11 Day Indian Opulence - A Platinum Small Group Tour
This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Platinum Vacations - Luxury at its finest
❖ FLY FREE - Return international airfares included for a limited time
❖ Exclusivity - Ultra-Small group touring. No more than 12 people
❖ Adults Only - Travel with like-minded adults on all Platinum Vacations tours
❖ Airfares - Add international airfares to any Platinum Vacations tour for peace of mind
❖ Comfort - The best in-destination accommodation including our feature Inspiring Stays at Oberoi Hotels througout including the stunning Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra with views of the Taj Mahal from your hotel room
❖ Culinary - Fine-dining daily with all breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners with feature Inspiring Tastes including dining at 1135 AD an opulent Maharaja's dining room within Amer Fort and a hands-on cooking class in an Indian home
❖ Experiences - Fully inclusive and immersive sightseeing and our thoughtfully curated Inspiring Sights including a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
❖ Experts - Join the highly qualified local team and guides on excursions to India’s top attractions including Agra Fort, Amer Fort, City Palace and the Taj Mahal
❖ Essentials - Travel in luxury small coaches, enjoy porterage at all hotels, included gratuities for your guide and driver, plus laundry service
❖ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
As one of our Platinum Vacations tours, our 10 Day Luxury India tour, sets the benchmark in ultimate comfort and style while travelling: intimate, ultra-small group touring, curated sightseeing, plush accommodation and exclusive culinary experiences, all backed by our industry-leading, 24/7 customer support.
Today, fly from your home airport to New Delhi to begin your luxury tour of India.
Welcome to India! A land of vibrance and colour, of rich heritage and unexpected delights, it’s a country that takes its celebrations as seriously as its worship and has great pride in its gastronomy. Step off the plane and prepare for a sensory overload: blaring car horns, lively markets, and aromatic spices that tickle your nose.
Delhi, the vibrant capital and where we begin the tour, is distinctly divided into two contrasting worlds – Old Delhi and New Delhi. Both have their own distinct characteristics and cultural styles from aesthetics and design to its very residents.
Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport and transferred by private car to your hotel, The Oberoi New Delhi, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Your hotel is situated in an unparalleled location, with sweeping views of the prestigious Delhi Golf Course on one side, and the UNESCO site, Humayun's Tomb, on the other.
Once you check in and settle, you’re free to spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Please note that based on airline availability your flight may need to depart a day earlier than the advertised departure date.
Early this morning, enjoy an Inspiring Moment as you engage in a very special yoga session with a yoga master in the beautiful Lodhi Gardens. Working with a not for profit organisation, learn the importance of yoga and spiritual wellbeing to the Indian culture before partaking in a class. After the class, yoga mats provided especially for the group will be donated to the local community ensuring the continued practice for those less fortunate.
Return to the hotel breakfast, then meet your guide to begin your first day of sightseeing. First, tour Old Delhi and begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, before moving onto the vibrant Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Look out for the Red Fort monument which can be seen at the eastern end of the market. Enjoy and Inspiring Taste as we enjoy a food tour of the market tasting, smelling and sampling spices, street food, and local snacks. Continue with an exciting rickshaw ride through the back laneways and streets of this fascinating area.
Stop for lunch in the heart of Old Delhi in one of the oldest Haveli’s offering a taste from the Mughal era not only through its cuisine, but also through its architectural beauty and grandeur. Following this, explore New Delhi. Drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Parliament buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence), and Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. The tour ends with a visit to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage listed tomb of Emperor Humayun. The tomb was the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, a wonderful example of early Mughal architecture.
You’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up for our welcome dinner at Veda, an elegant fine dining restaurant that serves North Indian dishes accompanied with local wine.
After breakfast, drive to the Mughal city of Agra. On arrival in Agra, you’ll check into our Inspiring Stay at the stunning Oberoi Amarvilas, a sprawling 5-star oasis with commanding views of the Taj Mahal from its grounds and hotel rooms.
Take some time to freshen up before heading out to enjoy a guided tour of Agra Fort - the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital moved from Agra to Delhi. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is about 2.5-km northwest of its famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal.
After the visit, head back to the comfort of the hotel and enjoy an included glass of wine and some traditional Indian canapés as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal.
The day starts bright and early with an Inspiring Site with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. With less crowds, the early morning is the best time to take in the magnificence of this incredible monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it really is a masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. (Please note: 15 October 2024 & 03 June 2025 departures will instead enjoy a special sunset visit of the Taj Mahal the day previous).
After our visit, head back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast, before starting the drive to the royal city of Jaipur - the capital of India’s Rajasthan state and sometimes referred to as the ‘Pink City’ for its trademark building colour.
En-route we’ll visit Fatehpur Sikri, the first planned city of the Mughals and stop for lunch at Laxmi Vilas Bharatpur, a luxurious hotel built in 1857.
On arrival in Jaipur, you’ll check into The Oberoi Rajvilās for 3 nights where you can spend the evening at leisure.
Note: laundry service of four garments per person is included during your stay in Jaipur. Please ensure to submit garments with at least 24 hours notice to ensure these are returned prior to your departure.
After breakfast, drive to the impressive hilltop citadel of Amber For. En-route halt for a photo stop at the red sandstone Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied wonder with an incredible pyramidal façade, overhanging windows with lattice screens, domes and spires.
Crowning the crest of a hill, the Fort offers a view of Maota Lake and the historic old town located at the base of the hill, which formed the early seat of the Amber kings before the fort was made their capital.
For lunch, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at 1135 AD, an opulent Maharaja's dining room within the Amber Fort where we’ll enjoy royal dishes prepared from famous recipes of the Amer Royal family - you’ll feel just like a Maharaja!
Following lunch, tour the incredible City Palace. Located deep within the walled city, the complex was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. Constructed between 1729 and 1732, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family who live in a private section of the palace.
Following this visit, return to the hotel where the evening can be spent as you wish.
For those early risers, choose to start the day with a one-hour morning yoga session, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a heritage walking tour of Jaipur. The best way to explore a historic city is by foot, and the incredible walled city of Jaipour is no exception. Walk through the historic streets of the old city experiencing the glory of the yesteryear as every winding street has a unique experience to offer. Where else can you find such a diversity of art, handicrafts, food, absolutely everything imaginable, all at one place? Enjoy the vibrant colours displayed in textile shops and flower markets, admiring the magnificence of the majestic city gates and the architectural splendour of the famous Hawa Mahal. Let the narrow alleys and bustling streets of Old City of Jaipur take you to a unique journey that will stay with you for a lifetime
Return back to the hotel where lunch will be provided followed by another Inspiring Moment - enjoy a talk on astrology and its influence on Indian culture. The use of Vedic astrology is associated with various purposes, such as predicting the future, understanding personality, and making important decisions. These aspects are facilitated by various key elements such as nakshatras, birth charts, planetary positions, yogas, and the Dasha system.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy an Inspiring Taste this evening. You will be provided with traditional Indian attire and then transferred to an Indian home where you will be welcomed by a local family and given a hands-on cooking class. Learn the secrets of Indian cooking while learning about the life of a local Indian family. Once the class is completed, sit down and enjoy dinner with your family before returning to your home for the evening.
Note: your astrologer will provide a personalised astrology reading for each guest. Your reading will be most accurate if you are able to provide time of birth prior to your arrival. If you do not know your time of birth, a reading will still be provided using your birth date and year.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Pink City as you are transferred to Jaipur Airport to board a short flight to Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the jetty to board a boat which will take us to our final hotel of the tour, The Oberoi Udaivilās - a lavish 5-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Pichola.
The remainder of the day is free to soak up the ambience of this beautiful city.
This evening, gather together as we enjoy and an included glass of wine and Indian canapés as we take in magical views as the sun sets over Lake Pichola.
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the tranquil Lake Pichola before heading off on a morning tour of the City of Lakes - Udaipur.
Commence the tour with a visit to the City Palace which stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single façade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens. Continue to Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honour), a small ornamental garden which was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks, and marble elephants.
This afternoon is free to do as you please. Venture off on some independent touring on your own, or sit and relax in the beautiful ground of the hotel taking in the breaktaking views.
This evening drive to the hilltop, Hotel Fatehgarh, for farewell dinner by pool side overlooking the stunning Udaipur city.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for your included flight back to New Delhi where on arrival you will be met and transferred to The Oberoi, Gurgaon, your 5-star luxury hotel located within easy reach of the airport.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Your journey through India comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You will be met in the hotel lobby and transferred to the airport for your included flight home.
Return to your home airport, where your journey comes to an end.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Comfort - Staying at a Platinum Vacations hotel is an experience in itself. Our experts select the best in-destination hotels, lodges and villas in the perfect location. To ensure your holiday is truly memorable, we include our favourite Inspiring Stays. Each Inspiring Stay provides an authentic, experiential, and cultural experience unique to the destination.
Culinary - Culinary exploration is a highlight of any destination. Our Platinum Vacations provide the perfect balance between self-adventure and curated culinary inclusions. Our experts have sourced a range of special experiences, from private dining to chef table dinners to allow your taste buds to embark on a sojourn through the destination.
Experiences - Platinum Vacations ensure you'll experience a full immersion of the destination. Experience the must-haves expected on a well-rounded itinerary, plus the extras that make it really special: incredible, all-inclusive sightseeing, enriching activities and one-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Platinum Vacations provide the discerning traveller with the benefits you would expect to provide a fully immersive travel experience like no other.
Inspiring Stays
Handpicked feature accommodation selections.
New Delhi – Thew Oberoi New Delhi. This multi-award winning luxury 5 star hotel is situated in an unparalleled location, with sweeping views of the prestigious Delhi Golf Course on one side, and the UNESCO site, Humayun's Tomb, on the other. Enjoyed refined elegance from your upgraded Premier Room 51sqm of space and luxury amenities including 24 hour butler service.
Agra – The Oberoi Amarvilās. Featured in The World’s 50 Best Hotels, this stunning property is almost as iconic as the Taj Mahal itself. Located just 600 meters from this incredible; landmark, The Oberoi Amarvilās the ultimate in luxury living on a sprawling 5-star oasis. Enjoy elegant Premier Rooms during your stay with views of the Taj Mahal and featuring marble ensuite bathrooms and a butler on call.
Jaipur – The Oberoi Rajvilās. Spread over 1,29,499 square metres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this luxury hotel offers traditional architecture, flaming mashaal torches and reflection pools. Your three night stay in the exquisite Premier Rooms feature a canopied four poster bed, a cushioned window seat and a sunken marble bathtub with private courtyard views.
New Delhi – The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Awarded “Best Hotel In The World” by Travel + Leisure in 2022, this urban oasis is located just minutes from the international and domestic terminals and a striking example of contemporary design. Your spacious Deluxe Room offers luxuriously appointed amenities and views of the city.
Inspiring Tastes
Exclusive or unique culinary experiences designed to inspire your senses.
Inspiring Sights
Enjoy an included selection of experiences designed to give you a richer travel experience.
Secure your trip with a $999.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This package is a flight inclusive package
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking (departure city surcharges may apply). Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $6,695.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 12
Adults Only
Travel with like-minded adults on all Platinum Vacations tours.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation - New Delhi
Post Tour Accommodation - New Delhi
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
14 Sep 2020
India is a feast (and occasionally a full-frontal assault) for the senses. While every visitor will take away something different from this fascinating country, going in with a few simple things in mind will help first timers navigate their encounter Go with the flow Not everything in life goes to plan. Embrace this...
14 Sep 2020
Lying side by side, Old Delhi and New Delhi share one thing in common – a name India has always been proud of its diversity and its capital is a fine representation of this. Delhi is distinctly divided into two contrasting worlds – Old Delhi and New Delhi. Both have their own distinct characteristics and cultural style...
14 Sep 2020
South India is distinctly different from its northern counterpart and when it comes to food, it’s no different Idil, dosa, vada - oh my! Welcome to the flavours of South India. Idli (savoury, steamed rice cake), dosa (pancake), and vada (fried doughy fritters) are delicious snacks, native to India’s South and made from...
14 Sep 2020
Walk in the footsteps of forgotten maharajas, Mughal rulers and generations of pilgrims as you explore seven of northern India’s fascinating historical sites The Hill Forts of Rajasthan Established during the long reign of the Rajputs between the 5th and 18th centuries, Chittorgarh Fort, Amer Fort, Gagron Fort, Kumbhal...
14 Sep 2020
So you're off to India! Here's what you need to pack before you embark on your India adventure Know the weather India is a vast country and the climate differs from region to region. For example, the north of the country experiences more extreme climates than the rest of India, so you can expect temperatures to reach 4...
14 Sep 2020
India is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, and a complete feast for the senses. But, when is the best time to go? India's huge size means that the weather varies significantly between popular travel destinations. The one thing it rarely is, is cold, thanks to the protection of the Himalayan mountains. A...
14 Sep 2020
When you think of India, a splash of vibrant colours often pops into your mind. Holi brings that vision to life What is Holi? An ancient Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated with great exuberance across India and many non-Hindus eagerly participate in the festivities. Following the lunar calendar the festival is usuall...
14 Sep 2020
India’s festival of lights is not to be missed What is Diwali? Diwali is celebrated throughout much of India in October or November, with the main celebrations taking place on the darkest night of the Hindu month. In the country's north, it's a five-day festival, while in the south, it's usually a one-day event. The...
{{details.header}}
New Zealand
United States
Canada
India
