✓ Return international airfares with full service carrier China Southern
✓ All internal airfares
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 9 nights in charming and comfortable four-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Fully escorted tour with professional English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing with entry fees included – See the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, visit the Buddhist pilgrimage destination Sarnath and witness an Aarti ceremony
✓ Comfortable, dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to India! Today begins your tour through this incredible country. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport you will be warmly greeted by one of our representatives who will then assist by transferring you to your hotel. Get a good night’s sleep to start your tour tomorrow well rested.
Today we will be travelling to the city of Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The royal family that once ruled the region in 1727 founded what is now called the Old City, or 'Pink City' for its trademark colour. Once we reach Jaipur, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
This morning, after breakfast, we will visit the ancient capital of Amber (sometimes called Amer) to see the fabulous Amber Fort. We’ll transfer from the hotel to the parking area at the foot of the Amber Fort, where we'll board Jeeps that will take us up the hill to the entrance gate. The fort’s majestic appearance and its advantageous location, looking out over the surrounding area, make it a very special place to visit. Made from red sandstone and white marble, this beautiful hill fort has its foundations in the 17th century. Following our guided tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure: wander the city on your own, exploring its colourful bazaars, or participate in an optional tour to enhance your experience.
Our city tour will begin at the magnificent City Palace, now converted into a museum, except for a small portion that is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the fortified campus style, the palace covers an area equal to almost one-seventh of the city. Here we will tour the beautiful Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal Palaces within, as well as the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. Following this we will visit the Jantar Mantar monument and observatory, constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur and one of the five observatories in India. Jantar Mantar is home to a ancient collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments and features the world’s largest stone sundial. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Starts: approx: Between 2:30pm-3:00pm
Duration: approx: 2 ½ hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Upon arrival in Varanasi you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
This evening we will make a very special visit to the local ghats – steps that lead down to the River Ganges – to witness an Aarti ceremony. Taking its name from the Sanskrit word for homage and devotion, this religious ritual takes place every evening on the banks of the river. During the ceremony, small candle-lit lamps decorated with flowers are floated down the river as an offering to the Goddess Ganga, accompanied by a chorus of chanting hymns, drums and temple bells.
We’ll start early today with an invigorating sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass.
Later this morning we’ll take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and it features a number of intriguing stupas and museums to explore. Alternatively, the day can be spent exploring the laneways and alleys behind the ghats, or picking up some examples of the excellent local silk industry.
In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a lovely walking tour of the old city, through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past dhobi-wallahs (open-air laundry washermen), burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. And as your first day in this sacred city comes to an end, we’ll witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies.
Today we depart Varanasi by private vehicle to Lucknow, a large city in northern India, and the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Upon arrival in Lucknow we will check in at the hotel and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in an optional tour to enhance your experience.
This fantastic food tour allows you to hop in and out of traditional roadside eateries giving you an opportunity to try a variety of different kinds of delicious local foods. Experience the best of the best in traditional restaurants, where the recipes were not only invented but actually perfected, without having to worry about how to eat without a fork or to wipe your hands clean after you are done.
This morning we will be visiting the mosque complex of Bara Imambara. The Bara Imambara was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab (or 'ruler') of the state of Awadh. Created as part of a famine relief program, the complex marks one of the earlier attempts in Lucknow to imitate the architecture and design style of the Mughals; it is one of the few buildings in Lucknow completely devoid of European elements.
The Complex contains a mosque, several courtyards and gateways, and a grand bawali or 'stepwell' that was once used as a summer palace. In the afternoon we will be departing Lucknow for the city of Agra via the expressway. Upon arrival in Agra in the evening we will jump on a 'Chaat Crawl' through the city. Chaat are savoury snacks (like fried potatoes or samosa broken into pieces and served with chutney) typically served roadside from stalls or carts – the Indian equivalent to fast food. Chaat have become immensely popular throughout India and the Indian subcontinent, though Uttar Pradesh, where the tradition originated, is still be believed to serve up the country's best.
Very early this morning we will enjoy a special treat – a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This monument to love is a spectacle to behold at any time of day, but it takes on a whole new life when bathed in the early morning light. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried in from a site more than 300 kilometres away and transported by a fleet of 1,000 elephants.
Following our visit to this landmark enjoy some leisure time until the afternoon, when we depart Agra for Delhi. Once we check into our hotel in Delhi the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like.
The highlight for today is a magnificent city sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, an area that dates back to the 1600s. Our tour begins at the Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, which stands across the road from the historic Red Fort. This glorious mosque was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal. Built with red sandstone and white marble, Jama Masjid can accomodate up to 25,000 worshippers.
Next, we will experience an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride in the busy market area of Chandni Chowk. Within the market's narrow lanes the traditional workmanship for which Delhi is famous is still very much alive. Originating from the times of the Mughal Empire, it is said that the the descendants of royal chefs still work in the market.
Later, we will visit the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, a magnificent place of worship where we will learn about the history of the Sikh religion. Enroute back to our hotel we will stop at the India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died during WWI, as well as Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home of the country's president. You may spend this evening seeking out some of the city’s fantastic local cuisine or participate in an optional tour.
Skip the celebrity chefs and head straight to the source of authentic Indian cooking secrets on this Delhi tour that delves into the heartland of Indian cuisine - a local’s home! It’s not just a meal, but a dining experience in a family home, where you’ll learn about local culture, taste, incredible food, and make new friends. The food you’ll dine on a traditional Indian home-cooked meal, which will be predominantly vegetarian and sure to tantalise our taste buds like no other.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through India. Enjoy free time at the hotel before your transfer to Delhi International Airport where you will board your flight home or towards your onward destination. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring experience.
Arrive home today.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $700 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Singapore Stopover Package
Cost - $749 per person Twin Share ($1248 Single Share)
Includes:
Upgrade to Singapore Airlines
3 nights at the 4 star Furama Riverfront or similar
Breakfast daily
Return airport transfers
If you wish to book the Singapore stopover package before or after your tour, please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced for this in your final payment.
The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences) applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”:
4 – Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. We recommend AUD$3 per person, per day, to be paid in local currency. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$6-10 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3-5 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Any other tipping, such as tips for camera and video fees, bathroom attendants or hotel porters that are taking luggage to your room, is at your discretion as are gratuities for additional requested special services. We encourage passengers to have a supply of small denominations of local currency to distribute for personal tipping.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $699 person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Travellers
This package allows you to avoid paying a single supplement by booking as a Paired Solo Traveller.
This option must be selected at time of booking during the purchase path under "Select Your Room" and then choose "Paired Twin Room".
Regardless of whether an accompanying solo traveller is found, you are guaranteed to travel at no additional cost.
Solo travellers are matched only on the basis of gender and not on other factors such as age, nationality, religion or sexuality. We kindly ask that you disclose any requirements, medical or otherwise, that might disturb your matched traveller’s sleep (e.g. sleep apnoea or a CPAP machine). Unfortunately, with this in mind and in the interest of other travellers, we request that you proceed with your own private room with the resulting single supplement. Should a second solo traveller not be available, you are nonetheless guaranteed to travel at no extra cost and you will be placed into a single, twin share or double room by yourself. Your tour group may include multiple solo travellers who may or may not be paired. No changes will be permitted to any pairing arrangements.
Note that for some portions of some itineraries, the group sizes will vary. Some packages may operate on groups as small as 2 people and therefore, there may be time spent travelling only with your paired traveller. Should a package require a minimum number of 2 travellers and you are not paired, your booking may be cancelled.
You will be introduced to your matched solo traveller at the beginning of your itinerary and your personal details will not be shared as per our Privacy Policy. Should there be any dissatisfaction with your matched traveller, unfortunately we are unable to make any changes to your room arrangements or offer any refund. Inspiring Vacations takes no responsibility for and will not be held liable for any dissatisfaction with the matched traveller or for their actions.
All departures remain strictly subject to availability and may sell out prior to your tentative booking being confirmed, in which case the fee will be refunded in full. All other booking terms apply.
Triple Share
Available. If you wish to purchase triple-share please phone 1300 886 688. The third person will also be charged the twin-share price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return.
An e-visa is required for entry into India. You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have your tour documents indicating your date of entry into India, approximately 120 days prior to departure.
Please note, the ETA is limited to 60 days validity from the date of arrival.
You can visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration to purchase your visa online. The cost is US$80 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
10-30 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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