Premium India





Explore North India’s icons and secrets with a local by your side
Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion and cultural heritage 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 show you around, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the 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, Feature Stays and local interaction.
4.9
178 reviewsStart: Delhi, India
End: Delhi, India
- Duration
- 11 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Premium
- Theme
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- Explorer
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Our best hand-picked accommodation and the highest level of service
The must-see highlights, plus authentic experiences only available on Premium trips
Trips led by our most experienced and top-rated local leaders
Why you'll love this trip
- 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 on rickshaws in Varanasi and a home-cooked meal hosted by a local family in Jaipur.
- Take a cooking class in Lucknow – this region's capital is renowned for its delicious, 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!
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure 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 at your own pace. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. 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.
- The Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Delhi - Welcome dinner
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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.
To get your bearings of Old Delhi, start today with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. 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.
- The Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Old Delhi City Tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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, has the charm of a traditional family home but with regal touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour in one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India as you stop by bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. End 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.
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort – the crown jewel of Jaipur. On your guided tour you’ll learn stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the City Palace in the heart of the Pink City – 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. Maybe visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory – one the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories dating to 1729 or take in the city from the air in a hot air balloon. After, you'll probably want to sample some Rajasthani street food, like pyaaz kachori (crispy pastry filled with spiced onion).
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - City Palace
The balloon flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
Today, you’ll head to Agra. After a scenic 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. Your Taj Mahal guide will tell you its history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. For dinner tonight, your leader can recommend a great local spot to try the local curries.
- Grand Mercure Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Agra - Taj Mahal
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so trips which begin on a Monday will visit Red Fort on Day 5 and the Taj Mahal on Day 6.
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 enjoy dinner at Sheroes, a not-for-profit restaurant which supports supports victims of acid attacks, and helps them find acceptance, community and means of supporting their families.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lucknow - Orientation Walk
- Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
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!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lucknow City Tour
- Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
Wake up early today for a unique slice of Indian life aboard an airconditioned train. Although you will have your breakfast packed with you, don’t miss out on an opportunity to interact with the local vendors who board the train at various stops to sell snacks and Indian Chai tea. The ride to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse of the countryside from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely known 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 stay with you long after your time in India is over.
- Ramada Katesar or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Orientation Walk in Varanasi
- Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
- Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
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, you’ll hop in rickshaws for a journey through Banaras’ iconic eateries and street food stalls. For lunch, you’ll try chaat (a popular snack using potato, chickpeas or rice, topped with crunchy, sweet or spicy vegetables and sauces), samosas, jalebi (a dessert of fried batter soaked in sugar syrup), lassi and sweet paan (a betel leaf filled with chopped betel), while getting a glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage. This afternoon, visit 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.
- Ramada Katesar or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Sarnath Museum Visit
- Sarnath Stupa Visit
- Varanasi – Rickshaw Food Tour
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.
- The Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. If you'd like to stay in Delhi, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Train
Hotel (8 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Delhi - Welcome dinner
- Old Delhi City Tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - City Palace
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Lucknow - Orientation Walk
- Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
- Lucknow City Tour
- Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
- Orientation Walk in Varanasi
- Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
- Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Sarnath Museum Visit
- Sarnath Stupa Visit
- Varanasi – Rickshaw Food Tour
- Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- In the summer months, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection.
- There are several early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really come alive in the dawn light.
- It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
ACCOMMODATION
The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
WIFI:
Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
The Grand New Delhi
Nelson Mandela Marg, Pocket 4, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi - 110070
Delhi
INDIA
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 10 kms from Vasant Kunj. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have booked an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with an Intrepid sign board. Please ask them to confirm your name. In case if you have trouble finding the driver or if you are delayed for any reason, please call the following 24 hour numbers:
+91 9560 849 444
+91 9999 005 019
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you do not have a mobile phone, there are public phones next to Costa Coffee. Calls cost 1 rupee per minute
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Taxi's from the airport to our starting point hotel take approx. 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 600 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
Check in time at hotel is 1400 hours.
Dates and prices
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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