India & Oman In Style

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart and fly to Delhi.

DAY 2 DELHI

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. There is time to settle in before you take an afternoon tour of New Delhi. Visit an incredible 13th-century stepwell, take a stroll to see the Dhobi Walas going about their laundry and finish up at United Coffee House - a local institution - before cruising to the President's House, the official residence of the Viceroy of India with its exquisite private garden. 

DAY 3 Exploring DELHI’s Delights 

It’s not obligatory, but an early morning start will reward you with a lovely insight into Indian culture. During a stroll around the beautiful and historic Lodhi Gardens, you’ll see people doing yoga and, if the opportunity arises, you could even join a laughter yoga group! 

After breakfast back at your hotel, visit Humayun's Tomb and - as a complete contrast - browse along the most expensive retail street in India. This a chance to pick up some wonderful Indian clothes or books and there are great restaurants and cafes here which make a good choice for lunch. 

In the evening take a street food tour of Old Delhi, negotiating the noisy labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw. This is a wonderful chance to taste some true culinary delights (think juicy jalebis; crispy aloo chaat potato cutlets dipped in chutneys; and parantha flatbreads generously stuffed with vegetables, spices or even dried fruits) but also to go behind the scenes and meet some of the chefs, bakers and families who have been providing fabulous food here for generations. The tour can take between two and four hours – it is totally up to you!

DAY 4 DELHI TO AGRA

After breakfast, step aboard the Gatimaan Express from Nizamuddin Station, to begin the two-hour journey to Agra. Travelling by train is integral to the Indian way of life and a holiday can feel incomplete without one!  Enjoy lunch, check-in at your Agra hotel and have the afternoon free to enjoy the lovely facilities. 

DAY 5 AGRA AND THE TAJ MAHAL

Your guide will meet you for an early morning visit to the Taj; the soft light flatters the magnificent mausoleum at this time of day, and it's less busy. You might like to return later in the afternoon too, as the Taj is said to be very different in the evening sun. There is also time today to visit the Red Fort, Agra’s second iconic sight.

DAY 6 AGRA TO RANTHAMBORE

Step aboard the morning PNBE Kota Express, to begin the five-hour journey to Sawai Madhopur. From Sawai Madhopur, it’s a short drive to Aman-i-Khas. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in Ranthambore National Park in an open-top jeep, accompanied by an Aman naturalist. The park is most famous for its diurnal tigers, but is also home to hyenas, several species of deer and monkeys, jackals, desert cats and monitor lizards, mongoose and the Indian Chameleon, among many others!  The resort itself is very special and there will be plenty of time to enjoy the excellent food and service as well as the wildlife and the luxurious accommodation.

DAY 7 Tigers and Luxury Tents in RANTHAMBORE

This morning you will rise early to enjoy a game drive in Ranthambore National Park in an open-top jeep. The drive lasts around three hours and then you will head back to your hotel for a hearty breakfast. Relax around the camp before going on another safari around late afternoon. This is an ideal way to maximise your chances of viewing wildlife at both dawn and dusk. 

DAY 8 - 10 The Colours of JAIPUR

After a morning transfer from Aman-i-Khas to Jaipur, take time to immerse yourselves in the riot of colour that is the capital of Rajasthan. Your stay here will balance time to relax and enjoy your magnificent hotel with excursions to take in the delights of the city. 

A half-day morning tour of Jaipur will bring to life the British and European architectural legacy as you explore the city on foot and by rickshaw. Your guide will reveal evidence of the Renaissance, Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements in the city's major buildings, monuments and clock towers. The famous Amber Fort is, of course, a must. It’s a marvellous example of Rajput architecture, with fairy-tale terraces and ramparts reflected in Maota Lake below. 

As well as the main sights of Jaipur, if you’d like to explore the jewellery and arts and crafts for which Jaipur is famous, then just let us know so we can include time for this too. 

Day 11 Jaipur to The Beach

Today’s the day for breakfast in an Indian palace, lunch by the beach in Muscat and an afternoon swim in the longest pool in Asia!

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Jaipur airport for the 10 am flight to Muscat. The flight arrives at midday and your local guide will meet you for the short transfer to your beach hotel. By lunchtime, you’ll be enjoying the wonderful surroundings of the Chedi Muscat.

Day 12 - 15 Beach & Culture in Muscat 

The spa and restaurants of the Chedi are excellent and the pool is just waiting to be enjoyed. During your time in the capital, you’re likely to want to indulge in your accommodation and explore the different aspects of the city. Muscat stretches along the coast, from well-known sights such as the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - a marvellous feat of modern Islamic architecture - to the souqs and seaside promenade of Mutrah. Your guide is your key to discovering the tastiest food, experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals over Arabic coffee and dates and learning about the area’s fascinating blend of modernity and tradition.

Round off your holiday with a sunset cruise along Muscat’s coast on your last evening, keeping watch for dolphins in the clear waters of the Arabian Sea.

Day 16 Fly Home

Depart Muscat for your direct flight back to the UK.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your next adventure.