Begin with the optional pre-tour extension with a personally guided Heritage Walk tour of Calcutta by a noted historian. Attend tea tasting training at a world renowned tea broker then experience the fast paced tea auction. Visit historic monuments, spectacular sacred temples, enjoy a proper afternoon tea and a relaxing river cruise. Explore traditional handicraft markets, sumptuous banquets and be entertained by the Prakash family, owners of Glenburn tea estate in Darjeeling and Khongea tea estate in Assam.
 

The base tour begins with our flight to Siliguri, the main business center for Darjeeling teas, then a thorough lecture on Darjeeling tea history and production by noted tea planter, trader and historian Rajiv Lochan. Tour a busy tea warehouse and meet with members of the tea traders association. In the morning transfer to the tea research center to learn the latest developments in tea. Visit the bio-dynamic, organic Makaibari tea estate to learn about their efforts in sustainable practices as well as worker empowerment.  Tour Margaret's Hope tea estate and experiencing large scale production then continue on to the town of Darjeeling. After some free time in the markets transfer to the scenic Glenburn tea estate, our home for the next several days. Meet the staff at a manager's reception followed by the first tea tasting session - an introduction to tea grading.  Each day will include tea plucking training in the morning followed by manufacturing instruction in the factory, learning the different steps. In the afternoons move to the cupping room for work in comparative tastings, focusing on 1st flush and 2nd flush teas of different grades as well as specialty teas. Also included are visits to the local village, the tea estate's own school, and a spectacular sunrise view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Trek through the sprawling tea gardens down to the riverside camp for a special lunch and lecture program. After a morning flight to Delhi, the final day of the base tour will include some sightseeing of the historic capital city and an evening with members of the tea association.

Much more excitement is in store on the optional post-tour extension as we drive to Agra and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal. One of the most historic areas of India is Jaipur and we will head to this desert capital and have a reception tea with the Rajah of the ancient Shahpura kingdom and enjoy staying in his lavish city home. We'll see some sights of this colorful "Pink City" and take in the bustling night bazaar. Before returning to Delhi the next day, marvel at the architecture of the ancient Amber Fort.