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Experience a taste of India on this outstanding introductory tour of the country’s most celebrated sights. Exploring the Golden Triangle, this journey combines imperial Delhi with the legendary Taj Mahal at Agra and a 3-night stay in the princely city of Jaipur, culminating in the beautiful hill station of Shimla.
Signature Experiences
Watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh gardens
Ride the toy train to Shimla in Vistadome air-conditioned carriages
Welcome dinner at a haveli heritage property with views over Old Delhi
Take a rickshaw tour of Old Delhi for glimpses of bustling city life
Inclusions
Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
5-star accommodation
Express train travel in air conditioned executive class
Ride in air-conditioned vista-dome carriages which give great views of the surrounding landscape
Experienced local tour manager
11 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 10 dinners
Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
Porterage at hotels and train stations
Welcome & farewell dinners
Internal flights
Pricing is based on 28 November 2026 departure and correct as of 1 July 2026.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and check in to The Imperial (or similar) for 1 night. Visit the Jama Masjid mosque and explore the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. Tour of New Delhi, including a drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence. Attend a welcome dinner at Haveli Dharampura, enjoy a dance performance, and take in views of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid from the upper terrace. Our travel specialists will be delighted to assist with flight arrangements if required.
Day 2 | New Delhi - Agra
Visit Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutb Minar tower. Drive to Agra and stay at the Trident Agra (or similar) for 2 nights.
Day 3 | Agra
Sunrise visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal before exploring the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort. Visit Mehtab Bagh (‘Moonlight Garden’) for sunset over the Taj Mahal.
Day 4 | Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Continue to Jaipur via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri stepwell. En route, enjoy lunch at the lavish Laxmi Vilas Palace. Stay 3 nights at a converted royal hunting lodge, Ramgarh Lodge (or similar).
Day 5 | Jaipur
Morning visit to Amber Fort and the Anokhi Museum. Afternoon visit to the striking City Palace, home of the present maharajah and the curious Jantar Mantar observatory.
Day 6 | Jaipur
Your day is at leisure to relax. Perhaps explore Jaipur’s bazaars seeking out traditional Indian crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk.
Day 7 | Chandigarh
Explore the Birla Mandir temple before flying to Chandigarh. Selected as the new capital of Punjab in 1948, Chandigarh was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and completed in the early 1960s. Stay for 1 night at the Taj Chandigarh (or similar).
Day 8 | Shimla
Early this morning, take the Kalka Shimla Express toy train to Shimla, passing through stunning mountains. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Vistadome carriages, which have windows on the ceiling. Stay 3 nights at the WelcomHeritage Elysium Resort & Spa (or similar) or upgrade to the Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, the British summer capital during the Raj era.
Day 9 | Shimla
Explore the historic Mall, a popular thoroughfare through Shimla established during the Raj era. Enjoy stories of its many colonial buildings while making your way to the grandest example: the Viceregal Lodge, a palatial 19th-century residence.
Day 10 | Shimla
Your day is at leisure, with the option to explore Shimla on a nature walk, enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall, or visit the state of Dhami for birdwatching and lunch with a noble family †. Additional cost).
Day 11 | Delhi
Drive to Chandigarh and connect with the train to Delhi. Stay overnight at The Imperial and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12 | Depart
Tour ends in Delhi.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
