Delhi • Lucknow • Agra
Discover a different side of India through its rich culinary traditions, historic cities and remarkable cultural heritage. This carefully crafted journey takes you from the vibrant streets of Delhi and the elegant Nawabi capital of Lucknow to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, combining India's most celebrated landmarks with authentic food experiences. Explore bustling spice markets, grand Mughal monuments and local neighbourhoods where recipes and traditions have been passed down through generations. Enjoy private cooking demonstrations, traditional dining experiences and discover the flavours of Mughlai, Awadhi and North West Frontier cuisine, whilst travelling in comfort with carefully selected hotels, premium rail journeys and private transfers. This memorable cultural holiday perfectly blends history, heritage and exceptional food.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport
Arrive at Delhi International Airport at 0900 hrs (VS 300). Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and recover after your international flight. You may wish to enjoy the facilities of your hotel or explore the local area independently. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Old and New Delhi. Begin with a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and most vibrant markets, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich trading and culinary heritage. Visit Humayun's Tomb, one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, followed by Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Continue past India Gate and the grand avenues of Lutyens' Delhi. Later, enjoy a private culinary masterclass introducing the rich flavours of Mughlai and North West Frontier cuisine. Learn about traditional cooking techniques, aromatic spice blends and recipes that have been passed down through generations. Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Delhi (Shatabdi Exp - 0610/1300 hrs.)
After an early morning tea/coffee, transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express for Lucknow. You will travel in the AC Executive Class Chair Car, the highest class available on the train. A complimentary breakfast will be served on board during the journey. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, is renowned for its elegant architecture, refined culture and world-famous cuisine. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Lucknow
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Lucknow
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day heritage tour of Lucknow. Visit Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara and the iconic Rumi Darwaza, some of the city's most celebrated landmarks and symbols of Awadhi heritage. This afternoon, visit a local family home for an exclusive Awadhi cooking masterclass. Learn the secrets of Lucknow's royal cuisine, including the famous Dum Pukht cooking technique, while preparing traditional kebabs, biryanis and aromatic curries passed down through generations. Awadhi cuisine was refined by the master chefs of the Nawabs of Lucknow, who were renowned for their refined tastes and culinary innovation. Dum Pukht, their signature slow-cooking method, involves sealing ingredients in a pot and cooking them gently over a low flame, creating rich flavours and exceptionally tender dishes.Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight: Lucknow
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Lucknow Agra (Swarn Shatabdi Exp 1530/1926 hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board the Swarn Shatabdi Express for Agra. You will travel in the AC Executive Class Chair Car, the highest class available on the train. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire, is home to some of India's most magnificent architectural treasures, including the iconic Taj Mahal and the impressive Agra Fort. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6:Agra
Early this morning, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the monument is at its most beautiful. Return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing to Agra Fort, the impressive red sandstone fortress that once served as the principal residence of the Mughal Emperors. This evening, enjoy an introduction to traditional Peshawari cuisine, renowned for its robust flavours, chargrilled meats and rustic tandoori cooking methods. Originating from the historic frontier city of Peshawar, this cuisine reflects the culinary traditions of traders, warriors and travellers who passed along the ancient Silk Route. Signature dishes are traditionally cooked over charcoal and in clay ovens, creating rich smoky flavours and hearty meals that have been enjoyed for generations. Dinner is included.
Overnight: Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Agra Delhi (Drive: Approx. 230 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel near Delhi Airport. The afternoon is at leisure for last-minute shopping or relaxation. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at the famous Great Kabab Factory, renowned for its exceptional selection of kebabs and North Indian specialities.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Depart Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your departure flight. Board VS 301 departing at 1130 hrs for London Heathrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What is included in the offer
• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage
• 2-night stay at Hotel The Royal Plaza in a Deluxe Room with half board
• 2-night stay at Golden Tulip, Lucknow in a Deluxe Room with half board
• 2-night stay at Grand Mercure in a Deluxe Room with half board
• 1-night stay at Hotel The Royal Plaza in a Deluxe with half board
• Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal, Agra
• Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• Meet & greet at airports and railway stations
• Monument entry fees included as per itinerary
• Lucknow–Agra by Swarn Shatabdi Express (AC Executive Class)
• Delhi–Lucknow by Shatabdi Express (AC Executive Class) with breakfast
• All transfers, sightseeing, and excursions in an air-conditioned Innova Crysta car
Prices & Departures:
Total Price Inclusive of Fees:
• B79176 Manchester from £1825pp
• B77991 Heathrow from £1999pp
• B79182 Inverness from £2149pp
• B79180 Dublin from £2229pp
• B79181 Aberdeen from £2245pp
• B79179 Glasgow from £2275pp
No fees payable locally
Deposit £350
Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 adults sharing
Meal Plans
- As per Itinerary