Oman With India's Golden Triangle

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 New Delhi. In the afternoon you will take a short orientation tour to ease into your trip, rounding 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.  You'll walk around with a local guide from The Hope Project. Afterwards, you'll visit Khan market for some lunch. In the afternoon you'll have time to relax at your hotel before being picked up again to take a fascinating street food tour of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw.

Negotiating the noisy labyrinthine lanes, you’ll visit selected food stalls. 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 chance 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. 

After lunch and checking in at your hotel you will be able to visit the Taj Mahal, the most iconic sight in the whole of India and deservedly so. 

Day 6  Tea & Taj

Today your guide will take you on a two-hour journey to explore 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 19th 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, perhaps via a stop at the incredible ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri. This fairytale city in the desert is still in pristine condition, despite being wholly abandoned 100s of years ago.

On from here to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and the third point of the famous Indian ‘Golden Triangle’. Check into your hotel, and then there is time to relax or explore as you choose.   

DAY 8 -10  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.  Spend time here with a local guide exploring the city's Hindu and Mughal heritage and the many palaces and forts - home to intricate and exquisite Indian art and architecture - including the extraordinary Palace of the Winds. Venture out in an E-Rickshaw as the Pink City wakes up, stopping to explore markets and watch the sellers setting up their flower and vegetable stalls as you wander around, sip chai and offer puja at a local temple

Since you have plenty of time in Jaipur, we also recommend a visit to Jaigarh Fort, where you can gaze down to the famous Amber Fort. Admire the mixture of Hindu and Mughal architecture set against a backdrop of rugged hills. Admire Amber Fort's striking red sandstone and marble exterior before venturing inside to explore the intricate carvings, colourful murals, precious stones and mirrors that 

Day 11 To the Beautiful Mountains of Oman 

Depart Jaipur airport 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.  The mountains and canyons of Oman are extraordinary and will take your breath away. 

Enjoy the scenic journey up to Jabal Akhdar, arrive mid-afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Days 12 & 13 Nizwa & Jabal Akhdar

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.  There is the option to explore Wadi Bani Awf, a spectacular gorge that spans 26km. It weaves through several villages and offers plenty of beautiful sights. These include Snake Canyon where, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike through pools, down steep slopes and over large boulders. 

Nearby Nizwa is a charming place brimming with history, culture and traditional industries. The bustling souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in Oman, invites you to indulge yourself in a spot of shopping and the views from the tower of the 17th-century fort are not to be missed.

Day 14 - 16  Capital & Beach

Transfer back down the mountains to Muscat for your final stay. Your hotel is on the beach so perfectly placed for a bit of R&R before you head home.

Although there is plenty of time to relax, it would be a shame not to explore the different aspects of this capital city stretched out along the coast. Even on a half-day exploration, there will be time to take in well-known sights such as the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - a marvellous feat of modern Islamic architecture - and the souks 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 enduring blend of modernity and tradition.

On your final night, board a traditional dhow boat for a two-hour cruise as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

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.