Best of India (4 Star Hotels)
11 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IB1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 35
Age range:
18-59
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting allure of India on a mesmerizing 10-day journey tailored to immerse you in the country’s captivating wonders. From the bustling streets of New Delhi to the spiritual heart of Varanasi, and the regal heritage of Jaipur, this meticulously crafted tour promises an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Begin in New Delhi, where ancient heritage meets modern charm, exploring historical landmarks like the Red Fort and the Lotus Temple. In Agra, witness the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal and delve into the city’s rich history at Agra Fort. Prepare for thrilling wildlife encounters at Ranthambore National Park, where safaris offer glimpses of majestic tigers and diverse wildlife. Jaipur awaits with its regal allure – visit the Amer Fort and immerse in the city’s vibrant markets. In Varanasi, discover spiritual depths, participating in Ganga Aarti ceremonies and exploring ancient temples. Conclude your adventure in Gurgaon, embracing the city’s cosmopolitan vibe. This India holiday is designed to cure your wanderlust like no other.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Upon reaching Delhi International Airport today and completing the immigration process, a Travel Talk Tours agent will be there to greet you just outside the arrival area.
They will provide support during your journey to the hotel.
Once you've checked in at the hotel, take the day to unwind and rejuvenate from your extended flight.
Accommodation
Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara – 4 Star - Or similar
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2: Delhi City Tour
Around 8:30 AM today, you will embark on a sightseeing journey in Delhi accompanied by your guide.
The excursion kicks off with a visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia.
This architectural marvel was meticulously constructed from red sandstone and marble by a workforce of over five thousand skilled artisans.
Following that, you will explore Chandni Chowk, the largest wholesale market in Asia.
You'll also pay respects at Raj Ghat, a modest memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Accommodation
Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara – 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi
Entrance Fees
Jama Masjid - USD 4,5
Chandni Chowk - NAQutub Minar - USD 8,30
Humayun's Tomb - USD 8,30
Optional Activities
Rickshaw Ride - USD 2,80
Day 3: Agra
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll drive to Agra (approx.
4 hours).
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and unwind.
In the afternoon, engage in the "Best of Agra: Discovering Oriental Agra" tour.
This unique program, "Discovering Oriental Agra," aims to connect tourists with the essence of this magnificent city.
The journey takes you through Agra's narrow alleys, where grand havelis from the past still stand, along with the vibrant markets of Kinari Bazaar, Lohar Gali, and Rawat Para.
You'll step back in time to the era of Emperor Shahjehan at Dara Shikoh's library.
Moving ahead, you'll visit the haveli in the Kala Mahal area of old Agra, the birthplace of Mirza Ghalib, a prominent poet in the court of Mughal Emperor Bahadurshah Zafar in Delhi.
You'll encounter the remarkable Jama Masjid, constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1648.
Additionally, you'll have the chance to meet with various ayurvedic doctors, explore the paan and petha market, and savor the culinary delights of Seth Gali food street.
Accommodation
Howard Plaza - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Agra City Tour
Entrance Fees
Oriental Agra - USD 48
Day 4: Agra
In the early morning, embark on a journey to behold the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays) stands as an exemplary masterpiece of Mughal architecture, symbolizing India's rich historical tapestry.
Following this visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely morning of relaxation.
Later in the day, you can continue your exploration by visiting the Agra Fort and the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah, a mausoleum crafted in the Mughal style.
Afterwards, make your way back to the hotel for a relaxing conclusion to the day.
Accommodation
Howard Plaza - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Taj Mahal
Entrance Fees
Taj Mahal - USD 18
Agra Fort - USD 9
Tomb of I'timad-ud-DaulaH - USD 5
Day 5: Ranthambore National Park
Following breakfast, proceed with your journey to Ranthambore, making a detour to visit Fatehpur Sikri along the way.
A remarkable attraction in the Uttar Pradesh region, Fatehpur Sikri briefly served as the Mughal Empire's capital from 1571 to 1585.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this location boasts one of the most well-preserved assemblages of Mughal architecture in India.
Afterward, continue your expedition towards Ranthambore.
Accommodation
The Sher Garh Resort - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri
Entrance Fees
Fatehpur Sikri - USD 9
Day 6: Jaipur
In the early hours of the morning, commence your journey for a game safari at Ranthambore National Park (from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM) through a Shared Canter Safari.
Following breakfast, your next destination will be the "Pink City - Jaipur," located approximately 160 kilometers away and about a 3.
5-hour drive from Ranthambore.
Upon reaching Jaipur, complete the check-in process at your hotel.
You have the option to either enjoy some leisure time or participate in an Optional Cooking Lesson.
In the early evening, engage in a cooking lesson hosted by a local Indian family.
Accommodation
The Fern Residency Jaipur - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Ranthambore National Park
Optional Activities
Cooking Lessons with Indian Family - USD 36
Day 7: Jaipur
After breakfast today, embark on a comprehensive city tour guided by your private guide.
During the morning, commence your city exploration.
Notable highlights in Jaipur encompass the City Palace, an impressive complex showcasing splendid palaces.
Adjacent to this, visit the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century Astronomical Observatory commissioned by Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh.
Pause for a photo opportunity at Patrika Gate.
Optionally, in the late afternoon, you can engage in a bazaar walk coupled with local food sampling.
Your journey through bustling markets and the vibrant eat street offers an engaging opportunity to connect with Jaipur's historical essence in a dynamic and immersive manner.
Accommodation
The Fern Residency Jaipur - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Entrance Fees (17 USD)
City Palace - USD 11
Jantar Mantar - USD 3
Astronomical Observatory - USD 3
Optional Activities
Bazaar Walk with Local Food Tasting: USD 30
Day 8: Jaipur - Varanasi (By Flight)
As per your designated flight schedule today, you will receive assistance for your transfer to the airport in order to catch your flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival in Varanasi, arrangements will be made to transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
The standard check-in time at the hotel is 2:00 PM, but an early check-in can be arranged for an additional fee.
If time permits: In the evening, you can partake in a significant experience by attending a profound Aarti ceremony.
This event offers a spiritual connection as you observe devoted Hindus participating in the "Aarti Puja," using illuminated lamps.
The leading priests stand on a wooden platform near the water's edge.
Accompanied by the recitation of Sanskrit mantras and the harmonious sounds of cymbals and drums, the river is honored with offerings like flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk, and vermilion.
Accommodation
The Fern Residency Sarnath - Or similar
Included Activities
Varanasi Ritual (Aarti Session) - USD 8
Day 9: Varanasi
Embark on a morning boat ride along the Ganges River to witness the breathtaking sunrise.
As you drift on the waters, you'll have the opportunity to observe the Hindu way of life unfolding along the river's banks, known as Ghats.
Return to the hotel to enjoy your breakfast.
Later in the morning, delve into a Varanasi exploration that encompasses a visit to various significant sites.
This includes the Bharat Mata Temple, housing a sizable marble relief map of India, the Durga Temple, and the contemporary Tulsi Manas Temple.
Following breakfast, check out from your accommodation and proceed to Sarnath.
This location stands as one of India's four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
It was here, after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, that Buddha, known as the 'Awakened One,' delivered his inaugural sermon.
Accommodation
The Fern Residency Sarnath - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Entrance Fees (USD 16)
Morning Shared boat ride - USD 8
Bharat Mata temple - USD 3
Sarnath - USD 5
Day 10: Varanasi, Delhi By Flight, Dwarka
As per your planned flight schedule today, you will receive assistance for your transfer to the airport in order to catch your flight to Delhi.
Upon your arrival in Delhi, arrangements will be made to transfer you to a hotel located near the airport.
Accommodation
ITC Welcomhotel - 4 Star - Or similar
Meals
Breakfast
Day 11: Dwarka
You will receive assistance for your transfer to the airport to catch your flight for your onward journey.
Meals
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotels and overnight sleeper train
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Meals
9 breakfasts, drinking water supply in vehicle
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Transportation
A/C coach or mini-bus, Jeep ride at Amber Fort, rickshaw ride in Delhi
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced guide licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
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Domestic Flights
Domestic Flighst from Jaipur to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi
What's Not Included
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Any flights not mentioned above
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not stated above
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips and gestures
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Optional activities
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
Add Ons
Local Payment: £
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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What is the maximum group size?
Average group size is around 2-35 people
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No passenger under the age of 18
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Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic Flighst from Jaipur to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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