India's Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla

Overnight flight from London to Delhi

Your tour begins at London Heathrow. Meeting the Tour Manager and the rest of the group, you board a direct evening flight to India.

Arrival in India's bustling capital, Delhi

Landing in Delhi late this morning, transfer to your five-star hotel for a chance to unwind. After free time to relax and possibly explore the local surroundings, regroup this evening for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Into the Himalayas on the UNESCO-listed 'Toy Train'

Early morning transfer to New Delhi station to board the Shatabdi Express AC Chair Class to Kalka (170 miles, just over four hours). Then board the narrow-gauge Himalayan Queen 'Toy Train' with a picnic lunch, meandering through the Shivalik Hills via hundreds of bridges and 102 tunnels to Shimla. Check in to the historic five-star hotel. Note: for departures 11th & 14th February and 9th November, accommodation is at WelcomHotel Elysium Shimla.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uncovering the history of colonial Shimla

Author and historian Raaja Bhasin presents a talk on Shimla's role during British rule. Sightseeing tour in private cars to the Viceregal Lodge, Sankat Mochan Temple, and the Gothic revival Gaiety Theatre. Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A free day to explore Shimla

Day at leisure. Optional trip to Kufri and a tea experience at Wildflower Hall, or explore Shimla independently: Mall Road, the Ridge, Scandal Point, Children's Library, Christ Church, and Lakkar Bazaar. Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Returning down the mountains to Delhi

Leave Shimla by private cars, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Chandigarh Junction to board the train in AC Chair Class back to Delhi. Arrive late afternoon, check in to hotel, dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discovering Delhi, India's bustling capital

Sightseeing tour with a local guide: Jama Masjid, rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar, Red Fort, Raj Ghat. Free time over lunch. Explore New Delhi's colonial architecture: Kartavya Path, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun's Tomb, and Gandhi Smriti Museum. Return to hotel for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Royal Agra and the Taj Mahal

Depart Delhi on the Gatimaan Express in AC Chair Class to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal on a guided tour. Check in to five-star hotel, then visit Agra Fort including the Musamman Burj and Moti Masjid. Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri

Coach to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour of the perfectly preserved red sandstone city: emperor's private chambers, Palace of Jodha Bai, Diwan-i-Khas. Buffet lunch at Laxmi Palace Vilas. Continue to Ranthambore, check in to hotel for two nights, dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On safari in Ranthambore National Park

Relaxed morning followed by a naturalist talk on the region's wildlife. Afternoon safari in open-topped 'canter' vehicles in Ranthambore National Park, looking for Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas, caracals, crocodiles, mongooses, cobras, pythons and jackals. *On certain departures, two safaris on this day followed by a morning at leisure on Day 11. Return to hotel for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning safari and on to Jaipur

Early morning safari in Ranthambore National Park looking for sloth bears, macaques, wild boar, leopards and Bengal tigers. Breakfast at the hotel, time to relax before lunch. Afternoon coach journey to Jaipur. Check in to modern five-star hotel on the edge of the city, dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The 'Pink City' of Jaipur

Sightseeing tour: Palace of the Winds, UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, City Palace. Ride through the sights in pink tuk-tuks operated entirely by women as part of a social enterprise. Rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur's Amber Fort and return to Delhi

Visit the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort by Jeep, exploring the ornate palace complex, Jaleb Chowk courtyard, ornamental gardens and mountain views. Afternoon coach transfer back to Delhi. Dinner at the five-star hotel – the final night of the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Homeward bound

Check out with a picnic breakfast and transfer to Delhi airport for the direct flight back to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast