JOIN THE ADVENTURE
October 2023
What are you doing in October 2023? Come and experience India with your family!
This trip is designed specifically for families with school and work holidays in mind – and a great time of year to travel in India.  Join a small, friendly group of like-minded families. Visit the famous sights and let us introduce you to our local friends that make our India experience unique!
We’ll walk you through the buzz of Delhi; ride with us on camels into the desert and sleep under the stars. We will travel together on the famous trains of India, visit the Pink City of Jaipur and Taj Mahal. And your journey with us will support the small guesthouses, local family-businesses and friendly locals that we’ve got to know.
October 2023
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TRIP DATES: October 28th - November 7th 2023
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Delhi - Jaisalmer - Thar Desert - Jaipur - Agra & Taj Mahal - Delhi
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$2200 USD per person
*Ask us about our discount for families!*
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
There is so much of India to share!
Take a rickshaw in Jaipur
Ride the famous Indian trains
Get caught in the colours and chaos of Delhi
Ride a camel at sunset and sleep underneath the stars
See Jaipur’s beautifully iconic pink Wind Palace
Stay in a traditional Haveli
Visit Rajasthan’s most famous Amber Fort
Meet chai-walah Natti and try Indian chai the traditional way
Experience sunrise at the wondrous TAJ MAHAL
Shop for souvenirs in Old Delhi’s Main Bazaar
You only live once but if you do it right; once is enough.
Mae West
YOUR ITINERARY
See your complete adventure below.
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Day 2 – Jaisalmer
Day 3 – Overnight Camel Safari
Day 4 – Jaisalmer
Day 5 – Overnight TrainÂ
Day 6 – JaipurÂ
Day 7 – Jaipur Â
Day 8 – Agra
Day 9 – Taj Mahal
Day 10 – Delhi
Day 11 – Departure
Ready to join us?
Send us a message
Email us at awaywiththesteiners@gmail.com and let us know YOU want to come. We will get back to you ASAP. Or if you have any questions we are looking forward to hearing from you.
** ONLY 12 GUEST SPOTS AVAILABLE PER TRIP **
October 2023
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October 28th - November 7th 2023
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Delhi - Jaisalmer - Thar Desert - Jaipur - Agra & Taj Mahal - Delhi
Included in the tour
Included
- 10 nights accomodation
- Domestic flight Delhi (DEL) to Jaisalmer (JSA)
- Overnight camel safari
- Overnight train
- 9x Breakfast
- 9x Dinner
- 5x Lunch
- Entry fees for tourist sites
- Video/Phone call Q&A
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement - prices are based on a twin-share room. (A private room will cost $250 USD extra).
- Snacks and drinks
- Departure day meals
- Airport transfers
The complete adventure
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner at the Airport Hotel to get to know each other while we discuss the upcoming adventure.
Overnight in hotel.Â
Day 2 – Fly to Jaisalmer
On the second day we will take a domestic flight to the beautiful Rajasthani desert town of Jaisalmer; known as the Golden City. Â
We will arrive in Jaisalmer for a welcome lunch on the rooftop overlooking the Golden City and Jaisalmer Fort and take a wander into the village for a first look at rural India.Â
Overnight in guesthouse. Â
Welcome to Jaisalmer!
Day 3 – Overnight camel safariÂ
After breakfast we will visit the local market to stock up on anything you might need for today’s adventure and to meet local chai walah, Natti who makes the best chai in Jaisalmer. Â
A light lunch at the guesthouse and we will depart for the Thar Desert where our camels will be waiting.  Trek out into the desert on camels to reach our camp for the night.  Enjoy nomadic hospitality of dinner cooked over the fire.  Â
Overnight in the desert sleeping underneath the stars.Â
Heading out into the Thar Desert.
Day 4 – Return to JaisalmerÂ
Wake up in the desert for a hot chai and breakfast cooked on the fire.  Ride your camel back to the nomad village and from there we will take a jeep back to Jaisalmer.  What an adventure!Â
The afternoon and evening is free time today to rest, wander the village, shop or whatever you wish.Â
Overnight in guesthouse.Â
All smiles after a cup of chai and a sunrise camel ride in the desert.
Day 5 – Jaisalmer Fort and overnight train to Jaipur
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the guesthouse.  After a late breakfast we will wander through town with a guided tour of the Jaisalmer Fort.  This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about this historic golden city of India as well as make the most of some beautiful souvenir shopping in the Fort market place.
Then it is time for one of the most special highlights of our time in Jaisalmer as we go for lunch at a local family home.
Rest or free time in the afternoon and we will check out of the guesthouse after dinner to board our overnight train to Jaipur.  This is one of the highlights of the adventure!Â
Overnight on train to Jaipur.
Sharing the experience of lunch in a local family home.
Day 6 – Arrive in JaipurÂ
Wake up for breakfast on board the train and enjoy a cup of hot chai while the sun rises in India blurring by outside.Â
After arriving in Jaipur we will go straight to our accommodation – a traditional Haveli style family hotel – by tuktuk.  There will be the option to rest for the afternoon and meet for dinner or to take a short afternoon excursion to visit the beautifully iconic Hawa Mahal – the famous pink Wind Palace.Â
Overnight in traditional Haveli.Â
Arriving at Jaipur Railway Station.
Day 7 – Day tour of India’s fabulously Pink City
Often called the Pink City, Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan has been invariably on the wish-list of every travel enthusiast.  Jaipur has majestically (pink) architecture, cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty that give the Pink City its claim to fame – and we are going to spend the day exploring Jaipur on tour by rickshaw.Â
Visit the famous Flower Market, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal (water palace), Abhaneri Stepwell, the beautifully vibrant vegetable and flower market; and we are going to take you – by rickshaw – to the best and most famous lassi wallah in Jaipur!Â
Overnight in traditional Haveli.Â
Making new friends at the famous Jaipur Flower Market.
Day 8 – Train to Agra
India’s best train trips are known as a journey to the soul of this sub-continent.  And today we take another famous and fabulous train ride from Jaipur to Agra. Â
Arrive in Agra and travel by tuktuk to our homestay for the next two days.  Meet Ranjana, our host Mum for an optional unique Indian cooking class.Â
Overnight in Agra.Â
Â
Riding on India’s trains is always a highlight of the India-adventure.
Day 9 – Visit the Taj Mahal and famous Red Fort
Welcome to the Taj Mahal. (We couldn’t possibly take you to India without sharing with you India’s most wonderous sight!).  It is even more incredible in person.
Wake up before sunrise for the awaited iconic visit to the famous Taj Mahal.  This will be an early start to beat the crowds for a unique tour without rush around this marvellous beauty.Â
Return to the homestay for a cooked breakfast with the option to rest for the afternoon or head out again by tuktuk to visit the brilliant Red Fort. Arrange your own lunch today and we will have dinner at the homestay.
Overnight in Agra.Â
The beautiful Taj Mahal up close just after sunrise.
Day 10 – Train to Delhi
Depart from Agra for one last ride on India’s iconic trains heading back to India’s capital city of Delhi.  Grab some snacks for lunch before we taxi to our hotel in Old Delhi with the chance to explore Main Bazaar on our doorstep for any last minute shopping and souvenirs. Â
Say goodbye with a farewell dinner. Â
Overnight in hotel. Â
Day 11 – Hope you enjoyed India!
Safe travels and thank you for a fabulous India group tour!
Adventure Discounts
Travel together! Make two bookings and receive $100 USD off each booking.
Come on another trip! Â Travel with us again and receive $200 USD off your next trip.
FAQ
We’ve got your most common FAQ’s all answered here below.
Once you register and make a deposit for the trip you will receive a welcome email with further details and a compete itinerary. We will schedule a Zoom video call to meet with you, clarify the itinerary and go over any additional questions you have.
We will share the details of each hotel with you privately after booking.  Please book additional nights with free cancellation option as the accommodation could be subject to change closer to the time.  However, be assured (and excited) that each accommodation we handpick for their exceptional customer service and culture. And for each accommodation place in India we have previously stayed there ourselves.Â
We will confirm and identify the hotels and included contact information once we have all bookings made in the event you want to book additional nights.
Yes. Almost everyone needs a visa to visit India, but for most nationalities tourist visas are easy to obtain. Citizens from 164 countries can apply for an e-Visa before travelling to India, via an online form.
We can assist you with this application if you need.
Yes, definitely.Â
This is a trip requirement for booking. Your travel insurance must provide coverage against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We also recommend that it covers cancellation, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects.
We limit our tours to 10 guests to keep it personal and ensure the best experience for everyone! (That meaning, there will be a total of 14 including our family as your hosts).
We do have an 8 person minimum that must be met in order to offer this trip. DO NOT purchase your flights until we have confirmed the trip minimum has been met.
We are a travelling family! And we don’t see any age limits to traveling.Â
For our group trip to India we suggest children are over the age of 6. But give us a call; we know as parents you are the best judge of knowing you’re child’s limits!Â
Yes! We are a travelling family and we encourage showing your kids the world.Â
Children can certainly attend but please be aware of the level of physical activity required and emotional exposure expected. Obviously we will assist you with this and we will be traveling with our two children – two experienced, young travellers!
Yes. We would love to inspire other families and parents to travel. There will be a $500 USD discount per child up to the age of 12 (and talk to us if you want to travel as a family because we would love to make this happen!).Â
International flights are not included. But there is one domestic flight from Delhi (DEL) to Jaisalmer (JSA) that is included in your package price. Please check the ‘included’ details for further specifics.Â
The closest airport for this tour is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India.
This is our intended and expected itinerary. But, this is India! Â And we need to be prepared to be flexible. Â Note that we do reserve the right to modify the itinerary or mode of transport if we need to for any reason beyond our control.Â
The Adventure Discounts are mutually exclusive. Â But talk to us about a unique family rate to travel together or to return again on a different destination group trip!Â
In order to secure your spot on the tour, we require a $500 USD deposit.
Then, the remaining amount should be sent no later than 90 days before the departure date.
Methods of payment will be shared upon booking your spot.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 90 days before the start of the tour.
This is non-negotiable. If you do not pay the balance of your trip you place will be given to another individual and your deposit will be forfeited.
Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Terms and Conditions
Your contract is with Away with the Steiners; a partnership registered in New Zealand.
The following conditions describe your obligations as a customer when purchasing either an independent tour or a group tour through Away with the Steiners.
Booking Policy
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 90 days before the start of the tour.
In order to book and reserve a spot on the tour, a deposit of $500 USD is required, to be paid within 5 working days from the moment the booking information with all the payment options was sent.Â
Minimum Requirements
We do have an 8 person minimum that must be met in order to offer this trip. Â Please DO NOT purchase your flights until we have confirmed the trip minimum has been met.
Vaccination Requirements
For guests travelling with us from October 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are not a requirement to join us. Â Please note however that it is the guests responsibility to check and comply with any specific travel vaccination, vaccine and/or booster requirements for the destination chosen.Â
Cancellation Policy
If the customer wishes to cancel once the deposit was paid, we will try to find a replacement. If we find a replacement, we will give the customer 2 options:
1 – Refund of the deposit minus $250 USD
2 – The customer might use the whole deposit amount ($500 USD) as credit for a future tour.Â
Note that we will only look for a replacement once the tour is full. For example, if a tour has a total of 10 spots, but the client decides to cancel when we only filled 6 spots, we will first try to reach 9 customers, the 10th participant being the official replacement of the customer who cancelled.Â
If no replacement is found, the deposit won’t be refunded.Â
Cancelling once the customer has paid the remaining balance
If the customer decides to cancel after paying the remaining balance:
- 90 to 60 days before the beginning of the tour: 75% refund minus $500 USD deposit
- 60 to 30 days before the beginning of the tour: 50% refund minus $500 USD deposit
- Less than 30 days: no refund.
Cancellation by us
If the tour needs to be cancelled due to a major force like a global pandemic or any specific event/war/conflict that might affect the customer’s security during the tour or reasons beyond our control, the trip will be postponed. In this scenario you can opt for a refund less 50% of the initial deposit or preferential booking for another trip.Â
