Premium India

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
11 Days
From AUD $5295
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Premium India

Premium India

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion and cultural heritage come together.

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty in the buildings that lie across the north of India, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour on rickshaws in Varanasi and a home-cooked meal hosted by a local family in Jaipur.
  • Take a cooking class in Lucknow – this region's capital is renowned for its delicious, rich flavours.
  • Spend two unforgettable evenings at your Feature Stay hotel in Jaipur. The heritage hotel has been in the same family since its opening in 1928 and offers opulent details and warm, friendly service.
  • Cruise down the Ganges at sunset, accompanied by local musicians – an Exclusive Experience you can only find on a Premium adventure!

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Auto rickshaw,Boat,Cycle rickshaw,Metro,Plane,Private vehicle,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Delhi, India

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city at your own pace. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.

Included Activities:

  • Delhi - Welcome dinner

Accommodation:

  • The Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Delhi
To get your bearings of Old Delhi, start today with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Included Activities:

  • Old Delhi City Tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque

Accommodation:

  • The Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Jaipur
Journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan – for your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, has the charm of a traditional family home but with regal touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour in one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India as you stop by bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. End the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner

Accommodation:

  • Grand Mercure Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Jaipur
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort – the crown jewel of Jaipur. On your guided tour you’ll learn stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the City Palace in the heart of the Pink City – a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore at your leisure. Maybe visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory – one the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories dating to 1729 or take in the city from the air in a hot air balloon. After, you'll probably want to sample some Rajasthani street food, like pyaaz kachori (crispy pastry filled with spiced onion).

Included Activities:

  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - City Palace

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Agra
Today, you’ll head to Agra. After a scenic drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Your Taj Mahal guide will tell you its history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. For dinner tonight, your leader can recommend a great local spot to try the local curries.

Included Activities:

  • Agra - Taj Mahal

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Lucknow
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying east to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon orientation walk to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. This evening enjoy dinner at Sheroes, a not-for-profit restaurant which supports supports victims of acid attacks, and helps them find acceptance, community and means of supporting their families.

Included Activities:

  • Lucknow - Orientation Walk
  • Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Lucknow
Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable local. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home!

Included Activities:

  • Lucknow City Tour
  • Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Varanasi
Wake up early today for a unique slice of Indian life aboard an airconditioned train. Although you will have your breakfast packed with you, don’t miss out on an opportunity to interact with the local vendors who board the train at various stops to sell snacks and Indian Chai tea. The ride to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse of the countryside from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely known as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony – an experience that will surely stay with you long after your time in India is over.

Included Activities:

  • Orientation Walk in Varanasi
  • Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
  • Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony

Accommodation:

  • Ramada Katesar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Varanasi
Early risers, this one’s for you – embark on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river while gliding past the many ghats and temples on its banks. After, you’ll hop in rickshaws for a journey through Banaras’ iconic eateries and street food stalls. For lunch, you’ll try chaat (a popular snack using potato, chickpeas or rice, topped with crunchy, sweet or spicy vegetables and sauces), samosas, jalebi (a dessert of fried batter soaked in sugar syrup), lassi and sweet paan (a betel leaf filled with chopped betel), while getting a glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage. This afternoon, visit Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features several stupas and museums to explore.

Included Activities:

  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Sarnath Museum Visit
  • Sarnath Stupa Visit
  • Varanasi – Rickshaw Food Tour

Accommodation:

  • Ramada Katesar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Delhi
It’s the penultimate day today and time to return to Delhi. When you land, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities you wish to do before your final dinner as a group. You’ll head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a historical setting – the perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Included Activities:

  • Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura

Optional Activities:

  • Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure (3750 INR)
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
  • Delhi - Red Fort (600 INR)

Accommodation:

  • The Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Delhi
Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. If you'd like to stay in Delhi, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $5,295
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion and cultural heritage come together.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Jan 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Kathryn
Traveled, April 2024

04/14/2024

Our tour guide Gaurang brought northern India to life for our tour Great insight for me Most enjoyable trip

4.5
Scott
Traveled, March 2024

04/09/2024

Thoroughly enjoyed trip! We had a great leader in Karni to share the delights of India with us. Taj Mahal was mesmerising! Plus we got to see Tigers up close!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989