DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Calcutta.
On arrival in Calcutta you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to sample this mesmerising city, now named Kolkata, which is home to 14 million people and served as India's capital during the British Raj until 1911.

DAY 3: Calcutta. Included sightseeing.
Known as the 'City of Joy' and now resurgent after decades in the shadows, Calcutta spreads itself along the River Hoogly and is filled with extraordinary Raj-era monuments, crumbled colonial mansions, chaotic streets and bustling markets. Even a few minutes in this compelling, colourful city is an assault on the senses - overwhelming and inspiring at the same time. This morning, visit its incredible flower and vegetable market before taking a boat ride along the Hoogly, observing the bathers dipping in its waters. This afternoon brings a tour of the city's highlights, taking in its impressive white marble Victoria Memorial built in 1921, the vast Howrah Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Maidan, one of the world's largest city parks. (B)

DAY 4: Calcutta - Bagdora - Darjeeling.
This morning we take a flight to Bagdora, followed by a drive to Darjeeling, nestled in the green Himalayan foothills. During the British Raj, Darjeeling's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station for Calcutta's British administrators to escape the hit of the plains during the summer. This lovely town is circled by snow-tipped peaks and terraced tea plantations and still boasts many grandiose Victorian buildings. Darjeeling is known for its tea industry and some of its tea plantations date back to the mid 19th century. (B, D)

DAY 5: Darjeeling.
Rise early for a spectacular pre-dawn trip to Tiger Hill, the highest point in the area. Here, you'll watch a glowing sunrise over Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, and the neighbouring East Himalayas, maybe even catching views of mighty Everest if the weather is clear; a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Afterwards, travel to Ghoom Monastery, a lavish mountain monastery housing rare Buddhist manuscripts and a priceless Maitreya Buddha. In the afternoon, visit a local tea plantation. Afterwards there is chance to take an optional trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's legendary 'Toy Train' - a UNESCO World Heritage site (subject to train being in service), a quaint steam locomotive that chuffs past pine forests, roaring rivers, deep valleys and through mountain tunnels. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Darjeeling - Pelling.
This morning, drive through stunning mountains to Pelling, a remote hill station in India's Buddhist Sikkim province. Set beneath mighty, snow-tipped Kanchenjunga, the town stands 6,840 feet above sea level and commands heart-stopping views over the peaks and glaciers of the Himalayan Singalila range. After checking in at your hotel for an overnight stay, marvel at the famous 18th century Pemayangtse Monastery just outside town. Set high on a hill, this old-world monastery is decorated with traditional frescoes, antique carvings and multicoloured prayer flags. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Pelling - Gangtok.
More scenic delights await today as you travel through phenomenal mountainscapes to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. On the way, you'll pass through cardamom, ginger and paddy fields - all under the constant gaze of the Himalayas. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Gangtok. Included sightseeing.
Perched above the Ranipool River, this bustling hill station stands against an epic backdrop of the Kanchenjunga range and buzzes with shops, restaurants and markets. Today, admire its many delights, including the beautiful Rumtek Monastery with its intricately painted exterior, prayer flags and priceless Buddhist manuscripts. This afternoon, explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, with its museum crammed with rare statues and embroidered scrolls, charting the intertwined Buddhist cultures and histories of Sikkim and Tibet, before viewing the Do-Drul Chorten, an imposing stupa ringed by prayer wheels. (B,L,D)
Note: Passport is required for entry into the Rumtek Monastery.

DAY 9: Gangtok - Pheuntsholing.
Today, say goodbye to Gangtok as you travel (approximately 7 hour drive) past mist-wreathed mountains and lush valleys to Pheuntsholing, a modern town on the border between India and Bhutan, for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Pheuntsholing - Thimphu.
Today, immerse yourself in the glorious landscapes of Bhutan - regarded as the world's last great paradise for its fairytale mountains, Buddhist monasteries and mystical aura - on your way to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Lying in a valley 7,710 feet above sea level, this atmospheric town is known for its elaborately decorated timbered houses, white-painted chortens and vibrant markets. The afternoon is free for you to acquaint yourself with this spellbinding place. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Thimphu. Included sightseeing.
Today marvel at Thimphu's main sights including its striking Memorial Chorten - a huge stupa dedicated to the third King of Bhutan - and Handicrafts Emporium where you can buy local textiles and crafts. Also, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the 350-year old secretariat building, National Library and the Painting and Woodcraft School. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Thimphu - Punakha.
Enjoy an early morning drive to Bhutan's former capital, Punakha, spread over an exquisite valley covered in rice and mango groves. En route, cross the 10,300-foot high Dolchu Pass, which on a clear day, affords awesome views over the Himalayas. Afterwards visit Punakha Dzong, a huge, fortified Buddhist monastery constructed in 1637 alongside the rushing Pho Chu river. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Punakha - Paro.
Today we head to Paro, located in one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan. Because of its history, Paro has the closest cultural connections with Tibet of any Bhutanese districts. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll through the local market and along the Paro River. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Paro.
This morning, visit Ta Dzong, a mountain watchtower housing the Bhutan National Museum with its displays of antique paintings, dance-masks and weaponry. Next, admire elegant Rinpung Dzong, a 17th century fortress-monastery built to defend the Paro valley against Tibetan attack. Overlooking the Paro River and approached over an ornate wooden bridge, this intricately carved building is a monastic school and administrative seat for the Paro district. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Paro - Calcutta.
This morning, transfer to Paro airport and fly to Calcutta for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 16: Calcutta - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.