India and Shimla for Solo Travellers

India and Shimla for Solo Travellers

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15 Days From

$4445

India and Shimla for Solo Travellers

15 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India

Visiting: Delhi, New Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Amber fort, Alsisar, Shimla

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

1IDS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$4445 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

India is a vast country of contrasts waiting to be explored, from world-famous landmarks to wondrous hidden treasures.  Your visit will be a real feast for the senses as the vibrant colours, delicious flavours and heady scents combine to make a truly unforgettable holiday.  Specially tailored for people travelling alone, our tour starts in rural Rajasthan, where a potpourri of the ancient and the modern is so clearly exhibited.  The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is popular for its wealth of palaces, fine examples of jaw-dropping architecture. 

The natural world is also a major attraction and there will be the opportunity to spot tigers in their natural habitat in Ranthambore.  Of course, the highlight for many is the sublime Taj Mahal, a mausoleum so often seen in films and photographs, but there is simply no substitute for the feeling of seeing it first-hand.  We conclude our wonderful journey with a breathtaking train journey into the Himalayas and the hill station of Shimla.  A microcosm of Victorian English society during its colonial past, Shimla is the perfect way to conclude a visit to this amazing country.

Highlights

  • A wonderful tour of northern India’s ‘Golden Triangle’

  • Driving safari in Ranthambore National Park, the best place in India to spot the elusive tigers

  • Explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, capital of the desert kingdom of Rajasthan with a guided city tour

  • Marvel at the extraordinary location and beauty of Amber Fort, home of one of India’s most powerful maharajas

  • Stay in an original Rajasthani fort, converted into a stunning Heritage Hotel

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Departure

Location: Delhi

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Meals Included: No Meals

You will be greeted at the airport before your overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2 : Arrival In New Delhi

Location: New Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Le Meridien

Meals Included: Dinner

We will transfer to the five-star Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay. After time to freshen up, we begin our solo tour with a visit to New Delhi, where we see the Parliament building and the India Gate, as well as some of the more ancient sites of Qutub and the tomb of Humayun. 



This evening we enjoy a pleasant and informal welcome dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your tour manager and other like-minded travellers exploring the world on their own.

Day 3 : Old Delhi

Location: New Delhi, Agra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Oberoi Trident Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the city to Old Delhi, where we visit Mahatma Gandhi’s modest memorial, as well as the imposing Red Fort and one of Asia’s largest mosques, Jama Masjid.  We continue to Agra where we stay at either four-star hotel – the Oberoi Trident.

Day 4 : Taj Mahal

Location: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Oberoi Trident Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

An early start this morning will be worth the while when we witness the glorious sun rising over the stunning Taj Mahal.  As the mist rises above the adjoining Yamuna River, the constantly changing colours of the marble domes further highlight the symmetrical beauty of one of the modern wonders of the world.  Our tour continues to the huge terracotta-coloured Agra Fort, the headquarters of the Moghul Empire for many years.  Later this evening, you’ll have the option to return to the Taj Mahal to enjoy the sunset.

Day 5 : Fatehpur Sikri

Location: Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3* Ranthambore Regency

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Agra this morning we continue towards the ancient abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571, as Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital. Although it was mysteriously abandoned just 15 years later, it remains in a remarkable state of preservation, with numerous palaces, wide courtyards and beautiful carvings.



We stop for lunch (included) at the the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat before going on to the railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express for our comfortable two and a half hour journey to Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting preserve of Maharajahs, its 400 square kilometres of forested rolling hills, valleys and lakes form a unique ecosystem. Started in 1973, India’s famous Tiger Project was created to protect the country’s tiger population. Despite many difficulties, the tigers of Ranthambore have survived and numbers have stabilised.



Our hotel for the next two nights is the comfortable family-run three-star Ranthambore Regency on full board basis.



 

Day 6 : Tiger Safari

Location: Ranthambore National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3* Ranthambore Regency

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we rise early in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Ranthambore’s famous tigers on safari.  Specially adapted four-wheel-drive vehicles manned by expert drivers will take us around the vast national park to spot the many different wildlife species that call it home, including antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles, wild boar, and rare sloth bears.  We return to our hotel later this morning with plenty of time to relax and have a bite before our second safari drive to spot yet more fantastic wild creatures. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 7 : Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Jaipur Marriott Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is our destination today, as we leave the natural playground of Ranthambore behind.  One of Jaipur’s highlights is the Astronomical Observatory, home to a multitude of huge sundials.  We will also visit the City Palace where the Maharajah of Jaipur still resides.  Later we check into our hotel, the new four-star Hilton Jaipur for two nights.

Day 8 : Amber Fort

Location: Amber fort

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Jaipur Marriott Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another icon of India is the colossal Amber Fort, located in the hills above Jaipur.  We are treated to a local guide’s expert insights, so we can truly appreciate the fine details of this most magnificent of structures. 

Day 9 : Rajasthan

Location: Alsisar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritage Alsisar Mahal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we head deeper into rural Rajasthan.  Passing small towns and villages, we continue to the village of Alsisar in the Sekhawati region.  Once part of the Silk Road, the area became increasingly affluent and luxury mansions began to be built here.  One such mansion has been preserved and converted into a luxurious Heritage Hotel, the Alsisar Mahal, where we stay tonight.  This afternoon, a local guide will take us through the village to see the remaining mansions or ‘havelis’. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 10 : New Delhi

Location: New Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Le Meridien

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we leave Rajasthan behind and return to the nation’s capital, New Delhi, for a one-night stay before our journey into the Himalayas.



Tonight we stay at the five-star Le Meridien Hotel. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 11 : Train To Shimla

Location: Shimla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take the express train from Delhi to Kalka in ‘chair-class’ carriages with air-conditioning and large windows.  We transfer at Kalka to the narrow-gauge ‘toy train’, which although does not have the same creature comforts, offers increasingly stunning views as it crosses 800 bridges and goes through 100 tunnels along the 100km-route to the small station in Shimla.  After a busy day of travelling, we will check into the luxurious five-star Oberoi Cecil hotel for three nights.

Day 12 : Shimla

Location: Shimla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shimla’s colonial past is the main theme of our exploration today as we encounter the Viceregal Lodge and its stunning botanical gardens.  Certain parts of the building are open to visitors and give a tantalising glimpse into the life of the Viceroy and his staff, who resided here for six months of the year.

Day 13 : Free Day In Shimla

Location: Shimla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a day at leisure in Shimla, relax at the hotel pool or spa, or maybe take another stroll along the mall and do some last minute bargain hunting in the markets. Alternatively, there are a number of short local ‘treks’ that can be arranged in the surrounding hills. A sumptuous buffet dinner is included this evening.

Day 14 : Train To Delhi

Location: New Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 5* Le Meridien

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, we drive to Kalka and then return by express train to New Delhi for our last night at the Le Meridien hotel.

Day 15 : Return Flight

Location: New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Delhi in the early afternoon for our flight home, arriving back the in the UK on the same day after a truly wondrous holiday.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Thirteen nights’ accommodation in three, four or five-star hotels

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Fully Guided

    The services of an experienced Riviera Travel tour manager

  • International Travel

    Scheduled flights to/from Delhi

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and eight meals

  • All transfers

  • All local accommodation taxes

  • All flight taxes

  • All touring as mentioned

  • Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person

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What's Not Included

  • Indian visa not included

  • Tipping and Gratuity

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that in visiting a number of historical sites, paths may be uneven and uphill and we often enjoy walking tours of the main sights. Therefore, this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. In the tropics temperatures and humidity levels will also be quite high for most of the year. Please consult your GP regarding the appropriate inoculations required for India at least a month before departure.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Scheduled flights to/from Delhi

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No, 18 years and above only

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No, all our solo tour prices are fully inclusive with no single supplement to be added. Whilst hotels generally charge a little more for single occupancy rooms, we never charge you extra for meals, excursions, flights, rail journeys or transfers.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Thursday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024
$4758 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Monday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024
$4883 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Monday

Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
$4758 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$4696 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Monday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$4445 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Monday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025
$4821 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$4821 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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