Tailor Made Tour from Mumbai to Agra - Discover Classical India

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Mumbai. (N)

Day 2 Mumbai

Arrive into Mumbai in the early hours and transfer to your accommodation. Later today meet your guide and head out into the city, starting at the Gateway of India, which was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911, and the Prince of Wales Museum. From here continue on foot on a leisurely walk through the historic Colaba district taking time to admire the impressive Gothic Victorian architecture before continuing to Malabar Hill for views of the city. End the day at the colourful Dhobi ghats where traditional laundryman collect, wash and return the city's linen. (N)
Accommodation in Mumbai: Abode Mumbai
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Tower Wing
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Palace Wing

Day 3 Mumbai to Aurangabad – by air

This morning transfer to the airport and fly to Aurangabad. Established in 1610 AD as Khadke, the city later changed its name to Aurangabad in honour of last great Mughal ruler Aurangzeb who built a new citadel in the town in 1692. A popular base from which to visit the extraordinary cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta, this afternoon visit the city. Places of interest include the Jama Masjid and the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara mausoleum – a late 17th century monument inspired by the Taj Mahal. (B)
Accommodation in Aurangabad: Vivanta by Taj - Aurangabad Hotel

Day 4 Aurangabad – Visit the Ellora Caves

Closer to Aurangabad than Ajanta, the Ellora caves are located on an ancient trade route between Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and the western coast of India. Set into the base of a hill the caves contain elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses and represent three of the main faiths of ancient India - Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. On the return to Aurangabad visit the 11th century Daulatabad Fort to explore the formidable defenses and take in the far-reaching views. (B)
Accommodation in Aurangabad: Vivanta by Taj - Aurangabad Hotel

Day 5 Aurangabad to Burhanpur – 220kms

This morning leave Aurangabad and drive to the Ajanta Caves which pre-date those at Ellora. Re-discovered in 1819, these predominately Buddhist caves contain some of the finest examples of Indian painting and have been compared to the frescoes of Assisi, Sienna and Florence. Later continue to the small town of Burhanpur where you will stay overnight. (B)
Accommodation in Burhanpur: Ambar Hotel

Day 6 Burhanpur to Maheshwar – 180kms

Today drive to the small riverside town of Maheshwar for a three night stay at historic Ahilya Fort. Dating to the late 1600s, Ahilya Fort is a wonderful place to relax for a few days and experience rural India at its very best. Overlooking the holy Narmada River, life in Maheshwar is slow-paced and has changed little over the centuries which further adds to the town’s charm. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort

Day 7 Maheshwar

At leisure. Explore the fort, spend time at the beautiful ghats and witness the timeless religious rituals that have taken place beside the Narmada River for centuries. Maheshwar is also revered as a holy town by followers of Lord Shiva and there are numerous temples and shrines dedicated to this important deity beside the river. The town is also known for the manufacture of fine saris which is a thriving local cottage industry. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort

Day 8 Maheshwar – visit Mandu

After breakfast drive to Mandu for a full-day visit of this important historical site. Set in the Vindhya hills, Mandu’s collection of Islamic buildings are some of the finest in India. There is evidence that the area around Mandu had been occupied from the early 6th century AD, however, the city’s heydey was under the Pathan sultans where a period of peace and prosperity led to the construction of a number of architectural masterpieces. Mandu is rightly famed for its Islamic architecture and, after exploring the palaces, mosques and mausoleums, return to Maheshwar. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort

Day 9 Maheshwar to Bhopal – 270kms

After breakfast drive to Bhopal. Capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal's mix of parks and palaces is in direct contrast to the frenetic old city's large mosques and bustling narrow alleyways. Over the centuries Bhopal was ruled by a succession of progressive Muslim women which resulted in the city becoming one of the most modern and forward-thinking in the country. (B)
Accommodation in Bhopal: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel
Upgrade option: Jehan Numa Retreat

Day 10 Bhopal – visit Sanchi

Today visit Sanchi – an important Buddhist sanctuary and a principal centre for the religion in the country. Sanchi is known for its Great Stupa which is arguably India's finest Buddhist structure and one of the oldest religious monuments of the subcontinent. The Great Stupa is at the centre of an impressive complex of temples, shrines and monasteries and is a fascinating place to explore. In the afternoon return to Bhopal. (B)
Accommodation in Bhopal: Jehan Numa Palace Hotel
Upgrade option: Jehan Numa Retreat

Day 11 Bhopal to Jhansi – by train / Jhansi to Orchha – 15kms

Morning sightseeing in Bhopal in an around Imam Square, the heart of royal Bhopal. Highlights include the Taj-ul-Masjid mosque, Moti Masjid and Shaukat Mahal. Later travel by train to Jhansi and then the short distance by road to Orchha. A deserted medieval town but now a sleepy village, Orchha is home to numerous ruined palaces, temples and chhatris. (B/D)
Accommodation in Orchha: Amar Mahal

Day 12 Orchha

Today explore Orchha. The ruins here spread from the pretty Betwa River and cover a large area. Visit palaces in different states of repair, tumbledown temples, derelict havelis and imposing cenotaphs. Largely constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries, the finest buildings here were erected under the rule of Bir Singh Deo with highlights including the Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal and Jahangir Mahal. (B/D)
Accommodation in Orchha: Amar Mahal

Day 13 Orchha to Gwalior – 120kms via Datia

Leaving Orchha, drive to nearby Datia to visit its fine Rajput palace then continue north to Gwalior. On arrival stay for two nights at the charming Usha Kiran Palace which is a former guesthouse of the Maharaja. Gwalior is best known for its vast fort which towers above the city and in the afternoon visit the nearby Jai Vilas Palace which is still the ancestral home of Scindia royal family. (B)
Accommodation in Gwalior: Usha Kiran Palace

Day 14 Gwalior to Agra – 120kms

This morning climb high above the town to the spectacularly-sited fort. Over the centuries Gwalior Fort was passed between a succession of Muslim, Rajput, Mughal and Afghan rulers, however, after the events of 1857 it was taken under British control. The fort covers a vast area and houses a number of interesting temples as well as the impressive is the Man Mandir Palace. Later continue on to Agra, one of Uttar Pradesh's largest cities and home to three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the Taj Mahal. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Agra

Agra was once one of the world's most important cities and this morning visit the 16th century Agra Fort and tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula which is better known as the ‘Baby Taj’. No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, and built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is a building world renowned for its beauty and the craftsmanship of the structure is outstanding. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 Agra to Delhi – 200kms via Sikandra

Today leave Agra and continue by road to Delhi stopping en-route at Sikandra which is the location of Akbar's tomb. Arriving in Delhi later this afternoon, stay for two nights in the Indian capital. A city of two distinct halves, historic Old Delhi was the epicentre of Mughal India between the 17th and 19th centuries whilst New Delhi was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930s and remains the heart of Indian political power. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 17 Delhi

After breakfast explore the city with your guide. Begin the day in Old Delhi – an historic district of mosques, forts, markets and monuments. Walk through the area’s dense network of alleyways, visit the famous markets of Chandni Chowk, beautiful Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi. With its wide tree-lined avenues, white-washed bungalows and government buildings, highlights include Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and India Gate. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 18 Delhi to the UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Classical India - A Journey from Mumbai to Agra

18 days from £4960 per person

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Itinerary: Classical India - A Journey from Mumbai to Agra

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