North India Highlights

Flying from Goa to Delhi this two-night, three-day tour includes a train journey to visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort plus a guided tour of the sites of India's historic capital city.

 
 
 

Let us help you find your perfect winter holiday this year

Updated on Oct 12, 2022 by Ella Brundle

Blog > Let us help you find your perfect winter holiday this year

If you were thinking of planning a holiday to Goa this year and the news around visas is causing concern, perhaps these alternatives would offer that slice of paradise you're seeking!

With the news that the Indian government have removed e-visas for UK passport holders, it is understandable that Goa may not be your first choice for a holiday in the sun this winter. Take a look at our two other destinations which both pack a punch when it comes to offering plenty of sun, sea, sand, culture and activities. With flights around six hours and no jet lag, you can see why The Gambia and Cape Verde are a popular alternative to Goa.


The Gambia 

The Gambia is the “Smiling Coast of West Africa” with friendly locals, fabulous golden sand beaches and over 8 hours of sunshine a day making The Gambia a safe introduction to Africa. Immerse yourself in world-class birdwatching, relax on one of the many unspoilt beaches or meet some wildlife in the nature reserves dotted around the country, such as crocodiles, monkeys and chimps! As well as exquisite wildlife, delve into Gambian culture and soak up the sounds and smells in the markets, where locals are selling produce such as crafts and wooden artefacts or experience the local fish market as part of a home cookery course. 

With The Gambia Experience, you have the option to book a twin-centre holiday, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, drink in hand, then head over to one of our unique lodges to encounter some fabulous wildlife. There really is something for everyone!


Cape Verde

Cape Verde and beach holidays go hand in hand, with 10 islands on offer, there is plenty of choice when it comes to pristine beaches. Choose between an array of water sports or simply sit back and relax and soak up the African sunshine. 
Many of the hotels on offer sit on the beach front, where guests can enjoy a Caipirinha at the hotel bar, (a popular Brazilian drink in Cape Verde) whilst enjoying the sea breeze on a hot afternoon. When staying at Boa Vista, head over to Santa Monica Beach, where you will be guaranteed to bag a quiet spot for yourself, as the beach stretches for a massive 9km. Browse our Boa Vista accommodation here. 


Island-hopping is extremely popular when holidaying in Cape Verde and you will experience a diverse range of islands, some lush and green, with others (Fogo) offering spectacular volcano hikes. For more of a thrill perhaps quad biking on sand dunes is for you, or horse riding along the shoreline and racing though the surf. Find out more about Cape Verdean holidays here.

 

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Day 1: Departing Goa for Delhi our representative will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport. They will assist with your private transfer to your Delhi hotel which will be your base for two nights.

Day 2: This morning, you will depart Delhi railway staion to Agra. Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire, Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th and 17th century.

Taj Mahal

When you arrive in Agra you will be met by our representative who will introduce you to your guide who will take you to Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this special process called pietra dura. It begins with a marble plate, varying in size. Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye. Continue for a visit to the Agra Fort, a walled city constructed of red stone which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Construction of the fort was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it.

You will also visit Itmad ud Daula, also known as Baby Taj. This tomb was built in 1622 for Ghiyas Beg, father of Empress Noor-Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir. It is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice and set a precedent as the first Mughal building to be faced with white marble inlaid with contrasting stones.

Later, you will be driven back to Agra Cantt railway station, where you will board your train back to Delhi.

Day 3: After breakfast, proceed for the orientation city tour of Old and New Delhi including a visit of the 17th-century Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Stop in front of the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort for a photo opportunity.

Later proceed to New Delhi where you will be taken for a drive past the Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of fallen Indian soldiers and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. You will also visit Qutab Minar, the 12th-century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India.

After the tour you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your short flight back to Goa.

 

Two-night price from £825 per person

  • Prices are based on two people sharing including internal flights and two nights' accommodation on B&B and include transfers.
  • A choice of superior or deluxe accommodation is available.
  • You will be able to book this excursion either in the UK or on arrival / during your holiday to Goa.
  • Operates any day (subject to availability) except for Friday due to closure of the Taj Mahal.
 
Contact Us

Contact Us

For more information about this excursion, please contact our Goa specialists:

01489 866994 | Email Sales

 

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