India's Golden Triangle incl. Istanbul extension

Let's depart for our Indian holiday adventure, first stop Delhi.

We have arrived in Delhi, we meet our local guide in the airport before being transferred to our hotel in Delhi.

Let's uncover some Delhi highlights,  (pending our flight times this excursion may be the following day) we begin with a half day tour including Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, before visiting the fascinating Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century building and the tomb of the Emperor Humayun.

Let's get together later and enjoy our first dinner at our hotel.

Evening meals are included for the nine night's stay in India. Eight nights in our hotels and one night cooking demonstration in Jaipur with dinner included.

Discover Delhi on a half day tour starting with the sights and sounds of bustling Old Delhi, we set off with a cycle rickshaw ride through the city.  Next, we visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, and see an eternal flame burning at the spot of his cremation.  Next, we pass the Jama Masjid Mosque (viewed from the outside) and visit the fascinating Bangla Sikh Temple. There will hopefully be time to pick up some souvenirs and local bargains at the bustling and colourful market of Chandni Chowk before transferring to the iconic pink city of Jaipur. 

Be prepared for the transfer, download a podcast, or audio book as the transfer to Jaipur will take around six and a half hours (270km) with a few comfort stops along the way. Sit back and relax and watch as the bustling city turns into countryside.

We arrived to one of India's most iconic jewels - Jaipur, fondly known as the pink city. Let's check in and get ready for dinner, and an early night after our day of exploration and travel.

Let’s uncover some of the wonders of the Golden Triangle on our full-day tour of Jaipur. We’ll take in the striking beauty of the Amber Fort, set high on a hill overlooking the peaceful Maota Lake. The Fort’s terraces and ramparts are beautifully reflected in the water below, offering a wonderful example of Rajput architecture. After an included lunch, we’ll enjoy a relaxed walking tour through Amber village, where we’ll meet some of the friendly locals along the way.

This morning, we’ll visit the City Palace Museum, once the splendid seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. We’ll then discover the fascinating Jantar Mantar, an impressive collection of ancient astronomical instruments, and see the famous Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of Winds,’ with its intricate pink façade.

After our excursion, there’s some free time to relax before we venture off for our cooking demonstration.

In the evening, we set off to visit a local family for a cookery demonstration. We learn the art of making local Indian dishes, bread making, and afterwards enjoy a group dinner.

This morning, we’ll leave Jaipur and travel by coach to Dholpur. Along the way, we’ll stop to explore the fascinating, deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1569 by the great Emperor Akbar to honour Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed him and foretold the birth of his three sons, Fatehpur Sikri is a remarkable place to explore. We’ll discover more about its history during our guided tour.

The journey today covers approximately 270km and will take around seven hours, with comfort stops along the route. 

We have arrived, let's unpack and relax after our day of discovery. We will spend the next two nights in Dolphur. 

Today brings a new experience as we enjoy a half-day guided tour of Gwalior Fort, once considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in central and northern India. Next, we’ll visit the Gujari Mahal Museum, which was originally built by Raja Man Singh for his wife, Princess Mrignayani, after she requested a palace of her own. She was royalty, after all, and nothing less would do!

Let's relax for the rest of the day, soak up the atmosphere and unwind for the rest of the day.

This morning, we experience a half-day excursion to visit the Gharial Conservation Alliance, a hatchery for reptiles such as gharials, crocodiles and turtles. We’ll learn more about the important work being done here before continuing to the Machkund Temple in Dholpur, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Later, we’ll travel by coach to Agra, home to the iconic and majestic Taj Mahal. The journey will take approximately two hours.

This evening, we’ll fall in love with the Taj Mahal as we experience the beauty of Agra at sunset. We’ll take in the splendour of one of the world’s greatest monuments to love as the sun sets behind its elegant marble domes. The soft evening light offers one of the best times to photograph this breath-taking masterpiece. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is truly a highlight of any visit to India, and it is easy to see why.

Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, this excursion may instead take place at sunrise.

This morning, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Built in the 11th century during a time marked by invasions and battles, this red sandstone fortress was also the site of the India Rebellion of 1857. We’ll take a moment to soak up the surroundings, with views of the Taj Mahal in the distance and the Yamuna River flowing beside it.

Later we return to our hotel and relax for the rest of our day.

We depart Agra by coach and make our way to Delhi for our final night in India. 

The transfer will take approximately five hours (230km) with comfort stops. Sit back and relax as we make our way towards Delhi.

We have arrived in Delhi. The rest of our evening is at leisure to relax after our journey.

We say farewell to our newfound friends and fond memories of our journey in the Golden Triangle of India. We transfer to Delhi airport for our flight to Istanbul, Türkiye.

On arrival in Istanbul you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Spend the next three nights in Istanbul on a bed and breakfast basis.

*Please note: Your extension in Istanbul will be on an individual basis rather than as part of a large group.

Balat and Fener Walking Tour

Discover Istanbul on a half-day guided tour as we explore some of Istanbul’s historical treasures.

After breakfast, we travel by coach to the colourful neighbourhoods of Balat and Fener. A delight for photographers, these lively districts are famous for their vibrant streets, antique shops, quirky staircases and traditional wooden houses, perfect for capturing that ideal holiday photo. Our walk will also include a visit to a distinctive church, adding a touch of history to your morning.

Sultanahmet - Istanbul's Old City
We then continue by coach into the heart of the Old City, Sultanahmet. Here, we admire some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Blue Mosque, the ancient Egyptian obelisks and the Roman Hippodrome. We also enjoy an exterior view of the magnificent Hagia Sophia.

During the day, we will pause for some Turkish tea or coffee, either in Balat, Fener or Sultanahmet.

Istanbul is a fascinating blend of old and new, where modern skyscrapers rise alongside centuries-old mosques, churches and palaces. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace, whether you wish to continue exploring or simply relax. Your guide will be happy to suggest places to visit or hidden spots to discover.

Please note:

Restoration work is ongoing at the Blue Mosque to preserve its beauty, which may mean some areas are covered by scaffolding. 

Hagia Sophia is now a working mosque, so visiting the interior may not be possible during prayer times should you wish to visit during your free time.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended for walking on the cobbled streets.

Enjoy a day at your own pace in Istanbul and make the most of the city’s rich history, vibrant culture and Turkish cuisine. You could visit the iconic Galata Tower and savour a slice of San Sebastian cheesecake with a cup of Turkish coffee beneath its watchful gaze. Explore the ancient wonders of Hagia Sophia, wander through the opulent rooms of Topkapi Palace, or uncover the mysterious underground Basilica Cistern.

For those who love shopping, the city offers plenty of options, from the colourful stalls of the Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Spice Market to the bustling boutiques along Istiklal Street. With so much to see and do, your free day in Istanbul promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home