Copycat of Holidays Atculture city breaks adventure budget backpacker foodie

Self-Launched Dubai & India's Golden Triangle

11 days · Dubai, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

Holidays At charges £1,620

£730saved per person (45%)

No-markup version: ~£890 per person

Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.

This self-launched version of the classic Dubai and India Golden Triangle route covers the same iconic highlights — Burj Khalifa, desert safari, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jaipur's palaces — but cuts out the operator markup by booking accommodation, transport, and activities independently. Fly into Dubai, spend four nights exploring the city and desert, then hop on a budget flight to Delhi and work your way through the Golden Triangle by train and road. Estimated cost is roughly £820–£950 per person (excluding international flights), compared to ~£1,620 per person with Holidays At.

Day-by-day

Day 1

Arrive in Dubai

Dubai, UAE

Arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Take the Dubai Metro Red Line directly from the airport to your accommodation in Bur Dubai or Deira — around £2 and far cheaper than a taxi. Check in, rest up, and get your bearings. The area around Al Fahidi is great for a first-night wander.

🚌Dubai Metro Red Line from airport to city centre, ~£2

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Bur Dubai/Deira (e.g. Arabian Dreams Hotel Apartments or similar) — approx £25–35/night

→Arrive at Dubai International Airport
→Take Dubai Metro Red Line to city centre (~£2)
→Check in to budget hotel or hostel in Bur Dubai / Deira
→Evening stroll around Al Fahidi Historic District

~£45

Day 2

Dubai City Highlights

Dubai, UAE

Full day exploring Dubai's iconic landmarks. Head to the Burj Khalifa — book 'At the Top' tickets online in advance via the official website (cheaper than at the door, ~£25). Walk through Dubai Mall, then drive or metro to Palm Jumeirah for views of the Burj Al Arab. End with a visit to the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi (£1 entry). Use the metro and RTA buses to get around cheaply.

🚌Dubai Metro + RTA bus day pass, ~£5

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Bur Dubai/Deira — approx £25–35/night

→Visit Burj Khalifa 'At the Top' observation deck — book online in advance (~£25)
→Explore Dubai Mall (free entry)
→Take the metro/monorail to Palm Jumeirah and see Burj Al Arab exterior
→Visit Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort (~£1)
→Evening walk along Dubai Marina boardwalk

~£75

Day 3

Gold Souk & Desert Safari

Dubai, UAE

Morning at the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira — free to browse and a sensory highlight. Cross the Creek by abra (water taxi) for just 20p. In the afternoon, join a shared desert safari tour booked via GetYourGuide or Viator (~£40–55 per person), which includes dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, quad biking, and a BBQ dinner at a Bedouin camp — far cheaper than the private guided rate.

🚌Abra water taxi 20p; desert safari operator includes pick-up/drop-off

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Bur Dubai/Deira — approx £25–35/night

→Morning visit to Gold Souk and Spice Souk (free)
→Abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek (~20p)
→Afternoon/evening shared desert safari via GetYourGuide — dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, quad biking, BBQ dinner (~£40–55)

~£90

Day 4

Dhow Creek Cruise & Free Day

Dubai, UAE

Spend the morning freely exploring — Dubai Frame (£10) is excellent for panoramic views of old and new Dubai. In the evening, book a shared dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£25–35 per person), which includes a buffet dinner and live entertainment. This matches the commercial tour's included activity at a fraction of the guided price.

🚌Dubai Metro + walking

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Bur Dubai/Deira — approx £25–35/night

→Morning visit to Dubai Frame for panoramic city views (~£10)
→Free afternoon — explore JBR beach (free) or Al Seef waterfront
→Evening shared Dhow Creek Cruise with dinner via GetYourGuide (~£25–35)

~£80

Day 5

Dubai to New Delhi

Dubai → New Delhi, India

Take your pre-booked budget flight from Dubai (DXB) to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Budget carriers like IndiGo, Air Arabia, or flydubai operate this route from around £50–80 one-way if booked in advance. On arrival in Delhi, take the Airport Express Metro Line to New Delhi station or your accommodation (~£2). Check in and relax.

🚌Budget flight DXB→DEL ~£50–80; Airport Express Metro ~£2

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel in Paharganj or Karol Bagh, New Delhi (e.g. Hotel Namaskar or similar) — approx £10–18/night

→Check out of Dubai accommodation
→Fly Dubai to New Delhi — budget airlines (IndiGo, Air Arabia, flydubai) from ~£50–80
→Take Airport Express Metro to city centre (~£2)
→Check in to guesthouse/hostel in Paharganj or Karol Bagh area
→Evening rest or short explore of Connaught Place

~£100

Day 6

New Delhi & Old Delhi

New Delhi, India

Full day exploring both New and Old Delhi. Hire a cycle rickshaw at Chandni Chowk for a guided spin through the spice market (~£3). Walk to Red Fort (exterior view free; entry £2), Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial, free), Humayun's Tomb (~£5), and Qutub Minar (~£5). Drive-bys or auto-rickshaw past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Lotus Temple. Book a guided Old Delhi walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£10–15) for context, or self-navigate with Google Maps and a guidebook.

🚌Auto-rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, and Delhi Metro — approx £5–8 for the day

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel in Paharganj or Karol Bagh, New Delhi — approx £10–18/night

→Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk spice market (~£3)
→Visit Red Fort exterior and surrounds (~£2 entry)
→Visit Raj Ghat — Gandhi Memorial (free)
→Visit Humayun's Tomb (~£5 entry)
→Visit Qutub Minar (~£5 entry)
→Drive-by/auto-rickshaw past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lotus Temple
→Optional: self-bookable Old Delhi walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£10–15)

~£45

Day 7

New Delhi to Agra

Agra, India

Take the Gatimaan Express or Shatabdi Express train from Hazrat Nizamuddin station to Agra Cantt (approx £6–10, ~2 hours). Book on IRCTC or via Cleartrip in advance. On arrival, hire an auto-rickshaw to your guesthouse. Afternoon guided tour of Agra Fort (entry ~£6) including Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jahangir Palace, and Octagonal Tower. As the sun sets, walk to Mehtab Bagh across the river for a stunning free sunset view of the Taj Mahal.

🚌Train Delhi→Agra ~£6–10; auto-rickshaw locally ~£3–5

🛏Budget guesthouse near Taj Ganj, Agra (e.g. Hotel Kamal or similar) — approx £10–18/night

→Take Gatimaan or Shatabdi Express train New Delhi → Agra Cantt (~£6–10, ~2 hrs) — book via IRCTC
→Visit Agra Fort including Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jahangir Palace, Octagonal Tower (~£6 entry)
→Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj) (~£3 entry)
→Sunset view of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh (~£2 entry)

~£50

Day 8

Taj Mahal Sunrise, Fatehpur Sikri & on to Jaipur

Agra → Fatehpur Sikri → Jaipur, India

Rise before dawn for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal — one of the world's great experiences. Book entry tickets online via the ASI website (~£13 for foreign visitors). After the Taj, hire a shared taxi or join a day-tour from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri (~40km away), a UNESCO ghost city with the Tomb of Salim Chisti, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and Diwan-e-Khas (~£2–3 entry). Continue by shared taxi or bus onward to Jaipur (~240km, ~4–5 hrs, ~£5–8). Arrive and check in.

🚌Shared taxi Agra→Fatehpur Sikri ~£3; bus/shared taxi Fatehpur Sikri→Jaipur ~£5–8

🛏Hostel or heritage guesthouse in Jaipur Pink City area (e.g. Moustache Jaipur or similar) — approx £10–18/night

→Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal — book tickets online via ASI (~£13 entry)
→Visit Fatehpur Sikri — Tomb of Salim Chisti, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas (~£2–3 entry)
→Shared taxi or Rajasthan State bus Fatehpur Sikri → Jaipur (~£5–8, ~4–5 hrs)
→Check in to hostel/guesthouse in Jaipur

~£55

Day 9

Jaipur — The Pink City

Jaipur, India

Full day exploring Jaipur's magnificent sights. Take a jeep ride up to Amber Fort (~£3 jeep ride + £7 entry) — far cheaper than an elephant ride and more ethical. Visit City Palace (~£8 entry), Jantar Mantar UNESCO observatory (~£5 entry), and Birla Temple (free). Walk or auto-rickshaw past Jal Mahal and photograph Hawa Mahal from the street (free exterior, £1 entry). If time allows, head to Nahargarh Fort for sunset city views (~£2 entry).

🚌Auto-rickshaw day hire or Rapido/Ola app ~£6–10

🛏Hostel or heritage guesthouse in Jaipur Pink City area — approx £10–18/night

→Visit Amber Fort — jeep ride up + explore (~£3 jeep + £7 entry)
→Visit City Palace (~£8 entry)
→Visit Jantar Mantar observatory (~£5 entry)
→Walk/rickshaw past Hawa Mahal (free exterior view; £1 entry)
→Drive-by Jal Mahal (free exterior view from road)
→Visit Birla Temple (free)
→Optional sunset visit to Nahargarh Fort (~£2 entry)

~£55

Day 10

Jaipur to New Delhi via Rewari

Jaipur → Rewari → New Delhi, India

Take an early morning train or AC bus from Jaipur to New Delhi (~5–6 hrs, ~£6–10 by train via IRCTC). If your route passes near Rewari (or you fancy a detour), the National Rail Museum at Rewari is a heritage locomotive shed worth a stop (~£2 entry). Alternatively, the National Rail Museum in New Delhi itself is excellent and easier to reach. Arrive in Delhi by afternoon, check in near the airport or city centre for your onward journey.

🚌Train or AC bus Jaipur→Delhi ~£6–10; Metro/auto-rickshaw locally ~£3

🛏Budget hotel near New Delhi airport or city centre (e.g. FabHotel or similar) — approx £12–20/night

→Take train or AC bus Jaipur → New Delhi (~£6–10, ~5–6 hrs) — book via IRCTC or redBus
→Optional stop or visit to Rail Museum (Rewari heritage shed or National Rail Museum in New Delhi, ~£2 entry)
→Check in to hotel near IGI Airport for easy departure next day
→Evening free — explore Connaught Place or Lodi Garden

~£40

Day 11

Departure from New Delhi

New Delhi, India

Final breakfast in Delhi. Take the Airport Express Metro from New Delhi station to IGI Airport (Terminal 3) — just £2 and ~20 minutes, no need for a taxi. Check in for your onward flight. If you have time before your flight, the National Rail Museum or Lodhi Garden are easy last-morning visits.

🚌Airport Express Metro New Delhi → IGI Airport T3 ~£2

→Final breakfast at local café or hotel
→Take Airport Express Metro to IGI Airport (~£2, ~20 mins)
→Check in for departure flight
→Optional last-minute visit to Lodi Garden or National Rail Museum if time allows

~£15

Self-launched vs. Holidays At

	This itinerary (self-launched)	Holidays At
Price per person	~£890	£1,620
Duration	11 days	11 days
Who books it	You and your group, direct	Tour operator, guided group
Savings	£730 per person (45%)

Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.

Want to see more Holidays At-style trips? Check them out here.

~£890

estimated per person

You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does Self-Launched Dubai & India's Golden Triangle cost?+

Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £890 per person for 11 days in Dubai, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.

Is this cheaper than booking with Holidays At?+

Yes — Holidays At charges around £1,620 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £890 — a saving of roughly £730 (45%) per person.

How long is the Dubai, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur trip?+

This itinerary runs 11 days, covering 11 day-by-day stops through Dubai, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur.

How do I join this trip?+

You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.

Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+

Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.

Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+

Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.

What kind of trip is this?+

This is a culture, city-breaks, adventure trip through Dubai, Delhi, Agra & Jaipur, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.

Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?

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