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Grand Colonial Tour of Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam & Singapore

14 days from £10,780 for 2023 per person

If your idea of holiday heaven includes a combination of polished teak floors, whirring ceiling fans, palm trees swaying in the breeze, clipped green lawns and crisp white linen-clad butlers serving you the perfect G&T, then this is the tour for you. Experience Asia's diverse colonial heritage on this whirlwind tour designed for those with an interest in the history and architecture of times gone by. As you journey through India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam and Singapore, stay at the finest colonial hotels in each location and explore each city's historic quarters and monuments along the way.

For those starting the tour in London we suggest dining at Gymkhana in central London, before a night at Blakes. A boutique hotel in South Kensington, Blakes has been decorated with echoes of Empire.

Starting at The Imperial in Delhi, this tour journeys around Asia’s former colonial capitals. Along the way you will be staying in a series of Grand Dame hotels that date from the ‘golden days’ of a bygone era: the Strand in Yangon and Raffles in Singapore – both part of the Sarkies’ Brothers hotel group, Amangalla in Galle and the Metropole in Hanoi. With glossy white facades, high ceiling suites, airy verandas and perfectly manicured green gardens, our selection of hotels are the perfect accompaniment to this historical tour. Take tea on the lawn, visit crumbling colonial districts and see in the sunset with a cocktail (or three) in bars that were frequented by Somerset Maugham, Ernest Hemmingway and Rudyard Kipling in their heyday.

Along the way your private car and driver will be there to show you the best bits (old and new) of every destination; visit the Taj Mahal from Delhi as a day trip, explore Galle Fort by foot, take a street food safari with a local food expert in Hanoi and admire Singapore’s mesmerising extravaganza, Gardens by the Bay.

As with all of our tours, this is purely a suggested itinerary and can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect bespoke holiday to Asia. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Honeymoon and Family Holiday collections, as well as our Ultimate Luxury, Multi-Country, Spa & Wellness and Party itineraries.


Itinerary details

14 days from £10,780 for 2023 per person

  • Day 1 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Take the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Day 2 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Morning sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Spend the afternoon shopping in Connaught Place and Khan Market.
  • Day 3 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Today take a day trip to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal.
  • Day 4 - Tintagel - Colombo
    Fly to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines and check in to Tintagel. This evening we recommend dinner at The Ministry of Crab, a favourite located in the Old Dutch Hospital built in 1677.
  • Day 5 - Amangalla - Galle
    This morning drive to Galle and spend the rest of day exploring the 16th century fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from both Portuguese and Dutch times.
  • Day 6 - Amangalla - Galle
    Spend the day at leisure.
  • Day 7 - The Strand - Yangon (Rangoon)
    Fly to Yangon via Bangkok. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Day 8 - The Strand - Yangon (Rangoon)
    Spend this morning exploring the city’s crumbling colonial buildings before Afternoon Tea at The Strand. Later, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset.
  • Day 9 - The Sofitel Legend Metropole - Hanoi
    Fly to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines. Afternoon at leisure.
  • Day 10 - The Sofitel Legend Metropole - Hanoi
    This morning take a Street Food tour with a local food expert. Spend the afternoon cycling around the city’s colonial district.
  • Day 11 - Raffles Singapore - Singapore
    Fly to Singapore and check in at Raffles hotel. Afternoon Tea at Raffles before sunset cocktails at The Fullerton Hotel.
  • Day 12 - Raffles Singapore - Singapore
    Walking tour of Singapore with your private guide and driver.
  • Day 13 - Raffles Singapore - Singapore
    Morning at leisure. This afternoon visit Capella on Sentosa Island for Afternoon Tea.
  • Day 14 - In transit.
    Transfer to the airport for your onward journey home.
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NORTH INDIA - The Imperial, Delhi, North India - Jaguar at the main porch NORTH INDIA - The Imperial, Delhi, North India - Jaguar at the main porch
NORTH INDIA - The Imperial Delhi North India Verandah Lounge NORTH INDIA - The Imperial Delhi North India Verandah Lounge
NORTH INDIA - The Imperial Delhi North India Patiala Peg Main NORTH INDIA - The Imperial Delhi North India Patiala Peg Main
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VIETNAM Sofitel Metropole Hanoi 2 VIETNAM Sofitel Metropole Hanoi 2
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SINGAPORE Raffles Exterior SINGAPORE Raffles Exterior
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Client Testimonials

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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