The Golden Triangle with 4 x 4 safaris in Ranthambore National Park

Sunday, 07 June 2026

Depart the UK to Delhi

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi.

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Monday, 08 June 2026

Arrive in Delhi

When you arrive at Delhi Airport you will be met by our local Veloso guide and taken to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure. Delhi is often distinguished as the old and new, the old referring to the pre–British control and the new is Lutyen’s Delhi, built to suit British sensibilities and the rapidly expanding city of independent India. However as we explore the city you will see that these demarcations are fluid with an intermixing of the old and new Delhi’s produce a fascinating city life.

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Guided tour of Delhi

This morning, we explore Old Delhi, the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandini Chowk. Today, it is a busy market selling silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. We also visit India’s largest Mosque, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the followers of the Sikh religion. In the afternoon we visit Humayun’s Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India and Qutub Minar complex built in 1199 by Qutub ud din Aibak and was completed by his successors.  This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. 

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Agra and visit the Taj Mahal

We drive to Agra for a 1 night stay including breakfast. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire). 

In the afternoon we visit Agra Fort. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace.  The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters, where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.

After High Tea at Taj Khema, we drive to the Taj Mahal, aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”. Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr.

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri

This morning we visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

In the afternoon, take the train to Sawai Madhopur, a short drive from Ranthambore National Park, where we stay 2-nights at your chosen hotel including breakfast.

Friday, 12 June 2026

4 x 4 safaris

This famous national park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. Comprising 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges, seeing a tiger (around 52 to 55 in 2016) is partly a matter of luck; but remember there’s plenty of other wildlife to see, including more than 300 species of birds. Enjoy an included early morning and afternoon safari in the National Park by 4 x 4 vehicle. 

Saturday, 13 June 2026

Drive to Jaipur

This morning we drive to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’, because of the terra cotta coloured lime plaster that coats the old part of the city's walls, buildings and temples. The reasons for painting the town pink are unknown; some say it is because Maharaja Jai Singh II’s was a devotee of Lord Shiva and pink was his favourite. The most popular reason is that pink is the traditional colour of hospitality, and the old part of the city was freshly painted and paved with pink gravel to warmly welcome Edward VII for his visit here in 1876. We check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.

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Sunday, 14 June 2026

Guided Tour of Jaipur

We start your full day guided tour with a drive to the famous Hawa Mahal, the ornate pink façade an icon of the city for a quick photography stop. This five-storied high “screen” composed of projected windows and balconies protected by fine latticed screens, was destined to enable the ladies of the harem to observe the lively street scenes of the city from a position of privacy. Next, visit Jantar Mantar. It’s the world’s largest observatory carved in stone and marble. Many of the huge ancient instruments here are still in working condition.

We continue to the Maharaja's City Palace. This sprawling palace is a superb marriage of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture.  The seven storied Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is a sprawling complex with multiple courtyards, public buildings, astronomical observatory and zenana mahals (harems).  Within the palace complex are several museums; including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection.

In the afternoon, we visit Agra Fort. Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers.  Belonging to the Hindu “Kshatriya” or warrior class, they believed that “a fort is the strength of a king”.  They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces.  Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts. 

Monday, 15 June 2026

Drive to Delhi

This morning we return to Delhi and check into your chosen hotel for your last night in India. Rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Delhi at your leisure and do some last minute shopping.

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your daytime flight back to the UK.