Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 13, 2017 or March 2, 2018 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

Itinerary
Day 1Delhi
If you arrive early, wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you could climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colourful spice market -- a great photo opportunity.
Please note this tour departs Delhi early on Day 2, so book extra accommodation if you would like to explore the city. Day tours can be booked through the front desk of your hotel if you do arrive early.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
1h
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation
C Park Inn (or similar)
Day 2Delhi/Āgra
Take a morning train to Agra, then a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal. Opt to visit Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
Agra is best known as the site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a guided visit to this icon of Mughal architecture either in the morning or late afternoon for the best light (this depends upon your arrival time). You also have the option to visit the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument.
Train
Delhi – Āgra3h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Each ticket corresponds to an assigned seat. If the group travels on the early morning train, a basic, local breakfast will be served.
Taj Mahal Guided Tour
Tāj Mahal1h-3h
We will aim to experience the Taj Mahal at either sunset or sunrise, depending upon our train tickets and travel schedule.
Agra Fort Visit
Āgra1h-3h
Enjoy your visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.
Baby Taj Visit
Āgra
200INR per person
Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.
Accommodation
Amaryatri Niwas (or similar)
Hotel
Day 3Āgra/Jaipur
Take an orientation walk around town, then enjoy free time to explore other sites around town. Opt to see a Bollywood film.
Today we take a bus ride—always an adventure itself in India— to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the former capital of a princely state of the same name. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds".
Take a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. If you haven't tasted one yet, this is a great place to try a delicious masala chai (Indian chai tea).
In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.
Orientation Walk
30m-1h
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Local bus
Āgra – Jaipur7h
There will be a stop around the half-way point for snacks and toilets.
Accommodation
Hotel Jaipur Inn (or similar)
Hotel
Day 4Jaipur
Enjoy a guided tour of the Amber Fort before having a free afternoon in Jaipur to explore the city.
Amber Fort Guided Tour
Amber Fort
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Free Time
JaipurAfternoon
Enjoy free time to relax, shop, visit landmarks like the Palace of the Winds or the Jaipur Observatory, or soak up some pop culture at a Bollywood movie.
City Palace Visit
Jaipur
500INR per person
Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit.
The Jaipur Observatory Visit
Jaipur
100INR per person1000INR per group
Visit one of five astronomical observatories constructed in the early 18th century in India. There are 14 major devices that have been well-preserved that were built to predict eclipses, measure time, and track stars, among other functions. The largest device stands at 27m high.
Jaipur Balloon Ride
Jaipur
Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise over the incredible city of Jaipur. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over ancient forts, exquisite palaces, and lively villages moving with people - and elephants! You may never want to come back down.
Available August 15 - April 30.
Accommodation
Hotel Jaipur Inn (or similar)
Hotel
Day 5Jaipur/Tordi Sāgar
Dive into rural life by visiting potters, cobblers, and markets. Opt to take a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women.
Go on an included guided walk through the local village and opt to participate in a cricket match with some locals.
Tordi Sagar Local Village Tour
Tordi Sāgar1h
Take a tour of this tiny, tranquil village far from the maddening crowds and enjoy its pastoral settings and local hospitality. Also look at its magnificent red sand dunes.
4x4
Jaipur – Tordi Sāgar3h-4h
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Accommodation
Hotel Tordi Garh (or similar)
Hotel
Meals included:
Dinner
Day 6Tordi Sāgar/Pushkar
Enjoy a local lunch prepared by traditional methods at a village hamlet. Go on an orientation walk upon arrival to Pushkar.
Have a final taste of rural village life with a traditional lunch before travelling to Pushkar.
This morning, travel to Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar. The site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma, Pushkar is often called "Tirth Raj," the Raj (king) of pilgrim centres.
After settling into our accommodation, we will take an orientation walk around Pushkar.
4x4
Tordi Sāgar – Pushkar4h
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Pushkar Orientation Walk
Pushkar1h3km
Explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats in this CEO-led walk.
Accommodation
Hotel New Park (or similar)
Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 7Pushkar
In the morning, climb Savitri Temple, perched atop a hill, and catch the sunrise. Enjoy an included traditional dinner in the desert cooked by cameleers, with local entertainment. Enjoy some free time for shopping or yoga.
Before dawn today, we climb to the hilltop Savitri temple. After the morning walk, there is nothing better than spending time at one of the many cafés in town.
All rested, head into the desert and enjoy to a traditional meal prepared and served by local cameleers, with gypsy dancers and music.
Savitri Temple Climb
Pushkar1h-2h
Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai.
Free Time
PushkarAfternoon
Enjoy free time to explore town after returning from the sunrise temple climb. Opt to take a yoga class, scour the markets, or relax with a massage.
Dinner in the desert
Pushkar2h30m-4hEvening10km
Try on traditional Indian clothes and head out to the desert for an evening you won't soon forget. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal prepared and served by local cameleers. Get into the spirit with music, dancing, and entertainment presented by a group of Roma people before returning to Pushkar at night.
Yoga Class
Stretch and hold poses in this gentle but effective form of exercise.
Massage
Revive sore muscles with a relaxing massage.
Accommodation
Hotel New Park (or similar)
Hotel
Meals included:
Dinner
Day 8Pushkar/Udaipur
Take an orientation walk and an optional boat ride.
Continue south to lakeside Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city.
With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through.
Train
Pushkar – Udaipur7h-8h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Be prepared for a hot ride today. Bring some snacks and beverages.
Orientation Walk
Udaipur
Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.
Lake Palace Tour
Udaipur
Board a boat and cruise around Lake Pichola, taking in views of Udaipur from the water and getting a closer view of the spectacular Lake Palace, which was voted the most romantic hotel in India.
Accommodation
Hotel Vishnu Priya (or similar)
Hotel
Days 9–10Udaipur
Free time to explore the "Venice of the East" with its lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes.
Carte Blanche
UdaipurFull Day
There's plenty to see and do in Udaipur, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Monsoon Palace, learning about Rajasthani cuisine with a cooking class, and visiting the Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Cooking Demonstration
Udaipur1h-2h
600INR per person
Calling all foodies! Get a taste of local food of Udaipur by visiting a local family for a cooking class. After the cooking demonstration sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
City Palace Visit
Udaipur1h-2h
280INR per person
Visit Rajasthan's largest palace to get a sense of how royalty lived. Take in the view from one of its many intricately-decorated balconies, with one side facing the stunning Lake Palace.
Monsoon Palace Visit
Udaipur
250INR per person
Hop in an auto rickshaw and head outside of Udaipur to the stunning Monsoon Palace, perched high above town. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding lakes and countryside. Consider visiting at sunset for an unforgettable view.
Jagdish Temple Visit
Udaipur
Visit the intricately-carved Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Make sure to take a peek at the black stoned image of Vishnu that's housed inside the shrine.
Ranakpur Jain Temples Visit
Ranakpur1h-2h
200INR per person
Enjoy a visit to this magnificent white marble temple devoted to Adinath, a god in the Jain religion. Jains believe in "ahimsa," non-violence to all living beings. Built in the 15th century, the temple has 1444 individually carved pillars.
Shopping
Scour the local shops and stalls for unique wares to remind you of your travels to the region.
Accommodation
Hotel Vishnu Priya (or similar)
Hotel
Day 11Udaipur/Mumbai
Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Overnight train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.
Local bus
Udaipur – Ahmedabad5h-6h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Gandhi Ashram Visit
Ahmedabad
Explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati, once home to Mahatma Gandhi for nearly 12 years.
Basic overnight train (beds)
Ahmedabad – Mumbai7h-8h
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 12Mumbai
Arrive to Mumbai and take an orientation walk of Colaba and Fort Area. Enjoy free time to explore the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
Opt to shoot a picture of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea, and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel next door. From here boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or place of caves), famous for is cave temples carved straight from the rock.
People-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. Try some of the many local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants, or go out on the town and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.
Free Time
MumbaiFull Day
Opt to go on a taxi tour around town, visit Elephanta Island, or tour the are where 'Slumdog Millionaire' was filmed.
Slums Tour
Mumbai3h-4h
1500INR per person
Visit Dharavi slum, where much of 'Slumdog Millionaire' was filmed. See where people work and live on this walking tour.
City Tour
Mumbai4h-8h8km
800-4000INR per group
Visit the main highlights of Mumbai on either a half-day or full-day driving tour of this lively city. Tours will visit the Victoria Terminus Train Station (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive, and Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry area in Mumbai, among other highlights.
Accommodation
Hotel Fortune (or similar)
Hotel
Day 13Mumbai/Goa
In the morning, hop on a short flight to Goa. Head to the beaches of North Goa, sample tasty treats at the night markets, and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.
Relax on a beach, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the old churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital.
Plane
Mumbai – Goa1h
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
GoaFull Day
After transferring to the hotel, the day is free to explore the beaches the charming town.
Goa Beach Visit
Goa
5INR per person
Relax on some soft, white sand -- Goa's beaches are famous the world over for good reason. Hydrate with a smoothie or fresh coconut water.
Old Goa Visit
Goa2h-3h
1600INR per group
Explore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
Accommodation
Alor Holiday Resort (or similar)
Hotel
Day 14Goa
Enjoy a free day to wind down in North Goa. Visit nearby beaches, scour the markets, and be sure to try to some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood.
Free Time
GoaFull Day
Recover from the previous night's festivities or further explore the beaches and markets of charming Goa.
Accommodation
Alor Holiday Resort (or similar)
Hotel
Day 15Goa
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.