Premium India
Experience Overview
Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion, cultural heritage and spirituality come together. On this 11-day Premium adventure, you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, see the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, savour the many flavours of Lucknow cuisine and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi on a sunrise cruise. A local leader will bring the magic of India to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, you’ll discover the cultural heart of India through Exclusive Experiences, incredible accommodation and local interaction.
Highlights
- Discover the beauty in the buildings that lie across the north of India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour led by a local expert in Agra and a homecooked meal hosted by a local family in Jaipur.
- Delve deeper into culinary mastery with a cooking class in Lucknow, the region capital renowned for its rich flavours.
- Spend two unforgettable evenings at your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur. The heritage hotel has been in the same family since its opening in 1928 and offers opulent details and warm, friendly service.
- Cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians – an Exclusive Experience you can only find on a Premium adventure.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2082
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Auto rickshaw,Boat,Cycle rickshaw,Metro,Plane,Private vehicle,Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHPG
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Delhi, India
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (1), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,832 ($348 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Delhi. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.
Included Activities:
- Delhi - Welcome dinner
Accommodation:
- The Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
To get your bearings in Old Delhi, start the day with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.
Included Activities:
- Old Delhi City Tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Accommodation:
- The Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s time to head south to Agra. After a scenic four-hour drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Intrigued? Your Taj Mahal guide will illuminate its fascinating history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. You’re likely familiar with North Indian cuisine (butter chicken anyone?), and tonight, your local expert will take you to unknown places on a street food tour. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India for dinner tonight, where you’ll visit hyperlocal eateries that most tourists never get to see.
Included Activities:
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
Accommodation:
- Grand Mercure Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a visit to Agra Fort – widely considered one of the finest-looking forts in India. Learn how Akbar built a fortress and prison out of red sandstone in 1565, and then Shah Jahan converted and added to the fort to transform it into a palace. After, you’ll journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan – for your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, exudes the charm of a traditional family home while showcasing opulent touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets and wander bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. Conclude the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.
Included Activities:
- Agra - Agra Fort Visit
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Another day, another fort – but this time it’s Amber Fort, the crown jewel of Jaipur. On your guided tour you will learn stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the striking City Palace – a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore at your leisure. Perhaps pay a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, one the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories which dates back to 1729, before sampling some tasty Rajasthani street food like pyaaz kachori, crispy pastry filled with spiced onion, and watching the world go by.
Included Activities:
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - City Palace
Optional Activities:
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory (200 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying east to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon orientation walk to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. This evening, join your group for dinner at a very special establishment – a restaurant that supports and empowers acid attack survivors. These courageous women, once too scared to leave their homes due to the physical and emotional scars of their attacks, have found refuge and a source of income through their work at the cafe.
Included Activities:
- Lucknow - Orientation Walk
- Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable local. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home! For dinner, maybe try to find somewhere serving Tunday Kebabi (a Lucknow delicacy that allegedly contains 160 spices).
Included Activities:
- Lucknow City Tour
- Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s an early start today, but for good reason – no trip to India is complete without a scenic train ride. The journey to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the countryside, all from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony – an experience that will surely be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over.
Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk in Varanasi
- Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
- Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
Accommodation:
- Ramada Katesar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Early risers, this one’s for you – embark on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river while gliding past the many ghats and temples on its banks. After, decide your own schedule before coming together again at Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features several stupas and museums to explore.
Included Activities:
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Sarnath Museum Visit
- Sarnath Stupa Visit
Accommodation:
- Ramada Katesar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s the penultimate day today and time to return to Delhi. When you land, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities you wish to do before your final dinner as a group. You’ll head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a historical setting – the perfect finale to your Indian adventure.
Included Activities:
- Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure (3750 INR)
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
- Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
- Delhi - Red Fort (600 INR)
Accommodation:
- The Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Delhi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Kathryn - Traveled, April 2024
Our tour guide Gaurang brought northern India to life for our tour Great insight for me Most enjoyable trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Scott - Traveled, March 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed trip! We had a great leader in Karni to share the delights of India with us. Taj Mahal was mesmerising! Plus we got to see Tigers up close!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
A great trip from Intrepid which navigated all the chaos of India and finds all the interesting gems along the way. The Taj Mahal, Temples, Forts and Tigers, plus the excitement of the Ganges !!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Deborah - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip with like minded travellers. Recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Charles - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid premium India was a whirlwind of culture, history and flavours. Expertly guided through 5 destinations in 10 days it was the perfect balance of stimulation and comfort. India is hectic and colourful and this tour gets you safely in amongst it so that you can fully experience it without ever really getting out of your comfort zone. Quite an achievement really.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Alan - Traveled, February 2024
Travelling in northern India takes time so many early morning starts were required to allow us to see and do more in every day. Tiring at times but worthwhile. Recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Cliff - Traveled, February 2024
This trip is an intensive skate through some of the amazing sights, people, culture and religions of this part of India. Highlights for me were: Varanasi on the Ganges- like no where else on earth. Wild Bengal tigers at Ranthambore - we were lucky to see two. The Taj Mahal - an astonishingly beautiful mausoleum to love. We were in very safe hands with the knowledgeable and attentive Parik as our leader. But note, this is not a relaxing holiday, with so many experiences packed in, many hours on the road, early starts and little downtime to relax and enjoy the good hotels on route, I felt pretty exhausted when I took my seat on the plane home.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Steven - Traveled, February 2024
Would definitely recommend this trip for anyone that wants to experience some of the top sites in India. Highlights were the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Varanasi. Our guide Perik, was excellent. Itinerary was packed and offered very little downtime, but got to see a lot of great attractions in India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Melissa - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid offers well organised adventures particularly great for those travelling solo and maybe nervous to go it alone in an unknown environment. You might need a few days quietly after to digest all the experiences your senses are exposed to but excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Gillian - Traveled, February 2024
I was nervous about visiting India, but really wanted to see it. Intrepid's guided tour was amazing. We saw the real India, up close and personal with all the sounds, smells, sights and tastes. All the while being kept safe and staying in nice accommodation. This was our 5th holiday with Intrepid. Highly recommend this company.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Brendan - Traveled, February 2024
This is the perfect way to explore the Golden Triangle, particularly if it is your first visit to India. The tour is expertly put together so that you see the maximum amount of places in the time allowed. Our guide was superb; knowledgeable & enthusiastic and made our visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Kirsten - Traveled, February 2024
Pradeep was unfailingly enthusiastic, helpful and well-organised. We got to experience many things that we wouldn’t have as independent travellers. Be prepared for hair-raising rickshaw rides and fast-paced traffic-dodging walks. Highlights were Varanasi boat trips with musicians, haveli dinner with dancers, yummy street food and delicious chai.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Sue - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid is a great way of meeting g like minded travellers and seei g the amazing parts of the world in an organised and informed way. Highly recommend this company and this form of travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Michelle - Traveled, February 2024
I enjoyed being able to see 5 cities easily in one trip - Varanasi was my absolute favorite. Some of the hotels were amazing, some were average. The Taj Mahal is beautiful, but sadly, we didn't see any tigers (or other cats) in Ranthambore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Laura - Traveled, February 2024
I have used intrepid travel many times, and have found them to be excellent in their standards of tours, tour leaders, environment conscientiousness, and animal respect, and welfare they are an excellent company.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Kevin - Traveled, January 2024
An excellent, well planned overview of Northern India. Our guide Mukendra was excellent and added so much to a fantastic experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Emma - Traveled, January 2024
Our trip to India with our superb guide Mukendra was outstanding. I was nervous before but the organisation, attention to detail, support, care and protection was superb. This meant I could take in the sights of India and not worry. Had a real taste of main sights, an understanding of Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam through our visits and Mukendra’s insights, as well as the customs and daily life of India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2024
Kylie - Traveled, January 2024
My time in Nth India with Intrepid has been more than I hoped for. Like a dream. Mukendra our guide, his team and my group of fellow travellers made every single minute perfect. I am forever grateful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Ann - Traveled, January 2024
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. My first time in India and was slightly apprehensive- I needn't have been. From the 1st moment of arrival, I knew I was in safe hands. I could relax and enjoy the trip with no concern about the arrangements Abhi is a fantastic guide, we were lucky to have him. I have so many happy memories and colourful vivid images, I look forward to going back to India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Phillip - Traveled, January 2024
My Wife and I needed a solid and safe tour of India's golden triangle to fit in with a wedding in Delhi. After a friend's recommendation, we booked the Intrepid Premium Tour in Jan 2024. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi. Wonderful places with magnificent cultural and historic sites. Top accommodation, meals. Transport was good. The Tour Leader was excellent and gave us great incites about the sites and the culture. Highly recommended. We always felt safe too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
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