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Taste of India

from

$3215

Prepare yourself for a sizzling adventure on this Culinary fun travel tour. Travel to see the best highlights of some of India’s top regions. Enjoy the most sought after attractions such as the magnificent Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaipur City Palace and Elephanta Caves to name a few.

Food is an amazing and delicious pathway to understanding a culture and what better way to explore exotic cuisines than to discover the fine art of cooking local specialties straight from the source. Savor the fragrant scents of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and other colorful spices firsthand. Taste regional Indian cuisines from Rajasthani, Mughal, Awadhi, and Parsi. Each of which reflects their home climate, history and religion.

Download Journey PDF
12 Days, 11 Nights: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai

 

Inclusions

  • ‣ Airport Transfers, Meet and Greet
  • ‣ Hotel Accommodations
  • ‣ Daily Breakfast and Selected Meals (See tour plan for details)
  • ‣ English-speaking Local Guide
  • ‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary

TRIP OVERVIEW (*UNESCO World Heritage Sites)

 ✦ Customizable Private Tour 
  • Live Cooking Demos
  • Food Talks
  • Street Food Tours
  • High Tea
  • Delhi City Tour
  • Qutab Minar*
  • Humayun’s Tomb*
  • Dance Performances
  • Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Cycle Rickshaw at Chandni Chowk Bazaar
  • Spice Market
  • Parantha Wali Gali (Fried Bread Street)
  • Haldiram Food Hall
  • Jaipur City Tour
  • The Walled City of Jaipur*
  • Amber Fort*
  • Hawa Mahal
  • Jaipur City Palace
  • Rajasthani Culture Village, Chokhi Dhani
  • Taj Mahal*
  • Agra Fort
  • Lucknow Antique Jewelry
  • Lucknow City Tour
  • British Residency
  • Bara Imambara Mosque
  • Aminabad Market
  • Chaupati Beach
  • Elephanta Island*
  • Mumbai City Tour
  • Gateway of India
  • Crawford Market
  • Prince of Wales Museum
  • Victoria Terminus*
  • Hanging Gardens
  • Mani Bhavan
  • Mahatma Gandhi’s Home and Museum

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR

TAJ MAHAL Catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the most beautiful building in the world at sunset.

Notable Architecture from a Glorious Past

Famous for its many historical monuments and the architectural skills involved, each historical monument possesses great history with its own specific identity. India’s many past rulers have left behind numerous forts, palaces and fine architecture. Many royal palaces and forts are UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Delicious Food Tastings

North Indian cuisine is famous for its collection of snacks and finger foods. As you travel into various cities, you’ll get to sample the unique flavors behind each culture. Unlike other parts of the country the food is less spicy here, allowing the unique blend of spices to be better appreciated.

Food Tasting at Agra
mainfoodindia-1

The Influence From Food Culture

Discover the delightful taste of traditional cuisine and learn where some of the food is locally sourced, prepared and sold. Get personal insights from our local food guides and chefs, while exploring top tourist destinations that will have you experiencing the culture of India firsthand.

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Tour Plan

Hotels
Dates & Prices

12 Days and 11 Nights
Culinary Tour
Deals
India
Leisure Tour
The Ultimate Cultural Experience
1

Meet Up at Delhi (DEL) | Arrival & Transfer

Upon arriving at Delhi airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

DELHI CITY CAPITAL
Capital of at least 8 civilizations, each with a trail of monuments.

2

Delhi | Food Talk, Cooking Demo and Market Visit, City Tour

Start the day with a food talk by a local food guide expert providing a road map of the diverse Indian food culture and history. Every state of India has its own gastronomic secrets, distinct flavors, traditional recipes and cooking styles. Since Delhi is the capital, people from all over India come here for work and inject their home cooking styles into the Delhi food scene.
Visit a local vegetable market and then return to hotel for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Next is a city tour of New Delhi, Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower, and Humayun’s Tomb - one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments.
Then enjoy an evening dinner at a Haveli (mansion) with a classic dance performance.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Have fun on one of our travel tours with everything include lunches that are prepared and convenient for you. We take the stress away from our guests and allow your more time to really enjoy themselves.  Lunch  Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

HUMAYUN'S TOMB
This tomb has the significance of being the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. 

Qutub Minar tourist attraction

QUTUB MINAR
A 12th century soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret of intricately carved sandstone.

STREET FOOD IN DELHI
Sample some of the most delicious street food to soak in the real flavors of the city. Sink your teeth into these local delicacies.

3

Delhi | Tour of Old Delhi, Cooking Demo at Local Family

Tour of OLD DELHI: Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Experience one of the oldest and very busy bazaar Chandni Chowk. Then enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
Visit a spice market (Khari Bowli) to savor the fragrant scents of cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and many other spices. Continue for our lunch-time food tasting at Parantha Wali Gali (Fried Bread Street) and legendary food hall Haldiram (since 1982).
End this evening with a cooking demonstration and dinner at the home of a local family. Enjoy the home cooking of butter chicken, Dal, vegetable and Roti.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Have fun on one of our travel tours with everything include lunches that are prepared and convenient for you. We take the stress away from our guests and allow your more time to really enjoy themselves.  Food Tasting    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

JAMA MASJID
Largest mosques in India built between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees.

LOCAL SPICE MARKET EXPERIENCE
The sounds, crowds, materials, artisans and fine stories are combined in one place giving the feel of the country. 

TANDOORI CHICKEN & BIRYANI RICE 
Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices,  roasted in a cylindrical clay oven. 

4

Delhi – Jaipur | Rajasthani Cuisine Food Talk

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.

Today’s lesson is on Rajasthani cuisine which reflects the art of cooking in a desert climate and the influence of the Rajput class of society. In the late afternoon, visit Diggi Palace for a food talk about preparing Rajasthani delicacies followed by dinner.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

DIGGI PALACE
Heritage hotels in India assure a stay filled with richness and aura of the past. 

Fried Dessert, Jalebis
A tasty treat! Deep fried and then soaked in sugar syrup.

5

Jaipur | Royal Fort and Palaces, Rajasthani Cultural Village

Today is about exploring the many palaces that represents the finest of Indian royalty.
Visit the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput construction, perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples below. Reaching its summit on a jeep (or request an elephant ride when booking this tour), we enjoy a tour of the fort's well-preserved interior grounds including Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) with its interior embellished with reflective glass tiles.
Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), its high screen wall allowed the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen. Then continue to City Palace, an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City with a series of temples, pavilions, gardens and palaces.
We end today at a Rajasthani Culture Village, Chokhi Dhani. Enjoy the evening with traditional performances of dancers and acrobats, snack stalls, paintings, costumes and a tasty Rajasthani thali dinner.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast   Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

ROYAL PALACES OF THE PAST
Glimpse into the past to see the fine architecture that past royals resided in.

Amer Fort USA to India Tour

AMBER FORT
Historic 16-century site that overlooks the picturesque Maota Lake in Jaipur.

HAWA MAHAL (WIND PALACE) 
Lattice windows for royal ladies to observe street life without being seen.

6

Jaipur – Agra | Taj Mahal, Arga Fort, Mughlai Cuisine

After breakfast, drive to Agra.
Explore the legendary Taj Mahal, described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and one of India’s most enduring symbols. It is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  Visit Agra Fort (Red Fort), a 16th-century Mughal fortress which also contains the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It offers splendid views across the river towards the Taj Mahal.
This evening, our food talk at ITC Mughal is about Mughlai cuisine which varies from mild to spicy dishes with a distinctive aroma from both ground spices and whole spices. Followed by a Mughlai dinner.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

TAJ MAHAL
A love poem composed of stone. Many hail it as the most beautiful building on the planet.

AGRA FORT
A representative of the Mughal architectural tradition. 

7

Agra - Lucknow | Antique Jewelry Exhibition, Awadhi Cooking Demo

After an early breakfast, drive to Lucknow (7-hour drive). Famed for its refined culture, classical Kathak dance, spicy cuisine and embroidery, Lucknow is a historic city intricately linked to the "beginning of the end" of the British Raj.
Afternoon visit to the house of an artifact collector to see his collection of antique jewelry.
This evening’s lesson is on Awadhi cuisine. This cuisine is greatly influenced by Mughal cooking techniques with similarities to Middle East and Central Asian cuisine. End the evening with an Awadhi cuisine cooking demonstration and dinner.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

CULTURE OF LUCKNOW
A multicultural city, courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and more.

AWADHI CUISINE
Vegetarian-friendly dishes with exotic spices, herbs and garnished with dry fruits.

LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATION
Discover the fine art of Indian cuisine and reinvigorate your taste buds with live demonstrations by professional chefs.

 
8

Lucknow | Lucknow | City Tour, Awadhi Cuisine

Early morning dairy farm visit to see how fresh produce and milk from local farms are prepared for delivery. Enjoy a morning masala tea at a local tea vendor.
After breakfast join your local guide to visit the highlights of Lucknow, including the British Residency - a famous historical landmark that offers a fascinating historical glimpse into the first stages of the fall of the British Raj. Bara Imambara – is a magnificent mosque and palace complex including the labyrinthine pathways of the Bhul Bhulaiya. Explore the bustling Aminabad Market which is justly famous for jewelry as well as its many pickle shops!
This afternoon we see the art behind the traditional Lucknowi embroidery and zardozi work (Chikankari) guided by an expert with a demonstration. In the evening we enjoy local Awadhi food dinner at a local restaurant.
This evening enjoy local Awadhi food dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast     Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

BARA IMAMBARA 
A gigantic Islamic tomb with an unusual labyrinth of corridors making a visit here particularly special for travelers.

BRITISH RESIDENCY
Several buildings in a common precinct, this historical site features the ruins of a refuge for British citizens during the Revolt of 1857.

FRESH MILK DELIVERIES
See how fresh produce and milk from the local farms are prepared and produced for delivery.

9

Lucknow - Mumbai | Street Food Talk, Mumbai Cuisine

We start the day with breakfast at the hotel then transfer to Lucknow airport and fly to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the hotel.
Late afternoon food talk on Mumbai food and local street food. Tour Chaupati beach, a famous beach and popular street food location for both locals and tourists. We end the day with Mumbai style cuisine for dinner.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast     Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

PANIPURI
A common street snack that's round, fried and hollow bursting with flavor inside.

MUMBAI (BOMBAY) HARBOR 
Enjoy views of the iconic Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel

MUMBAI MANGO MARKET
India is the worlds largest producer of mangoes, with hundreds of varieties.

10

Mumbai | Elephanta Island, City Tour, Parsi Cooking Demo

After breakfast, cruise across Mumbai Harbor to explore the amazing Elephanta Island and its famous caves with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 AD.
In the afternoon we visit Mumbai city. Gateway of India - a monument that commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, Crawford Market, the Prince of Wales Museum and Victoria Terminus, Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s home and Museum.
This evening we visit a Parsi home. Tonight’s lesson features Parsi cuisine. Parsi (Persian) food came to India during the Arab invasion of 636–651 AD and is popular in Mumbai and Pakistan. Enjoy a Parsi cooking demonstration followed by dinner.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Cooking Demo & Dinner

ELEPHANTA ISLAND
Marvel at the intricate 550 AD cave temples in Mumbai Harbor.

GATEWAY OF INDIA
Gateway of India is India's most valued structure, which was built in 1924. 

PARSI FOOD
Parsi Cuisine refers to the traditional cuisine of the Parsis of India and Pakistan. 

 
11

Mumbai | High Tea

Breakfast and then relax for a leisurely morning at the hotel.
Later this afternoon we visit the legendary Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Enjoy high tea at Sea Lounge. This high tea institution in Mumbai exudes old colonial charm accompanied by enchanting live piano music and spectacular sea views. Experience an elaborate buffet of classic English delicacies and local Indian favorites complemented with fine teas and coffee.
  • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Have fun on one of our travel tours with everything include lunches that are prepared and convenient for you. We take the stress away from our guests and allow your more time to really enjoy themselves.   High Tea
 

VICTORIA TERMINUS
A historic railway station and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12

Mumbai | End of Tour

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel then the tour comes to an end. Please inform us of your international or India domestic flight schedule in order to schedule your transfer to Mumbai (BOM) airport.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast
Overview
Hotels
Dates & Prices

Hotels

We carefully handpick our hotels to ensure they provide you with the best comfort and experience. For Private Tours, you may request a specific hotel as one of the customizable options.
Destination Hotels Rating
Delhi ★★★★
Jaipur ★★★★
Agra ★★★★★
Lucknow ★★★★
Mumbai ★★★★
  Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation.  
Overview
Tour Plan
Dates & Prices

Dates & Pricing

PRIVATE TOUR (Minimum 4 Guests per Departure)

Year Tour Dates 4 Persons* 6-8 Persons* 10-12 Persons*
2020 Oct 1 – Dec 20 $4,280 $3,985 $3,750
2021 Jan 10 – Mar 30 $4,000 $3,720 $3,500
2021 Apr 1 - Sep 15 $3,720 $3,435 $3,215
 

Price Details

  • ‣ Daily departures except for Sundays.
  • ‣ Tour does not operate during the Diwali holiday
  • ‣ Prices are in USD and are inclusive of all applicable taxes but do not include airfare.
  • ‣ Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply during applicable major holidays.
  • ‣ Special rates for single travelers or larger groups, and ultra-luxury hotels are available on request - please inquire.

Deposit

  • ‣ A deposit of $300 per person is required upon booking and full payment to be made 60 days prior to departure date.
  • ‣ Monthly installment plan is available - please inquire.
  • ‣ Domestic Airfare - Lucknow to Mumbai Airfare from: US$44 (Exact fare varies depending on actual booking date)

Flight Add-On

  • ‣ We work with all major airlines for the best routes and competitive pricing.
  • ‣ The nearest airport for starting the tour is DEL (Indira Gandhi International, Delhi).
  • ‣ The nearest airport for ending the tour is BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji International, Mumbai).
  • ‣ Contact us for more detail and pricing.

Inclusions

  • ‣ Airport Transfers, Meet and Greet
  • ‣ Hotel Accommodations
  • ‣ Daily Breakfast and Selected Meals (See tour plan for details)
  • ‣ English-speaking Local Guide
  • ‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary

Exclusions

  • ‣ Air Fare
  • ‣ Travel Insurance
  • ‣ Medical Expenses
  • ‣ Visa Fee
  • ‣ Gratuity
  • ‣ Personal Expenses
 
Overview
Tour Plan
Hotels