Delhi

NORTH INDIA

Regions

A visit to Delhi is a heady experience. The capital city of India has two distinct personalities: Old Delhi, with its chaotic, winding alleys, crammed with cycle rickshaws, colourful shops and noisy street traders; and New Delhi, built by the British in 1911 for unashamed Imperial display. Old Delhi is home to the bustling shopping artery of Chandni Chowk, Shah Jahan's Red Fort (Lal Qila) and the 17th-century Masjid Mosque, India's largest. In New Delhi, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker's tree-lined avenues radiate out from Connaught Place and India Gate, blending colonial and vernacular styles. It has fine museums, gardens, temples and mausoleums. Humayun's Tomb, for instance, is one of the earliest examples of Mughal architecture in India, and is set in irrigated gardens full of neem trees and hoopoe birds. Delhi's shopping is unbeatable: from sari silks to contemporary fashion, and crafts to jewellery, an array of shopping can be found at market stalls, in old-fashioned shops and modern malls. A more recent phenomenon is the thriving nightlife, and an increasing number of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants are opening up across the city.

> Itineraries visiting Delhi

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.

A Classic Bhutanese Journey - 12 days from £ 2895 per person

This is a great itinerary for people who want to explore Bhutan's unique Mahayana Buddhist culture and stunning landscape of high mountain peaks, densely forested slopes and illuvial glacial plains. Each valley visited is different with its own regional cultural traditions and topography, whilst the lodges along the way are practical and occasionally charming. Highlights include a stay in Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) to see rare Black Neck Cranes, the spectacular Dzong of Punakha and the unlikely and incredible Tiger’s Nest Monastery of Paro.

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.

Bhutan Amankora Journey - 11 days from £ 4980 per person

Our most luxurious and serene Bhutan trip, staying exclusively in Amankora resorts and focusing on laid-back sightseeing with optional nature walks and biking. Enjoy cultural shows in front of a roaring fire whilst being pampered with hot apple tea, blankets and hot water bottles. The food at the Amankora is the best in Bhutan (we particularly love the private dining room set in the old farm house).

East to West: A Journey Through Bhutan - 18 days from £ 4745 per person

If you like to be a pioneer then this itinerary will take you to places few non-Bhutanese have ever seen. Completely off the beaten path, you will visit the heartlands of Bhutan including the eastern provinces and town of Trashigang and Mongar where the people are semi-nomadic. The infrastructure and accommodation for your first few days will be a far cry from a luxury holiday but with each passing day this will change and you will certainly feel that you have earned your luxuries by the end of the trip.

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.

Gently Down The Ganges - 17 days from £ 3795 per person

The Ganges River has long been a draw to the Hindu faithful and foreign travellers alike. With the introduction of the comfortable Sukapha cruise vessel, the Ganges and its distributary river The Hooghli, can now be experienced in an altogether relaxed and more comfortable fashion. Designed specifically for river cruising, The Sukapaha takes guests into the heart of rural India and allows access to areas that have otherwise been well off the tourist map. Finish the tour relaxing in a delightfully restored Tea Planters Bungalow in the hills surrounding Darjeeling.

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.

Hidden India - A Summer in Ladakh - 11 days from £ 2195 per person

Admire Ladakh’s dramatic landscapes and rich culture, full of distinctive Buddhist architecture, jewellery & costumes. Hike through refreshing mountains, enjoying monasteries, markets and leisurely picnics, and stay in local village homes and remote campsites.

Himalayan Awakening - 16 days from £ 2395 per person

A delightful tour starting with the incredible Golden Temple in Amritsar, followed by travels through the scenic foothills of the Himalaya stopping at some of the most important sites, both spiritual and cultural. These include Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama, Shimla, a former British Raj hill-station and Haridwar/Rishikesh (situated on the Ganges River), one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus where a heritage Haveli is arranged for the first night followed by a luxury Spa hotel in the hills above the city to finish off in style.

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.

Luxury Grand Tour of Bhutan - 14 days from £ 6795 per person

This is our most extensive Bhutan tour – perfect for people who want to look under every inch of the carpet! – with a choice of ‘superior’ or ‘luxury’ accommodation dependent on your budget. In addition to all the must-sees, highlights include a blessing at a fertility temple, playing archery with your guide, and a marvelous nature walk to the Valley of the Black Neck Cranes in Gantey.

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.

Nepal and Bhutan - 18 days from £ 4385 per person

Great for those who want to have a huge Himalayan adventure with contrasting views of two Himalayan countries. Explore colourful Katmandu and go elephant-back tiger trekking in Nepal before venturing on a thorough cultural odyssey across Bhutan.

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.

Tour of Bhutan and the Druk Path Trek - 14 days from £ 5585 per person

Ideal for action-lovers with an adventurous spirit. There is the option to stay in ‘superior’ or ‘luxury’ accommodation depending on your budget. Spend two nights in Paro then go camping and trekking for 6 nights (getting involved in setting up camp if you want to – or not!). Explore off the beaten track villages and tred the revered Druk Path Trek.

Witness the Black Necked Cranes in Bhutan - 12 days from £ 7530 per person

The best time for spotting the beautiful Black Neck Crane is from early December to mid-March. This is a great itinerary for people who want to explore Bhutan’s unique landscape and see the variation between the different valleys whilst staying in local lodges along the way. You will stay in Gangtey and visit the Valley of the Black Necked Cranes, going as far as Phobjikha Valley where electricity is still a novelty.