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VIBRANT INDIA!

10 Nights / 11 Days
Category:

Description

Sunday 10th March 2024
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Join Glow for a once in a lifetime experience to enchanting India, this exclusive fully escorted tour will take your from colourful Delhi and all of its magical sights, all the way down to the gateway of India’s vibrant Mumbai. To really experience this colourful country we will literally move around using planes, trains and automobiles to really showcase what this magical sub continent has to offer. Our grand tour will encompass Delhi New & Old, the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort, the Palace of the Winds and the Amber Fort in stunning Jaipur – home of the Maharajas, Udaipur dubbed the Venice of the east and finishing in Mumbai, one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cities. Along the way we will also enjoy cookery demonstrations, rail journeys, boat trips, rickshaw rides, city and tribal village tours. All lunches are included as well as a welcome dinner in Delhi, a dinner in Udaipur and a farewell Bollywood style dinner in Mumbai!
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Day 1
Namaste and welcome to India! You will be greeted by our local host and transferred to the Sheraton New Delhi hotel.  This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner with cocktails at the hotel to ease you into the magical world of India!
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Day 2
Delhi… India’s largest city is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments, and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
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Old and New Delhi Tour
This morning, the tour will begin with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. Next we visit Chandni Chowk, Asia’s largest wholesale market, a massive area packed with shops and bazaars! We then drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and take a visit to the Raj Ghat, a beautiful  memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. After our morning adventures we will break for lunch at a characterful Indian restaurant.
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The first stop after lunch will be a UNESCO World Heritage site – Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India. We then move on to visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, an outstanding monument and a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour will also include a drive past India Gate, Parliament House, the Secretariat Buildings, and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the president of India.
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Five Course Cooking Class and Dinner with Tastesutra
This evening, we will experience the fascinating world of Indian cooking, heritage and culture. We will visit the local market to buy the fresh produce and spices needed for preparing the meal. After the market visit, we will return to the studio and prepare a five-course menu. When it’s all cooked we will sit down and share the meal along with many wonderful stories from our host.
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Day 3
This morning, along with a packed breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi railway station to catch a train to Agra!
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Agra… home of the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. These include the red-hued Agra Fort, the sacred Jama Masjid mosque, and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and needless to say is a must-see for any visitor to the city!
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Red Fort of Agra
On arrival, you will visit the majestic Agra Fort. Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 and is a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site.  After the tour, you will be assisted with your check-in at the Courtyard by Marriott Agra Hotel. A quick freshen up and we will head to the “Pinch of Spice” restaurant for your lunch.
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Taj Mahal
This afternoon we will head to the Taj Mahal to admire the beauty of the monument at sunset. The iconic Taj Mahal is not only an architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – it’s also the enduring legacy of a royal love story… which actually made us cry when we heard it! This evening you have free time to relax at the hotel or visit great local restaurants.
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Day 4
Early morning yoga with a twist… if you would like to join us, we will enjoy a yoga session facing the Taj Mahal. A once in a lifetime experience where everything comes to a stand still when you feel into your pose whilst viewing the beauty of the Taj. After the session, we will return to our hotel for a well earned breakfast.
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Jaipur… Today we will head to Jaipur where you will be staying at the Jaipur Marriott Hotel. The colourful city of Jaipur is one of India’s first planned cities. Bustling markets, historic buildings and hidden temples, and an oasis of peace set against the majestic backdrop of the Amer Fort make this a must-visit city in Rajasthan. This evening will be at leisure.
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Day 5
Amer Fort
In the morning, we will drive just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amer Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. Our lunch will be at 1135 AD Amer famed for its appetizing Rajasthani food served hot and regal.
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Walking Tour of the Old City
After lunch, we will take a walking tour of the Old City. On this fascinating tour, we will meet locals and sample some of the region’s culinary delights: samosa kachori, kulfi, and lassi. We will watch local artisans at their workshops and meet a local family to experience real Indian hospitality. It’s a great way to explore the bustling markets and learn about Jaipur’s rich art traditions.
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Day 6
After breakfast, we will spend the morning at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or go out to explore the city a little more.
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Jaipur Half Day Tour
After a hearty lunch at the hotel, we head out for our city tour including Jantar Mantar, an observatory in the 18th century, the City Palace housing a collection of great treasures, including miniature paintings, carpets and royal garments. Hawa Mahal for a Instagram perfect photo and the Albert Hall Museum with its vast collection of artefacts such as paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and crystal works! Evening at leisure.
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Day 7
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel, and travel to Udaipur (approx. 6.5 hrs).
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Udaipur… dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, the city is built around three interconnected lakes and is encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale-like palaces and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities.
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Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
We will arrive, check in at the Trident Hotel Udaipur for lunch and then afterwards we will enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola. Flanked by islands, palaces, temples, mansions, ghats, and restaurants, Lake Pichola offers something for everyone! This evening you will have time to explore the city and its amazing cuisine!
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Day 8
Rural Village Tour, Udaipur
Today after an early breakfast, we will be joined by a local expert for our excursion to a remote village in Udaipur to meet the tribal communities and get an insight into their traditions and culture.
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Udaipur City Palace & Jagdish Temple Tour
After lunch, we visit the City Palace Museum, situated above Lake Pichola, the palace has housed many royals over four centuries who have each added their own unique preferences to the establishment. The palace is a one of a kind in Rajasthan. The palace was constructed entirely out of marble and granite which makes it highly luxurious. The inside is even more so with its inlays of coloured glass, engravings, towers, and balconies. We will then visit the Jagdish Temple… puja’s and prayer time are the best time to visit when melodious chants from devotees float through the small interior.
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Day 9
Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for a direct flight to Mumbai! On arrival in Mumbai,we will head for an amazing  buffet lunch at a restaurant close by. We will then be joined by our local expert for the Dharavi Tour. Unlike popular nomenclature, we don’t call Dharavi a slum… It’s an informal urban settlement, full of hope, aspirations, and industrious people working together to create an informal urban economy of over 1 billion. The greatest business ideas in the city are not found in big corporate boardrooms but inside the tiny 100 sq. ft homes!
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After the tour, check-in at the Trident Nariman Point where you have the evening to explore this amazing vibrant city!
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Day 10
Tour of Mumbai
After breakfast we will head out for our morning city tour of Mumbai! We will visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, with a drive past Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade and see the Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens on the slopes of the Malabar hills. We will visit the Jain Temple, Mani Bhawan where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay and the Dhobi Ghat. Then finally a drive past the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus Train Station. After the tour we will enjoy  lunch at a local restaurant and return back to the hotel.
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Bollywood Theme Dinner
This evening to end your trip we will be whisked into the world of Bollywood with a farewell Bollywood themed dinner. A great way to say goodbye to Mumma India!xx
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Day 11
Transfer to Mumbai airport for our flight home.

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Flight Times
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Sunday 10th March 2024 

Heathrow to Delhi 1050/0110 Virgin

Wednesday 20th March 2024
Mumbai to Heathrow 1050/1525 Virgin
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If you have any questions please contact Sean Kingwell: sean@gowithglow.com or call 0845 308 8300

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Included 

  • Virgin Atlantic direct flights Heathrow to Delhi returning from Mumbai to Heathrow
  • Assistance on arrival and departure at airports
  • All transfers with air-conditioned coach
  • Train travel between Delhi – Agra in AC Executive Class Chair Car
  • Internal flight from Udiapur to Mumbai
  • Glow Host and Local English-Speaking Escort throughout
  • All accommodation (based on double occupancy) with buffet breakfast
  • Welcome dinner with cocktails at Delhi
  • Cooking demonstration followed by dinner at Delhi
  • 9 x Lunches at hotels / local restaurants (without beverages)
  • Bollywood theme farewell dinner at Mumbai
  • Entry to monuments
  • Cycle rickshaw in Delhi
  • Visit to Amer Fort by Jeep
  • Walking tour of the old city of Jaipur with a local expert
  • Exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
  • Tribal village tour with a local expert in Udaipur
  • Dharavi tour with a local expert in Mumbai
  • 2 x bottle of mineral water per person per day
  • All applicable taxes on hotel & transport
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Deposit
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£650pp Deposit will secure your place. Corona Virus Booking Peace of Mind – 100% Refund if the UK Government advises against travel. Final Payment due on 10 weeks before travel.
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T&Cs
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Price based upon Twin Occupancy – £850 Single Room Supplement applies. Please see Full Booking T&Cs. £650 Deposit required. Based on the Exchange Rate 03/05/23 – Please note if the Exchange Rate falls a Currency Fluctuation Supplement will apply. Subject to availability.