Classic Taj & Tigers (4 Star) - Private - 8 Days

On arrival at the airport in Delhi, you’ll be greeted with a traditional garland welcome. Our representative will meet you at the airport, provide assistance with formalities, and escort you to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recover from your journey.

This morning, you will explore both Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit the imposing Red Fort, a masterpiece in red sandstone, and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque – both built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal. Continue to Raj Ghat, the simple yet moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, including the famous Silver Street.

Later, you explore New Delhi. Highlights include the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb – both fine examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture. Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the former residence of British viceroys, and visit India Gate, a memorial to Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan war. You also stop at the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the prominent Birla family. After the tour, your evening is at leisure.

Delhi - Jaipur. After breakfast, you depart by road for the 5-hour drive to Jaipur, famously known as the ‘Pink City’. Designed according to the principles of ‘Shilpa Shastra’ – an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture – Jaipur is one of India’s first planned cities.

On arrival, check in at the hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore Jaipur’s renowned markets, known for textiles, gemstones, carpets, and handicrafts.

After breakfast, you set out to explore Jaipur with an excursion to the impressive Amber Fort, located just outside the city. You will ride a jeep up the hill to the fort before exploring.

In the afternoon, you visit the City Palace, an architectural blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, located in the heart of Jaipur. Nearby is the Central Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar – the largest of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. You will also see the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, built to allow royal ladies to observe street processions while remaining unseen. Spend a second night in the Pink City.

Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park. This morning, leave Jaipur for the 2-3 hour drive to Ranthambore, one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Formerly a royal hunting ground, Ranthambore was declared a national park in 1980 and is now part of Project Tiger – a key initiative to protect India’s Bengal tigers. It is considered one of the best places in the world to photograph tigers in the wild.

In the evening, you head out on an included jungle safari in search of wildlife, including the elusive tiger. There’s also time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities – perhaps take a refreshing dip in the pool or explore the peaceful natural surroundings.

Ranthambore National Park - Abhaneri - Agra. Begin your day with an included early morning safari in Ranthambore National Park. Accompanied by a naturalist, you'll explore the jungle by open-top canter or jeep (subject to availability), tracking tigers and spotting other wildlife. The safari lasts around three hours. Afterwards, return to the resort for breakfast.

Later, you'll depart for Agra, stopping en route at the Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri – one of the largest and most visually striking stepwells in the world, built over a thousand years ago. Continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the once-glorious Mughal capital located just outside Agra. On arrival in Agra, transfer to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

This morning, after breakfast or at sunrise, you visit the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this architectural masterpiece is renowned for its stunning symmetry and fusion of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles.

Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Enclosed within massive red sandstone walls, the fort houses elegant structures such as the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, and Sheesh Mahal. From the Musamman Burj, Shah Jahan is said to have spent his final years imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, gazing across the Yamuna River at the Taj Mahal – the monument he had built for his beloved.

You may also wish to visit Oswal Emporium, home to a remarkable handcrafted replica of the Taj Mahal, which took artisans ten years to complete.

Please note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and your itinerary may be adapted if needed to ensure you can visit.

Agra - Delhi. This morning, transfer back to Delhi. You will be dropped at the airport according to your onward flight schedule. Safe travels.