India Culinary and Wine Expedition
Day 01: Upon arrival, our representative will greet you in the airport’s arrival hall with a personalized name card after customs.
Welcome to Delhi – a city of mystery, magic, and mayhem, with 25 million people. Like an eastern Rome, it bears the imprints of lost empires, creating a chaotic tapestry of history, from medieval fortifications to Mughal mausoleums and modern marvels. Enjoy a warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and a transfer to your hotel.
Day 02: Following breakfast, embark on a tour of Old Delhi. Start with Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, then visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque built by Shahjahan. Experience a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Delhi Market, closed on Sundays, and explore the historic spice market in Khari Baoli. Enjoy a walk in Parantha Wali Gali, sampling Delhi’s famous parathas.
Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inspiration for the Taj Mahal, known for its Persian double dome architecture.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Optionally, drive to ‘Al-kauser’ in New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave for authentic Mughlai cuisine, served right to your car, popular among the city’s elite. Food costs are separate, but transport is included in your package.
Day 03: After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring Delhi. Visit the impressive Qutub Minar, the second-tallest minaret in India. Stop by a Kashmiri Co-op society to savor the famous Kashmiri Kahwa. Then, head to the prominent Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, linked to the eighth Sikh Guru, HarKrishan, and consider having lunch at its community dining hall. See the Laxmi Narayan Temple, an inclusive place of worship open to all castes. Enjoy a scenic drive past the Parliament of India, the President’s House, and India Gate. In the late afternoon, relax at the Imperial Hotel for a luxurious high tea in their award-winning Atrium. Spend the night back at your hotel, with an optional dinner at the renowned Bukhara, famous for its Indian-Mughlai cuisine.
Day 04: After breakfast, we’ll set off for Jaipur, making a brief stop at a highway McDonald’s to explore its India-specific menu, including the ‘Maharaja Mac’. Meals are self-paid. By lunchtime, we arrive at Sambhar Heritage Resort for lunch, followed by a Salt Lake Train Tour. Sambhar, known for its rich history and legends, is home to India’s largest inland saline lake, the Sambhar Salt Lake. We conclude our day with a drive to Jaipur for an overnight hotel stay.
Day 05: After breakfast, our Jaipur tour begins:
Hawa Mahal: Brief photo stop at this iconic ‘Palace of Winds’, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
Amber Fort: Enjoy an elephant ride up to this 17th-century fort, once the primary residence before Jaipur’s City Palace.
Jal Mahal: Another photo opportunity at this stunning water palace, set amidst Man Sagar Lake.
Local Workshops: Visit workshops showcasing exquisite jewelry and carpet craftsmanship.
Jantar Mantar: Explore the world’s largest stone observatory, a unique travel highlight.
City Palace: Marvel at the exceptional art and architecture of this palace, constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.
In the evening, we’ll have a cooking demonstration and dinner with the Indian family at Sai Niwas, home of Inder Vijai and Usha Singh, near Vaishali Nagar. Relish an authentic Rajasthani meal in the home of the Rohet family, connected to Marwar Jodhpur’s royal estate.
The day concludes with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Depart for Agra after breakfast, stopping en route to explore Fatehpur Sikri, a splendid example of Hindu-Muslim architectural fusion, including its mosque, reminiscent of Mecca’s design with Persian and Hindu influences. Upon reaching Agra, check into your hotel and then visit the iconic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site near the Taj Mahal, known for its rich history and grandeur. In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Daawat-e-Nawab, offering a regal dining experience with live Indian classical music, reminiscent of the Nawabi era. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Explore the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a breathtaking white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Afterward, return to the hotel for a quick refresh and breakfast. Then, head to Lucknow to savor Awadhi Cuisine, checking in at a hotel upon arrival.
Day 08: After breakfast, we embark on a tour of Lucknow, exploring its unique blend of Indo-Islamic and colonial architecture. Key highlights include:
Asafi Imambara: Known for its impressive pillarless vaulted hall, this complex includes a mosque, gardens, the Bhool Bhulaiyan maze, and a water well (Baoli). It’s the final resting place of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula and his architect.
Rumi Darwaza: This gateway, reminiscent of medieval European towers with Indian arches, is a symbol of Lucknow’s historic architecture.
Husainabad Imambara: The ornate Chota Imambara, constructed by Nawab Mohd. Ali Shah, features lavish chandeliers, gilt mirrors, and vibrant stucco work, with a golden dome and intricate calligraphy.
We’ll also visit the Jama Masjid, Clock Tower, and La Martiniere.
Lucknow, renowned for its Awadhi Cuisine, is a food lover’s paradise. We’ll guide you on an evening culinary adventure through traditional roadside eateries in areas like Bawarchi Tola. Our tour includes special cutlery and dining essentials for a comfortable experience of the city’s best, unpretentious local food.
The day concludes with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: After breakfast, head to the airport for your Mumbai flight. Upon arrival, transfer to Nashik, check into your hotel or vineyard for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Morning vineyard tour and wine tasting followed by lunch at the vineyard. Afternoon visit to a second vineyard for more tasting, with the evening at your leisure.
Day 11: Drive to Mumbai after breakfast, and check into a hotel upon arrival. In the evening, attend a Parsi family’s cooking demo and enjoy dinner with them. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: After breakfast, explore Mumbai’s landmarks:
Rajabai Tower: Passed by the Venetian-Gothic University’s Gothic clock tower adorned with oriental figures.
Bombay High Court: Drive past one of the oldest High Courts in India with jurisdiction over Maharashtra, Goa, and Daman & Diu.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST): Pass by the historic railway station, headquarters of Central Railways, and a bustling hub in Mumbai.
Fort Area: Experience the financial and commercial heart of Mumbai with Victorian, Gothic buildings and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Afghan Church: Visit the Church of St John the Evangelist, a Presbyterian church commemorating the First Afghan War.
Colaba: Explore the vibrant tourist hub known for its street stalls, cafes, and pocket-friendly accommodations.
Mani Bhavan: Discover the museum and research center in the simple old-style building where Gandhiji stayed between 1917 to 1934.
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum: Explore Mumbai’s oldest museum showcasing Industrial Arts and life in the nineteenth century.
Prince of Wales Museum: Admire the magnificent Indo Saracenic Style building laid by King George V in 1905.
Drive past Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel & Marine Drive.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local Maharashtrian restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Hotel breakfast followed by a leisurely day.
Day 14: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport for your return flight.