Hosted By Madelene Pearson
12 Days | 10 – 21 November 2017 | Limited to 8 passengers
“My India is much more than monuments and sights. It’s about experiences, and it’s about taking the time to enjoy the country. It’s seeing all its beauty, enjoying its wonderful accommodation and allowing yourself a holiday in style. My India is fabulous.”
Madelene
Fabulous India is a contemporary tour with a focus on experiences and pleasure. Travelling to just four cities with accommodation at outstanding hotels that are each unique. The trip has a relaxed pace with exclusive and immersive activities, gentle walking tours, space for shopping, dinners at India’s top modern restaurants and time to enjoy the accommodation.
You’ll be met on arrival and accompanied to your hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace. Ideally located in south Mumbai with views of the Gateway of India, this luxury hotel is itself an icon of India. A gentle guided walking tour in the afternoon reveals glimpses of Mumbai’s daily life and highlights some of its historic buildings and architecture. A three-course menu created by a Michelin starred chef with wines at Ziya introduces us to modern Indian dining tonight.
Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Discover Crawford and Mangaldas markets – Mumbai’s thriving local bazaars – with a resident guide. Explore the nearby streets, stopping to taste mango kulfi from one of the city’s renowned ice cream sellers. Shop for a traditional sari and have it custom fitted. In the afternoon enjoy the hotel facilities, or indulge in a massage at a nearby spa (additional charge) recommended by Madelene. Sunset drinks at Aer, Mumbai’s glamorous rooftop bar with fabulous views and champagne happy hours, concludes our day (additional cost).
Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Mumbai is my second home. My heart beats faster with excitement when I am there, as the city’s charm captures my heart every time. I love the glitz and glamour of this mega city – its energy and its character. I love to show people Mumbai and see them fall in love with it too.
Madelene
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel – visit its art gallery or swim in the pool. With a vehicle at our disposal choose to visit one of Mumbai’s museums or galleries. There will be time today to shop for souvenirs and small handicrafts along Colaba Causeway or visit some of the contemporary designer boutiques and stores. Scones and Mumbai’s famous street snacks like bhel puri will be our pleasure in the afternoon, with an indulgent high tea at the Sea Lounge of our hotel.
Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Fly to Ahmedabad – a city significant for its textile history – and transfer to the House of MG. Featuring colorful ceramic tiles, unique textiles, antique furniture and the pretty lotus pool, this heritage hotel is a favourite of Madelene. A guided heritage walk in the afternoon will reveal the city’s heartbeat – its individual communities, bustling market square and Jama Masjid. Earthy breads, yogurt dishes and sweet flavours are among the tastes of a Gujarati thali to experience tonight at Agashiye restaurant.
Overnight at House of MG, Ahmedabad
Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles. A privately run facility, it is India's premier textile museum and one of the world's most celebrated institutions for its comprehensive collection of textiles and artifacts. Afterwards, shop for some of the crafts and textiles discovered in Ahmedabad or relax at the hotel.
Overnight at House of MG, Ahmedabad
Immerse yourself in a textile workshop today and uncover the secrets of the traditional designs of Gujarat. Intricate stitching, block printing and a maze of colours adorn the fabrics worn in this part of India. Get creative and discover more about the techniques and origins of the regional designs. Later, fly to Jaipur and enjoy the next three nights at Samode Haveli.
Overnight at Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Explore Jaipur, India’s fabled pink city with a buzzing central market and a lingering royal history still evident in its forts and palaces. Ride a decorated elephant to the hilltop entrance of Amber Fort and marvel at the brilliant Palace of Mirrors inside. See why Indians love Bollywood movies with a film at the historic Raj Mandir cinema this afternoon.
Overnight at Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Delve into the heart of Jaipur with a guided walking tour of its city market. Bangles, leather slippers and copper pots are among the items you may be tempted to buy. This afternoon is free at leisure should you wish to relax at the hotel, or discover some of Jaipur’s boutiques and stores.
Overnight at Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Depart for Delhi, starting with a scenic jeep safari through the Rajasthani countryside to Samode Bagh, followed by lunch under a tented canopy. Continue by vehicle to Delhi and check in to The Imperial hotel. The elegantly restored Art Deco heritage hotel was designed to be one of the grand monuments of New Delhi. Today it’s one of the nation’s finest hotels.
Overnight at the The Imperial, Delhi
The Imperial is stunning, luxurious and guaranteed to make you feel as if you are on holidays. Lying by the pool marvelling at the hotel’s grand exterior I can lose myself imagining all that this hotel has seen and those who have stayed here.
Madelene
Wake early for a yoga class at the hotel if you wish before exploring Delhi’s known and lesserknown parts. Lose yourself in the chanted prayers at a Sikh temple and be amazed at the workings of the kitchen preparing meals for devotees. Discover Old Delhi on foot with an expert local guide. Later, learn the secrets of Indian cooking as our group is hosted for a cooking demonstration and dinner in a private family home. Get to know our hosts who share a passion for food and an eye for art.
Overnight at the The Imperial, Delhi
The first time I visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib the singing of the Raga from the Sikh religious book brought tears to my eyes. The beauty and power of the Raga had me transfixed. It was one of the most moving and beautiful experiences I have had in India.
Madelene
Linger and enjoy the light-filled breakfast room at the Imperial. Later in the morning, visit Khan Market, a nearby shopping precinct, popular for its small boutiques, homeware stores and cafes. This afternoon is free. Fabulous India will conclude with a final six-course degustation menu pared with wines at Indian Accent
Overnight at the The Imperial, Delhi
Bid farewell to the Fabulous India you have discovered. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or see India’s other fabulous places with our suggested tour extensions.
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