Spirit of India with Amritsar Add-On

Spirit of India with Amritsar Add-On

Enjoy an incredible journey through India’s very best cultural, religious and natural sites. Starting with the heady scents of Old Delhi’s vibrant bazaars and food stalls, we’ll move on to Jaipur and its mix of fortresses, palaces and busy street markets. In Ranthambore National Park we'll spend time looking out for the local wildlife, including the beautiful but elusive tiger. We then travel on to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal which we will visit, as well as spending time at Agra Fort - a truly impressive site to explore. There’s also time in Lucknow, which is well known for its gardens and monuments and during our visit we'll enjoy an immersive experience at an 8th generation fragrance house. We'll also enjoy a cultural fix with visits to temples and the holy city of Varanasi, where we’ll sail along the Ganges at dawn – a real wow moment on this tour. We'll then head to Amritsar for a two-night stay. A guided tour of the simply stunning Golden Temple is included and you'll also attend the Wagah border ceremony guided tour.

What's Included:

• Just You Holiday Director as your host
• Return flights from London
• 14 nights half-board in 4 & 5-star hotels, plus 1 night in flight
• 33 meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 14 dinners including a welcome drink
• Overseas transfers, other transportation, & porterage
• Use of an airport lounge in the UK
• A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

Day 1: UK - Delhi

Today, you fly to Delhi, arriving on day 2.

Day 2: Delhi

Today is free for you to explore Delhi at your leisure. This evening we will meet for a welcome dinner for the chance to meet your travelling companions.

Meals included: D

Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur

Established in the 17th century and today surrounded by the remains of the city walls, Old Delhi epitomises stereotypical India. Temples and mosques fill every available space and vibrant bazaars and tempting food stalls flood the narrow lanes with colour and heady scents. You'll also see Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi. We drive to heritage rich Jaipur this afternoon.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4: Jaipur

Jaipur is home to the magnificent Amber Fort. We'll visit it this morning to explore the inner and outer workings of the fortress and its surroundings. A traditional lunch will be served in majestic surroundings as we dine with the family connected to the 17th century Sankotra Haveli. This is a special experience as we savour exceptional cuisine, wear traditional dress and learn first hand the history of one of India's most noted families. Jaipur is affectionately known as the 'pink city'. The buildings here were painted pink by Maharaja's decree to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. A highlight is the City Palace, which we visit this afternoon.

Whilst in Jaipur you will also be served a glass of Lassi, a blend of water, yogurt, spices and sometimes fruit. The drink, traditionally served in earthern pots to add an unique aroma, is topped with a thick layer of malai leaving you refreshed and surprisingly full!

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5: Jaipur - Ranthambore

Drive through memorable scenery to Ranthambore - considered to be the best game reserve in India - to look for the country's famous tigers. This afternoon you could take an optional excursion to Ranthambore Fort.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 6: Ranthambore

Join an early morning safari for another chance to experience the wildlife and hopefully spot a tiger. Then relax over lunch, before taking another game drive.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7: Ranthambore - Agra

Today we will travel to Agra. On the way we will visit Abhaneri step well - an incredible example of architecture. And stop for lunch at Umaid Lake Palace.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8: ​Agra

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shan Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife. The sight of this magnificent mausoleum is certain to surpass all your expectations. Close by is Mehtab Bagh, a centuries-old garden complex, which sits on the other side of the river. You'll get to see the Taj Mahal from here too, for equally splendid views. This afternoon we head to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. This powerful fortress was the imperial city of the Mogul rulers.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9: Agra - Lucknow

Today we will travel to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its parks, gardens, monuments and fascinating bazaars. On the way we will stop for an immersive perfumery tour at an 8th generation fragrance house. Lunch is included as part of the experience.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 10: Lucknow - Varanasi

We travel to Varanasi. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is colourful, chaotic and one of Hinduism’s holiest cities. To get the most out of your time here, you need to experience the city with an open mind. Its principal attraction are the bathing ghats that line the west bank of the Ganges, where Hindus bathe in the water to cleanse themselves of sin. This evening we offer the opportunity to watch a traditional arti ceremony, which involves an offering of light, food, water and flowers to the deities. It is considered a fundamental part of the Hindu faith.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11: Varanasi

We rise before the sun this morning to sail along the Ganges and see devout Hindus bathing and praying beneath the rising sun. We head back to the hotel for breakfast before enjoying a short tour of Varanasi. This afternoon we visit the ruined city of Sarnath. This is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists as it was here that Buddha gave his first sermon.

Meals included: B,D

Day 12: Varanasi - Delhi

Relax this morning or take the time to enjoy some final sightseeing before your afternoon flight to Delhi. Join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner this evening.

Meals included: B,D

Day 13: Amritsar

We travel to the train station for the journey to Amritsar. One of the most pristine cities with Guru-vaani humming from the Gurudwaras, Amritsar is renowned world over for the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where two nights' accommodation has been reserved for you.

This evening is an included visit to the Golden Temple for a night ceremony.

Meals included: B,D

Day 14: Amritsar

This morning is an included sightseeing tour of Amritsar. There are a number of religious and historical sites to see, including the Durgiana Temple, the Tower of Baba Atal Ria and Jallianwal Bagh – the site of a massacre where bullet marks can be seen. Make the most of this city which is a centre of Sikhism and culture. This afternoon is at leisure.

During the evening you will be taken to Wagah, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan to attend the spectacular sunset 'banging on the gates' ceremony.

Meals included: B,D

Day 15: Amritsar - Delhi

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel where overnight accommodation has been reserved for you.

Meals included: B,D

Day 16: Delhi - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving later the same day.

Meals included: B