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2027
India for Women
Experience the wonders of ancient & modern India in this small, private, guided group tour of 10 to 18 women.
Itinerary
Day OneOn arrival in the Indian capital, you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel located within the concentric streets of Delhi’s historic Connaught Place neighbourood. Boutiques and bazaars abound!
Delhi
Day TwoDelhi is a city that has been home to many cities throughout history. Begin your day by entering Shahjahanabad, the 17th century capital of Mughal India. Visit the red sandstone Jama Masjid (the “Great Mosque”) before boarding a cycle-rickshaw for a street-level tour of the maze-like market streets of Chandni Chowk. Your morning wraps up at the peaceful memorial Raj Ghat dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Your afternoon turns to the modern Delhi of both the English Raj and an independent India. Tour this imperial city where wide boulevards, lush gardens, and monumental architecture host the machinery of the world’s largest democracy. As a guest at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, an important Sikh temple, you will witness a cooking ritual which provides free meals to more than 10,000 people each day.
Explore old and new Delhi
Day ThreeOnce known as Calcutta, this colonial-era city was built to demonstrate British imperial power. Arrival is followed by transfer to your luxury hotel located along the greenbelt of the city’s historic Maiden district.
Delhi to Kolkata by Air
Day FourToday visit Kolkata’s famed flower markets, the sacred banks of the massive Hooghly River, Dalhousie Square (the erstwhile headquarters of the British East India Company), and the gardens of Victoria Memorial, a white marble palace now home to a museum of the British in India.
Later tour The Mother Teresa House of the Missionaries of Charity and explore the colourful lanes of Kumartuli, were local sculptors bring Hindu gods and goddess to life.
Explore Kolkata
Day FiveToday join your tour leader for a neighbourhood walk or other impromptu activity. You are also free to explore on your own.
Kolkata at Leisure
Day SixOn arrival in ancient Varanasi, also known as Banaras or the City of Light, your group will be met and transferred to your boutique hotel, Ganges View, overlooking the riverbank where each night priests and worshipers gather for raucous evening prayers.
Kolkata to Varanasi by Air
Day SevenToday begins on the water as you board a private open-hauled riverboat for breathtaking views of ancient Varanasi at sunrise. Pilgrims step down to the sacred water to bathe, cremation ghats smolder brightly, and residents use the great stones of the riverbank as a path to work or to school.
Later enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow bustling lanes of Varanasi. Watch traditional wrestlers as they practice, visit a silk weaving studio, explore the 18th century Vishwananth Gold Temple, and learn of your future with a palm reading session.
Explore Varanasi
Day EightToday join your tour leader for a neighbourhood walk or other impromptu activity. You are also free to explore on your own.
Varanasi at Leisure
Day NineCross rivers and fields and pass through numerous tunnels as you travel “Executive Class” aboard the Vandi Bharat Express bound for Agra.
On arrival, transfer to your the luxury Clarks Shiraz hotel where your room provides a private view of the Taj Mahal.
Varanasi to Agra by Rail
Day TenToday step back into the 16th century as you explore Agra’s Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through places, mosques, gardens, and audience halls all enclosed within massive red sandstone walls.
Explore Agra
Day ElevenAt dawn step through the gates of the Taj Mahal, one of the great wonders of the modern world. A guided tour will introduce the history and cultural impact of the Taj and free time in the Taj complex will allow you to fully immerse yourself in this breathtaking place.
Later in the day travel to India’s Pink City, Jaipur, for check in at your heritage hotel, Mandawa Haveli.
Taj Mahal at Sunrise & Agra to Jaipur
Day TwelveYour full day adventure begins in the ancient city of Amer as your jeep passes through the first of many gates leading up to the mountaintop Amber Fort. A guided tour of this 16th century Rajput fortress demonstrates the wealth and power of the ruler as you explore temples, mirrored chambers, public halls, private palaces, and look out over the surrounding hills and valleys.
In the afternoon visit the early 18th century City Palace and Museum, still the glittering home to the descendants of the last Maharaja of the princely state of Jaipur. From the palace gates, a walking tour of the Jaipur bazaar gives you a chance to haggle for any number of the colourful handicrafts and textiles that flow from shops into the street. A final stop at Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the Palace of the Winds is a perfect ending to an extraordinary day.
Explore Jaipur and Amer
Day ThirteenToday join your tour leader for Bollywood film or other impromptu activity. You are also free to explore on your own.
Jaipur at Leisure
Day FourteenTurning away from the desert, today travel by coach to the lake city of Udaipur.
Check in to the Jagat Niwas Palace hotel and enjoy evening views across on Lake Pichola.
Jaipur to Udaipur by Coach
Day FifteenA morning heritage walk takes in the chaotic streets of the old town where markets, temples, and palaces wrestle for space. Visit Udaipur’s lakeside City Palace and Museum and later take in a prayer ceremony at Jagdish Temple before a bit of free time in Bada Bazaar.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy an exciting cruise on Lake Pichola to view both the pleasure palace Jagmandir and Udaipur’s most famous landmark, the Lake Palace.
Explore Udaipur
Day SixteenToday join your tour leader for a city walk or other impromptu activity. You are also free to explore on your own.
Udaipur at Leisure
Day SeventeenToday fly from Northern India to the tropical gateway of Southern India. Kochi, once known as Cochin, is unique for its mix of colonial Dutch, British, and Portuguese architecture.
On arrival transfer to your luxury hotel in the historic residential area Fort Kochi.
Udaipur to Kochi by Air
Day EighteenThis morning stretch your legs as you explore historic Fort Kochi. Experience the busy life of Fort residents as you walk towards vibrant Princes Street. Stop to watch local fishermen set out giant Chinese Fishing Nets and visit St. Francis Church where you’ll find the tomb of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
Next travel by vehicle to Mattancherry where the ancient spice trade still thrives. Visit the 16th century Portuguese Dutch Palace, the 400 year-old Paradesi Synagogue, and explore the spice market streets.
Later, visit a local family-run guest house for a delicious cooking class. Afternoon in Kochi at leisure.
Explore Kochi & Local Cooking Class
Day NineteenThis morning a short drive by coach brings you to the Alleppey Jetty to board your deluxe houseboat or Kettuvallam. Check in to your room and find a spot on deck to begin a once in a lifetime journey into the backwaters of Kerela.
Today you’ll cruise lakes, lagoons, and lush palm-lined canals passing floating villages, rural scenes, and wildlife.
Kochi to the Backwaters of Kerala
Day TwentyContinue your floating journey as you cruise the backwaters towards Champakulam and its St. Mary’s Basilica which is believed by some to be the site of a Christian church established here in the year 427. While at Champakulam you’ll also visit a local market and see the colourful snake boats, all awaiting the year’s next race.
As your journey proceeds, your houseboat makes for Mooonattinmugham where three rivers meet and where you anchor for the night.
Backwaters of Kerala
Day Twenty-OneA short drive to Kochi Airport is followed by a flight to Mumbai (Bombay), India’s city of dreams.
Check in to the boutique Gordon House hotel in trendy Colaba.
Backwaters of Kerala to Mumbai by Air
Day Twenty-TwoToday a full day tour includes a visit to Mani Bhawan (Gandhi’s Mumbai home and office), Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat (an extraordinary open-air laundry in continuous operation since 1885), The Gateway of India (the spot from where the British beat their final retreat), the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Bombay High Court, Victoria Terminus Train Station, and Crawford Market.
Expore Mumbai
Day Twenty-ThreeThis morning walk from your hotel across to the Gateway of India and enjoy a ferry ride from Bombay Harbour to explore the ancient rock-cut Hindu cave temples of Elephanta Island.
Later enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Colaba before gathering for a farewell dinner at the beautiful Neuma Restaurant.
Elephanta Island & Farewell Dinner
Day Twenty-FourDepart Mumbai for home or your onward journey.
Until we are once again going places together.