Chef tour

DA

Detailed itinerary

  • Day 1 – Delhi: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Royal Plaza for a 2-night stay. (N)
  • Day 2 – Delhi: This morning, on a tour of Old Delhi, you will delve into a maze of crowded streets and thronging markets inside the ancient walled city, see the spectacular Red Fort and stroll along vibrant Chandni Chowk. Colourful silk saris adorn store fronts and the fragrance of local spices fills the air. You will discover the diversity of Indian flavours as you wander through the narrow lanes on a street food journey: fresh samosas sizzle in pans of boiling hot oil and parathas cook on hot grills. The sweeter tooth is also catered for with an array of sugary delights including creamy kulfi, gulab jamun and jalebi. Next, pay a visit to the Jama Masjid mosque with its impressive marble domes, and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The morning ends with lunch at Andhra Bhawana, a bustling canteen that specialises in the south-eastern Indian food from Andhra Pradesh. In the afternoon, join a tour of New Delhi and drive through the British built boulevards and lush green parks. See the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both reminders of a colonial past. Continue to the ancient Qutb Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. This evening, enjoy a taste of traditional cooking in a private home. Your hosts will show you how to cook favourite dishes before a family dinner. (B, L, D)
  • Day 3 – To Agra: Board the early morning Shatabadi Express train bound for Agra. On arrival, transfer to the Wyndham Grand Hotel for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the life of his favourite wife, Mumtaz. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, it is a truly breathtaking sight. A visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort is also included. As you wander through the chambers, take time to stop at elaborate archways for superb views of the Taj Mahal. Dinner this evening is at Peshawri, a restaurant specialising in Mughali cuisine and dishes from the Northwest Frontier. Succulent kebabs and a range of Indian breads are house specialities. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Look out for typical Delhi street food, such as chaat papdi: a fried wafer topped with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chilli.
  • Day 4 – To Jaipur: Make an early morning visit to Mehtab Bagh, a 400-year-old Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna river. As the sun rises over the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is resplendent in the changing hues. Once the sun is up, leave Agra for the drive to Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted sandstone city was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and took 15 years to complete. Continue to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, for a 3-night stay at the Hotel Diggi Palace. Dhruv joins you this evening for a visit to the City Palace, still the official residence of the maharaja. Take a tour of some of the private rooms before an introduction to the traditional thali (meal), which will be served at a dinner inside the palace. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: A train journey is always an adventure in India. Soak up the atmosphere at the station where local vendors sell samosas and small boys serve chai from huge silver kettles to the crowds of travellers.
  • Day 5 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you today. Discover more of the city, where all buildings here are painted pink by the maharaja’s decree, on a tour this morning. Revisit the City Palace and view the Mughal treasures in the museum, then visit Jantar Mantar, an incredibly accurate observatory that was built in the 18th century. An explosion of noise and colour greets you at the bazaar; an adventure for all the senses. Fragrant cinnamon, cloves and cardamom overflow from canvas bags, street vendors sell sticky sweetmeats, chai stalls serve glasses of steaming hot tea and local women haggle for glittering bangles and saris in every vibrant shade. Visits will be made to other local markets and Dhruv will introduce you to some of the typical ingredients and local produce used in everyday Rajasthani regional cooking. This evening, visit Naila Bagh, a 19th-century palace owned by the Naila family, your hosts for the evening. Dhruv, accompanied by the palace chef, will demonstrate how to create local dishes before dinner is served. Local dishes such as gata, a traditional dumpling, and papal kisabazi, a fragrant vegetable curry, may be on the menu. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Ask Dhruv for his favourite thali dishes and top tips on how to recreate these in your own kitchen.
  • Day 6 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you this morning. Stop at the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds before driving to the spectacular Amber Fort. This 17th-century stronghold stands high above the parched desert below. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. Lunch will be served amid the opulent surroundings of 1135AD, a restaurant within the Amber Fort that specialises in recreating Rajasthani dishes of a bygone era. Dhruv and the restaurant chef will also give a cookery demonstration. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Jaipur is a top spot for shopping, particularly for the distinctive blue ceramics and richly coloured textiles.
  • Day 7 – To Delhi: Drive to Delhi via the beautiful Samode Palace, a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A short tour will be followed by lunch (optional). Continue to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Royal Plaza. (B)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Catch the latest Bollywood movie at the atmospheric and lavishly decorated Rajminder cinema.
  • Day 8 – Depart Delhi:In the morning, transfer to the airport. (B).Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No mealsExtensions: If you wish to extend your stay or visit other parts of India, please contact us for details. 
Meal basis

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

Extensions

To extend your holiday, please click on the tab above for details.

Detailed itinerary

  • Day1 – Delhi: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Royal Plaza for a 2-night stay. (N)
  • Day1 – Delhi: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Royal Plaza for a 2-night stay. (N)
  • Day 2 – Delhi: This morning, on a tour of Old Delhi, you will delve into a maze of crowded streets and thronging markets inside the ancient walled city, see the spectacular Red Fort and stroll along vibrant Chandni Chowk. Colourful silk saris adorn store fronts and the fragrance of local spices fills the air. You will discover the diversity of Indian flavours as you wander through the narrow lanes on a street food journey: fresh samosas sizzle in pans of boiling hot oil and parathas cook on hot grills. The sweeter tooth is also catered for with an array of sugary delights including creamy kulfi, gulab jamun and jalebi. Next, pay a visit to the Jama Masjid mosque with its impressive marble domes, and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The morning ends with lunch at Andhra Bhawana, a bustling canteen that specialises in the south-eastern Indian food from Andhra Pradesh. In the afternoon, join a tour of New Delhi and drive through the British built boulevards and lush green parks. See the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both reminders of a colonial past. Continue to the ancient Qutb Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. This evening, enjoy a taste of traditional cooking in a private home. Your hosts will show you how to cook favourite dishes before a family dinner. (B, L, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip:Look out for typical Delhi street food, such as chaat papdi: a fried wafer topped with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chilli. 
  • Day 2 – Delhi: This morning, on a tour of Old Delhi, you will delve into a maze of crowded streets and thronging markets inside the ancient walled city, see the spectacular Red Fort and stroll along vibrant Chandni Chowk. Colourful silk saris adorn store fronts and the fragrance of local spices fills the air. You will discover the diversity of Indian flavours as you wander through the narrow lanes on a street food journey: fresh samosas sizzle in pans of boiling hot oil and parathas cook on hot grills. The sweeter tooth is also catered for with an array of sugary delights including creamy kulfi, gulab jamun and jalebi. Next, pay a visit to the Jama Masjid mosque with its impressive marble domes, and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The morning ends with lunch at Andhra Bhawana, a bustling canteen that specialises in the south-eastern Indian food from Andhra Pradesh. In the afternoon, join a tour of New Delhi and drive through the British built boulevards and lush green parks. See the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both reminders of a colonial past. Continue to the ancient Qutb Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. This evening, enjoy a taste of traditional cooking in a private home. Your hosts will show you how to cook favourite dishes before a family dinner. (B, L, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip:Look out for typical Delhi street food, such as chaat papdi: a fried wafer topped with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chilli. 
  • Day 3 – To Agra: Board the early morning Shatabadi Express train bound for Agra. On arrival, transfer to the Wyndham Grand Hotel for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the life of his favourite wife, Mumtaz. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, it is a truly breathtaking sight. A visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort is also included. As you wander through the chambers, take time to stop at elaborate archways for superb views of the Taj Mahal. Dinner this evening is at Peshawri, a restaurant specialising in Mughali cuisine and dishes from the Northwest Frontier. Succulent kebabs and a range of Indian breads are house specialities. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: A train journey is always an adventure in India. Soak up the atmosphere at the station where local vendors sell samosas and small boys serve chai from huge silver kettles to the crowds of travellers.
  • Day 3 – To Agra: Board the early morning Shatabadi Express train bound for Agra. On arrival, transfer to the Wyndham Grand Hotel for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the life of his favourite wife, Mumtaz. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, it is a truly breathtaking sight. A visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort is also included. As you wander through the chambers, take time to stop at elaborate archways for superb views of the Taj Mahal. Dinner this evening is at Peshawri, a restaurant specialising in Mughali cuisine and dishes from the Northwest Frontier. Succulent kebabs and a range of Indian breads are house specialities. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: A train journey is always an adventure in India. Soak up the atmosphere at the station where local vendors sell samosas and small boys serve chai from huge silver kettles to the crowds of travellers.
  • Day 4 – To Jaipur: Make an early morning visit to Mehtab Bagh, a 400-year-old Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna river. As the sun rises over the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is resplendent in the changing hues. Once the sun is up, leave Agra for the drive to Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted sandstone city was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and took 15 years to complete. Continue to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, for a 3-night stay at the Hotel Diggi Palace. Dhruv joins you this evening for a visit to the City Palace, still the official residence of the maharaja. Take a tour of some of the private rooms before an introduction to the traditional thali (meal), which will be served at a dinner inside the palace. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Ask Dhruv for his favourite thali dishes and top tips on how to recreate these in your own kitchen.
  • Day 4 – To Jaipur: Make an early morning visit to Mehtab Bagh, a 400-year-old Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna river. As the sun rises over the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is resplendent in the changing hues. Once the sun is up, leave Agra for the drive to Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted sandstone city was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and took 15 years to complete. Continue to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, for a 3-night stay at the Hotel Diggi Palace. Dhruv joins you this evening for a visit to the City Palace, still the official residence of the maharaja. Take a tour of some of the private rooms before an introduction to the traditional thali (meal), which will be served at a dinner inside the palace. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Ask Dhruv for his favourite thali dishes and top tips on how to recreate these in your own kitchen.
  • Day 5 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you today. Discover more of the city, where all buildings here are painted pink by the maharaja’s decree, on a tour this morning. Revisit the City Palace and view the Mughal treasures in the museum, then visit Jantar Mantar, an incredibly accurate observatory that was built in the 18th century. An explosion of noise and colour greets you at the bazaar; an adventure for all the senses. Fragrant cinnamon, cloves and cardamom overflow from canvas bags, street vendors sell sticky sweetmeats, chai stalls serve glasses of steaming hot tea and local women haggle for glittering bangles and saris in every vibrant shade. Visits will be made to other local markets and Dhruv will introduce you to some of the typical ingredients and local produce used in everyday Rajasthani regional cooking. This evening, visit Naila Bagh, a 19th-century palace owned by the Naila family, your hosts for the evening. Dhruv, accompanied by the palace chef, will demonstrate how to create local dishes before dinner is served. Local dishes such as gata, a traditional dumpling, and papal kisabazi, a fragrant vegetable curry, maybe on the menu. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Jaipur is a top spot for shopping, particularly for the distinctive blue ceramics and richly coloured textiles.
  • Day 5 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you today. Discover more of the city, where all buildings here are painted pink by the maharaja’s decree, on a tour this morning. Revisit the City Palace and view the Mughal treasures in the museum, then visit Jantar Mantar, an incredibly accurate observatory that was built in the 18th century. An explosion of noise and colour greets you at the bazaar; an adventure for all the senses. Fragrant cinnamon, cloves and cardamom overflow from canvas bags, street vendors sell sticky sweetmeats, chai stalls serve glasses of steaming hot tea and local women haggle for glittering bangles and saris in every vibrant shade. Visits will be made to other local markets and Dhruv will introduce you to some of the typical ingredients and local produce used in everyday Rajasthani regional cooking. This evening, visit Naila Bagh, a 19th-century palace owned by the Naila family, your hosts for the evening. Dhruv, accompanied by the palace chef, will demonstrate how to create local dishes before dinner is served. Local dishes such as gata, a traditional dumpling, and papal kisabazi, a fragrant vegetable curry, maybe on the menu. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Jaipur is a top spot for shopping, particularly for the distinctive blue ceramics and richly coloured textiles.
  • Day 6 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you this morning. Stop at the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds before driving to the spectacular Amber Fort. This 17th-century stronghold stands high above the parched desert below. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. Lunch will be served amid the opulent surroundings of 1135AD, a restaurant within the Amber Fort that specialises in recreating Rajasthani dishes of a bygone era. Dhruv and the restaurant chef will also give a cookery demonstration. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Catch the latest Bollywood movie at the atmospheric and lavishly decorated Rajminder cinema.
  • Day 6 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you this morning. Stop at the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds before driving to the spectacular Amber Fort. This 17th-century stronghold stands high above the parched desert below. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. Lunch will be served amid the opulent surroundings of 1135AD, a restaurant within the Amber Fort that specialises in recreating Rajasthani dishes of a bygone era. Dhruv and the restaurant chef will also give a cookery demonstration. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Catch the latest Bollywood movie at the atmospheric and lavishly decorated Rajminder cinema.
  • Day 7 – To Jodphur and Rohet: Depart Jaipur for the full day’s drive to Rohet. En route, stop at Jodphur and visit the red sandstone Mehrangarh Fortress, which rises out from a towering rock face high above the sprawling blue-washed houses of the city, and Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in memory of a former maharaja and an architectural landmark. Continue to Rohet for a 2-night stay at Rohetgarh. The majestic setting and ancient ramparts of this old fort capture the spirit of Rajasthan. Rohetgarh is still a home, now lived in by the ruling family of the town. (B)
  • Day 7 – To Jodphur and Rohet: Depart Jaipur for the full day’s drive to Rohet. En route, stop at Jodphur and visit the red sandstone Mehrangarh Fortress, which rises out from a towering rock face high above the sprawling blue-washed houses of the city, and Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in memory of a former maharaja and an architectural landmark. Continue to Rohet for a 2-night stay at Rohetgarh. The majestic setting and ancient ramparts of this old fort capture the spirit of Rajasthan. Rohetgarh is still a home, now lived in by the ruling family of the town. (B)
  • Day 8 – Rohet: This morning, take a 4×4 safari with picnic lunch to the Bishnoi tribal villages. This unique experience encompasses all that this fascinating region has to offer. Begin by meeting the warm and hospitable Bishnoi people and hearing about their customs and ceremonies. Then, learn about their special relationship with the wildlife, especially the rare black buck antelopes, which they have helped to preserve, and spend some time with local shepherds, farmers and weavers. Take the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings of this heritage property. The late Thakurani Sahiba Jayendra Kumari, the former lady of the house, began the now famous culinary workshops at Rohetgarh. Today her legacy is carried on by her daughter in-law, Rashmi Singh. This evening, join Rashmi for an interactive demonstration of traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes followed by a dinner of what you have prepared. (B, L, D)
  • Day 8 – Rohet: This morning, take a 4×4 safari with picnic lunch to the Bishnoi tribal villages. This unique experience encompasses all that this fascinating region has to offer. Begin by meeting the warm and hospitable Bishnoi people and hearing about their customs and ceremonies. Then, learn about their special relationship with the wildlife, especially the rare black buck antelopes, which they have helped to preserve, and spend some time with local shepherds, farmers and weavers. Take the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings of this heritage property. The late Thakurani Sahiba Jayendra Kumari, the former lady of the house, began the now famous culinary workshops at Rohetgarh. Today her legacy is carried on by her daughter in-law, Rashmi Singh. This evening, join Rashmi for an interactive demonstration of traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes followed by a dinner of what you have prepared. (B, L, D)
  • Day 9 – To Udaipur: Drive south to Udaipur, visiting the vast and exquisite marble Jain temple at Ranakpur en route. Optionally, have lunch at the historic Fateghbagh Heritage Hotel. In the afternoon, continue to Udaipur for a 2-night stay at the LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace. (B)
  • Day 9 – To Udaipur: Drive south to Udaipur, visiting the vast and exquisite marble Jain temple at Ranakpur en route. Optionally, have lunch at the historic Fateghbagh Heritage Hotel. In the afternoon, continue to Udaipur for a 2-night stay at the LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace. (B)
  • Day 10 – Udaipur: This morning you will see all the highlights of this beautiful city. Start with a visit to the City Palace Museum, where you will step into the marble courtyards and look out through the ornate windows to Lake Pichola below. Continue to the Jagdish Temple with its superb carvings and travel to the outskirts of Udaipur to the unique surroundings of Devra House set amid lush countryside. An interactive cooking demonstration will be followed by lunch with your hosts. Learn how to make traditional daal, chapatis and a selection of other vegetarian and meat dishes. After lunch, relax and enjoy the spectacular views across the lake and city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
  • Day 10 – Udaipur: This morning you will see all the highlights of this beautiful city. Start with a visit to the City Palace Museum, where you will step into the marble courtyards and look out through the ornate windows to Lake Pichola below. Continue to the Jagdish Temple with its superb carvings and travel to the outskirts of Udaipur to the unique surroundings of Devra House set amid lush countryside. An interactive cooking demonstration will be followed by lunch with your hosts. Learn how to make traditional daal, chapatis and a selection of other vegetarian and meat dishes. After lunch, relax and enjoy the spectacular views across the lake and city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
  • Day 11 – To Delhi:Transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi.Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No mealsExtensions: If you wish to extend your stay or visit other parts of India, please contact us for details. 
  • Day 11 – To Delhi:Transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi.Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No mealsExtensions: If you wish to extend your stay or visit other parts of India, please contact us for details. 
Meal basis

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

Extensions

etailed itinerary

  • Day 1 – Delhi: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Royal Plaza for a 2-night stay. (N)
  • Day 2 – Delhi: This morning, on a tour of Old Delhi, you will delve into a maze of crowded streets and thronging markets inside the ancient walled city, see the spectacular Red Fort and stroll along vibrant Chandni Chowk. Colourful silk saris adorn store fronts and the fragrance of local spices fills the air. You will discover the diversity of Indian flavours as you wander through the narrow lanes on a street food journey: fresh samosas sizzle in pans of boiling hot oil and parathas cook on hot grills. The sweeter tooth is also catered for with an array of sugary delights including creamy kulfi, gulab jamun and jalebi. Next, pay a visit to the Jama Masjid mosque with its impressive marble domes, and Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The morning ends with lunch at Andhra Bhawana, a bustling canteen that specialises in the south-eastern Indian food from Andhra Pradesh. In the afternoon, join a tour of New Delhi and drive through the British built boulevards and lush green parks. See the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House, both reminders of a colonial past. Continue to the ancient Qutb Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. This evening, enjoy a taste of traditional cooking in a private home. Your hosts will show you how to cook favourite dishes before a family dinner. (B, L, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Look out for typical Delhi street food, such as chaat papdi: a fried wafer topped with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chilli.
  • Day 3 – To Kolkata: Morning flight to Kolkata. Transfer to the Hyatt Regency for a 2-night stay. Kolkata has always inspired passionate views. To some, it is an extraordinarily vibrant city and the proud intellectual capital of India. To others, it has been and remains a centre of poverty. Kolkata is a veritable microcosm of India. The character of the city, which remained the capital of British India for nearly 140 years, has been shaped by the British Raj. Bengalis are renowned for their love of good food and lunch at Aaheli is the perfect introduction. Try dishes from both east and west Bengal at this atmospheric restaurant. The basis for many dishes is the local mustard seed oil and panch phoroi, a blend of five spices. This afternoon, take a tour of the city. Many colonial buildings remain in Kolkata and among the most famous is the Victoria Memorial, planned by Viceroy Curzon and often referred to as the British Taj Mahal. Take a walk along College Street, one of the world’s oldest educational institutions and visit College Street Coffee House, a converted lecture hall famed for its student life and endless discussions, in Bengali known as adda. Balance of the day at leisure. (B, L)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Visit the former home of Mother Theresa, now a museum known as the Motherhouse
  • Day 3 – To Kolkata: Morning flight to Kolkata. Transfer to the Hyatt Regency for a 2-night stay. Kolkata has always inspired passionate views. To some, it is an extraordinarily vibrant city and the proud intellectual capital of India. To others, it has been and remains a centre of poverty. Kolkata is a veritable microcosm of India. The character of the city, which remained the capital of British India for nearly 140 years, has been shaped by the British Raj. Bengalis are renowned for their love of good food and lunch at Aaheli is the perfect introduction. Try dishes from both east and west Bengal at this atmospheric restaurant. The basis for many dishes is the local mustard seed oil and panch phoroi, a blend of five spices. This afternoon, take a tour of the city. Many colonial buildings remain in Kolkata and among the most famous is the Victoria Memorial, planned by Viceroy Curzon and often referred to as the British Taj Mahal. Take a walk along College Street, one of the world’s oldest educational institutions and visit College Street Coffee House, a converted lecture hall famed for its student life and endless discussions, in Bengali known as adda. Balance of the day at leisure. (B, L)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Visit the former home of Mother Theresa, now a museum known as the Motherhouse
  • Day 4 – Kolkata: Morning visit to the bustling Mullik Ghat flower market where bright yellow and orange flowers overflow from sacks and the calls of the vendors auctioning their stock fills the streets. All of this takes place in the shadow of the Howrah Bridge, one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world. A cruise on the Hooghly river, a tributary of the Ganges, completes the morning. This afternoon, explore the maze of stalls in New Market where just about everything is for sale. This is the place to discover the diverse street food of Kolkata and watch the chefs of the streets in action as they prepare samosas, kebabs and pakoras. Much of the Jewish influence of the city has faded away but Nahoum’s, a Jewish bakery, is still as popular as ever and renowned for moist lemon cakes and rich cheesecakes. Kewpies Kitchen was started in the converted garage of the home of Minakshie Dasgupta and his two daughters as a homage to his late wife. Dinner is included here. Bengali dishes are individually served in a set order and flavours are balanced by course. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Kolkata is the place to buy jute bags and mats.
  • Day 4 – Kolkata: Morning visit to the bustling Mullik Ghat flower market where bright yellow and orange flowers overflow from sacks and the calls of the vendors auctioning their stock fills the streets. All of this takes place in the shadow of the Howrah Bridge, one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world. A cruise on the Hooghly river, a tributary of the Ganges, completes the morning. This afternoon, explore the maze of stalls in New Market where just about everything is for sale. This is the place to discover the diverse street food of Kolkata and watch the chefs of the streets in action as they prepare samosas, kebabs and pakoras. Much of the Jewish influence of the city has faded away but Nahoum’s, a Jewish bakery, is still as popular as ever and renowned for moist lemon cakes and rich cheesecakes. Kewpies Kitchen was started in the converted garage of the home of Minakshie Dasgupta and his two daughters as a homage to his late wife. Dinner is included here. Bengali dishes are individually served in a set order and flavours are balanced by course. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Kolkata is the place to buy jute bags and mats.
  • Day 5 – To Lucknow: Morning flight to Lucknow. Transfer to the Vivanta by Taj for a 2-night stay. Flourishing under the Muslim Nawabs, Lucknow reached its zenith as a political and cultural centre in the 18th century. The distinctive architecture of this period is fascinating and an afternoon tour of the old city is the best way to discover the rich culture. Unravel the history of the mutiny of 1857 at the Residency as you explore the ruins then visit the Rumi Darwaza with its beautifully ornamented gateway and the spectacular Bada Imambara, considered to be the largest vaulted apartment in the world. Many of the dishes that we are so familiar with have their origins in Lucknow and were created by the mughals. Chicken korma and chicken passanda are two typical examples. This evening, take a guided culinary walking tour to see the street food of the city. Watch as chefs grill kebabs, there are more than 100 types in the Lucknow repertoire, cook biryani in sealed pots and create flaky parathas. Dine on Awadhi specialities at Oudhyana in the Taj Vivanta Hotel. (B, D)
  • Day 6 – Lucknow: Visit the dhobi ghats of Lucknow located on the banks of the Gomti river. Swathes of colourful clothes hang up to dry in the sun and the sound of cloth striking stones as the dhobis pound and rinse their washing provides a backing soundtrack These large open-air laundries are where embroidered and hand-made garments are taken for their last wash before they hit the local shops. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, attend a dinner at Kotwara House, home to the royal family of Lucknow. The Kotwara cuisine that you will be served this evening has evolved over 1000 years. Dishes may include delicately flavoured kebabs, kormas and passandas. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Scented oils and high quality chikan embroidery are specialities of Lucknow
  • Day 7 – To Agra: Board the early morning train bound for Agra. On arrival, transfer to the Wyndham Grand Hotel for an overnight stay. In the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the life of his favourite wife, Mumtaz. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, it is a truly breathtaking sight. A visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort is also included. As you wander through the chambers, take time to stop at elaborate archways for superb views of the Taj Mahal. Dinner this evening is at Peshawri, a restaurant specialising in Mughali cuisine and dishes from the Northwest Frontier. Succulent kebabs and a range of Indian breads are house specialities. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: A train journey is always an adventure in India. Soak up the atmosphere at the station where local vendors sell samosas and small boys serve chai from huge silver kettles to the crowds of travellers.
  • Day 8 – To Jaipur: Make an early morning visit to Mehtab Bagh, a 400-year-old Mughal garden on the banks of the Yamuna river. As the sun rises over the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum is resplendent in the changing hues. Once the sun is up, leave Agra for the drive to Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted sandstone city was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and took 15 years to complete. Continue to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, for a 3-night stay at the Hotel Diggi Palace. Dhruv joins you this evening for a visit to the City Palace, still the official residence of the maharaja. Take a tour of some of the private rooms before an introduction to the traditional thali (meal), which will be served at a dinner inside the palace. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Ask Dhruv for his favourite thali dishes and top tips on how to recreate these in your own kitchen.
  • Day 9 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you today. Discover more of the city, where all buildings here are painted pink by the maharaja’s decree, on a tour this morning. Revisit the City Palace and view the Mughal treasures in the museum, then visit Jantar Mantar, an incredibly accurate observatory that was built in the 18th century. An explosion of noise and colour greets you at the bazaar; an adventure for all the senses. Fragrant cinnamon, cloves and cardamom overflow from canvas bags, street vendors sell sticky sweetmeats, chai stalls serve glasses of steaming hot tea and local women haggle for glittering bangles and saris in every vibrant shade. Visits will be made to other local markets and Dhruv will introduce you to some of the typical ingredients and local produce used in everyday Rajasthani regional cooking. This evening, visit Naila Bagh, a 19th-century palace owned by the Naila family, your hosts for the evening. Dhruv, accompanied by the palace chef, will demonstrate how to create local dishes before dinner is served. Local dishes such as gata, a traditional dumpling, and papal kisabazi, a fragrant vegetable curry, maybe on the menu. (B, D)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Jaipur is a top spot for shopping, particularly for the distinctive blue ceramics and richly coloured textiles.
  • Day 10 – Jaipur: Dhruv will join you this morning. Stop at the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds before driving to the spectacular Amber Fort. This 17th-century stronghold stands high above the parched desert below. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Palace of Mirrors and the Hall of Pleasures. Lunch will be served amid the opulent surroundings of 1135AD, a restaurant within the Amber Fort that specialises in recreating Rajasthani dishes of a bygone era. Dhruv and the restaurant chef will also give a cookery demonstration. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: Catch the latest Bollywood movie at the atmospheric and lavishly decorated Rajminder Cinema.
  • Day 11 – To Delhi: Drive to Delhi via the beautiful Samode Palace, a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A short tour will be followed by lunch (optional). Continue to Delhi for an overnight stay at The Royal Plaza. (B)
  • MasterChef Travel Tip: The street stalls and boutiques of Connaught Place are the perfect place for last-minute gifts. Step through the doors of the Imperial Hotel and back to the days of the Raj for a farewell cocktail.
  • Day 12 – Depart Delhi:In the morning, transfer to the airport.(B).Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No mealsExtensions: If you wish to extend your stay or visit other parts of India, please contact us for details.