India’s Golden Triangle, plus holy Amritsar, Himalayan Shimla & old Bombay featuring India’s prestigious ‘Taj’ hotels, both historic and modern throughout with dinners included
(limited dates/availability)
Flight - 1 night
Amritsar - 2 nights
Chandigarh - 1 night
Shimla - 2 nights
Delhi - 2 nights
Agra - 1 night
Jaipur - 3 nights
Mumbai - 1 night
For the British traveller, ‘Take me to the Taj’ may seem a self-evident request but in India these words might lead you to a Taj hotel (even a ‘google search’ for ‘Taj’ brings up first ‘Taj Hotels’, one of India’s premier hotel groups). It thus seems apposite to utilise the fine hotels of the Taj group at a special tariff with dinners in the hotels.
Of course the iconic ‘Taj Mahal’ is the real highlight of this great journey from the Sikhs’ Golden Temple and the hill station of Shimla via Delhi, Agra and Jaipur to Old Bombay. Explore India’s religious, colonial, Mughal and Maharajas’ heritage whilst staying in some comfort.
A recently added feature is stays at two of the Taj group’s latest hotels which add an amazing modern twist to the Taj story. Move from Amritsar’s best hotel to the wonderfully sited Himalayan retreat at Theog, close to Shimla. Then experience the legendary Taj hospitality in their classic Delhi hotel, their palaces in Jaipur and finally their original hotel in old Bombay, as featured in the BBC 2 series ‘Hotel India’ focused on life at India’s oldest and most famous hotel.
Culture & Countryside
Jules Verne Sightseeing
9 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
Local Expert Guide
Historic / 5-star Hotels
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 – 22
Dine in the Rajput Room at Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, now a hotel, and enjoy a cocktail in the famous Polo Bar.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Amritsar via Delhi.
Day 2 Two nights at Amritsar’s best hotel, the new 5-star Taj Swarna. Optional Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple (£14, bookable locally). (D)
Day 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh. Early evening Wagah Border ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony. (B, D)
Day 4 Drive to Chandigarh (5 hrs) for overnight at the 5-star Taj Chandigarh. Free time for shopping or to relax in this unusual Indian ‘new’ town. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the Rose Garden & Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex. Drive to colonial Shimla (6 hrs). Enjoy two nights at the newly opened 5-star Hotel Taj Theog dramatically sited in the Himalayas above Shimla. (B, D)
Day 6 Tour of Shimla includes the Vice Regal Lodge, church, Gaiety Theatre and Mall. Afternoon free in Shimla. (B, D)
Day 7 Take the ‘Toy Train’ from Shimla to Kalka (5 hrs) and board the Shatabdi Express to Delhi (4 hrs) for two nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most distinguished addresses in Delhi. (B, D)
Day 8 A tour of Delhi including Jama Mosque, Raj Ghat, Gandhi Smriti, Humayun’s tomb, Railway Museum, India Gate, passing the Red Fort, parliament and Viceroy’s House. (B, D)
Day 9 Gatimaan Express to Agra. Visit the historic Agra Fort, then the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight at the 4-star Gateway Hotel, Agra (Taj Mahal facing rooms). Enjoy a cocktail at the Skydeck Bar with view of the Taj Mahal. (B, D)
Day 10 Visit the ‘Baby Taj’ and Mughal garden with views to the Taj Mahal. Travel to Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri (5 hrs). Three nights at the heritage Jai Mahal Palace, now a Taj heritage hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Optional Sound & Light at Amber Fort (£17, bookable locally). (B, D)
Day 12 Optional morning balloon ride in the Jaipur area (£170 2019 and £180 2020, pre-bookable). Visit Amber Fort, Birla Temple, Albert Hall Museum & view the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail in the Polo Bar and dinner at Rambagh Palace. (B, D)
Day 13 Fly to Mumbai. City tour including Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, laundries of Dhobi Ghat and the Prince of Wales Museum. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Mahal Palace (sea view room in the Tower Wing overlooking the Gateway of India and Palace Wing with bay views). (B, D)
Day 14 Afternoon flight to London. (B)
Notes
Dec 17 departure includes Christmas Eve meal.
2019 stays at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil in Shimla.
2019 itinerary operates as per below:
Day 5 Visit the Rose Garden & Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex. Drive to Kandaghat (4 hrs) to take the ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla. Two nights at the heritage 5-star Oberoi Cecil. (B, D)
Day 7 Drive to Chandigarh (5 hrs) and fly to Delhi for two nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel. (B, D)
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This new hotel embodies Punjab’s history, art and culture. Restaurants, bars, gym, spa, pool and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 5-star hotel with sophisticated architecture and interiors. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa, pool and WiFi (free). 149 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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The newly opened 5-star Taj Theog is scenically located surrounded by the dramatic Himalayan Ranges above Shimla. Restaurants and bar with views of the Himalayas, indoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 99 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The 5-star Taj Mahal hotel is one of the most distinguished addresses in Delhi. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 294 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star heritage property, the Gateway Hotel's unique style are complemented by Agra's glittering monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym, WiFi (free) and 100 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Designed with an Indo Saracenic style of architecture, this heritage hotel is located downtown, close to the historical monuments. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 100 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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This 5-star hotel is Mumbai’s first harbour landmark and was featured in the BBC 2 series 'Hotel India' focused on life behind the scenes at India's oldest and most famous hotel. Overlooking the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of the bay, every one of the 560 rooms are the perfect blend of rich history and modern convenience with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free).
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
2019
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
| August 13 | £2395 |
| September 10 | £2295 |
| September 17 | £2295 |
| October 1 | £2695 |
| October 15 | £2795 |
| November 19 | £2795 |
| December 3 | £2795 |
2020
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
| January 7 | £2895 |
| January 28 | £2995 |
| February 4 | £2995 |
| February 11 | £3095 |
| February 18 | £3195 |
| March 10 | £2995 |
| March 24 | £2995 |
| April 7 | £2695 |
| April 28 | £2595 |
| August 11 | £2695 |
| September 15 | £2795 |
| October 6 | £2995 |
| October 20 | £3195 |
| November 3 | £3295 |
| November 17 | £3195 |
| December 8 | £3295 |
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
(limited dates/availability)
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability, on these dates:
2020: Jan 28, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 7 & 28, Aug 11, Sep 15, Oct 6 & 20, Dec 8
Double for sole use:
2019: £695 (Aug/Sep £495; Nov/Dec £895)
2020: £895 (Apr/Aug/Sep £595)
Flight Options
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £395
British Airways Club World from £1795
Optional Excursions
Morning Balloon Ride £170 (2020 £180)
Extension Options
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Privately Guided
2 guests - £695 per person
3-4 guests - £345 per person
5-9 guests - £235 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £500
Arrival transfer add £22
Departure transfer add £22
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
