- Sightseeing tour of old and new Delhi including a cycle rickshaw ride
- Exotic temples of Khajuraho
- Palaces and temples of Orchha
- Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Agra
- Jaipur’s Amer Fort and city tour
- Mehrangarh Fort and city tour of Jodhpur
- Varanasi Ganges boat ride and witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti
- Safari in Panna National Park
- Udaipur city tour and boat trip
- Rohet safari to Bishoi village
Classic North India Tour
15 Day – Group tour with air-conditioned vehicle and guide
From £2990 low season & £3390 high season
ABTA and ATOL protected holidays
This North India Tour is a cultural, historical and architectural extravaganza combining the classical sights of the Golden Triangle and Gangetic Plains with the best of Rajasthan. This is a tour full of variety, and is ideal for anyone wanting a complete North Indian experience. Discover the magnificent monuments of Delhi, exotic temples of Khajuraho, the mesmerising Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur’s Amer Fort and the towering Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur. Experience spiritual peace by the Holy Ganges of Varanasi, look out for tigers at Panna National Park and be mesmerised by the shimmering lakes of Udaipur.
The hotels are handpicked for your comfort and internal travel is an exciting mix of road travel, a short train ride and a few flights to enhance the experience.
Highlights of the Classic North India Tour
Classic North India Tour Itinerary
On arrival in Delhi you will be taken to The Claridges for a two night stay. That evening a welcome dinner is arranged in a traditional setting.
Accommodation: The Claridges*, Delhi
Meals Included: Dinner
Today you will explore the historical city of Delhi with a full day sightseeing tour. You begin in Old Delhi, once the Mughal city of Shahjahanabad, with its vibrant market lanes and colourful neighbourhoods. A cycle rickshaw ride will take you through the lanes or gallis of Chandni Chowk, where everything from spices, brassware, antiques, jewellery and perfumes are sold. You will then discover the highly decorative Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard which can accommodate 25000 devotees before seeing the Red Fort, India Gate and a visit to Raj Ghat.
After lunch it’s time to explore New Delhi which showcases the story of modern India with its open spaces, government buildings, museums and wide tree-lined avenues. Your tour starts with a drive to see the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India before going to Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lofty tower inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan has numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari. Your tour concludes with visit to Humayun’s tomb, the first garden tomb built by the Mughals in India.
Accommodation: The Claridges*, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be taken to the airport for a flight to Varanasi.
This is not only one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, but is also one of the holiest for Hindus because it is dedicated to the God Shiva. Pilgrims come to the Ganges to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
In the evening, you will witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a ceremonial worship of River Ganges which encompasses a magical mix of sounds, sights and smells to engage all your senses.
Accommodation: Taj Ganges*, Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s an early start for a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges where you will see devotees offering prayers at the water’s edge. There will also be time to visit some of the ancient temples by the river bank.
This is followed by a midday flight to Khajuraho and for two nights. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the small town of Khajuraho houses the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. In the evening, enjoy a sound and light show at the Khajuraho temples.
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel*, Khajuraho
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s another early morning for the drive to Panna National Park and a jeep safari to try and spot wildlife, possibly tiger. Then in the afternoon we continue to Khajuraho and the chance to explore the Chandela dynasty temples, famous for their erotic reliefs.
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel*, Khajuraho
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s drive to Orchha, nestled on the banks of River Betwa, takes about 4-5 hrs. This sleepy hamlet is home to fascinating temples and palaces revealing tales of battles between kings.
On your sightseeing tour of this charming medieval town dotted with palaces and cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers from the 16th and 17th century, you will visit the Jehangir and Raj Mahal Palaces of the royal family and the Ram Raja Temple.
After lunch at a riverside resort, we continue to Jhansi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express to Agra.
Accommodation: Tajview*, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. You’ll then return to hotel for breakfast before visiting the iconic 16th century sandstone Agra Fort.
Your afternoon is at leisure with an optional visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Accommodation: Tajview*, Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you travel to Jaipur on a journey which takes about 5 hours. It includes a stop on route to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which dates back to the 16th century.
There is also a lunch stop at Bharatpur and a visit to the 9th century stepwells at Abhaneri.
Jaipur which is fondly known as the ‘Pink City’, is one of India’s best loved destinations and is home to wonderful cultural and historic sites as well as the film ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’.
Approximate travel time and distance: 4 – 5 hours, 240 kms
Accommodation: Samode Haveli*, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning’s tour starts at Hawa Mahal before visiting the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort. Here you can explore the Fort’s extensive apartments decorated with murals and mosaics. The afternoon sightseeing includes Jantar Mantar observatory, City Palace and the Museum.
Jaipur is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs and gifts.
Accommodation: Samode Haveli*, Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day’s drive through the countryside brings us to Rohet – a charming Rajasthani village on the outskirts of Jodhpur.
Approximate travel time and distance: 5 – 6 hours, 335 kms
Accommodation: Rohet Garh*
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning there is a jeep safari to a Bishnoi Village where you will experience an eco-friendly traditional way of life.
The afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur includes a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada cenotaph.
Accommodation: Rohet Garh*, Rohet
Meals Included: Breakfast
The scenic drive this morning takes you to Ranakpur, to see the the intricately carved Jain Temple complex. After lunch in the pleasant surroundings of Maharani Bagh orchards, your adventure continues to the romantic city of Udaipur.
Approximate travel time and distance: 4 – 5 hours, 214 kms
Accommodation: Trident Hotel*, close to Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The morning city sightseeing includes the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-Bari. In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola for magnificent views of stately buildings against the backdrop of the Aravalli Range.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel*, Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
The morning is at leisure to relax by the lake or visit the local bazaars for souvenirs. Fly to Delhi in the afternoon and stay overnight at Pride Plaza Aerocity*.
Accommodation: Pride Plaza Aerocity*, Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly back to the UK.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Shimla (4 days):
On day 15, take the Shatabdi Express train to Kalka and change for the hill train to Shimla. Stay at the Oberoi Cecil for three nights. Spend the next two days exploring Shimla on foot. Drive down to Kalka on day 18 and board a train to Delhi. Stay overnight at Pride Plaza Aerocity before flying home on day 19.
Goa (4 days):
On day 14 fly from Udaipur to Goa and transfer to the resort hotel of your choice for a five-night stay. Enjoy relaxing in the sun before flying home on day 19.
Images from the Classic North India Tour
Places on the Classic North India Tour
Classic North India Tour Hotels
Dates, Pricing and Inclusions
The price guide for this 15 day Classic North India Tour is
- £2990 in low season (May – September inclusive)
- £3390 in high season (October – April inclusive)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast; Lunch on days 6, 8 and 12, Dinner on day 1
Best Season: October to April.
Clothes: Cottons with woollens in winter.
* Alternative accommodation of a similar standard may be offered to the hotels listed.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- Delhi – Varanasi, Varanasi – Khajuraho and Udaipur – Delhi flights in economy class
- All internal road travel by an air-conditioned vehicle with driver and guide
- All scheduled sightseeing with an English speaking guide
- Entrance fees at the monuments
- Boat ride on Ganges using a private boat for our group
- Game drive in Panna National Park
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola (shared boat)
Not included in the price:
- International flights
- India visa
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not included in the meal plan
- Expenses of a personal nature (like room service, laundry, drinks, phone calls etc)
- Camera fees at the monuments and in the national park
- Tips
This tour can also be taken privately on a date of your choice. Please contact us for more details.
For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.