• Return British Airways flights from London Heathrow*
• 12x nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
• 10x lunches
• All transfers, entrance fees, sightseeing visits, and excursions as listed in the itinerary
• Toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom (please note that this is not air-conditioned)
• Forest permits for India 
• Services of a local English-speaking guide in Kolkata and Indian tour manager (Day 2 to Day 12)
• Assistance on arrival and departure at airports
• All taxes, fees and gratuities
• 2x 500ml bottle of mineral water per day

*Please note, you can also opt to arrange your own travel and join the tour in Kolkata

Day One

14:25 – depart London Heathrow on British Airways flight BA0277 for Hyderabad

Day Two 

05:20 - arrive at Hyderabad

08:15 - depart Hyderabad on Indigo flight BA7952 for Kolkata

10:25 - arrive at Kolkata Airport. You will meet your Tour Manager at the terminal exit and transfer to your hotel, Taj Bengal 5* for breakfast and a morning at leisure. You will then enjoy lunch at the hotel before check-in.

Kolkata is renowned for its vibrant people, rich culture, distinctive cuisine, music, literature, and cinema. Nicknamed the ‘City of Joy’ and widely regarded as India’s intellectual capital, Kolkata’s recorded history began in 1690, with the arrival of the East India Company, who designated Kolkata as the capital until 1911. Remnants of the colonial era are still visible today - in its trams, India’s first underground railway, and grand Victorian architecture. Kolkata also has strong ties to many of India’s Nobel laureates, including Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa.

Afternoon - experience the beauty of a Kolkata sunset from the River Ganges on a serene boat ride to the Belur Math temple. Your journey will take you past many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and the onboard guide will share stories and fascinating insights as you go. Snacks are served onboard and the experience includes a visit to Belur Math.

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Three 

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning - visit St Paul’s Cathedral, noted for its Gothic architecture and reputed to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. Then visit to the iconic Victoria Memorial.before heading to The Mother’s House - Missionaries of Charity, established by the Blessed Mother Teresa. The last stop is South Street Cemetery.

Lunch at the Elgin Fairlawn, a colonial-era style hotel built by William Ford in 1783 on land he purchased from Sheikh Ramjan and Bhonay. Since then, the building has been shaped by the hands and minds of generations of families whose memorabilia is still here, contributing to its unique heritage

Afternoon - Visit the Botanical Gardens, a serene sanctuary amidst the bustle of Kolkata, threaded with lakes that flow into the Ganges. At its heart stands the legendary Great Banyan Tree (over 250 years old!), its vast canopy, supported by hundreds of aerial roots like natural columns, spreading across more than 4 acres: a living forest in the form of a single tree.

Late afternoon - at leisure or take part in the optional excursion:

Optional excursion: Visit a local market, followed by a cooking demonstration and Bengali meal

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Four 

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning - visit the elegant James Prinsep Memorial, a colonial-era Palladian porch honouring the renowned scholar. Continue to the 130-year-old Mullick Ghat Flower Market, the largest in Kolkata and one of the biggest in Asia before exploring Kumartuli, the famed Potters’ Colony where intricate clay idols are crafted for Hindu festivals and export. Drive past Dalhousie Square with its grand colonial architecture.

Lunch at the Glenburn Penthouse, a discreet, elegant residence known for its exquisite collection of antique Bengal colonial furniture and artworks and spectacular views of historic Kolkata.

Afternoon - at leisure or take part in the optional excursion:

Optional excursion: Kolkata food walk with tasting

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Five 

Breakfast at the hotel and check out

09:50 - depart Kolkata airport on AirIndia Express flight IX1595 for Bagdogra

11:05 - arrive at Bagdogra Airport and begin your journey towards Gangtok. We will stop en route at the Lemon Tree Hotelfor lunch surrounded by greenergy and tea gardens. 

Afternoon - drive on to Darjeeling where we will you check into The Elgin Nor-Khill

Nestled in an idyllic setting with a refreshing climate and stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling has a long history, even before becoming a popular hill station during British colonial times in the mid-1800s. The region is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, vibrant Buddhist monasteries, expansive tea plantations, bustling markets ideal for bargain-hunting, and scenic trekking routes.

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Six 

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning - visit Rumtek Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Sikkim, followed by a simple lunch in local style at Bamboo Retreat

Afternoon - return to Gangtok for an afternoon at leisure or choose from two optional experiences:

Option 1: visit Ray Mindu Village, known for its traditional food and handicraft centre
Option 2: visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Seven 

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit to Lake Tsomgo, part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape. (Please note, as this lake is located in a restricted area, all nationals must obtain special permits. Your guide will arrange these.) 

Return to Gangtok for lunch at the hotel followed by a visit to the Orchidarium. Recently re-opened following renovation, this tranquil oasis celebrates the diversity and beauty of orchids.

Afternoon -  at leisure or choose from two optional experiences:

Option 1: visit to Do-Drul Chorten stupa and Tashi Viewpoint
Option 2: visit to Tsuk-La-Khang and Enchey Monastery

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Eight

Breakfast at the hotel and check out, transferring to Darjeeling.

Nestled in an idyllic setting with a refreshing climate and stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling has a long history, even before becoming a popular hill station during British colonial times in the mid-1800s. The region is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, vibrant Buddhist monasteries, expansive tea plantations, bustling markets ideal for bargain-hunting, and scenic trekking routes.

Lunch at The Elgin Hotel, where you will also be staying.  

Afternoon - enjoy a sustainability talk with a renowned Darjeeling personality

Dinner at the hotel

Day Nine

Rise early for an excursion to Tiger Hill, where, as dawn approaches, the horizon gradually shifts in colour before Kanchenjunga - India's highest peak - and the surrounding Himalayan range are bathed in golden light (weather permitting). If you would rather not go up Tiger Hill, you can choose to walk from the hotel to a viewpoint near the hotel from where you will be able to see the sunrise.

Return to the hotel for breakfast

Morning - enjoy a nostalgic toy train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom, India’s highest railway station, where you will visit Ghoom Monastery, home to a 15ft-tall gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

Lunch at a hotel in Darjeeling

Afternoon - embark on a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling to learn about this history city. During the tour, you'll visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where you can see equipment used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay during his summit. Next, enjoy a visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to a range of Himalayan animals, including the red panda, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan yak, Himalayan black bear, and various bird species. The final stop is the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, established in 1959 following the arrival of Tibetan refugees who fled with the Dalai Lama. Run by the Tibetan community, the centre focuses on the preservation of traditional handicrafts, such as leather work, paintings and woodwork.

Evening - return to the hotel for dinner 

Day Ten

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning - explore the Happy Valley Tea Estate on the misty hills near Darjeeling where the world famous teas are grown. Mild in character, Darjeeling teas are known as the 'Champagne of Tea'. You will see the various stages of tea manufacture and enjoy a tasting session.

Lunch with a local family - Mr. Uday Mani Pradhan, former District Governor of the Rotary Club and a respected lecturer at a renowned Darjeeling college, will warmly welcome you with a traditional khata (scarf). Enjoy an informal conversation about the city and its local customs as you savour tea and coffee accompanied by authentic Nepali snacks. Your hosts will introduce you to the rich flavours of Nepali cuisine, followed by the opportunity to taste the delicious dishes you've just discovered.

Afternoon - at leisure 

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Eleven

Early breakfast at the hotel 

Morning - Transfer to Singalila National Park, entering through the Manebhanjan checkpost and exploring this hilly landscape in an Old Model Private Number Land Rover (1953-54 model - if available). We will stop for lunch at a local lodge/homestay in Tumling, the entry point for the national park, followed by some free time to explore at your leisure.
 
Afternoon - return to Manebhanjan by modern Land Rover (if available), then return to Darjeeling

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Twelve

Early breakfast at the hotel, check out and head to Bagdogra airport for your flight to Kolkata

11:40 - depart Bagdogra on AirIndia Express flight IX1596

12:55 - arrive at Kolkata airport and transfer to your hotel, the Taj Bengal

Remainder of your day at leisure

Evening - dinner at the hotel

Day Thirteen

Breakfast at the hotel

A day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax by the swimming pool or pamper yourself in the hotel spa.

Evening - dinner at the hotel 

Day Fourteen

Early check out and transfer to Kolkata airport to catch flight home

07:05 - depart on Air India flight AI2644 for Mumbai 

09:55 - arrive Mumbai

13:10  - depart on British Airways flight BA0198 for London

18:15 - arrive at London Heathrow

 

Tour Ends

Read more about our optional excursions and visits below in "Deeper Dive" section

Kolkata: The Taj Bengal 5* - 5x nights (3x nights at start of tour & 2x nights at the end of the tour)

The Taj Bengal is a landmark hotel in the Alipore neighbourhood of the city. It is surrounded by lush greenery, but is also within walking distance of Kolkata’s most prominent landmarks. The five-storied marble and stone atrium features dramatic lighting, priceless art and a tapestry of textures and colours that define contemporary elegance. Fine dining spaces, and a spa ensure that all your needs are covered.

 

 

Gangtok: Elgin Nor-Khill - 3x nights

The Elgin Nor-Khill is perched 5,000 feet above sea level in the heart of Gangtok. A distinguished Heritage Hotel and Spa that captures the elegance and grandeur of Sikkim’s royal era. The name “Nor-Khill” means “House of Jewels,” a tribute to the natural treasures that surround it—snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, vibrant flowers, and abundant fruits. Each of the 25 deluxe rooms and suites is thoughtfull designed to reflect timeless luxury, with sweeping views of the majestic Himalayas from the windows.

 

 

Darjeeling: The Elgin Hotel - 4x nights

Over 125 years old and once the summer residence of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, the Elgin Hotel Darjeeling is very much a part of Darjeeling’s colonial history. Located in the majestic Himalayan range, it is a celebration of the elegance and grace of the era in the Queen of Hill Stations.

 

 

Outbound flights

Day One

14:25 – depart London Heathrow on British Airways flight BA0277 to Hyderabad

05:20 - arrive at Hyderabad

Flight time: 9 hours 25 min

Day Two 

08:15 - depart Hyderabad on Indigo flight BA7952 for Kolkata

10:25 - arrive at Kolkata Airport.

Flight time: 2 hours10 minutes

 

Internal flights

Day Five

09:50 - depart Kolkata on AirIndia Express flight IX1595 for Bagdogra

11:05 - arrive at Bagdogra airport

Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Day Twelve

11:40 - depart Bagdogra on AirIndia Express flight IX1596 for Kolkata

12.55 - arrive at Kolkata airport

Flight time: 1 hour 5 minutes

 

Inbound flights

07:05 - depart Kolkata on AirIndia flight AI2644 for Mumbai

09:55 - arrive Mumbai

Flight time: 2 hours 50 minutes

13:10 - depart Mumbai on British Airways flight BA0198 for London

18:15 - arrive at London Heathrow 

Flight time: 10 hours 35 minutes

 

Luggage Allowance:

BA Economy Flight includes:

• 1 x 23kg checked bags up to 90x75x43cm
• 1 x cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm
• 1 x handbag /laptop bag

 

Air India Economy includes:

• 1x 25kg checked bag up to 158cm combined dimensions
• 1x 8kg cabin bag up to 55x35x25cm

 

IndiGo Economy includes

• 1 x 23kg checked bags up to 90x75x43cm
• 1 x cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm
• 1 x handbag /laptop bag