Enchanting India: 11-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour, Including Five-Star JW Marriott Grandeur

Few places on earth pulsate with a more hypnotic clash of bright colours, exotic fragrances and mesmerising sounds than India, and on this custom 11-day luxury, small-group tour (max. 16 travellers) the finest hotels and most incredible experiences have been handpicked for you. Soak up the sights from Mumbai to Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi, all whilst staying in spectacular five-star accommodation throughout.

Want to make the most of your time in India? Check out the optional tour extension below to the ancient city of Varanasi by the Ganges River, the ‘spiritual capital of India’.

What You’ll Love…

The Accommodation – Five-star A-list splendour, a lakeside palace and a luxury haven close to the Taj Mahal

After busy days exploring, relax in exquisite accommodation, hand-picked for their style, luxurious facilities and exceptional locations.

• JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu: The hotel of choice for celebrities and Bollywood stars, the five-star JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is redefining luxury in Mumbai. This beachfront oasis offers stunning Arabian Sea views together with a beautiful spa, an infinity pool and saltwater pool, beach access and delicious dining, from homemade breads and pastries at the Bombay Baking Company to Indian fine dining at Saffron.
• JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa: Located in one of the most beautiful settings in Rajasthan, JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa offers five-star luxury, first-class service and lush amenities surrounded by stunning palaces. The resort pays homage to majestic Rajasthan with traditional architecture while seamlessly blending in modern elements. The resort boasts five incredible restaurants and it’s here you’ll learn from the best with a cooking class hosted by one of the resort’s chefs.
• The Leela Palace Udaipur: Voted one of the best hotels in all of India, The Leela Palace Udaipur is nothing short of spectacular. Stunningly located on the shores of Lake Pichola with panoramic views across the waters, this palatial residence is regarded as Udaipur’s only modern palace by Lake Pichola and offers incredible views of the lake, City Palace and the Aravalli mountains. The hotel encompasses the beauty of Rajasthani palace architecture and is exquisitely decorated throughout with ornate tiling, sparkling chandeliers and rich fabrics.
• ITC Mughal: Nestled in 35 acres of beautiful grounds, ITC Mughal boasts an exceptional location less than ten minutes on foot from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taj Mahal. Bedecked with marble floors and ornate touches, this opulent hotel showcases award-winning architecture inspired by Mughal heritage. You’ll feel like royalty staying in a sprawling 67sqm luxury Royal Mughal Suite featuring a separate bedroom, living room and lavish deep soaking tub.

The Experience – Extraordinary palaces, fragrant cuisine, ancient fortresses and bustling cities

Witness the majesty of the legendary Taj Mahal at sunrise, a truly unforgettable experience as the colours of dawn are cast across this white marble masterpiece.

Lose yourself in the kaleidoscope of colours, scents and sensations of coastal Mumbai with its harbour and iconic Gateway of India arch built in 1924. Just off the shore is Elephanta Island dotted with palm, tamarind and mango trees, where you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Elephanta Caves with its ancient rock art dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Spend a day exploring the colourful and captivating city of Jaipur, the ‘Pink City of India’. Discover the majestic Amber Fort, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan, the 18th-century City Palace and have your fortune told by an astro-palmist in the old city.

Enjoy a cooking class at the JW Marriott Jaipur, where you’ll learn the secrets and heritage of India’s famously flavourful cuisine, before enjoying an extravagant Indian dining experience at the hotel’s Mohan Mahal restaurant which invites you to step back in time to the era of Maharajas and Shahen Shas.

Take in breathtaking panoramic views across the beautiful Lake Pichola from your palatial hotel The Leela Palace Udaipur, before enjoying a luxury sunset boat cruise with delicious canapes served onboard.

Soak up the sights of the sprawling and wonderfully diverse Delhi, including the palatial 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, one of the most impressive in the whole of India; the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb; Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the President of India; Parliament House and more, plus take an authentic rickshaw ride through the bustling backstreets of Chandni Chowk.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. Built in the 16th century, this red sandstone fort once served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty, and is home to beautiful mosques, palaces and halls.

See the sights of Udaipur, including the incredible City Palace complex spectacularly located at the edge of Lake Pichola which dates back to the 16th century, the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens and the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal museum, home to an incredible collection of Rajasthan folk exhibits.

Your Package Includes:

• 10 nights of luxury accommodation including JW Marriott Juhu, Mumbai, The Leela Palace Udaipur – one of India’s top luxury hotels, JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa, ITC Mughal in Agra, and JW Marriott in New Delhi Aerocity
• Two internal flights: from Mumbai to Udaipur and from Udaipur to Jaipur
• Daily breakfast and additional dining experiences including an exquisite Indian feast at Mohan Mahal, the restaurant of JW Marriott Jaipur
• An authentic Indian cooking class
• Luxury sunset boat cruise at Lake Pichola with canapés
• 45-minute spa treatment at ESPA - The Leela Palace Udaipur, one of India’s best spas. Enjoy a personal spa experience encompassing outstanding treatments that uniquely reflect a fusion of the latest scientific advances with Ayurvedic therapies.
• One hour of Hatha Yoga Session at JW Marriott in Jaipur
• Private airport transfers
• The services of expert local guides
• Private transportation throughout
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary

Optional Tour Extension to Varanasi – Discover the spiritual capital of India and witness a candlelit ceremony by the river

Want to make the most of your time in India? Choose the 13-day extended tour including the ancient city of Varanasi by the Ganges River, the ‘spiritual capital of India’ with its grand temples and candlelit ceremony by the river.

Your extended tour includes:

• Return flight from Delhi to Varanasi
• Luxury nightly accommodation at the beautiful Brijama Palace Varanasi, a 19th-century riverside palace
• Daily breakfast and one delicious lunch
• An evening Hindu prayer ceremony (Aarti) on the River Ganges. At the ceremony the whole city is lit up by floating candles and colourful displays along the river, creating a special sight that you’ll remember forever
• An early-morning boat ride on the River Ganges as the locals bathe and offer prayers to the rising sun
• A temple tour of Varanasi, including The Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Mata Temple houses
• A visit to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon on the four noble truths

The tour begins in Mumbai and ends in Delhi.

Your international flights from Australia are not included in your package. Flights to Mumbai from Australia will typically take a minimum of one stop and approximately 15 - 20 hours, departing from most major cities with Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and more.

You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

Private return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only. Please arrive into Mumbai at anytime on Day 1 and depart Delhi anytime after breakfast on Day 11.

A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

DAY 1: MUMBAI

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the day will be at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

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DAY 2: MUMBAI

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. The city is the home to many ‘firsts’, be it the running of the first passenger train or the first Five Star hotel in the country, the Taj Mahal Palace. Visit Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world and a wonderfully colourful spectacle to behold.

Board a ferry from the Gateway of India ferry dock and leave for another historical wonder, the Elephanta Caves located on the Elephanta Island. After you reach the island, take a medium level trek with your guide to reach the Elephanta Caves. Visit the extraordinary relics of the 7th century and admire the rock-cut caves which are dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. Explore the seven caves on the island and marvel over the sacred relics of the early civilization.

The evening is at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 3: MUMBAI - UDAIPUR

This morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, the spectacular lakeside The Leela Palace Udaipur. This afternoon you enjoy a luxury boat ride at Lake Pichola with canapés. Admire the beauty of the surroundings including the stately palaces.

Afterwards you enjoy an incredible dinner with the rest of your group.

ACCOMMODATION: The Leela Palace Udaipur

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner

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DAY 4: UDAIPUR

After breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Udaipur. Explore the incredible City Palace complex spectacularly located at the edge of Lake Pichola which dates back to the 16th century; the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens and the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal museum, home to an incredible collection of Rajasthan folk exhibits including traditional outfits, instruments, masks, dolls and more.

Back at the hotel you enjoy a relaxing spa at ESPA and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

ACCOMMODATION: The Leela Palace Udaipur

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 5: UDAIPUR - JAIPUR

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Afterwards visit a local market place where you’ll have some time to wander and shop for some souvenirs. Afterwards we visit the old city and have our fortunes and future told during a consultation with an astro-palmist.

This evening you enjoy a cooking class at the hotel that introduces you to India’s fascinating heritage of gastronomy and absorb the intricacies of Indian cuisines & culinary techniques. Later, enjoy a very special meal at the Indian specialty restaurant, Mohan Mahal. The restaurant is architecturally inspired by the Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur and offers a unique dining experience that honors the traditions and culture of Rajasthan.

ACCOMMODATION: JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner

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DAY 6: JAIPUR

After breakfast, set off for sightseeing in Jaipur, also called the “Pink City of India”. Explore the majestic Amber Fort, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan. This ornate palace, split over four levels, was created from marble and pink and yellow sandstone. Visit the City Palace, a vast complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples; the Jantar Mantar observatory which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century; and the Albert Hall Museum, named after King Edward VII (Albert Edward), during whose visit to the city as the Prince of Wales, its foundation stone was laid on 6 February 1876.

ACCOMMODATION: JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 7: JAIPUR – AGRA

Early this morning you have the chance to indulge in a traditional Hath Yoga session at the hotel. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century, this ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex includes Diwan-i-Khas building, which has a beautifully carved pillar at its centre and the Panch Mahal palace.

Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: ITC Mughal

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 8: AGRA

This morning you will visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed white marble masterpiece was commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife, is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast before heading out on a sightseeing tour of Agra. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. Built in the 16th century, this red sandstone fort once served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty, and is home to beautiful mosques, palaces and halls.

The evening is at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: ITC Mughal

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 9: AGRA – DELHI

After breakfast, drive to Delhi. On arrival, visit the soaring Qutub Minar- a minaret made of red sandstone and marble that forms a part of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transfer to the hotel where you enjoy a welcome cocktail at the hotels Playground lounge before an evening at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 10: DELHI

Soak up the sights of the sprawling and wonderfully diverse Delhi, from the ancient architecture of the old town to the soaring skyscrapers of the modern metropolis. Take a rickshaw ride through the bustling backstreets of Chandni Chowk; see the palatial 17th century Jama Masjid mosque, one of the most impressive in the whole of India; the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb, the burial site of Mughal Emperor Humayun; Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the President of India; Parliament House; and the India Gate war memorial. The evening is at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 11: TOUR ENDS

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

MEALS: Breakfast

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VARANASI EXTENSION FOR 13 DAY TOUR

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DAY 11: DELHI - VARANASI

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel on arrival. Depending on your arrival time the rest of the day is at your leisure.

This evening you will witness a Hindu prayer ceremony (‘Aarti’) on the Ganges River.

ACCOMMODATION: Brijrama Palace Varanasi

MEALS: Breakfast

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DAY 12: VARANASI

This morning you enjoy an early boat ride on the River Ganges, a pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat. The mornings are the best time to visit the river as this is when locals bath and offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation Ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra and this is where funeral pyre burns day & night.

Returning to the hotel you enjoy breakfast before heading out on a Temple tour of Varanasi visiting The Vishwanath Temple, built by the Birlas; and the Bharat Mata Temple houses, where instead of gods and goddesses, a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent is housed. After lunch you continue to Sarnath, the most important pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. It is here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon unfolding the four noble truths of life, giving the eightfold path to Nirvana or enlightenment in 530 B.C.

Returning to the hotel the rest of the evening is at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: Brijrama Palace Varanasi

MEALS: Breakfast and lunch

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DAY 13: TOUR ENDS

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Varanasi airport for your flight to Delhi where your tour comes to an end.

MEALS: Breakfast