Agra

NORTH INDIA

Regions

Agra is home to the World's ultimate monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Dreamily positioned on the banks of the Yamuna River, its pale dome and minarets seem to float over the river, catching every nuance of light and shade. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632 to house the remains of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and took 17 years to build, working with India's finest pietra dura craftsmen who inlaid the gleaming white marble with semi-precious stones. Other Agra sights include the mighty Agra Fort, reflecting the Mughals at their most martial; Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb (also known as the Baby Taj); Akbar's multi-tiered tomb at Sikandra, with its beautifully frescoed ceilings and walls; and the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, which is approximately an hour's drive away.

> Itineraries visiting Agra

2012 A Summer to Remember - Oberoi Special - 11 days from £ 2295 per person

This tour visits the Golden Triangle region of Northern India whilst staying at the some of the finest hotels in the world. The Oberoi group, renowned for their service and impeccable attention to detail, have a reputation of the highest order and in this tour we use their hotels exclusively, and in doing so have created a smooth and luxurious ride through this deservedly famous and spectacular region of India.

An Indian Odyssey...Special - 10 days from £ 2850 per person

If luxury is what you’re after and you only have a short time for your holiday then look no further than an Indian Odyssey, which takes you around the fabled Golden Triangle region of India whilst staying in hotels that a Maharaja would not only be proud of, but once called home! On arrival in Delhi stay at the 5* Taj Mahal Hotel, followed in Agra by the lavish Amar Vilas spa property. The Rambagh Palace of Jaipur, where you stay for two nights, was voted as the best hotel in the world not so long ago and the Lake Palace of Udaipur, perhaps the most iconic hotel in India, rounds the tour off in style.

Essential India, North and South - 17 days from £ 5795 per person

This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions of Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh with the beautiful, serene southern state of Kerala. Highlights include the Taj Mahal, tracking wild tigers, Rajasthani forts and palaces, and tranquil backwater cruises.

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan - 15 days from £ 2395 per person

This is a wonderfully vibrant way to experience India: from bustling Delhi and the impressive Taj Mahal to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur. Experience the Thar Desert, kaleidoscopic spice & textile markets and a boat trip on shimmering Lake Picchola of Udaipur.

Gems of North India - 10 days from £ 2875 per person

This leisurely journey takes in North India’s classic sights: Imperial Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, the Golden Triangle, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and the ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur. Stay in contemporary and historic hotels and enjoy fabulous shopping – from bargain markets to opulent jewel stores.

Grand Tour of North India - 18 days from £ 4995 per person

Named the Grand Tour for good reason! Experience Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi and Khajuraho – famed for its extraordinary carvings – and the regal state of Rajasthan. Enjoy tracking tigers in Ranthambore National Park and end in the fairytale lake city of Udaipur.

Leh and the Golden Triangle - 12 days from £ 2585 per person

Ladakh and Rajasthan are a match made in heaven – the contrast makes for a wonderfully varied and well-paced trip. Unwind amongst cool mountains, awe-inspiring landscapes and impressive monasteries, and follow with the dazzling Taj Mahal and opulent hotels in the regal Rajput cities of Jaipur and Udaipur.

Maharajas Express - 11 days from £ 5795 per person

Experience India’s most luxurious train, the Maharajas’ Express, on a fascinating route through bejewelled cities, cultural sites and wildlife hubs. Highlights include the Taj Mahal, the little-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh Wildlife Park.

Taj, Temples and Tigers - 12 days from £ 2485 per person

An exhilarating tour for keen wildlife spotters covering two of India’s most renowned national parks: Bandhavgarh and Kanha. But before the wildlife gets started we’ll take you to see the Taj Mahal and some of Indian’s most beautiful temple architecture in Khajuraho. Three nights are dedicated to each wildlife reserve where game drives allow ample chance to spy an abundance of wildlife and Bengal Tigers! Experience a taste of rural India with trips to remote villages and stays in smaller hotels with plenty of character.