Family Oman & India's Golden Triangle

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK 

Depart and fly to Delhi. 

DAY 2 DELHI 

On arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. Take some time to settle in before taking a short orientation tour in the afternoon with your guide.  Take a tuk-tuk ride past some of New Delhi's iconic landmarks to get your bearings and watch the Dhobi Walas go about their daily business of laundry. Round up the day with a drink at the famous United Coffee House.  

DAY 3 & 4 DELHI 

This morning, you'll visit Nizamuddin, a 14th-century village that now feels predominantly urban with 20,000 residents in narrow lanes. A local guide from The Hope Project will bring this area to life for you. Have lunch at upscale Khan market (and perhaps indulge in some retail therapy) before returning to your hotel to relax. 

Later, hop into a cycle rickshaw for a fascinating street food tour of Old Delhi. As you negotiate the noisy labyrinthine streets, you'll have a chance to sample the myriad dishes on offer such as thick and juicy jalebis; aloo chaat crispy fried potato cutlets dipped in chutneys; and paratha flatbreads generously stuffed with vegetables, spices or even dried fruits. It's a glorious way not only to experience some authentic culinary delights 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.  

DAY 5 GATIMAAN EXPRESS TRAIN FROM DELHI TO AGRA

Step aboard the Gatimaan Express for the two-hour journey to Agra. Travelling by train is integral to the Indian way of life and a holiday here can feel incomplete without one. The more you go with the flow, the more you will enjoy it! 

There's plenty of time to settle into your hotel, relax and have some lunch before you visit the Taj Mahal, one of the most recognised images of India and even more beautiful in real life.  

DAY 6 TEA & TAJ 

This afternoon your guide will take you on a two-hour adventure that will reveal the fabric of Agra, the city which ruled the northwest province of the British Empire for over 50 years.  

Start with high tea at the bungalow of the family of the late Major Amar Singh who served in the Royal British Indian Army, and then proceed on a tour of the area to get a real sense of what life was like in colonial times. The cantonment area with colonial, early 19^th-century bungalows is exceptionally well-preserved and encompasses churches and a cathedral as well as the art deco post office. 

DAY 7 AGRA TO JAIPUR 

This morning you'll be driven to Jaipur, making a stop at the incredible ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri en-route. This fairytale city in the desert is still in pristine condition, despite being wholly abandoned 100s of years ago. 

On to Jaipur, the 'Pink City' and the third point of the famous Indian' Golden Triangle'. Check into your hotel, and take time to relax or go out and explore as you choose.    

DAY 8 - 9 JAIPUR 

Jaipur is a riot of colour and, as the capital of Rajasthan, it's a hectic place with buzzing spice markets and streets filled with multicoloured saris and rampaging rickshaw drivers.  Venture out in an E-Rickshaw as the Pink City wakes up, stop to inhale the heady aromas at the bustling markets and watch the sellers setting up their flower and vegetable stalls as you wander around, sip a refreshing lassi and offer puja at a local temple. 

Having a few days in Jaipur means there is unhurried time to explore some of its incredible forts and palaces - including the extraordinary Palace of the Winds - and immerse yourself in Rajasthani culture in other ways too. The whole family can enjoy an evening of kite-flying on one of Jaipur's rooftops, and you're bound to get competitive as a city resident teaches you the ancient skill of turban-tying!

DAY 10 TO THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS OF OMAN

Depart from Jaipur airport this morning for the three-hour direct flight to Muscat.  

Land in Muscat at around midday where your new guide will be waiting for you for the journey into the Al Hajar mountains.  Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey as you climb up into the mountain range. The rocky peaks and unbelievably deep canyons of Oman are guaranteed to take your breath away. 

Arrive mid-afternoon at your hotel and enjoy your first taste of Omani hospitality as you're greeted with traditional Arabic coffee and dates. And once you're settled in, marvel at the views with a drink in hand as the sun slowly sets.   

DAYS 11 - 12 Exploring the Mountains

During your stay, exploring the mountains themselves is an absolute must. The air purity and sense of peace, not to mention the dramatic scenery, make for a magical experience.  Wadi Bani Awf, a spectacular gorge that spans 26km, is a great place to start your adventures. If you're up for a challenge, a hike through Snake Canyon will not disappoint, and there are also beautiful villages surrounded by terraces of pomegranates, olives and figs to explore. From abseiling and ziplining to pool and spa - the hotel itself offers a range of activities too.  

Day 13 NIZWA & THE DESERT 

Today you swap the rocky mountains for miles of shifting sands as you head towards the desert. Your guide will deflate the tyres on your 4x4 and take you into the dunes of Wahiba Sands.  Your luxury desert camp awaits to give you a taste of the traditional Bedouin lifestyle (with a more modern, dune-bashing adventure thrown in for good measure!) and an Omani feast under the incredible stars is bound to be a holiday highlight for all the family. 

Day 14 - 16 CAPITAL & BEACH 

Travel back to Muscat for your last few days. You'll be right on the beach in a fantastic hotel; perfectly placed for a bit of R&R before you head home. 

Although there is plenty of time to make the most of the lovely facilities of your hotel (including the excellent pool and lazy river), it would be a shame not to take a dolphin-watching cruise along the coast or to explore the delights of this peaceful coastal city. Your guide will help you discover the tastiest food, experience the warm hospitality of the locals and learn about the area's enduring blend of modernity and tradition. 

DAY 17 FLY HOME 

Board 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.