Northern India Discovery

Fly to Delhi. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Take a full day to explore India's vibrant capital. Starting in Old Delhi, embark on a rickshaw ride to the Khari Baoli spice market where you'll learn about local herbs and spices, and visit Jama Masjid. Cross into New Delhi to view the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, finishing the day at Humayun's Tomb.

Transfer to Delhi station and hop on a train travelling north to Amritsar. Head to the close by India-Pakistan border to watch the elaborate border closing ceremony with its fantastically over-the-top showmanship.

Enjoy a heritage walk of the city, taking in local markets and temples including Jallianwalla Bagh. Visit the Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib – the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith. Built in the 16th-century, its dome is richly gilded in shimmering gold. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity and walk around the sacred waters of Amrit Sarovar. Return to the temple this evening to experience Palki Sahib, an atmospheric ceremony accompanied by drums and hymns.

Ascend into the Himalayas to Dharamshala, a former British hill station that has become the home of the Tibetan Government in exile. This afternoon, visit the Tibetan Library and the Tibetan Medical Institute.

Start the day at Bhagsunag, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva before exploring Mcleodganj, a town with a distinctly Tibetan feel. Explore the town, visiting Buddhist temples and local markets, and popping into the Dalai Lama Temple and the Tibetan Museum.

Start the day with a yoga and meditation session. Continue your explorations at the Kangra State Museum and St John's Church. Enjoy a demonstration of how to cook local dishes before spending some time at the Norbulingka Institute. A major centre for Buddhist learning, it also works to preserve Tibet's cultural heritage.

Drive to Shimla. On arrival visit the Gaiety Theatre with the rest of the day being at leisure.

All aboard the famous Toy Train, a World Heritage railway built in 1903. This is one of India's most scenic train journeys, where you can admire spectacular views as you wind your way down from the mountains. Return to Shimla by car. This afternoon visit Jakhoo Temple, which sits at the highest point of the city, offering amazing views. Continue to the Himachal State Museum and enjoy a walking tour of Mall Road, Shimla's main street constructed during British colonial rule.

Visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Transfer to Kalka to board the train to Delhi where your afternoon and evening will be at leisure.

Travel to Agra by road. On arrival, admire the colossal Agra Fort, built by the Mughals in the mid-1500s. The evening is at leisure in Agra.

Wake early to see the sun rise over India's most iconic sight. At dawn, when the crowds are at their thinnest, the Taj Mahal is often swathed in mist and tinged pink by the rising sun – a magical sight. Depart Agra for Jaipur, stopping en route to admire the symmetrical beauty of the Chand Baori stepwell. Arrive in the 'Pink City' and visit the City Palace and the fascinating Jantar Mantar observatory.

Start with a photo stop this morning at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before visiting the spectacular Amber Fort. Stop at a craft centre to watch artisans at work, block printing and carpet weaving. Before dinner you will have a cooking demonstration.

Return to Delhi by road. This evening sit down to a final group dinner and a Kathak Dance performance.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.