16 Day Opulent India
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, 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 and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
Inspiring Vacations Private Collection
✓ Return business class airfares included with a full-service airline
✓ Ultra small group touring – 10 people or less
✓ VIP in-destination private airport transfers
✓ Handpicked best in destination accommodation
✓ 2-to-1 coach seating (2 seats for every 1 guest)
✓ Tipping & porterage included
✓ Visa service & personalised documentation wallet
✓ Learn about your 15 Day Opulent India inclusions HERE
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.
Today, board your international flight to India’s capital Delhi! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and be met by our representative who will assist by transferring you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome briefing session with the tour manager.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Your adventure begins with a morning welcome meeting led by your expert tour guide. Following the meeting we'll begin our sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, a positively remarkable area dating 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 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. On our way 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.
This evening, you’ll join your guide and the rest of your group for your first Inspiring Taste, a welcome dinner at the world-class Indian Accent. Undoubtedly the best restaurant in India, it’s also been featured in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. You’ll enjoy contemporary Indian cuisine with this fine dining experience in a stylish setting.
Today, we make our way to Agra, about a four-hour drive. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra which includes an undeniable highlight, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Go inside this iconic monument. Built in the mid-17th century by Shah Jahan following the death of his queen, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, you can admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument.
This evening, enjoy your first Inspiring Taste as we jump on a 'chaat crawl' through the city thought to serve up the country’s best. Chaat are savoury snacks (like fried potatoes, or samosa broken into pieces and served with chutney) typically served roadside from stalls or carts; it is the Indian equivalent to fast food. Though chaat is said to originate in Uttar Pradesh, the food has become immensely popular in the rest of India and the Indian subcontinent. Once your appetite has been piqued, we'll enjoy another delicious buffet dinner at our hotel.
This morning you'll have the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a breathtaking experience.
Later this morning we'll depart from Agra and travel towards our next destination, Jaipur, the so-called 'Pink City'. Enroute to Jaipur we'll visit Fatehpur Sikri, the one-time capital of the Mughal Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city's stunning mosque incorporates Persian architectural elements, as well as more traditional local design.
After this we continue on our way to Jaipur. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we'll head out for a tour of the Amber Fort. Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces and temples, and landscaped gardens.
Be dazzled by the Sheesh Mahal, a room with its four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces.
We'll return to the old city to visit the City Palace and the beautiful palaces within, such as the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal and the intricately decorated Peacock Gate.
After, make a stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds and the famous Johari bazaar famous for its jewels and saris, the Tripolia bazaar with bronzes, sculptures and lacquerware, the Bapu bazaar renowned for its perfumes and textiles, and Chandpol bazaar for pottery and bracelets. Jaipur is a shopping haven.
This evening, enjoy another Inspiring Taste when you enjoy dinner with a local family in a haveli, their private mansion in the old city where they have lived for generations. You'll be welcomed into their home to learn how they cook and share their meal.
This morning, enjoy some free time to relax or enjoy the hotel facilities.
In the afternoon, we'll begin our drive to Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan and the gateway to the Thar Desert in the Marwar region. The old city, originally founded in the mid-15th century is familiarly known as the blue city due to its blue-painted buildings and rooftops, and is surrounded by a 10-kilometre long wall that dates from the 16th century.
Once we reach Jodhpur, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Absorb the unique colours and sounds and you soar above the historical forts and hidden palaces nestled among the Aravalli ranges. Capture a bird’s eye view of traditional Rajasthani villages and the smiles of friendly locals gazing up at you.
Starts: approx: Between 5:00am-5:30am
Duration: approx: 4 hours (balloon ride is approx 45 minutes)
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.
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll head to the Mehrangarh Fort. One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh is the pride of Jodhpur. The main palaces that make up the fort are the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. The fort’s museum displays a rich collection of old royal palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, and more. There are also a number of courtyards and palaces inside the fort.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Visit the nearby Bishnoi villages where you’ll find a welcoming, nature-loving community. In this village safari tour, you’ll come across wildlife and learn why the Bishnoi are so protective of their land.
After breakfast we depart Jodhpur and head towards Udaipur, visiting Ranakpur Jain temple on the way. Often regarded as poetry on marble, this 15th century Jain temple honouring Adinath is a work of architectural genius. The intricate marble carvings boast an enormous degree of skill and delicacy. Another interesting aspect about the temple is its play of shadow and light on the nearly 1,500 pillars, each of which proudly display a different motif.
We'll enjoy a buffet lunch.
Your Inspiring Stay is at The Leela Palace Udaipur, a modern palace hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola with the majestic Aravalli Mountains as the backdrop. It’s a grand experience that fuses luxury with the glory of Udaipur’s regal heritage.
Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is set around a series of stunning artificial lakes, and is well-known for its lavish royal residences. This morning you'll have the chance to begin your day with an optional sunrise cycling tour around the city. Alternatively, you may spend the morning relaxing at the hotel or lounging by the pool.
This afternoon we'll visit the impressive City Palace. Well known as one of the biggest palaces in Rajasthan, this grand building is set on the banks of Pichola Lake. Though construction began in the late 1500s, under the orders of Maharana Udai Singh II, the palace was added to and tinkered with for a further 400 years, as his successors came and went. Today this monumental complex consists of 11 palaces surrounded by courtyards, balconies, towers and gardens, and is famed for its intricate peacock mosaics.
We'll then enjoy a cooling breeze as we take to the waters of Lake Pichola by boat to get an uninterrupted view of Udaipur’s lakeside splendour.
This evening, your Inspiring Taste is dinner at Ambrai Restaurant, housed in the gorgeous Hotel Amet Haveli. Built in the early 1700s on the banks of Pichola, this ornate mansion-hotel boasts panoramic views of Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and Sajjangarh Fort from its restaurant terrace.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Explore the ‘City of Lakes’ on a short countryside loop on a bike, swerving through untreaded nooks and corners through the beautiful rural countryside. Absorb this historic capital of the Mewar Kingdom at your own pace. A colourful landscape unfolds here with brightly clothed village women. You’ll see a typical hamlet of Rajasthan with people busy with farming. We’ll get to discover kingfisher, langoors, cows, goats and peacocks along the way and have a chance to take a refreshing ride around Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Badi Lake.
Starts: approx: Between 6:30am-6:45am
Duration: approx: 3 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.
You'll be transferred to the airport today for your flight to Varanasi via Delhi.
Arriving at 7:30pm, you'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
We begin early this morning with a sunrise boat tour 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 walking tour of the old city. We’ll wander through narrow laneways packed with interesting stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs (clothes washermen), burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the aroma of incense. We’ll witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies and learn why Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India.
Enjoy a buffet lunch and in the 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.
After breakfast this morning we'll depart for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we board a flight for Amritsar. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
The city of Amritsar was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das and is home to the magnificent Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. This evening we'll visit the Golden Temple to see the enchanting palki sahib ceremony. To the accompaniment of drums and hymns, a gold and silver-gilded palanquin (a portable bed or couch that is mounted on two poles and carried at each end on the shoulders of porters) decorated with silk brocades, is prepared by the devotees to carry the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) from the main shrine in Hari Mandir to Darshani Deorhi (gateway leading to the inner sanctum).
Following this we'll enjoy a beautiful buffet dinner at our hotel.
This morning we'll embark on a city sightseeing tour of Amritsar. We begin by returning to the Golden Temple, which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. Here we'll listen to the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. We will then visit Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden that houses a memorial of the tragic 1919 massacre that played a vital role in India’s independence. After our tour here we'll return to the hotel for a buffet lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure.
This evening we'll head out to the India-Pakistan border to witness the pomp and circumstance of the daily Wagah border flag-lowering ceremony – a military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have followed since 1959.
We’ll fly to Delhi in the early afternoon. You’ll arrive at 4:30pm and be transferred to your hotel. This evening, savour a delectable farewell dinner at the opulent Veda Restaurant. There's a warm ambience, thanks to the red brick walls and soft lighting from chandeliers, but the pièce de résistance is the central ceiling dome, which is embellished with thikri kaam, a special decorative feature that uses glasswork from the arid regions of Rajasthan. The menu, meanwhile, is packed with contemporary takes on a variety of Indian classic dishes. This magical dining experience is the perfect way to complete your final day in India.
Learn about the largest mass migration in human history, the division of British India into two independent countries. This relatively new museum, opened in 2017, is the world’s first on the Partition and is an important memorial. We’ll then visit nearby Sadda Pind for an experience of Punjab village life.
Starts: approx: Between 9:30am-10:00am
Duration: approx: 2 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.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Indian adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today. We hope you’ve been inspired.
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Sights
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests 2 bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 3 options (further details listed under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Stays
The Private Collection lets you enjoy your holiday from the moment you turn left on to the plane. Slide into your business class seat and enjoy a refreshment as you take off for your destination in style and comfort.
All packages come standard with international business class flights on a selection of premium airlines allowing you to arrive in your destination refreshed and ready to explore.
For more information on seating configurations, aircraft and amenities, please visit the airline's website.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Downgrading your airfares
When selecting a tour that is part of our Private Collection, Business Class is included for your international flights. If you wish to book Economy Class, you will need to purchase Land Only and purchase your own airfares. Surcharges apply for the following capital cities.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $4,100 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.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. 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
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we're offering 2 free sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 3 options, listed below. Guests can also purchase any of the remaining 2 sightseeing experiences:
Optional Tour - The following may also be pre-purchased but is not included as one of your Inspiring Sights:
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.
Trip Style - Private Collection
A truly deluxe, upscale experience at undeniable value. These tours offer ultra-small group touring (no more than 10 people), handpicked luxury accommodation, business class air and inspiring, immersive sightseeing. With select extras like 2:1 coach seating and private VIP in-destination airport transfers, every comfort has been considered. These tours are fully escorted.
Group Size
2-10 people.
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 “2”:
2 – Easy Tour: An average level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. There is a considerable amount of free time throughout the itinerary, though some sightseeing may be conducted on uneven terrain, including some incline and walking over short distances. For Safari tours, you will be required to get on and off vehicles with minimal assistance.
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 $5,152 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Porterage & Luggage Requirements
Porterage is included in your package, this means that you will have someone assist with your luggage between coach and the hotel throughout the tour. While understanding that various airlines will have their own luggage requirements, please note that for the comfort of yourselves, as well as our local partners who assist you on the ground, we restrict the luggage allowance to no more than one suitcase at 20kg per person, plus a small backpack / carry on size bag. This is to ensure that there is enough storage on the coach, as well as when travelling via rail (where applicable in the itinerary).
Where internal flights are applicable in your itinerary, please note that the airline allowance will vary and if you exceed the airline allowance, excess baggage fees may apply.
Coach Transportation
Our standard bus size is a 20 seater, this will accommodate our group of no more than 10 guests. Please keep in mind that while the flight, accommodation and guide arrangements are luxury, the coach transportation provided, while not luxurious in a sense, still provides comfortable, air-conditioned and spacious seating.
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.
Health
We are not able to provide medical advice since we are not trained to do so, therefore we recommend you visit your GP to discuss whether or not vaccinations are required for your trip.
Visa & Passport information
For our range of Private Collection packages, we offer a personalised service where we can apply for your visa behalf of each traveller. Please note that this would require you to post a copy of your passport in to our Head Office located in Melbourne, Victoria. Please note that we cannot be held responsible should your passport be lost in transit, therefore we recommend that you use a door-to-door courier service. When it comes time to applying for your visa, your Dedicated Support Agent will quote the cost of this service to you and payment will be required over the phone prior to the application being processed. Once your application has been approved, we will then return your passport, along with your tour documentation, to your postal address provided on your booking form.
Alternatively, should you not wish to post your passport, you are welcome to apply for your visa yourself by choosing the below option:
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 30 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.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Children
Due to the style of touring, we limit our Private Collection for adults only, therefore the minimum age for this tour is 18 years old. For those wishing to travel with children, please contact our Travel Specialists directly and we can assist in a private quotation for you.
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.
Please note the itinerary is intended as a guideline. We are always working to approve our tours based on customer feedback. Therefore, the itinerary may differ from when you booked. It’s important to read over your itinerary prior to departure. However, sometimes for reasons beyond our control it may be necessary to alter your itinerary whilst on tour.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
For more information on the weather in India, click HERE.
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