Premium India

11 Days | Uncover enigmatic wonders and cultural charm in India’s north

4.9 out of 5 based on 114 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $3,550
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Premium India including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
India
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HHPG
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

Premium experiences

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Premium knowledge

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-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 led by a local expert in Agra and a homecooked meal hosted by a Brahmin 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.
  • Visit a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, then cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians – two Exclusive Experiences you can only find on a Premium adventure.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Premium India including India

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Delhi - Welcome dinner
  • Old Delhi City Tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
  • Agra - Agra Fort Visit
  • Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Jaipur - Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • 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
  • Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
Add on activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at the park follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive your passport scan in time we cannot guarantee you will be able to join the safari. Your full name will need to be provided exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel. Currently, there are no non-stop flights operating between Jaipur and Varanasi, so you will fly through Delhi. This flight will require an early morning start time.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 114 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Peter · Traveled September 2024
An excellent well planned tour for a first time visitor to India with good exposure to geography, demographics, religions, and way of life in this extraordinary country. Tour leader very knowledgeable and passionate. Highly recommended!
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

Sonia · Traveled September 2024
We travel to India with the premium package and we had a great time. Our guide AJ was always there for us, really showing us the true India, making it easy since it's a really different country. We travel with a group of 7 people and we had a lot of fun. We saw a tiger in the safari, beautiful architecture, try real Indian food and stay in comfortable hotels. We have really good memories, I don't regret booking with Intrepid easy and stress-free holidays.
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

Sarah · Traveled September 2024
Excellent tour of Northern India, knowledgeable guide with a well thought out itinerary. Will definitely travel with intrepid again.
Review submitted 19 Sep 2024

Damian · Traveled September 2024
Great Guide, very safe and personal. You can truly see the India from inside. Hotels were good but only some would be categorised as premium to me. Some iterinaty part was a miss (e.g. whole day layover on the airport due to booking a flights with 5hr wait in Delhi). I have heard that they will address that in the future though. Overall I recommend Intrepid if you don't have time or knowledge to plan things yourself and want to have a truly excellent guide. Don't expect luxury from 'Premium' tag. It is clean and safe though.
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

KIM · Traveled April 2024
India is a fascinating, mesmerizing and occasionally frenetically chaotic country but with a brilliant guide like Karni helping you through to understand its history and culture, you leave with life long memories. Also great group of people is icing on the cake
Review submitted 04 May 2024
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