"I first went to India in my early 20s while I was backpacking around the world solo."
Of all the countries I visited, India was the one I fell in love with. The colours, the sounds, the sheer unexpected beauty of it - India won me, heart and soul. I trekked the foothills of Kashmir, rode a camel for three days, practised yoga in Varanasi near the mighty Ganges, and wandered through the grand palaces of Maharajahs. I spent three months there, crossing the vast country by train, and it was one of the formative experiences of my life. But I’ll be honest, it was tough!
Travelling alone as a woman was challenging at times, and rather lonely. I missed the company of others to share the amazing experiences I was having. I remember being on an old bus as it rattled through the desert of Rajasthan at sunset, marvelling at the magnificent colours and thinking: “I’m going to come back here one day, and do this all again - with friends, and in style!”.
So when Luxe Tours offered me the opportunity to see India in five-star luxury, with a group of like-minded women, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It seemed like destiny, the fulfilment of a promise I made to myself many years ago. I can’t wait to share this life-changing cultural experience with you.
See you in Delhi!
Tour Overview
Tour Type 2
With its rich complexity offering such a feast for the senses, a journey through India is simply an unmissable life experience. For travellers looking to venture beyond the usual tourist trail, seeking genuine cultural immersion and a feel for both the people and traditions of this vibrant and utterly beautiful land, this Journey with Juanita Phillips offers the perfect balance between authentic cultural insight, and the relaxation of expertly handled logistics and sumptuous touches.
Seasoned travellers will appreciate the thoughtful curation of this journey’s transfers and tours, utilising everything from plush coaches to eccentric tuk-tuks, adventurous jeeps to clever electric carts, to best enjoy the sights with comfort and unforgettable style. The expert guidance of LTR (Luxury Touring by Revelry) is evident every step of the way, with each accommodation and activity carefully selected to enhance your Indian exploration.
The little details have all been discreetly taken care of in this exclusive tour, from individual welcomes at Delhi airport, complete with traditional Hindi mouli and private car transfers to your first accommodation, through to premium restaurants and unique eateries along the journey, often with a special section put aside particularly for our group to be able to mingle or listen to informative talks or interviews with local luminaries.
Most importantly, in keeping with Juanita Phillip’s own journey to intelligently and ethically uncover the essence of India, all activities and locations are responsibly sourced. It is our commitment to involve local businesses and enterprises that emulate the change we want to see in the world, and to add value ourselves to the communities we visit.
With that in mind, this group will have the opportunity to meet and engage with local women’s and family businesses, artisans, traditional practitioners, ecologically focused naturalists and other community leaders. We also commit to keeping our LUXE group of like-minded travellers to a sustainable size, so places on this tour are strictly limited.
Highlights
from this 14 night itinerary include:
01
India's Timeless Treasures
Ensuring you get up close and personal with the ‘must sees’ of India: the Taj Mahal and more Mughal architecture in Agra, the beautiful Humayun’s Tomb in Jama Masjid Mosque in Delhi, the famed pink city of Jaipur and its Amber Palace, and the haunting old capital of Fatehpur Sikri.
02
Floral Fantasy in Jaipur
The Great Exotic Flower Tour of Jaipur, understanding the sacred legends surrounding flowers in the Pink City, from visiting the flower markets and the temple to a hands-on floral workshop and the chance to make floral sweets, before a beauty treatment using natural flowers.
03
Luxury Redefined
Stays at world-renowned palaces, havelis and hotels, such as the opulent The Imperial in New Delhi, and the 18th century ancestral palace of RAAS Devigarh. Of particular note, we enjoy the landmark Oberoi Amarvilas, achingly close to the Taj Mahal itself and known to be one of the world’s top 50 hotels; the incredible Samode Haveli, a study in traditional art and décor, and thus a destination in its own right; and RAAS Jodhpur, an innovative boutique hotel dominated by the stunning 15th century Meherengarh Fort looming magnificently above the courtyard and the surrounding plains beyond.
04
Special Events & Safari
A photographic safari in the rugged granite country around the Aravali Ranges, accompanied by a qualified naturalist, seeking the leopard that makes its home here, before you make ‘camp’ at a simply gorgeous 17th century manor. This area provides a rare glimpse into traditional Rajasthani life: dine at an 18th century stepwell, witness the miraculous ‘saffron flame’ temple or the cave temple of Lord Shiva, and take a stroll into the village itself with your knowledgeable guide.
05
A Kaleidoscope of Colour
Perfect timing to coincide with Holi, India’s wonderful Festival of Colours, Love and Spring. Our time in the city of Jodhpur is likely to be punctuated with joy and spectacle, including bonfires and the famed, lively throwing of coloured powders amongst the celebrating throng.
06
Henna to Holy Meals
Opportunities to participate in myriad cultural experiences, with henna artistry, yoga, turban honours, saree evenings and traditional sweets ceremonies - some of the wonderful encounters available to our guests, as well as visiting the ‘mega kitchen’ of Gurudwara Sikh Temple, where volunteers hand out over 100,000 meals per day.
07
Monsoon Magic and Lake Dreams
A visit to the monsoon palace and lake-bound palaces of the Venice of India, Udaipur.
India 2025
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
TWIN SHARE PP
19,900
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
5,010
US DOLLAR
TWIN SHARE PP
13,530
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
3,450
EURO
TWIN SHARE PP
12,350
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
3,150
british pound
TWIN SHARE PP
10,350
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
2,600