19 October

Arrive Mumbai

Please be in Mumbai no later than today. If coming directly from New Zealand or Australia, you are able to depart on Sunday morning (19 October) and connect same day to Mumbai through Singapore with Singapore Airlines (SQ424 Singapore - Mumbai arriving around 10.00pm). 

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Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point

Meals: No Meals included today

20 October

Mumbai

Start the day with a fantastic breakfast – there’s a huge assortment of Indian and Western options. After a morning group briefing, we’ll head to the Fort and Kala Ghoda districts of Mumbai, an area of Mumbai home to some magnificent architectural history of the British Raj including the stunning neoclassical Asiatic Society of Mumbai Town Hall, the Victorian Gothic-style Bombay High Court and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station. No visit to Fort should miss a stop in the Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct, a network of narrow laneways housing some of the city’s finest cultural establishments, including art galleries, boutiques and museums.

We’ll enjoy a progressive food walk through the area and then you’ll have free time this afternoon before another spectacular meal. Tonight you’ll enjoy a bespoke, curated spice themed dinner.

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

21 October

Mumbai

It’s an early start to see Mumbai wake up with a visit to the bustling fishing community and other morning markets of Mumbai. After a late breakfast there's time to freshen up before we head out again to start our discovery of India's self-proclaimed Street Food capital! Dive into the flavours of Mumbai with a Mumbai Masala Spice Tour followed by a Malvani Thali for lunch, a style of food with a distinct flavour and bright red colour.

Mumbai Masala - spices have seduced cooks and conquerors down the ages. Over time many culinary cultures evolved all-important spice blends - go-to masalas, or magical “secret ingredients,” that became iconic to their flavour profile. In this session, we will visit Mumbai's seductive Mirchi Galli (Chilli Street) where we will visit an iconic spice shop and interact with its owner to understand what makes a masala. Learn about Indian spices and dive into the history and evolution of legendary iconic masalas or spice blends of Mumbai community-based cuisines such as the East Indian Bottle Masala, Bohri Kari, and more. Explore stories of their origins and evolution, and understand their intrinsic role in their mother cuisines. We will also make our own masala to take home.

There’s free time this afternoon before we dine tonight at a modern Indian restaurant.

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Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

22 October

Mumbai

Enjoy a morning at leisure or join us for a quick shopping experience to glam up for Diwali! Today we will head to a private residence for a Gujarati feast to celebrate Diwali. Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights”, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, homes, businesses, and public spaces glow with diyas (small clay oil lamps) and dazzling firework displays. Families come together to enjoy sweets, exchange gifts, and celebrate. This is a hugely significant feast celebration in India. A chance to dress up and come with an empty tummy!

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Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point
Meals: Breakfast and an Epic Lunch (and you probably won’t need dinner!)

23 October

Mumbai to Kochi

After another fantastic breakfast, we’ll make our way to the airport to travel south this morning to Kochi in the spice state of Kerala. We’ll base ourselves in Fort Kochi, an historic Portuguese port town with a very interesting and colourful history. See the Chinese fishing nets, the murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace, indulge your senses browsing traditional spice and antique markets, visit the Jewish quarter and the original grave of Vasco da Gama. You’ll have free time this afternoon before enjoying a local Kathakali performance in the early evening. Dinner tonight is at a local café with great curries.

Accommodation: A 5-star majestic historical treasure
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (there'll be a snack on the plane too)

24 October

Kochi

After breakfast we will head out of Kochi for the day to visit a local spice farm. See the spice treasures of pepper, ginger, turmeric and chilli growing alongside an assortment of vegetables, tapioca, yams, sesame seeds and different tropical fruits.

We’ll enjoy a Syrian Christian lunch, unique to Kerala. Try a range of stews (often with chicken, lamb, or duck seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, green chillies and coconut milk), meat thoran (dry curry made with shredded coconut), vindaloos (spicy curry), sardine and duck curries, meen molee (spicy stewed fish), beef cutlets with sallas (beef cutlets served with a salad made of onions, green chillies and vinegar) and peera pattichathu (a dry fish dish made with grated coconut).

On the way back to Fort Kochi we will visit a Spice Outlet where you can fill your spice drawer. Free time for the rest of the afternoon to explore quaint Fort Kochi before we enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner at one of Kochi’s finest restaurants.

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Accommodation: A 5-star majestic historical treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

25 October

Kochi

After breakfast, we’ll do do a Spice and Food History Walk that unravels the global spice connections of Fort Kochi before a curated lunch at a local bakery and café specialising in local cuisine. You will explore the rich cultural diversity of South India from Portuguese to Chinese to Jewish cuisine and more.

In the late afternoon we will head to a local village for an unforgettable evening dining on the backwaters. You’ll punt out to the Chinese fishing nets to watch the sunset, see the traditional nets in action, a mesmerising sight as the key turns pink and gold and then enjoy a locally prepared dinner on a floating pontoon as you learn about how environmental changes are impacting this fragile community.

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Accommodation: A 5-star majestic historical treasure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

26 October

Kochi to Delhi

After breakfast, we will make our way to the airport and onward north to Delhi. There’s free time to settle in once we have arrived.

Tonight, we will enjoy a meal reflecting Delhi's vibrant and diverse food history. 

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Accommodation: A 5-star Heritage Hotel near Old Delhi
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (There'll be a snack for lunch on the plane)

27 October

Delhi

After breakfast we will start the day with a walk in Old Delhi. We will eat and talk about the food culture and evolution of this fascinating city. Afterwards we will take a bicycle rickshaw up Chandi Chowk to the wedding bazaar and wander through the backstreets of the market laneways with mansions, colourful bazaars – including Jain temples and street food stalls. From here, we’ll walk through the bustling back streets to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India that was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656.

The one stop that tops is all is Khari Baoli, the Old Delhi spice market. As Asia’s largest spice market, you can be sure that this street is not only busy and chaotic but the air will be filled with spices too! It’s hot, crowded, intense and you’ll be sneezing all the time. But, it’s an experience you cannot miss when you’re here.

We’ll enjoy an exclusive lunch experience in Old Delhi and tonight, dinner at an iconic Delhi dining spot.

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Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel near Old Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

28 October

Delhi

After breakfast we will head to Humayun’s Tomb, which was built between 1565 and 1572 and is the final resting place of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. This stunning structure rises spectacularly above the surrounding palm-fringed gardens. The first great example of a Mughal garden tomb, it was the inspiration for several later monuments, including the incomparable Taj Mahal.

You’ll have free time for the rest of today to take in some of the sights of Delhi, or get some shopping done! We have plenty of recommendations.

Tonight, dinner at another fantastic new Indian fusion restaurant.

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Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel near Old Delhi
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

29 October

Delhi to Srinagar

After breakfast we will make our way to the airport and onward north to Srinagar in Kashmir. There’s free time to settle in once we have arrived.

Tonight, we will share in a traditional Wazwaan meal - a multi-course meal popular throughout Kashmir. A wazwaan is largely a meat-based using predominantly lamb and chicken.

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Accommodation: 5-star Contemporary Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (There'll be a snack for lunch on the plane)

30 October

Srinagar

Today we are exploring the area outside of Srinagar, starting with Sagg Eco Village. After a good breakfast we will head to Sagg, a regenerative farm and ecological haven nestled in the breathtaking Harmukh foothills. Here we will enjoy morning coffee, a spice making session, hands-on cooking class and a tour of the regenerative farm. We’ll dine back at the hotel tonight.

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Accommodation: 5-star Contemporary Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

31 October

Srinagar

Today and tomorrow are interchangeable dependant on the final saffron harvest day.

Today we will visit the saffron fields of Pampore to participate in the annual saffron harvest. Your visit will include a visit to the saffron farm and processing centre where you will witness the transformation of saffron from flower to spice. You will learn why Kashmiri Mongra Saffron is in a league of it's own and considered to be the world's highest quality saffron - deep red threads, intoxicating aroma, and unparalleled flavour. We'll enjoy lunch with the saffron farmers family. We'll dine back at the hotel tonight.

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Accommodation: 5-star Contemporary Boutique Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

01 November

Srinagar

Today and yesterday are interchangeable dependant on the final saffron harvest day.

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An optional early start to visit the Floating Market with the team from Nadis (our hotel) to experience the unique commerce of the Dal Lake savouring Quahwa (local coffee), local breads and shopping for trinkets while floating on the beautiful shikaaras. We’ll return to the hotel for a good brunch.

This afternoon we will be guided on a bespoke Kashmiri shopping tour, including a market walk, shopping, street eats, papermâché crafts, Kashmiri pashminas and more). We'll dine back at the hotel tonight.

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Accommodation: 5-star Contemporary Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Street Eats Lunch and Dinner

02 November

Srinagar to Delhi to Home

After breakfast we will make our way to the airport and onward south to Delhi. For those flying out this evening, you will be connecting with your flight here.

OR Srinagar to Delhi to Lucknow

For those joining the Lucknow and Agra extension, we will continue on from Delhi to Lucknow this afternoon. It's been a long day, so tonight you have free time to relax.

Accommodation: 5-Star Contemporary Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

03 November
EXTENSION

Lucknow

Get your tummies ready for a day of deliciousness! We will start with breakfast at a 100 year old iconic place in the heart of old city and we'll explore the architecture and history of the oldest market that was built in emperor Akbar’s time. We'll spend time visiting the Imambaras to understand the story of Lucknow’s founding, glory and eventual downfall. The stories of Nawabs and their architecture and the legacy of British and French in the city.

Stop for coffee and experience Lucknow’s most iconic products — the Ittar, Lucknow’s legendary handmade perfumes and Chikankari, Lucknow’s centuries old craft of hand embroidery. We'll browse through the main markets and shop for kurtas, tops, saris, perfumes, handicraft and more.

We'll meet for a late lunch at a 60 year old Art Deco mansion with focus on food of Lucknow’s homes which includes heirloom and lost recipes from the city’s old families. Meet the curator and discuss nuances of Lucknow’s food and culinary culture.

After lunch explore the craft museum and shop in the premises and get a hand on experience of Chikankari or Zardozi embroidery at the Lucknow Bioscope museum.

We'll wrap this incredible day with a chaat trail (chaat means 'lick') to not just taste Lucknow’s most iconic street fare but also understand the context of chaat in the city — and how it is different from everywhere. Start with one of the oldest and most popular joints and then move on to several others — all among the top in the city. Post chaat sample some of the finest mithai (sweets) in Lucknow.

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Accommodation: 5-Star Contemporary Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Street Eats Dinner

04 November
EXTENSION

Lucknow to Agra (via Kannauj)

After an early breakfast, we are on the road heading in the direction of Agra, but not before a very special stop in Kannauj. We will spend time with an 8th generation rose grower, perfumer and chef at his gorgeous property.

This is true farm-to-fragrance perfume tourism giving you the chance to experience the process of perfume making from visiting a Kannauj rose distillery, learning about the perfume essence extraction process to then spending time at a Perfume Bar to learn about the whole process. This is where many of the world’s perfumes begin. All this is offered with truly delightful hospitality accompanied with a delicious lunch.

After lunch we will depart for Agra. You’ll need a free night to reflect on a fabulous day!

Accommodation: 5-Star Contemporary Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

05 November
EXTENSION

Agra

This is it…an early morning guided dawn visit to the Taj Mahal! You'll have the chance to explore the surrounding gardens, venture inside, see this magnificent structure from every angle and hear the fascinating love story behind the most romantic building on earth. We’ll be back to the hotel for breakfast and freshen up before exploring some of other monuments and sights of Agra including the Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh. For dinner tonight we will enjoy a South Indian style Thali.

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Accommodation: 5-Star Contemporary Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

06 November
EXTENSION

Agra to Delhi to Home

After breakfast we’ll head to Delhi, only a few hours away. Lunch awaits at one of Delhi’s most famous traditional Indian restaurants. Your last chance to have a fabulous Dal Makhani, Seekh Kebab or Murgh Malai! After lunch there’ll be a few hours to fit in some last-minute shopping before we head to the airport to check in for the flight home.

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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

WHAT'S
INCLUDED?

• Fully escorted by Sarah Meikle and Rushina Munshaw-Ghildiyal (main tour); Fully escorted by Sarah Meikle and curated guides for extension tour

• Airport meet and greet and departure assistance

• 5-star accommodation throughout

• Most meals included - Main Tour:

  • Daily Breakfast

  • 9 x Lunches

  • 12 x Dinners

• Most meals included - Extension:

  • Daily Breakfast​

  • 3 x Lunches

  • 2 x Dinners

• Activities / Monument and Temple entrances as per programme (including English-speaking Guides and Tips as needed) - Main Tour:

  • Diwali Celebration

  • Mumbai at Dawn Tour

  • Masala Spice Tour

  • Fort and Kala Ghoda Tour

  • Kochi Spice Outlets Tour

  • Kochi Spice and History Walk

  • Kerala Spice Farm Visit

  • Kerala Chinese Fishing Nets experience

  • Old Delhi Walking Tour

  • Bicycle Rickshaw in Chandi Chowk

  • Old Delhi Spice Market Tour

  • Humayun's Tomb

  • Sagg Eco Village Tour, Kashmir

  • Private Saffron Farm Tour

  • Floating Market Tour

  • Bespoke Kashmiri Shopping Tour

• Activities / Monument and Temple entrances as per programme (including English-speaking Guides and Tips as needed) - Extension:

  • Lucknow Heritage Trail

  • Lucknow Guided Shopping Tour

  • Lucknow Craft Exploration and Embroidery Workshop

  • Lucknow Chaat and Mithai Street Food Tour

  • Private Kannauj Rose Perfume Experience

  • Taj Mahal

  • Agra Fort

  • Sunset Viewing Taj

• All airport transfers in India

• Air conditioned coach transport for full duration of itinerary

• All Domestic Flights (Mumbai - Kochi; Kochi - Delhi; Delhi - Srinagar; Srinagar - Delhi / Delhi - Lucknow - extension only) with 25 kilos luggage allowance

• Unlimited mineral water in coach and hotels

• Pre-departure advice and support - detailed planning information, Visa application support, additional travel advice, lots of insider tips & knowledge!

• 24/7 support in India from local representative if required

• All applicable taxes

• Plenty more surprises!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

• International Flights

• Departure taxes (if required)

• Health & Travel Insurance (you are required to have travel insurance)

• Meals not listed (there aren't many not included)

• Additional tips (mainly hotel porters)

• Spending Money

• Indian entry visa

• Vaccinations (if required/desired)

• Additional travel arrangements/activities not noted on itinerary