Tour of India - The Golden Triangle, 9 Nights, 2027

Departure from Sofia on a Turkish Airlines flight at 16:00. Arrival at Istanbul airport at 18:30 local time. Departure from Istanbul on a direct flight to Delhi at 20:50.

Arrival at Delhi airport at 05:20 local time. After passport control and border formalities, we will meet our local guide. Transfer to the Welcomehotel ITC, Dwarka 5* for early check-in and breakfast.

Today is set aside for getting used to the new surroundings, the climate and the time difference. You can relax by the pool, enjoy the first flavours of Indian cuisine or simply rest before the start of an unforgettable journey.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we immerse ourselves in the extraordinary world of Delhi - a city that has been the heart of Indian history for more than a thousand years. Today's capital reveals two faces of the same civilisation - noisy, colourful Old Delhi and elegant New Delhi, built in the time of the British Empire.

The day begins with a visit to Raj Ghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Yamuna river. This is where “the father of the Indian nation” was cremated, and today it is a symbol of his message of peace and non-violence. We continue past the imposing red walls of the Red Fort, one of the symbols of the Mughal Empire, and then board traditional cycle rickshaws for a ride through the legendary Chandni Chowk market. The narrow lanes, colourful stalls, the aroma of spices, the noise of the traders and the endless stream of people create an atmosphere that cannot be described - it has to be felt.

In just a few kilometres we pass from the chaotic rhythm of the old markets to the wide avenues and imposing government buildings of New Delhi - a contrast that best reveals the many-sided character of the Indian capital.

In the afternoon we will visit the tomb of Emperor Humayun - the first monumental garden mausoleum in India and the inspiration for the later Taj Mahal. Built in the sixteenth century, it launched an architectural style that reached its peak in one of the most famous monuments in the world. This is followed by a visit to the impressive Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in the world, rising more than 72 metres. The complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the most important monuments of early Islamic architecture in India.

During the panoramic tour we will pass Rashtrapati Bhavan - the official residence of the President of India - and the majestic India Gate, a war memorial that has become one of the most recognisable symbols of modern Delhi.

Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out.

Today we head for Nizamuddin railway station, where we will board the Gatimaan Express - India's first high-speed train. In only about two hours we will reach Agra - the former capital of the Mughal Empire and one of the most famous historic cities in the world. Set on the banks of the Yamuna river, Agra was the political and cultural centre of the Mughal Empire for more than a century. It was here that some of India's most magnificent architectural masterpieces were created, which is why the city is today among the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

On arrival we will check in at the hotel and, after a short rest, continue to the Taj Mahal - the world-famous monument, which reveals one of its most impressive views in the soft light of sunset over the Yamuna river. Built on the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan as an eternal memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child, the Taj Mahal remains to this day the best-known symbol of eternal love. Exquisite marble carvings rival in precision the magnificent inlays of semi-precious stones, made using the pietra dura technique, in which the stones are set directly into the white marble. In harmony with the mausoleum are the charbagh gardens - a Persian model of the garden of paradise, divided by channels symbolising the four rivers of Paradise. A visit to the Taj Mahal is not just a tourist experience - it is an encounter with a story of love, loss and immortality told in marble, which has drawn visitors from all over the world for generations.

In the evening we will have the chance to watch the colourful show “Mohabbat the Taj” (at an extra charge) - one of the most popular cultural performances in Agra, telling the story of this eternal symbol of love. Amid picturesque sets, the love between Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan comes to life, performed by amazing actors to the sound of traditional Indian music and dance.

Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Today we will visit the imposing Agra Fort - one of the most majestic fortresses in India and a former residence of the Mughal emperors. It was here that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, after being deposed by his son. According to legend, every day from his chambers he gazed at the Taj Mahal - the eternal symbol of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

The fort impresses with its various pavilions, spacious courtyards and elegant chambers. Every part of the complex tells the story of the Mughal Empire at the height of its glory.

After the visit you will have free time to rest or explore on your own. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out.

Today we leave for Ranthambore National Park, with two impressive stops on the way that reveal different chapters of India's rich history.

Our first stop is Fatehpur Sikri - Emperor Akbar's magnificent abandoned capital. Built entirely of red sandstone, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only a few years before a shortage of water forced the ruler to abandon it. Thanks to this, the city has survived almost in its original form and is one of the best-preserved architectural complexes of the sixteenth century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We then continue to the small village of Abhaneri, where we will see one of the most impressive stepwells in India - Chand Baori. Built more than a thousand years ago, it descends thirteen levels with over 3500 symmetrically arranged stone steps and is among the most impressive engineering achievements of ancient India. Close by we will also visit the Harshat Mata temple, dedicated to the goddess of happiness and fertility.

In the afternoon we continue to Ranthambore - one of the best-known national parks in India and one of the best places in the world to see the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. Set between the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges, the park combines dry forests, lakes, ancient ruins and a rich variety of wildlife.

On arrival we will check in at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Today one of the most exciting experiences in India awaits us - a safari in search of the Bengal tiger.

In the early hours of the day, when wild animals are most active, we will set off on our first safari in an open specialised vehicle (Canter). Ranthambore is among the places in India with the highest chance of meeting a Bengal tiger, but as with any safari, wildlife sightings depend entirely on nature and cannot be guaranteed. As well as Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, antelope, wild boar, crocodiles and more than 300 species of birds.

After the safari we will return to the hotel for breakfast and free time to rest. At lunch we will enjoy traditional local specialities in the hotel restaurant before heading back to the reserve. In the afternoon we will set off on a second safari, which increases the chances of seeing a tiger and lets us see the reserve in a completely different light.

Even if the tigers stay hidden in the dense vegetation, the safari itself is an unforgettable experience. The landscapes, the ancient ruins, the lakes with crocodiles and the rich wildlife make Ranthambore one of the most remarkable natural destinations in Asia.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out. Today we travel to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most beautiful cities in India.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur impresses with its palaces, forts, lively markets and rich cultural heritage. Founded in the eighteenth century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it was the first city in India built to a pre-drawn town plan. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the way we will watch the landscape gradually change - from the forested areas of Ranthambore to the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan, where majestic forts rise above rocky hills and the colourful traditional costumes of the locals give the region its unique colour.

After check-in at the hotel you will have free time to rest or take a first stroll around Jaipur - a city where magnificent palaces, lively markets and the atmosphere of the former kingdom of Rajasthan will immerse you in a completely different India.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

After breakfast we head for one of the most impressive forts in India - Amber, a majestic palace complex rising on the hills north of Jaipur.

We will reach the fort by jeep - an experience that lets us climb the steep road comfortably and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and Maota Lake.

Built of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, Amber Fort enchants with its magnificent architecture, combining lavish palace halls, richly decorated courtyards, elegant pavilions and exquisite gardens. Its true masterpiece is the famous Sheesh Mahal - “the Palace of Mirrors”, whose walls and ceilings are covered with thousands of tiny mirror pieces. According to legend, a single lit candle was enough to light up the whole hall with thousands of sparkling reflections. On the way back we will stop for photos at the iconic Jal Mahal - “the Water Palace”, which seems to float on the calm waters of Man Sagar Lake. Although access to it is not permitted, the view of this elegant building is one of the emblems of Jaipur.

In the afternoon we will visit the magnificent City Palace - the official residence of Jaipur's royal family, part of which is still lived in by the maharajas' descendants today. The complex combines exquisite architecture, richly decorated courtyards, museums, arms collections and valuable works of art. We continue
to Jantar Mantar - the largest and best-preserved historic astronomical observatory in India. Built in the eighteenth century, it contains monumental stone instruments used for extremely accurate astronomical observations long before modern technology. This extraordinary site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The day ends with a photo stop in front of one of the most recognisable buildings in India - Hawa Mahal, also known as “the Palace of the Winds”. Its exquisite façade with 953 small windows was designed so that the ladies of the royal court could watch life in the busy streets unnoticed, without being seen by passers-by.

In the evening you will have free time to stroll through Jaipur's lively streets. The colourful markets, the aroma of Indian spices, silk shawls, precious stones and handmade goods make the city one of the best places in India to experience local culture and traditional crafts.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out.

Today we travel back to Delhi. On the way we will pass through the picturesque regions of Rajasthan and the state of Haryana, where we will have a last chance to watch daily life in the Indian countryside - small villages, traditional farming and colourful markets.

On arrival in the capital we will check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, a stroll or last-minute shopping. It is a good moment to immerse yourself once more in India's unique atmosphere, wander the busy streets of Delhi, try local specialities or choose souvenirs of an unforgettable journey.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Early check-out. Transfer to the airport. Flight to Istanbul at 07:00. Arrival at Istanbul airport at 11:35 local time. Departure for Sofia on a Turkish Airlines flight at 14:55. Arrival at Sofia Airport at 15:10 on the same day.