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Manchester, United Kingdom
MANCHESTER - DELHI FLIGHT
Departs on Saturday 16 Dec 2023
Arrives on Sunday 17 Dec 2023
Total duration: 13 hrs 25 mins
08:05
16 Dec
Manchester Airport, MAN
Terminal 1
7 hrs
EY 16
Etihad Airways
Equipment Boeing 787-10
19:05
16 Dec
Abu Dhabi Airport, AUH
Terminal 3
Stopover in Abu Dhabi
3 hrs 10 mins
22:15
16 Dec
Abu Dhabi Airport, AUH
Terminal 3
3 hrs 15 mins
EY 218
Etihad Airways
Equipment Boeing 787-9
03:00
17 Dec
Indira Gandhi International, DEL
Terminal 3
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Delhi, India
Arrive 0300 17/12/2023
Stay Delhi airport hotel until lunch?
Then stay at tour hotel night of 17/12/23
--------START TOUR-----
Day 1 - 18/12/23
Welcome to India! Arrive in the fun and frenetic capital of Delhi and settle
into your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where
you’ll meet your group leader and travel pals. After your meeting, take an
orientation walk to get your bearings and perhaps head out for an optional
dinner with your group.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
SPECIAL INFORMATIONIT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ATTEND THE WELCOME MEETING AS WE
WILL BE COLLECTING INSURANCE DETAILS AND NEXT OF KIN INFORMATION AT THIS TIME.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE PLEASE LET YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR HOTEL RECEPTION
KNOW. ASK RECEPTION OR LOOK FOR A NOTE IN THE LOBBY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
WHERE THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE.
Day 2 - 19/12/23
Start your day with a ride on the metro. Your tour heads first to Old Delhi –
the heart of the city. Inch your way through the streets around the Chandni
Chowk marketplace in true local style – by cycle rickshaw! Visit the Jama Masjid
– Delhi's oldest (and India’s largest) mosque – and then stop by the Sheeshganj
Gurudwara (Sikh Temple). Learn about the Sikh guru who, in the 17th century,
stuck to his religious beliefs and paid the ultimate price in this very spot.
This afternoon is free to explore more of Delhi's sights at your own pace!
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
* Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
* Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Delhi - Gandhi Smriti (Birla House - Place of Mahatma Gandhi's
Assassination)) - Free
* Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
* Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
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Agra, India
Day 3
Agra itself may not be the world’s prettiest city, but the minute you see its
iconic sights, that won’t matter one bit. You will arrive by one of India's
express air-conditioned trains (approximately 3 hours), then head straight to
the most recognisable sight in India. The Taj Mahal may well exceed your
expectations as the light shimmers off its white marble surface. Best known as a
monument to love and loss, the 17th century Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal
architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. The highlights keep coming
as you take a motorised rickshaw tour around town – a great way to see the
monuments of Agra. You can also visit Akbar's Mausoleum, a beautiful sandstone
and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors. Stop off for an
optional meal at Sheroes Hangout, a cafe that supports victims of acid attacks.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Agra - Taj Mahal
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum - INR300
* Agra - Sheroes Hangout Cafe (prices from) - INR500
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
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Jaipur, India
Day 4
Travel by public bus to Rajasthan’s colourful capital, Jaipur. Settle into your
hotel, then enjoy a walk through the streets and markets of this ‘Pink City’.
Use the rest of the day to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting
Jaipur’s ornate Royal City Palace. Your accommodation for tonight is a
family-run heritage hotel. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to see a
Bollywood film. Jaipur is home to one of the world's great cinema halls – the
grand art-deco Raj Mandir.
ACCOMMODATION
* Heritage Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
* Jaipur - City Palace - INR800
* Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY
Day 5
For many travellers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the
highlights of Jaipur, and today would be the ideal day to book in on one. In the
afternoon, visit the hilltop Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput
architecture, and see the red stone palace of the Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the
Winds). Take in its dazzling coloured glass work and learn its interesting
history.
ACCOMMODATION
* Heritage Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Jaipur - Amber Fort
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
* Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) - INR200
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
SPECIAL INFORMATIONTHIS OPTIONAL BALLOONING ACTIVITY IS AVAILABLE IN CERTAIN
MONTHS OF THE YEAR AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
PLEASE SEE THE ‘IMPORTANT NOTES’ SECTION OF THE ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION.
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Pushkar, India
Day 6
Travel to Pushkar by public bus and then private vehicle via the town of Ajmer.
Pushkar is one of India's holiest towns and a market centre for the surrounding
villages. Head out to explore the town on a walking tour, stopping in at the
main bazaar along the way. Here you'll come across anything from 1960s fashion
and glass lamps to jewellery and traditional Rajasthani puppets. Then, take a
walk around Pushkar’s lake, which is considered sacred in Hindu culture and has
an interesting mythology behind it. Wander past the bustling ghats and temples,
observing the devout as they worship at the city’s holy waters.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Pushkar - Leader-led walking tour
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
Day 7
Early morning risers may like to hike up the hill to the Savitri Temple for
sunrise views over the town. If the chai wallah is there, enjoy a steaming cup
of tea at the top! Later in the day, you will pay a visit to the colourful
Brahma Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god-creator Brahma. If you’re
lucky enough to be in town for the Pushkar Camel Fair, you can experience one of
India’s most famous festivals. It's held every November.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Pushkar - Sunrise at Savitri Temple
* Pushkar - Brahma Temple
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
SPECIAL INFORMATIONTHE PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR IS HELD IN NOVEMBER EACH YEAR. WE WILL
DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT TRAVELLERS BOOKED WITH A TRIP TO COINCIDE WITH THE
FAIR WILL GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE BEST OF THE FESTIVAL, BUT WE CANNOT TAKE
RESPONSIBILITY IF THE DATES OF THE FAIR CHANGE. PUSHKAR HOTELS RAISE THEIR RATES
CONSIDERABLY DURING THE FESTIVAL, SO DEPARTURES ACROSS THIS PERIOD MAY BE AT A
HIGHER PRICE. ALTHOUGH WE MAKE BOOKINGS MONTHS IN ADVANCE, ACCOMMODATION IN
PUSHKAR TENDS TO OVERBOOK AT THIS TIME. THAT’S WHY WE ASK FOR A FLEXIBLE
APPROACH FROM PEOPLE TRAVELLING AT THIS TIME AS ACCOMMODATION, THE ORDER OF
ACTIVITIES AND TYPE OF TRANSPORT MAY NEED TO CHANGE.
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Udaipur, India
Day 8
Continue on to your next destination today, travelling by private vehicle back
to Ajmer and then day train to Udaipur. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, this
white city is often regarded as the most romantic in India. Set amid the
Aravalli Hills, Udaipur curls around a huge lake. On arrival, take a leader-led
city walk to get your bearings around town. Explore twisting alleyways filled
with shops and bazaars selling things like silver jewellery, shoes, bags,
leather goods, and miniature paintings.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Udaipur - Leader-led walking tour
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
Day 9
Enjoy a free day to explore the sights of Udaipur. Season depending, why not
take a short boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola and see the palaces of Jag
Mandir and Jag Niwas rise out of the water. Take a guided tour of the lakeside
City Palace complex, the largest palace in Rajasthan. While inside, check out
vivid murals and royal antiques, and pop into the impressive Jagdish Temple
that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Alternatively, you could learn the secrets
behind making the perfect Indian thali during a half-day cooking class.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Udaipur - Lake Pichola boat ride - INR350
* Udaipur - City Palace - INR300
* Udaipur - Cooking class - INR600
* Udaipur - Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace) - INR300
* Udaipur - Cultural performance - INR150
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
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Mumbai, India
Day 11
Wake up in Mumbai, perhaps the most cosmopolitan city in India. You will take a
short walk through the heritage quarter of Mumbai, the nearby Gateway of India,
and the famous Taj Hotel. Discover some of the beautiful old colonial and art
deco buildings, treat yourself to a meal in one of the country's best
restaurants, or shop ‘til you drop in the bazaars and malls. Later in the day,
visit Chowpatty Beach where colourful crowds mill about in the cooler evening
air. Palm readers, balloon sellers, magicians, and acrobats all compete for your
attention. A great optional activity is to visit Elephanta Island. Easily
accessible by ferry from Mumbai, it's about 10 km from the south-east coast of
the island city. Boats leave daily from the Gateway of India (approximately 1
hour each way).
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
* Mumbai - Chowpatty Beach
* Mumbai - Gateway of India
* Mumbai - Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Mumbai - Elephanta Island - INR460
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
Day 12 OVERNIGHT TRAIN
While away the day in magnificent Mumbai. Perhaps ride the excellent rail system
and make your own discoveries around the city – it's a good idea to avoid the
hectic peak hours! You’re free to discover Mumbai at your own pace today, and be
sure to ask your group leader for their recommendations. Keep in mind that
tonight you’ll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Goa.
ACCOMMODATION
* Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
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Goa, India
Day 13 - 30/12/23
Arrive in Goa nice and early and check into your hotel. Take a walk to acquaint
yourself with Goa and its relaxed tropical atmosphere. You're bound to see the
Portuguese influence that is ever so present in the city's whitewashed churches.
There's an optional visit to a local spice farm today, which gives you a
fascinating look behind the rich aromas and flavours of some of India's
essential ingredients. Goa's dense forested areas and favourable climatic
conditions make it a perfect location to grow the spices liberally used in its
cuisine, and all the spice farms use organic methods of cultivation. A tour of
the plantation culminates in a mouth-watering Goan buffet lunch – so what’s not
to like?
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Goa - Spice farm tour including lunch - INR450
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
Day 14 - 31/12/23
The day is yours to spend as you please, and there's no shortage of things to do
in this unique coastal spot. A bicycle trip to the countryside is a great
option. For a more spiritual kind of exertion, spend the day seeking a little
enlightenment with a touch of yoga. Otherwise, take this opportunity to relax on
the beach or sip a cocktail at a local bar. Tonight, why not join your group for
an Indian feast – the local seafood is definitely a winner.
ACCOMMODATION
* Hotel (1 night)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Goa - Aguada Fort - INR50
* Goa - Reis Magos Fort - INR50
MEALS INCLUDEDTHERE ARE NO MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS DAY.
Day 15 - 01/01/23
As there are no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end this morning
after breakfast. You are welcome to leave at any time, provided you comply with
the accommodation’s internal check-out procedures.
-------END OF TOUR------
FLY TO DELHI 2hr 30m
DELHI -> MAN
Departs on Monday 01 Jan 2024
Arrives on Tuesday 02 Jan 2024
Total duration: 15 hrs 5 mins
20:55
01 Jan
Indira Gandhi International, DEL
Terminal 3
4 hrs
23:25
01 Jan
Abu Dhabi Airport, AUH
Terminal 1
Stopover in Abu Dhabi
3 hrs 10 mins
02:35
02 Jan
Abu Dhabi Airport, AUH
Terminal 3
7 hrs 55 mins
06:30
02 Jan
Manchester Airport, MAN
Terminal 1
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Manchester, United Kingdom