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2026: IMPERIAL INDIA

October 22 – November 2, 2026
2026:  IMPERIAL INDIA image
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India

Far more than a sightseeing tour, this is a journey into the soul of India — an ancient land where timeless beauty, profound history, and vibrant living traditions come together to create an experience both deeply moving and unforgettable.

This journey is designed as a high-end, all-inclusive exploration of India, combining iconic sights with deeply immersive cultural experiences. Guests will travel in style through Mumbai, Udaipur, Agra, and New Delhi, enjoying carefully curated stays in each destination.

Highlights include visits to India’s most celebrated landmarks — the Gateway of India, Udaipur’s majestic City Palace, the breathtaking Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Qutub Minar, and the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk. Along the way, travelers will experience authentic local life through unique encounters such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, a private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, an evening cultural performance at Bagore Ki Haveli, a hands-on Rajasthani cooking class, a serene sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, and a guided handicraft walk in Agra.

Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy stays at exceptional luxury hotels, outstanding cuisine, and thoughtfully balanced free time for personal exploration. The experience concludes in New Delhi, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories of India’s rich heritage, elegance, and vibrant spirit.

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For More Information:

Please contact Hoa at hoa@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!

Overview

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India

Day 1: Thursday

October 22, 2026
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Meet Your Host — Rachel

Rachel's passion for travel has been shaped by both her professional journey and her life across cultures. She spent the early part of her career in international aviation with Singapore Airlines, where she worked for six years as a flight attendant for business class travelers, flying across continents. Those experiences gave her a deep appreciation for thoughtful service, cultural connection, and the small details that transform a trip into something memorable.

Today, Rachel works with John Shors Travel, where she helps design and host immersive journeys throughout Southeast Asia, India, and Europe. She is especially passionate about creating experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, allowing travelers to connect with local people, traditions, cuisine, and history in meaningful ways. From bustling cities to quiet countrysides, Rachel focuses on making each journey feel seamless, personal, and enriching.

Having lived in India, Singapore, and Vietnam, Rachel brings a global perspective along with a warm and attentive hosting style that puts guests at ease. In addition to her work in travel, she is a certified yoga instructor who believes that the most meaningful journeys nurture both the mind and spirit. She looks forward to sharing destinations not just as places to visit, but as experiences to truly feel and remember.

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Arrive at Mumbai's International Airport

Flights usually arrive around midnight, local time.

Rachel Rego of John Shors Travel will meet you at the airport and escort you via a private car to our five-star hotel The Trident, which is located on the waterfront.

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Note: Arriving one day early is an option for those who would like time to relax before the tour begins. Complimentary airport pickup will still be provided. Early arrivals will be responsible for their own activities on October 22 and will be charged for an additional night at the hotel if arriving on October 21

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Check into the hotel and rest

Check into our five-star hotel, The Trident.

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Day 2: Friday

October 23, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

Due to the late arrival of incoming flights, we will begin our day of touring much later than normal, and for the next two days the tour will be light in terms of activities.

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Walking Tour of "Colaba"

Time10:30 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby with our local guide and head out to explore the Colaba part of the city.

Begin with the iconic Gateway of India, then walk to the nearby Taj Mahal Palace Hotel — the five-star hotel that was a site of a major terrorist attack recreated in the film "Hotel Mumbai"

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Lunch at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Time1:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at the five-star hotel's restaurant.

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time3:30 p.m.

Relax for the rest of the day or continue exploring the area independently.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant, Thai Pavilion

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Day 3: Saturday

October 24, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

Time10:00 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and, with our local guide, depart for a walking tour of the world's largest outdoor laundry, the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat.

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Lunch

Time1:00 p.m.

Enjoy a late lunch at a nearby restaurant, The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time3:00 p.m.

Relax for the rest of the day or continue exploring the area independently.

Guests may enjoy a long walk along the waterfront, as there is an excellent pedestrian walkway in front of our hotel.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant, The Konkan Cafe

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Day 4: Sunday

October 25, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Depart for Mumbai's Airport

Departure10:00 a.m.

Meet in the lobby, with bags ready, and depart for Mumbai International Airport.

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Enjoy a light snack or lunch at the airport

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Flight to Udaipur

BOM
2:20 p.m.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai

UDR
3:50 p.m.
Maharana Pratap Airport
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Welcome to Udaipur!

Welcome to Udaipur, the enchanting “City of Lakes.” Nestled among the Aravalli Hills, the city is renowned for its stunning palaces, tranquil lakes, and rich royal heritage. Udaipur offers a romantic and timeless glimpse into the grandeur of Rajasthan.

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Check into the hotel

Check in5:30 p.m.

Check into our luxury hotel, The Trident
Enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy beautiful sunset views over the lake.

Day 5: Monday

October 26, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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City Palace

Time9:00 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart with a local guide for the City Palace of Udaipur, one of India’s most renowned royal residences.

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Lunch

Time12:00 p.m.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant, the Rainbow Restaurant

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Lake Pichola

Time1:30 p.m.

Experience a one-hour private boat cruise on the stunning Lake Pichola

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time3:30 p.m.

Relax for the rest of the day or continue exploring the area independently.

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Dinner

Time5:15 p.m.

Meet at the hotel’s Terrace Restaurant to enjoy an early dinner.

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Bagore Ki Haveli

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for Bagore Ki Haveli to attend a one-hour cultural performance celebrating traditional local arts.

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Return to the hotel

Time8:30 p.m.

If guests are still hungry, they may order dessert through room service.

Day 6: Tuesday

October 27, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Cooking Class

Time9:30 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and transfer to the cooking class venue for a hands-on session with a professional chef, where you will prepare authentic Rajasthani dishes and then enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created for lunch.

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Henna Workshop

Time2:00 p.m.

Join a private henna workshop at the hotel, where local artists will share the cultural significance of henna, demonstrate traditional techniques, and offer guests the option to have beautiful henna designs applied to their hands.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a rooftop restaurant for dinner.

Day 7: Wednesday

October 28, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Depart for Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur

Departure6:30 a.m.

Meet in the lobby, with bags ready, and depart for Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur

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Flight to Delhi

UDR
10:10 a.m.
Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur

DEL
11:50 a.m.
Indira Gandhi International Airport
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Welcome to Delhi!

Upon arrival in Delhi, meet our local guide and transfer to Agra by private coach.

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Lunch

Time1:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

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Check into the hotel

Check in4:00 p.m.

Arrive at your luxury hotel in Agra — either the Courtyard by Marriott Agra or the elegant ITC Mughal — both renowned for their refined hospitality, world-class amenities, and convenient access to the city’s iconic attractions.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet at the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 8: Thursday

October 29, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Taj Mahal

Time8:30 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart with our local guide for a guided tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal.

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Lunch

Time12:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at Bellevue Restaurant at the Oberoi Hotel, one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels.

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Agra Fort

Time2:00 p.m.

Continue our tour to Agra Fort, whose storied halls and shadowed courtyards form the dramatic backdrop for much of my novel, Beneath a Marble Sky.

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time4:00 p.m.

Relax for the rest of the day or continue exploring the area independently.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

After a busy day of sightseeing, we will gather for dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Anise.

Day 9: Friday

October 30, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Taj Mahal Handicraft

Time9:30 a.m.

Depart for a guided Taj Mahal Handicraft Walk.

This experience offers insight into the city’s traditional workshops, where artisans continue to produce exquisite handmade crafts.

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Lunch

Time12:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time2:30 p.m.

Relax for the rest of the day or continue exploring the area independently.

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Mehtab Bagh Sunset

Time5:00 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart with a local guide for Mehtab Bagh. From this point, across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, we will watch the sunset behind one of the world’s most famous sights.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Enjoy dinner at the highly acclaimed rooftop restaurant, The Mughal Room, celebrated for its refined cuisine and stunning views.

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Day 10: Saturday

October 31, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Depart for New Delhi

Departure8:30 a.m.

Meet in the lobby with your luggage and depart by private coach for New Delhi.

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Check into the hotel

Arrive at our five-star hotel, Le Méridien, located near the city center.

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Lunch

Time12:30 p.m.

Have lunch at the hotel, and check into rooms afterwards.

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Bicycle Rickshaw through Chandni Chowk Bazaar

Time2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through New Delhi's famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar.

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time4:00 p.m.

Relax for the rest of the day or continue exploring the area independently.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the lobby and walk to Sorrento, a nearby Italian restaurant known for its excellent cuisine.

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Day 11: Sunday

November 1, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Qutub Minar

Time9:30 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for Qutub Minar, one of the world’s tallest brick minarets, originally begun in 1192. Like many of the remarkable sites on our journey, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Lunch

Time12:30 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at Olive Bar & Kitchen, the hotel’s stylish restaurant known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your own pace - unwind by the pool or browse the nearby shops and galleries. Take this time to recharge before tomorrow’s big travel day.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to the nearby Tamra restaurant for a farewell dinner.

Day 12: Monday

November 2, 2026
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Tour with John Shors Travel officially concludes

Transportation to New Delhi International Airport (DEL) will be provided.

Please note that flights to America out of New Delhi leave at all hours. It will be possible to get a very early morning flight or a flight later in the day.

If you select a flight later in the day or evening, please note that you will need to check out of our hotel around 11 a.m., and will be responsible for your own activities until the time of your airport transfer.

Tour Details & Pricing

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All Inclusive Tour*

(*This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, etc.)

PRICE OF TOUR: 

  • $9,295 per person, based on double occupancy

  • $11,495 per person, based on single occupancy

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Accommodations at high-end hotels

  • All transportation, including flights, within India

  • All meals and non-alcoholic drinks

  • Fees (temples, tours, guides, etc.)

  • Cooking Class

  • Boat trip

  • All tips

 

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • International airfare to Mumbai and returning from New Delhi

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Activities during free times such as golf, spa, etc.

  • Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, phone charges, laundry, etc.

  • Charges incurred if guests arrive a day early or decide to remain in India after the tour ends

  • Cost of visa to India (guests will need to obtain visa prior to our trip)

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To reserve a spot for this tour a $2,000 deposit, per person, is due to John Shors Travel.

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Traveler Expectations

Before booking your slot, please ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to travel fully unassisted. This includes being able to:

  • Walk two or more miles per day, including on uneven surfaces

  • Go up and down steps and inclines

  • Stand for periods of time

  • Carry personal bags and luggage independently 

Have a look at our full “Traveler Expectations and Disclaimer” page here.

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Additional Note

Please note that some of the activities, restaurants, hotels, etc., noted in this itinerary may change over the coming months, but the quality of activities, restaurants, and hotels will remain the same.