CRAFT + CULTURE

Golden Triangle INDIA

February 2028

10 Nights / 10 Women

Registration opens in October

India is a land of captivating contrasts, where inspiration and heartbreak intertwine amidst its vibrant tapestry of culture and tradition. Our curated tour offers an immersive exploration of India's crafts and culture, providing insider experiences and workshops led by local guides, artisans, and friends. Nestled in boutique hotels, we'll learn firsthand from talented artisans and passionate locals, venturing beyond tourist zones to be welcomed into homes as cherished guests. Delving deep into the worlds of design, traditional crafts, and regenerative practices, we honor, empower, and sustain communities across India. And the culinary journey? Expect a delightful array of unique dishes that embody India's rich culinary heritage. If you're drawn to design, culture, craft, and adventure, our time together in India promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Our tour is dedicated to responsible tourism from an ecumenical faith perspective, recognizing the profound impact of faith on the communities we visit. With practices dating back millennia, faith remains intrinsic to everyday life, offering a lens through which to engage with new cultures and places. Exploring the intersection of faith, design, culture, and creation enriches our journey, fostering meaningful connections and deeper understanding about life, beauty, equality, and purpose.

This is an impact tour, so we will focus on supporting local social businesses and nonprofits that are dedicated to caring for the people and planet in India. India is challenging, chaotic, beautiful, unpredictable, and full of wonder. We invite you to join this tour as a traveler with an open heart and flexible mindset.

DETAILS:

  • Dates: February 2028

  • Trip Cost: $5300

  • Cost includes: all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, all lodging (shared room), all planned experiences and excursions, all workshops and supplies, guides, local transportation (cars and in-country flights), group tips, and airport transfers.

  • Cost does not include: your international flight, travel insurance, personal purchases, alcohol, or personal tips.

  • Room Arrangements: two per room with private bathroom (twins). (Limited single supplements available. Please inquire if interested.)

  • Registration opens: October 2026

Sample Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. The final itinerary, including hotels, is provided only to registered guests. This is the general plan for the tour in February 2028.

Feb. 6: Evening arrival to Delhi. Check into a historic haveli in Old Historic Delhi. Brief welcome. Rest well!

Feb 7: Enjoy a welcome breakfast at the Haveli. Embark on a morning walking tour of Old Delhi's historic and spiritual sites, enjoying lunch along the way. In the afternoon, experience a traditional kite flying followed by traditional Indian dinner at the Haveli.

Feb 8: Spend the day with friends at Khushbu, learning block printing from this special design studio that empowers women. Enjoy a nearby lunch and afternoon chai with the artisans in their homes. Visit a favorite local craft market for shopping and dinner.

Feb. 9:  Take an early morning drive to Agra. Explore Agra's heritage with an artisan walk and local history tour led by our friends Kamal and Tahir. Meet the amazing local artisans that are experts in the traditional crafts of marble inlay and zardozi. Savor a traditional Mughal dinner with special music and henna at a local home.

Feb. 10: Witness the Taj Mahal's majesty with a sunrise tour. Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing to Jaipur. Visit historic sites such as one of the most stunning stepwells on the drive to Jaipur. Settle into our boutique hotel followed by dinner.

Feb. 11:  After breakfast at the hotel, join our local guide for an insider's all-day tour of Jaipur, specially the old historic havelis. Explore the old city of Jaipur with an introduction to Jaipur and its birth, the founder Sawai Jai Singh II, and how and why it was built as one of the only planned cities in the country. The walk delves into the city's architectural history, cultural fabric, local communities, and customs. Lunch at a favorite lux haveli. The tour focuses on stories, people, design, and lesser known monuments and includes high tea, a City Palace visit, and the new Palace Atelier, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern design. Dinner is back at the hotel.

Feb. 12:  Early morning visit to the local flower market. Return for breakfast. After breakfast, embark on a journey to Amer for a "Stroll in the Fort." Explore the Amer Fort and the town's lanes, boasting spectacular havelis, palaces, stepwells, and temples. Lunch in Amer. Visit the block printing museum and then head to Der Amer to meet rescued elephants, walk the forest with theses beautiful creatures, and enjoy a special campfire meal in nature.

Feb. 13: Immerse yourself in Bagru, a village dedicated to block printing for centuries. Take a village walk with your hosts and learn about the traditional block carving, dyeing, and printing processes. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nila House, a unique non-profit that champions traditional crafts and empowers artisans, women, and regenerative practices. Their innovative approach blends contemporary design with sustainable practices, ensuring the future of India's vibrant craft heritage.

Feb. 14:  After breakfast, return to Bagru for your second day of block printing workshops. Learn more than one printing and dyeing technique, creating small rugs, totes, and bandanas. Enjoy shopping and connecting with the local artisans throughout this special day. After your workshop, return to the Jaipur to shop a few favorite local spots. Special dinner in Jaipur.

Feb. 15: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel. Head to your final destination, + a beautiful award winning boutique hotel + farm nestled amidst nature in the hills outside of Jaipur. The design and ethos of this place is a fantastic compliment to all things ARTIST & NOMAD. This boutique hotel-farm stay offers pools, an Ayurvedic spa, pottery classes, local hiking and biking, and stunning surroundings. Relax and unwind after exploring the Golden Triangle. Take a sunset hike before dinner.

Feb. 16: Enjoy a slow morning and explore the property or local village. Participate in an on-sight traditional pottery class before lunch. After lunch, relax by the pool or book an Ayurvedic spa treatment (optional). In the evening, gather for a special debriefing session and final dinner together.

Feb. 17:  What an incredible journey we have shared! After breakfast, take a morning nature walk before departing. Godspeed on a safe journey home, and may your time in India continue to challenge and inspire you for years to come.