Grand India

• Return international flights (economy class), surcharges may apply
• 4 x internal flights (Delhi - Varanasi - Delhi, Jaipur - Bangalore, Chennai - Cochin)

• 18 nights hotel accommodation (Standard or Premium option)
• 1 night houseboat accommodation

• Enjoy 22 meals (Standard option)
• Enjoy 38 meals (Premium option)

• English-speaking local guides
• Sightseeing and monument entry fees
• Airlines taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private A/C vehicles
• 1 x Ac Chair Car train from Bangalore to Chennai

• Return airport transfers with meet and assist

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location. (See checkout for details)
• Guaranteed Airline: Fly with a guaranteed airline. (See checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)

Today depart for Delhi, India.
Upon arrival, be met by a representative at the airport and they will escort you by private chauffeur car to the hotel.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Delhi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: In-Flight

The capital of India, Delhi, is a major gateway city for international visitors. It’s a fascinating metropolis offering an intriguing mix of ancient sites and modern wonders, and also serves as the headquarters of Indian politics. Many of the heads of the Indian government, as well as other political parties, reside in the city, including the Prime Minister and President of India.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of old and new Delhi. The tour will take in Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated); Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan); and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Also enjoy a rickshaw tour through Chandni Chowk, a colourful shopping bazaar in Old Delhi.

Travel to Laxminarayan Temple, a site dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. You’ll also witness the India Gate, a 42m high war memorial and stone of triumph.
The tour continues with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the palace-like building home to the President of India, and the beautiful Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai Temple, where adherents of any faith can visit, pray or meditate at this dazzling architectural temple.

Overnight: Delhi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative, who will welcome and escort you to the hotel and assist with check-in.

The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade centre when Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Right from the ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.

Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Rise early this morning for a boat ride along the Ganges River. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, are the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. See these spectacular ghats at first light, when the Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred river. The boat ride will be followed by a short walking tour of the bylanes of old-Varanasi before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast. After breakfast, depart for a city tour of Varanasi. You will visit Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanat Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and the Archaeological Museum. In the evening, witness the glittering Aarti ceremony at the Ganges.

Overnight: Varanasi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative, who will welcome and escort you to Agra. Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty and sacrifice: the Taj Mahal - one of the wonders of the world. So awe-inspiring is the monument that Agra has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they cannot help but wonder if the man contentedly smoking a hookah is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal.

Overnight: Agra (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a city tour visiting the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughul Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Besides the Taj, the Agra Fort (also called the Red Fort) makes an interesting sight, and you can also explore Agra’s rich heritage of handicrafts in its markets.

Overnight: Agra (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Early risers can take the opportunity to head to the Taj Mahal and experience the monument just after sunrise (not included), then return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, travel to Ranthambore. On the way, visit Bharatpur, a bird lover’s paradise home to more than 370 bird species. This morning you will experience a bird watching tour by rickshaw and, if luck permits, you could perhaps spot 50-100 species. Bharatpur is one of the only two known wintering haunts of the Siberian Crane. Several birds of prey like ring tailed fishing eagle, spotted eagle, tawny eagle, imperial eagle, crested serpent eagle, falcon and marsh harrier are also common in the park. Vultures, kingfishers, wagtails, bee-eaters, robins, crow-pheasant, treepie and myriad are other terrestrial birds that can be seen around the year. Other animals found in the park are spotted deer, sambhar, blue bull, black buck, jackal, fishing cat, wild cat, hare, mongoose and monitor lizard.

Continue to Ranthambore, one of the many famous destinations of the western state of India, Rajasthan. Generally a visit to Ranthambore means a visit to the tiger reserve here, however the place has much more to offer you in sightseeing and excursions. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges, and located very close to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore offers you the best of the desert land as well as plain area near the hills. Due to its proximity to the Thar Desert, the vegetation here is that of deciduous forest. Ranthambore used to be the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, then proclaimed a Governmental Game Sanctuary in 1955. Brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform in 1972, in 1980 it was finally declared National Park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger.

In the afternoon visit the Ranthambore tiger national park – it is one of the country's finest tiger reserves. Enjoy the wildlife viewing in the national park where you may get a chance to sight a tiger in its habitat. The national park also has varied flora and fauna including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger.

Overnight: Ranthambore (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early morning tea/coffee, visit the Ranthambore Tiger National Park, one of the country’s finest tiger reserves. Enjoy the wildlife safari!

Afterwards return to the hotel for a late breakfast before departing to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is colour-washed a delicate shade of pink - a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, forms what is known as the Golden Triangle of Indian tourist circuit. Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once residence of Maharajas, are worthy of admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Overnight: Jaipur (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Begin with a morning excursion to the impressive Amber Fort. Located just 11km from Jaipur, the Amber Fort was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. The building is constructed with white marble and red sandstone and all the more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold, with its clear reflection on the lake, it seems like a beautiful illusion. This afternoon take part in a city tour visiting the City Palace, a former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. You will also take in Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh, as well as Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen.

Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bangalore. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative and transferred to Mysore where you will check-in to your hotel accommodation for the night. Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century, except for a brief period of 40 years in the late 18th century, when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan took control of the city. The Wodeyar family managed to win the kingdom back when, in 1799, Tipu Sultan surrendered to the British. The benevolent rule of the Wodeyar kings is evident in the city’s meticulous planning. The city’s architectural heritage and its long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature, were nurtured under their patronage. This city is ‘The Jewel of Karnataka’ and provides glimpses of its past grandeur. Stately Mysore with its tree lined boulevards, grand palaces, and gardens is one of India’s finest cities. Life retains its calm, measured pace, punctuated by outbursts of activity and celebrating festivals. Today’s program includes a city tour covering the Maharaja’s Palace, built as recently as 1897.

Overnight: Mysore (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart to Bangalore where you will check-in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Bangalore, known as the garden city of India, is one of the most visited destinations of southern India. There are many stories and legends related to the city, however, the present look of the garden city was given to it in the 16th century. Because of the initiative it took in the wake of the Information Technology revolution in the country, Bangalore has been nicknamed as the Silicon City of India.

Overnight: Bangalore (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour visiting the Vidhan Soudha. The building is a massive neo Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly. Next, visit Cubbon Park, in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh, which is famous for the wonderfully bloomed red roses, and the Bangalore Palace. Other sights will include Tipu Sultan’s Palace, High Court,Traditional costumes, Ancient India Yoga, Krishna Rajendra Market.

Overnight: Bangalore (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, transfer to the railway station to board the train for Chennai. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. Chennai, capital of the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Today, it is hard to believe that a place that started as just a small fishing village would become such an enormous and beautiful city. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is perhaps the most peaceful and green metropolis in India. It features a number of attractions for the tourists to see; one of them is the beautiful Marina Beach, where the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal mingle with the golden sands. The city also has its share of forts and palaces, reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras.

Overnight: Chennai (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a half day city tour visiting the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, and the biggest in Chennai. Next, visit Fort St.George located on the seashore near the harbor. Fort St. George was built for the East India Co. in 1640 AD. Continue to Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai, and the second longest beach in the world. Other attractions are Fort Museum, St. Mary’s Church and Little Mount Shrine.

Overnight: Chennai (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, transfer to the airport to board your flight for Cochin. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. Cochin is popularly known as the “Queen on the Arabian Sea” and is the oldest European settlement in India. Surrounded by backwaters, this city has always managed to attract voyagers to travel to Kerala, India.

Overnight: Cochin (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, Koonan Kurishu Shrine, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the Chinese Fishing Nets near the harbour’s entrance of Cochin. In the afternoon, depart to Thekkady. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Thekkady, in the Idukki district, is the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature’s splendour and human innovation. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the man-made Periyar Lake. Here, the high ranges of the Western Ghats are covered in dense, evergreen, deciduous forests and savannah grasslands.

Overnight: Thekkady (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time in Thekkady, often known as the spice city of India. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to join an optional Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary tour (not included - optional activity to be purchased at check-out $40). The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest. The lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River, adds to the charm of the park. The sanctuary is famous for its fauna with Asian elephants, tigers, gaurs, sambars, lion-tailed macaques, nilgiri langurs, wild boars, spotted deer, barking deer, stripe-necked mongoose, wild dogs, sloth bears, malabar giant squirrel, civet, nilgiri tahr and more. If you’re lucky you may also get to see a group of wild elephants that come to play in the lake, which is one of the main attractions of the sanctuary.

Overnight: Thekkady (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart to Allepey. Upon arrival, check-in at AC Houseboat and enjoy a cruise on tranquil backwaters. Enjoy lunch onboard as you take in the plentiful backwater atmosphere, bask on the sun-deck and enjoy the experience on these majestic live-in boats with delicious Kerala food. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animals and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappauzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.

Overnight: AC House Boat

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy breakfast on board as you cruise the backwaters before disembarking the boat and departing to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Kumarakom is a town on the shores of the enchanting Vembanand Lake. Make yourself at home in its small-still lagoons. Gliding among the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palms, seeing a rural Kerala preserved through the ages is a unique experience. Located 128 kilometres from Thekkady, Kumarakom is a must visit. The main attraction includes the Kumarakom bird sanctuary set in 14 acres of woods. The sanctuary has a large variety of migratory birds and offers visitors the options of sailing in its backwaters.

Overnight: Kumarakom (Standard or Premium Hotel Option)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time transfer to the airport (approx. 2 hours) for your return flight home.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur after midnight (technically day 21). Some customers may require a long transit.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 days later

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY 
Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is priced for 1 person based on twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1250 applies. 

Departure Dates

2023

November: *2, *8, *15

December: ^4

2024

January: ^10, *31

February: 7, 14

March: 6, *20

April: *3, 17

May: 1, 15

August: 28

September: 11, *25

October: *2, 16, 30

November: *6, *13, *20, *27

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges

Please note:

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $250 per person.

• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $1100 per person.

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane and *Perth

Departure City Surcharges

Perth: $100 per person

Brisbane: $200 per person

Full-Service Airline(s) Used

Malaysia Airlines, Sri Lanka Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways, Emirates, Virgin Australia, Korean Airlines, Japan Airlines, Bangkok Airways and codeshare partners (subject to availability).

Please note: One-way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Arrive early in Delhi, India

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

14 September 2023 - 14 October 2023

1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Stay behind in Cochin, India

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

14 September 2023 - 14 October 2023

1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

Guaranteed Airline surcharge

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Singapore Airlines: $400 per person 

Please note: 

• This does not guarantee a direct flight

• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Please note:

• Customers not purchasing this guaranteed airline upgrade may still be ticketed with the above-mentioned airlines subject to flight availability at the time of ticketing.

Stopover Packages  

*Singapore

Twin share: $1200 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1800 one way

Includes:

• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation

• Daily breakfast

• Return airport transfers 

Please note: 

• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used

• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind

• Stopover packages are subject to availability.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

• 1st March 2024 - 10th March 2024

• Singapore Grand Prix: September 2024 

Flight Class Upgrades

• Premium Economy: Not available.

• Business Class (international sector only): For pricing, please refer to the payment cart upon checkout.

Please note: 

• All Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfil your request the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration.

Accommodation Used

Standard Package

3 Star (self-rated)

• Delhi: Hotel SK Premium Park or similar

• Varanasi: Hotel Meraden or similar

• Agra: Hotel Pushp Villa or similar

• Ranthambore: Hotel Ranthambore Regency / Abrar Palace or similar

• Jaipur: Hotel Hyphen Ujjwal or similar

• Mysore: Hotel Regenta Central / Quorum or similar

• Bangalore: Hotel Pai Viceroy / Tulip Inn or similar

• Chennai: Hotel Royal Plaza or similar

• Cochin: Abad Atrium / The Keys or similar

• Periyar: Silver Crest / Peppervine or similar

• Allepey: AC Premium Houseboat or similar

• Kumarakom: Manor Resort / Paradise Resort or similar

Premium Package:

4 Star (self-rated)

• Delhi: Hotel Radisson Blu or similar

• Varanasi: Hotel Hindustan International or similar

• Agra: Hotel Howard Plaza / Sarovar portico or similar

• Ranthambore: Hotel Shergarh Resort or similar

• Jaipur: Hotel KK Royal or similar

• Mysore: Hotel Royal Orchid or similar

• Bangalore: Hotel Royal Orchid Regenta / Royal Orchid Central or similar

• Chennai: Hotel Clarion / Accord Metropolitan or similar

• Cochin: Radisson Blu or similar

• Periyar: Elephant Court or similar

• Allepey: AC Premium Houseboat

• Kumarakom: Whispering Palms / Lakesong Resort or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.

Extra Nights

Not available at check-out. 

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 12 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not available

Bedding Configuration

Twin / Double (subject to availability).

Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms

Subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Please inquire upon booking if you require this option.

Minimum group size 8, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.

Optional Tours / Activities

Day 7: Sunrise Taj Mahal - 1350 rupees (approx. $22 AUD) - payable direct to the tour operator in the currency specified

Day 17: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - $40 AUD - must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability)

Please note:

- Prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions

- Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport)

• Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary 

• Recommended gratuities/tipping: 300 rupees (approx. $6 AUD) per person per day

• Optional activities/tours

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance (Mandatory)

Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group.  

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge of art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined.  

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

- Summer: April, May, June. Hot, very low to moderate humidity, low precipitations

- Autumn: October, November. Warm days, cool nights, pleasant, low humidity, low precipitations

- Winter: December, January. Cool to cold, moderate humidity, low precipitations

- Spring: February, March. Warm days, cool nights, pleasant, low to moderate humidity, moderate precipitations

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

At Qantas Tours we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the Airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:

Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.

COACH TOUR

Meals:

Standard package

22 meals in total are included in the package: all breakfasts, dinner on day 8 and 18, and lunch on day 18 - for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. 

Premium package

38 meals in total are included in the package: all breakfasts and dinners, and lunch on day 18 - for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. 

Please note: we will do our best to meet your requests/requirements, however, cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.

OTHER

Fitness Level Required / Mobility:

Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. 

Please note: an average level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Yellow Fever:

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Gratuities / Tipping:

Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is 300 rupees (approx. $6 AUD) per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected whilst on tour. 

Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however, please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:

Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping: 

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information.

A tourist visa for India is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian Passport. You will be able to start your Visa application process once you receive your final travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.

Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

Important: Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.