Two full days in Delhi with a night in a hotel in your chosen category, arranged by us. The first day covers the wide avenues of New Delhi, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. The second belongs to the old city: its lanes, Jama Masjid and the spice market. It suits first-time visitors, layovers and anyone who wants the capital done properly.
Highlights
What stays with you
Humayun's Tomb, the garden tomb that came before the Taj
A drive past India Gate and the government avenues of New Delhi
Qutub Minar and the ruins around it in softer afternoon light
Old Delhi lanes by cycle rickshaw with a licensed guide
Jama Masjid and the Khari Baoli spice market on the second morning
Day by day
How the days go
Day1
New Delhi, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar
Your driver and licensed guide meet you at your hotel after breakfast, around nine.
The first stop is Humayun's Tomb, set in a large Mughal garden and calmest in the morning.
The guide explains how its red sandstone, white marble and charbagh layout led towards the Taj Mahal.
From there the car passes India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the wide colonial avenues of New Delhi, with a short stop for photographs.
Lunch is unhurried, at a restaurant of your choice.
After a rest, or straight on if you prefer, you drive south to Qutub Minar.
The tall brick minaret, the iron pillar and the ruined arches around it are best seen as the afternoon light softens.
Allow about an hour and a half on site.
Delhi traffic is slow in the late afternoon, so we leave generous time.
You return to the hotel by early evening and dine as you wish.
Wear comfortable shoes, because the paths are uneven.
Day2
Old Delhi lanes, Jama Masjid and the spice market
The second day starts a little earlier, because the old city is best before the crowds build.
Your driver brings you to the edge of Chandni Chowk, where the guide meets you.
A cycle rickshaw takes you through the narrow lanes, past old havelis, temples and the Sis Ganj gurdwara.
Then you walk to Jama Masjid, the great mosque built by Shah Jahan.
Cover shoulders and knees, remove your shoes at the entrance, and carry a scarf.
Visiting hours for non-worshippers can change around prayer times, so your guide checks on the day.
The last part of the morning is the Khari Baoli spice market, a sharp, fragrant lane of sacks and traders, best seen on foot at an easy pace.
Tasting stops can be fitted in if you wish.
The Red Fort is closed on Mondays, and some bazaars close on set days, so we adjust the order for your dates.
The car takes you back to the hotel by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free.
Note. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so the order of days may shift. December and January fog can flatten a sunrise.
Practical
Good to know
Hotels are arranged by category, and final rates are confirmed with your plan.
Day two involves walking in crowded, uneven lanes. Wear closed shoes and keep bags in front of you.
Dress modestly for the mosque, with shoulders and knees covered, and carry a scarf.
The Red Fort is closed on Mondays, and some markets keep fixed closing days, so we shape the plan around your dates.
Delhi is hot from April to June, so we start early in those months and keep afternoons for rest.
The details
Included, and not
Included
Private air-conditioned car and driver throughout
Licensed local guide in each city
Hotels in your chosen category, breakfast daily
Airport or hotel pickup and drop
Bottled water in the car
WhatsApp support from our Agra team
Not included
International and domestic flights
Monument entry tickets (we arrange them at cost)
Lunches and dinners
Tips for guides and driver
Travel insurance and visas
Questions
Good to know
Is two days enough for Delhi?
Yes, it covers the main sights of both the new and the old city at an easy pace. You will not see every museum or market, but the plan gives you the Mughal, colonial and medieval layers of the capital. A third day can be added when we plan.
Does this include the Taj Mahal?
No, this journey stays in Delhi. The Taj is in Agra, roughly three and a half hours away by road, and it is closed on Fridays. Our Delhi and Agra journeys are the better fit if you want it.
Can I swap the order of the two days?
Yes, if your dates call for it. If the Red Fort is on your list and a Monday falls in your stay, we put the old city on another day. Tell us your dates when we plan.
Are meals and flights included?
Flights are not included, and meals are your choice unless we agree otherwise when we plan. Your guide can suggest places for lunch along the route, and tasting stops in Old Delhi can be discussed.
