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.
✓ Small group experience, with no more than 16 people
✓ Incredible sightseeing including a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, guided touring of the Amber Fort and the City Palace in Jaipur, two game drives in search of the illusive Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore National Park and guided tours of both Old and New Delhi including a spice market and food tour in Chandni Chowk
✓ 9 nights accommodation in hand picked 4 & 5-star accommodation including a 3 nights in a stunning historic mansion in Jaipur
✓ Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners including a cooking class class followed by dinner in an Indian home and a farewell dinner in Jaipur
✓ Meet and greet on arrival into New Delhi
✓ Return airport transfers by private vehicle
✓ Domestic flight from Jaipur to Delhi with 25kg baggage included
✓ The services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Sightseeing & all entry fees as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated, comfortable air conditioned transportation
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Wanting to extend? Why not check out our 17 Day India's North & South Premium Small Group Tour here.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to India and the country's cosmopolitan capital, New Delhi!
On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of this dynamic city.
Today is at your leisure with time to relax and explore on your own.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby for a full day exploration of this incredible city.
Begin your day with a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. Enjoy a photo stop at the imposing India Gate, drive past the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) and visit a step well in very close vicinity of India Gate “Agrasen ki Baoli”.
Later we drive to visit Gandhi Smriti, Mahatma Gandhi spent his last 144 days in this mansion and today it is converted into a National Memorial. Proceed to Humayun’s tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and today a World Heritage Site. It was the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
Following our tour of New Delhi, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then later continue with a guided tour of the Old city of Shahjahanabad. Walk past the Red Fort and through the main street of Chandni Chowk visiting Jain temple from outside and to Sikh temple. We then proceed to Paranthe wali Gali, Kinari Bazar, a colourful spice market of Old city where your guide will show you the hundreds of colourful spices that are used in everyday Indian cuisine and take an opportunity to taste the local snacks at one of these shops.
Following your tour, return to your hotel late this afternoon for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast you will be driven to the Mughal city of Agra arriving early afternoon.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel with time to freshen up before we head out on a guided tour of the city.
Our first stop is the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort. This historical fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD from sandstone as a majestic ode to the magnificence of the Mughal empire. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.
No visit is complete without a stop at the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy a guided tour of this incredible complex as the sun sets over the city, then return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.
For those wishing to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, an optional guided tour is available. Please refer to the below description for more information.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and later you will be driven to Ranthambore National Park at Sawai Madhopur arriving late this afternoon. En route, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before arriving at our hotel late this afternoon located a 10 minute drive from the famous park gates.
Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has drawn the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers offering a huge variety of wild animals including tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles.
Enjoy an included dinner this evening at the hotel and be sure to have an early night in preparation for your incredible safari experience that awaits you tomorrow!
Early this morning, proceed on a spectacular sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans, 22 years to complete. Witness the dramatic interplay of light as the sun rises and casts its golden rays over the pearl white tomb, recreating the magic of the Taj.
Start Time: 5.00am
End Time: 8.00am
Includes: hotel transfers, guide & entrance fees
Wake up early today to undertake an experience you’ll never forget, a thrilling jungle safari in open top roof canters through Ranthambore National Park. Drive to the dense jungle of Ranthambore for tiger tracking and bird watching accompanied by a naturalist guide. The scrub woodlands of Ranthambore were the erstwhile hunting reserve of Maharajas of Jaipur. Today, it is a sanctuary for India’s exotic wildlife, and famous for spotting the majestic predator – the tiger. The park is also home to a large variety of other animals, including sambar deer, panthers, marsh crocodiles, jungle cats, civets, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a birdwatcher’s delight with more than 250 species nesting there.
Following the visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning relaxing and enjoying the facilities of the hotel.
After lunch, we head back to Ranthambore National Park for an afternoon safari with your naturalist guide. The afternoon gives you a different perspective on the wildlife as the sun begins to set and the nocturnal animals become more active.
After your game drive, we return to the hotel for dinner.
Please note: Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve opens from 1st October and closes on 30th June each year. During the months of July to September, gates 6 - 10 remain open and all wildlife drives will occur via these gates only. In cases of heavy rainfall, wildlife drives can be cancelled by the Forest Department without notice.
This morning, an additional optional game drive can be booked. Please refer to the below description for more information.
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Jaipur arriving early this afternoon. On arrival we check into our Inspiring Stay, a beautifully restored early 19th Century Palace which offers a magical experience of the bygone regal era of Rajasthan to its guests.
Jaipur, one of the most enticing places in India, is nestled between mighty forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills. It is known as ‘the pink city’ as its prominent buildings are washed in this colour. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is steeped in Rajput history and is characterised by sites such as the City Palace with its astronomical Observatory, Hawa Mahal and the beautiful Amber Fort.
In the evening, an Inspiring Taste awaits as we drive to a local house to experience the art of authentic Indian cooking. Get yourself acquainted with Indian spices and local Rajasthani cuisine as your host will demonstrate how to cook an Indian dish. You can also join in preparing ingredients and participate in cooking then all enjoy your efforts over dinner together.
Morning game drive through Ranthambore National Park in an open top roof canter with a naturalist guide. Enjoy another opportunity to sight the illusive Bengal Tiger. Other wildlife that inhabit the park include leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, common or hanuman langurs, macaques, jackals, jungle cats, caracals, sloth bears, black bucks as well as a plethora of birdlife and reptiles.
Start Time: 6.00am
End Time: 9.30am
Includes: hotel transfers, entrance fees, Naturalist Guide
An exciting day awaits you on a full day of discovery of the beautiful “Pink City'' with your guide. Begin your sightseeing tour with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with lattice screens, domes and spires. The town around Amber Fort consists of beautiful small temples and a step well called Panna Meena. Amer was a flourishing settlement originally occupied by the Meena tribe. Explore this atmospheric ancient town as you pass numerous local shops selling traditional sweets, historic temples, havelis, and water harvesting structures amidst the natural beauty of Aravali Mountain range with your guide. Continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the fabulous Amber Fort. At the foot of the hill, you will be taken by jeep up to the main gate and tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration
Following our visit, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the exquisite City Palace, a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, consisting of an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces. The Museum has a collection of Rajasthani costumes, armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Later, visit the Royal Observatory also known as “Jantar Mantar”, a stone astronomical and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century before returning back to your beautiful Haveli for an evening of relaxation.
An optional sound and light show at Amber Fort is available this evening. Please refer to the below description for more information.
A spectacle of great visual delight, the Amber Fort & Palace Complex in Jaipur, hosts a breathtaking son-et-lumière. The Amber fort has been home to 28 kings of the Kachwaha dynasty until their capital was moved to Jaipur. The sound and light show at Amber Fort is a glorious attempt in reviving the pride, history and traditions of Amber. The show highlights the local legends, folklore, and celebrates the maestros of folk music, who, to this day, continue to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show has been set in a spectacular location, with a brilliant view of Amber Fort & Palace Complex in the front, the rising Jaigarh on the left, and magnificent hills behind it.
Start Time: 6.30pm - 7.30pm (depending on time of year)
End Time: show duration is approximately 1 hour
Includes: hotel transfers and entrance fees
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surrounds of your heritage Haveli, then we embark on a morning heritage walk in the pink city.
Starting from the massive Tripolia Gate, make your way through the bustling lanes of Jaipur as you walk past the beautiful old temples and painted havelis. Wander through the streets as you see some of the gorgeous temples on both side of the roads dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and the many forms of Lord Krishna. Appreciate the beautiful murals on their exterior walls as you continue to the big terracotta red building called the Jaipur College. Proceed through the narrow alleys seeing a collection of textiles, utensils, wedding attires and street food vendors. Choose to stay to continue exploring on your own and do some last minute shopping, or return back to your Haveli where the afternoon is yours to relax, unwind, and take in your last day in Jaipur.
This evening, we gather for a special dinner at a typical Jaipurian restaurant.
Enjoy breakfast this morning before we transfer to the airport for our included flight to Delhi.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel located close to the airport where 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 depending on your onward flight time.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
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'
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
By paying an additional $995.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended 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.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 16
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
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
Post Tour Accommodation
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.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Click HERE for more information on weather in India.
28 Feb 2023
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...
28 Feb 2023
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...
28 Feb 2023
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...
28 Feb 2023
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...
28 Feb 2023
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...
18 Aug 2021
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...
18 Aug 2021
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...
18 Aug 2021
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...
