NAMASTE WELCOME TO INDIA
Delhi (1)

Namaste and welcome to INDIA!

Our tour begins this evening at 6pm. We will meet at our hotel allowing you to enjoy a chai, shake off any jet lag and relax while we wait for all our international friends to arrive. In the evening, we’ll come together for a welcome meeting and casual dinner to get to know each other before our magical adventure begins. We will send you information closer to your departure with airport transfers included in tour. Please plan to arrive in Delhi no later than 2pm.



Accommodation : 5 star hotel
Eros Hotel New Delhi or similar
Meals included : Dinner


Optional activity : If you arrive early a Delhi day tour is available 10am-3pm. Includes Humayan Tomb, Lodhi garden, Lodhi street art, Agersen Ki Baoli, drive through India Gate and Khan market for lunch and a bit of shopping. ($90AUD)


HUSTLE BUSTLE OF OLD/NEW DELHI
Delhi (2)
Today we will do all things Delhi! Lets start with a BANG! Our guide will lead us through the sights and sounds of this ancient city on a rickshaw and walking tour, guided through the lively sights and sounds of this historic city. Our adventure begins at the bustling Old Delhi market, where we’ll navigate the intricate alleys, stopping at a chai stand to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy some tasty local street food for lunch. Afterward, we’ll visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, the oldest mosque in Delhi, followed by a trip to the Sheeshganj Gurudwara to enrich our understanding of the Sikh faith.

Accommodation : 5 star hotel Eros Hotel New Delhi or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing : Old Delhi tour, Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara

THE TAJ MAHAL
Agra (1)
We’re starting off the day bright and early, catching the morning train to Agra, which is one of my favorite travel experiences. Today, we’ll dive into our tourist adventures by visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites. First up is the magnificent Red Fort, a 16th-century Mughal fortress made of sandstone. Along the way we'll visit a carpet workshop where skilled artisans will showcase their craft, and you’ll have the chance to purchase a beautiful Agra rug, a testament to artisanal skill. In the noon, we’ll marvel at the breathtaking Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic monument and a timeless symbol of love. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned this masterpiece, famously remarked that it made “the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.”

Accommodation : 5 star hotel Mercure Grand Hotel Agra or similar
Meals included : Breakfast
Sightseeing : Red Fort and Taj Mahal

THE PINK CITY
Jaipur (1)
Hopping on our private air-conditioned bus we’re heading to the stunning Pink City of Jaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our charming heritage haveli, giving you some time to unwind before we explore the vibrant streets filled with marble and stone artisans, metal craftsmen, and the bustling spice market on a guided walking tour. For dinner, you have the option to dine at our hotel’s garden restaurant or join the group for a meal at one of Jaipur’s scenic rooftop eateries.

Accommodation : Heritage haveli, Arya Niwas or similar
Meals included : Breakfast
Sightseeing : Walking Pink City tour

Optional Activities : Marble inlay workshop (if time permits),

SUN AND MOON AND QUILTING WORKSHOP
Jaipur (2)
Today is going to be full! Full of fun :) the morning is planned for a sightseeing must, the 18th-century astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar, home to 19 fascinating astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we’ll head to Nila House, a wonderful non-profit initiative dedicated to craft, design, sustainability, and community empowerment. There, we’ll join a textile and embroidery workshop led by local craftswomen, followed by a traditional Indian lunch. The theme for our workshop will be confirmed closer to date, our last experience focused on Kalbelia Gudri Quilting. To wrap up the day, we’ll stop by Anoki Textiles, where we can shop for beautiful handcrafted clothing, accessories, and unique home decor items

Accommodation : Heritage haveli, Arya Niwas or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing : Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
Workshop/art : Embroidery/textile workshop

Optional activity : Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride over mountains of Jaipur ($280 USD)

WOODBLOCK AND THE AMBER PALACE
Jaipur (3)
This morning, we’re heading to Bagru, a village famous for its hand woodblock printing. We’ll begin with some chai and a guided tour through the alleyways and studios to learn about the various printing processes. With the help of the skilled Bagru artists, you’ll get to use traditional techniques and print your own tote bag or scarf using blocks of your choice. Afterward, the family will treat us to a modest Indian lunch. Then we’ll make our way to the Amber Palace, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, the top spot to visit in Jaipur!

Accommodation : Heritage haveli, Arya Niwas or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Sightseeing : Amber Palace
Workshop/art : Hand woodblock printing

Optional activity : Jewelery, cutting & polishing gemstones demonstration (if time permits)

VISIT ANCIENT AND ORNATELY CARVED BAORIS
Bundi (1)
After a jam packed few days we will welcome a comfy private air-conditioned bus ride to our next destination, Bundi – famous for its intricate architecture and cultural heritage. Our tour leader will take us on an afternoon walk to explore the narrow streets packed with blue Brahmin houses, bazaars, temples and shops and mingle with locals in the downtown market. We’ll visit ancient and ornately carved baoris and the 17th-century Bundi palace and exquisite murals. Late this afternoon we’ll return, where you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner at our accommodation

Accommodation : Heritage property
Meals included : Breakfast, Dinner

Optional activity : Ayurvedic massage (price to be confirmed)

JEEP SAFARI VILLAGE TOUR
Bijaipur (1)
Today, we’re heading out for a short scenic drive to Bijaipur in the Vindhyanchal hills, where we’ll spend the night in a 16th-century castle, now a heritage hotel. Classic Moghul architecture of domes and various intriguing nooks and crannies. We’ll have the chance to check out the local village and the nearby areas with a jeep safari. In the afternoon, we can relax, soak in the enchanting atmosphere, beautiful gardens, surrounded by the fortress walls and maybe even take a dip in the castle’s pool before dinner. Yep, you heard that right—it’s a castle!

Accommodation : Heritage property, Castle Bijaipur or similar
Meals included : Breakfast, Dinner

Optional activity : Ayurvedic massage ($tbc)

UDAIPUR, THE CITY OF LAKES
Udaipur (1)
A 3 hour journey to stunning udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ framed by tranquil waters and hills. We’ll arrive just in time for lunch, check into our heritage hotel, and then off on a guided walking tour of the Old City. Intricate carved stone houses, ghats, and old temples lining the banks of Lake Pichola and as we meander through the narrow, twisting streets, it will feel like walking through an art gallery, setting the mood for a tour of a local art school. Now that we’re into the groove of India the rest of the day is yours to explore, enjoy shops, and have dinner. We may choose to dine as a group or our tour guide can provide suggestions for some of our favorite spots

Accommodation : Heritage hotel, Karohi Haveli or similar
Included meals : Breakfast
Sightseeing : Guided walking tour of Old City

Optional activities : Palm reading ($tbc) and miniature art demonstration (if time permits)

CITY PALACE
Udaipur (2) DIWALI
Today we celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. Taking place over 5 days it is met with great enthusiasm and joy as it symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Today is day 3, the main day of Diwali celebrated by lighting diyas and candles, bursting firecrackers, sharing sweets and gifts with family and friends, and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Spend the last part of the day learning some secrets of Indian cuisine with a local cooking class shared for dinner.

Accommodation : Heritage hotel, Karohi Haveli or similar
Included meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Workshop/art : Local cooking class

BOAT RIDE LAKE PICHOLA
Udaipur (3)
We begin our day with a guided tour through the jewel in Udaipur, The City Palace, for me this palace is the one! Full of mirror work and ceramic tiles its a wow around every corner, you can easily loose a whole day here, the afternoon is free to wander at leisure maybe a local market stroll or sit in one of the many cafes and watch life go by. Our tour guide can suggest many favorite places. We have a breathtaking evening planned with a boat ride on Lake Pichola followed by a rooftop dinner to celebrate our time together in India.

Accommodation : Heritage hotel, Karohi Haveli or similar
Included meals : Breakfast
Sightseeing : City Palace, Boat ride on Lake Pichola

Optional activities : Ayurvedic massage ($tbc)

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL
Delhi (1)
Today we will have the morning free to explore all the things you loved about Udaipur like a local, then we’ll grab an afternoon flight back to Delhi.

Accommodation : 3 star hotel Ibis Hotel Aerocity
Included meals : Breakfast

TIL NEXT TIME FRIENDS
Departure day
Our final morning together and our India adventure comes to an end. We will share our breakfast, say goodbyes, and help you on your way. Make sure you swap contact info with all our travelers, an experience like this will no doubt bond you for life. Until next time. Namaste

Included meals : Breakfast

This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.