Day One – Sunday 8th October
14:20 – depart London Heathrow on Emirates EK002 for Dubai

Day Two – Monday 9th October
00:20 – arrive Dubai
02:05 – depart Dubai on Emirates EK570 for Kolkata
08:15 – arrive Kolkata and meet your local, English-speaking Tour Manager 
Check into The Oberoi Grand 5* Hotel

Kolkata is famous for its people, culture, food, music, literature, and the movies. Known as the City of Joy and the intellectual capital of India, it was established by the British in 1690 and remained their capital until 1911. Many colonial features remain today, including trams, India’s first underground railway and plenty of Victorian architecture. Kolkata is also associated with most of India’s Noble Prize winners such as Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa.

Lunch at the hotel

Hoogly River cruise down to the Howrah Bridge, the unique cantilever Bridge across the river Ganga that joins the two metropolises of Kolkata and Howrah. You will also sail past the Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest in the world, and various heritage sites on the banks of the great river, including the historical point of arrival of Job Charnock, the House of Dolls, the Nimtolla Ghat, the oldest Gun and Shell Factory in India, and numerous temples and bathing ghats.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Three – Tuesday 10th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit to The Mother’s House - Missionaries of Charity, established by the Blessed Mother Teresa 

Lunch at the hotel

Afternoon at leisure or choose from three optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 – Marble Palace, Tagore House and Kumartuli

Option 2 – Adda with a poet, writer, and publisher

Option 3 – Local market, Cooking Demonstration and Bengali meal

Dinner at the hotel

Day Four – Wednesday 11th October
Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit to the 130-year-old Mullick Ghat Flower Market, the largest flower market in Kolkata, and one of the biggest in Asia, followed by a sightseeing tram ride around the city. 

Lunch at a local restaurant 

Afternoon at leisure or choose from three optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 – visit the Indian Museum

Option 2 – discover the Temples of Kolkata

Option 3 – Kolkata Food Walk with Tasting

Dinner at the hotel

Day Five – Thursday 12th October

Early morning - internal flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra. 

A local, English-speaking Tour Manager will meet you and you will all drive to Gangtok, stopping for lunch at the Lemon Tree Hotel on the outskirts of Siliguri. 

Early evening – arrive at Gangtok and check into Elgin Nor-Khill hotel. 

At an altitude of 1570m, the beautiful hill town of Gangtok became the capital of north-eastern state of Sikkim state in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. It is known for its scenic beauty and striking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Rich in thick green forests, Sikkim abounds in birds and butterflies, varieties of orchids, rhododendrons and wildflowers and magnificent views of the Himalayas. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries, and the unspoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique travelling experience.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Six – Friday 13th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit to Rumtek, the largest and wealthiest of Sikkim’s monasteries, followed by an Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation Workshop with a qualified instructor or Lama at Bamboo Retreat’s traditional prayer room. (Alternatively, you can opt to do a cooking class with the hotel chef instead in which you will be introduced to traditional styles of cooking using exotic ingredients. Pre-booking is required.)

After lunch, you will return to Gangtok for an afternoon at leisure or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 - visit Ray Mindu Village, known for its traditional food and handicraft centre

Option 2 - visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology & Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts

Dinner at the hotel

Day Seven – Saturday 14th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning excursion 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; however you will need to carry a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa, and a passport size photograph.)

13:00 – 14:45 – lunch at a local Gangtok restaurant, followed by a visit to a flower show at the White Hall complex.

Rest of the day at leisure or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 - visit to Do-Drul Chorten stupa and Tashi Viewpoint

Option 2 - visit to Tsuk-La-Khang and Enchey Monastery

Dinner at the hotel

Day Eight, Sunday 15th October

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Darjeeling where you will check into the heritage Mayfair Hotel. 

Darjeeling has been a popular hill station since the British established it in the mid-1800s. With its idyllic setting, exhilarating climate and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peak. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, bargain-hunting, and trekking.

Lunch at a local restaurant 

Afternoon at leisure or optional British-style afternoon tea at Windermere Hotel & Sustainability talk with Sunirmal Chakraborty. Please note, this carries an additional charge of £69p/p (minimum 2, maximum 6 people) and requires pre-booking.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Nine, Monday 24th April/16th October

Dawn excursion to Tiger Hill (2590m) to see the sunrise and its reflection on Kanchenjunga, India’s highest peak. (Weather permitting). 

Breakfast back at the hotel, followed by a Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom (India’s Highest railway station) where you will visit Ghoom monastery with its 15ft high gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha. 

Lunch at a local restaurant 

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Darjeeling. 

Dinner at Barddhaman Palace with the King (Pranab Ch. Mehatab) and Queen of Barddhaman.

Day 10 – Thursday 17th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit to Makaibari Tea Estate near Kurseong. The teas grown on the misty heights of this area are known as the ‘Champagne of Tea’

You can travel by coach or you opt to take the Toy Train Please note, if you are interested in this option, you will need to let us know before you leave the UK.

Lunch at Cochrane Place in the foothills of the Himalayas then drive back to Darjeeling for a tea tasting session at a local tea shop.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure or choose from two optional experiences for the afternoon. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge

Option 1 - Meet Mr. Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of world famous Tenzing Norgay (Please note, this is provisional at the moment. Mr. Jamling Tenzing’s availability will be confirmed nearer the time.)

Option 2 - Meet a veteran Gurkha Soldier of the British Army

Dinner at the hotel

Day 11 – Wednesday 18th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning excursion to the Singalila National Park area where you will explore this hilly area in an Old Model Private Number Land Rover (1953-54 model).

Lunch at a local Darjeeling restaurant 

Rest of the day at leisure or chose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge 

Option 1 - Heritage walk of Darjeeling with an expert photographer

Option 2 - visit the Tomb of Alexander Cosma De Karos

Dinner at the hotel

Day 12 – Thursday 19th October

Early morning flight from Bagdogra to Kolkata where you will mee your local, English-speaking Tour Guide. 

Check in to The Oberoi Grand Hotel 5*and enjoy at the rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 13 – Friday 20th October

Breakfast at the hotel

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

Dinner at the hotel 

Day 14 – Saturday 21st October

Early morning check-out and travel to Kolkata airport to board flight for London / onwards destination. 
09:45 – depart Kolkata by Emirates EK571
13:10 - arrive: Dubai    
15:45 – depart Dubai by Emirates EK005
20:15 – arrive London Heathrow

/Tour Ends/
 

Outbound : Sunday 8th October
Depart London Heathrow T3 14:20 by Emirates EK002
Monday 9th October
Arrive Dubai 00:20
Flight time 7 hours
Depart Dubai 02:05 by Emirates EK570
Arrive Kolkata 08:15
Flight time 4hours 40minutes

Internal flight – Day Five Thursday 12th October
10:05 – depart Kolkata by Indigo 6E205 
11:15 – arrive Bagdogra IXB
Flight time 1hour 10minutes
Internal flight – Day 12 19th October
11:50 – depart Bagdogra IXB by Indigo 6E6175 
12:55 – arrive Kolkata 
Fight time 1hour 5 minutes

Inbound – Saturday Saturday 21st October
Depart Kolkata 09:45 by Emirates EK570
Arrive Dubai 13:10
Flight time 4hours 55minutes
Depart Dubai 15:45 by Emirates EK005
Arrive London Heathrow T3 20:15
Flight time 7hours 30minutes

 

Economy seat  
Cabin baggage – 1x carry-on bag max 7kg up to 55x38x20cm; 1x checked bag max 30kg up to total dimensions 300cm

Please enquire about upgrades - costs and availability 
 

Kolkata

Oberoi Grand 5*  An icon on the landscape of Kolkata for more than a century, this hotel has a reputation for taking care of its guests that befits the best hotel in Kolkata. The sense of calm that pervades the outdoor space is carried   into the classically appointed rooms and suites that encircle the courtyard. Fine dining spaces, and a spa ensure that all your needs are covered.

Gangtok

Elgin Nor-Khill Located in the heart of Gangtok town, 5,000 feet up in the Himalayas, this Heritage Hotel and Spa celebrates the elegance and grace of Kings era in Sikkim. The word “Nor-Khill” translates to the “house of jewels” - the jewels being the surrounding mountains, valleys, flowers, and fruits. The Kanchen garden in the hotel used to be a favourite spot of the Chogyal (King of Sikkim). Each of the 25 deluxe rooms and suites, is a taste of luxury and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayas from the windows.

Darjeeling

Mayfair Hotel 5* Mayfair Darjeeling ranks as one of the best luxury hill resorts in India. Exuding old world charm and quiet elegance, it strikes the perfect balance between old and new. You will wake up to birdsong and the greenery and crisp mountain air will refresh your senses. Dining options include a grand buffet restaurant serving some of the best food in town, and an English bar with lovely sunset views. Facilities include an excellent spa, a well-equipped gym, a state-of-the-art banquet hall, and a lovely library.