an outdoor deck overlooking lush gardens. The restaurant serves international and local cuisine. Individual cottages offer garden views, private patios, ensuite facilities, air conditioning, tea/coffee amenities, a safe, and a hairdryer. Nestled in verdant surroundings, this hotel provides a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation.

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