A Raj Christmas

The tour starts at 6.00pm on Wednesday 20 December, 2023, at The Claridges Hotel, New Delhi.

The tour ends at 2.00pm on Thursday 4 January, 2024, with a transfer to Delhi Airport.

Upon arrival in Delhi, the group will transfer to our hotel. In the evening we’ll gather for orientation and introductions. Overnight New Delhi

Our introduction to India encompasses a full day exploring some of “new” Delhi’s finest monuments. We’ll begin at the Purana Qila (Old Fort), an imposing structure in the traditional Mughal style on the banks of the river Yamuna. One of the seven cities of Delhi, it was built in 1533 during the reign of Humayun. It changed rulers several times for short periods of time before ultimately falling into British hands. After a stop for lunch, we’ll visit the grand Tomb of Humayun, the first garden-tomb in India. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the tomb is regarded as a gem of Indo-Islamic architecture. Overnight New Delhi (B, L)

Once one of the world’s most cultured and glittering cities, Delhi still provides glimpses of its great Mughal heritage. Seeing it up close and on foot is the best way to experience this living history. The morning commences with a two-hour walking tour into the heart of Old Delhi. In its maze of ancient streets, labyrinthine alleys and bustling bazaars, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse of life in this busy city. Afterward, we’ll have lunch before returning to the hotel for some free time. Overnight New Delhi (B, L)

This morning we’ll fly to Bagdogra in the eastern state of West Bengal and drive for about 3 hours from there into the cool, green Shivalik Hills of the Darjeeling district. The road we climb is criss-crossed by the narrow-gauge rail tracks of the famed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train”. The temperature drops and the steep, forested hillsides soon give way to the town of Darjeeling, which straddles a long narrow ridge beneath the Himalayan giant, Kanchenjunga—the world’s third-highest peak. The journey will take most of the day. Overnight Darjeeling (B, L)

The day begins with a stroll around the Chowrasta, or Darjeeling Mall where, weather permitting, we may enjoy a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga. Next we’ll head to the famed Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to learn about the long and extraordinary history of attempts on Mount Everest, especially the 1953 climb in which Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary became the first people on Earth to reach the summit. There will be free time after lunch to wander the bazaar before a special Christmas Eve dinner at the Elgin Hotel—a much-loved event each year in this old gem from the British Raj. Overnight Darjeeling (B, L, D)

We’ll have a Christmas morning visit to a tea-tasting centre to learn more about the Darjeeling tea industry and the array of teas for which the region is famous. We’ll then enjoy a festive Christmas feast together for lunch, with the rest of the day free to explore, or relax and enjoy the cosy fireplaces and garden nooks of the Elgin. Overnight Darjeeling (B, L)

This morning we’ll make the short drive to the beautiful Taj Chia Kutir Resort. Set in the middle of the famous Makaibari tea estate that dates back to 1859, the resort offers a tranquil place to enjoy the old tea gardens and unspoilt views of the Darjeeling hills. Overnight Kurseong (B)

After a leisurely morning, we’ll drive back down to the plains and Bagdogra airport, from which we’ll fly to the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), capital of India’s West Bengal State. Originally an East India Company trading post, Kolkata served as India’s capital under the British Raj from 1772-1911. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the famous Oberoi Grande, located in the heart of the city. Overnight Kolkata (B, L)

Today will be spent soaking up the colonial history of Kolkata. We’ll begin with a walking tour of Dalhousie Square, an area that encapsulates all that was British India, dating back to the earliest days of the British East India Company. We’ll also visit the South Park Street Cemetery, a necropolis that tells hundreds of tales of the highs and lows of East India Company rule. Overnight Kolkata (B, L)

A flight across central India takes us to the desert state of Rajasthan and its capital, Jaipur. Known as the “Pink City” of India due to its unique rose-coloured stone buildings, Jaipur is a bustling, modern city steeped in Rajput lore and tradition. Situated on the edge of the great Thar Desert and amidst the rocky Aravalli Hills, this kingdom was once one of the Mughal empire’s greatest allies in its quest for domination of India. Overnight Jaipur (B, L)

This morning we take a short drive from Jaipur to the fortress of Amer, the former seat of the Jaipuri Rajputs and a stunning example of Rajput architecture. After some exploring, we’ll head to the nearby Anokhi Heritage Museum to peruse its beautifully displayed collection of old textiles and wares. Here you can occasionally see a craftsman plying his trade—often block printing or silverware. After enjoying lunch, we will visit the City Palace Museum to see a fine collection of art and treasures—costumes, miniatures, carpets, armour, and more—that illustrate the old world of the Indian princes of Rajasthan. Overnight Jaipur (B, L)

We’ll begin the day with a city walking tour around some of the backstreets of Jaipur, for a glimpse into the life of the traders, artisans and citizens of this great city. This evening we’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special dinner at our hotel in the old city. Overnight Jaipur (B, D)

A leisurely morning is followed by a short drive out of Jaipur to the tiny village of Samode, nestled in a nook of the steep Aravilli hills. After a traditional lunch at the tranquil Samode Bagh (gardens), we will head up to the palace, which will be home for the next two nights. Samode Palace has been host to royalty, artists and fortunate travellers for decades. A splendid example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the 475-year-old palace is a celebration of all that is Rajput and is a treat for the senses. Overnight Samode (B, L)

Samode Palace is a destination in itself and we will have a full day here to explore its myriad rooms, notably the mirrored ballroom, and its superb gardens. You may wish to sit on a balcony and enjoy the views or relax by the pool with a good book. Or you could wander down into the tiny village where locals go about their lives unfazed by the grandeur above them. This is a day to soak up the atmosphere of this stunning piece of Rajasthani history. Overnight Samode (B)

From Samode we head to Agra, stopping en route at the famed deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, this red sandstone city was the centre of the Mughal world for 20 years before Akbar abandoned it to return to Agra. After exploring, we’ll continue to Agra, another great Mughal city and home to India’s greatest gem: the Taj Mahal. On arrival we will visit the great Agra Fort, an almost impregnable citadel that has been the scene of great sieges and battles. Overnight Agra (B, L, D)

An early start will allow us to see the wondrous Taj Mahal in the morning light. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1653, the Taj is an extraordinary monument to love and power and showcases the exquisite Persian style of Mughal architecture at its most brilliant. It is then on to Delhi to conclude the tour at the airport for departing flights home. (B)

Hotels have been selected principally for their central location. All hotels are a comfortable 4 and 5-star standard.

• New Delhi, The Claridges (3 nights)

• Darjeeling, The Elgin (3 nights)

• Kurseong, Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa (1 night)

• Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand (2 nights)

• Jaipur, Alsisar Haveli (3 nights)

• Samode, Samode Palace (2 nights)

• Agra, ITC Mughal (1 night)