NEI (UK) - cookery and wine tours

THE GRAND WINE TOUR OF INDIA

This tour was developed by and is exclusive to NEI (UK) and is a joint venture with the
Taj Hotels & Resorts Group, whose hotels are used exclusively throughout this tour.

This new, unique and tremendously exciting tour to India to discover the excellent wines now emerging from the sub-continent – wines which are now receiving critical acclaim from wine experts throughout the world – enables anyone interested in wine to watch the wine production processes and then taste for themselves some of the finest Indian wines.
Taking in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa and the cities of Mumbai, Nasik, Pune and Bangalore, this tour will be guided by experts at Grover, Sula and ND vineyards. There will also be visits to champagne and spirit producers and the Kingfisher beer brewery.
Naturally, we could not let any tour to India take place without there being some sightseeing. There will also be free time to explore Mumbai and Bangalore and the tour ends relaxing by the beach at the fabulous Taj Holiday Village Resort in Goa.

From the time of arrival in Mumbai until one departs from there some 14 days later, nothing but luxury and comfort awaits you. No effort is being spared to make this a truly luxurious tour with gourmet food being provided by some of the finest chefs in India and since all accommodation will be in the five star luxury of the hotels of the Taj Group, this tour will truly be one to remember with fondness for many years to come.

Day 1:   Fly from London Heathrow (or home country) to India
Day 2:   Arrive Mumbai International Airport where you will be greeted and then taken to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Remainder of the day
at leisure. The evening will be spent enjoying a gourmet dinner at the hotel, with wine and a short talk on the tour and the places you will visit.   Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Day 3:   A full day guided sightseeing of Mumbai, with lunch at Tendulkar’s restaurant. In the afternoon, take the boat to Elephanta Island and its magnificent caves, returning to the hotel late afternoon.   Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Day 4:   Morning at leisure and in the afternoon drive to Nasik (160 kms).   Arrive Nasik and check in to the hotel for a 3 night stay.       Overnight Taj Residency.
Day 5:   After breakfast, one and half hour drive with your escort, for a full day visit to the Sula Vineyards, where they specialise in growing the Sauvignon variety of grapes. Sula wines have a distinct Indian flavour but a very internationally acclaimed appeal.   SULA CABERNET, SHIRAZ SULA, SAUVIGNON BLANC, SULA BRUT are their famous brands and these can be experienced with varieties of local cheeses.
Overnight: Taj Residency
Day 6:   A morning visit to the ND Wines winery and vineyard. Time permitting, we will also pay an evening visit to the rum manufactury at Nasik.       Overnight Taj Residency
Day 7:   Early morning departure (2 hrs drive) to the Chateau Indage Winery to see the champagne making process, the vineyard and vines. Drive to Pune and stay at the Taj Blue Diamond for 02 nights.        Overnight: The Taj Blue Diamond.
Day 8:   Your choice of a day at leisure in Pune, or, maybe a further visit to Chateau Indage if you would like a second look, or, if some areas were not covered on the previous day. Alternatively, you can visit the Osho Commune, located within a beautiful campus of marble walkways, waterfalls and tropical gardens with exotic plants. We can also visit local grape farms if time permits.      Overnight The Taj Blue Diamond.
Day 9:    Afternoon flight to Bangalore. Arrive and check in to Taj West End Hotel for 03 nights.
Overnight Taj West End
Day 10: Full day visit to Grover Wines vineyard, located near Nandi Falls. La Reserve red wines & Sauvignon Blanc white wine are their bestsellers.     Overnight at Taj West End
Day 11: Day visiting the Kingfisher and UB breweries to see the Indian beer and table spirit manufacturer’s facilities. Overnight Taj West End
Day 12: Transfer to Bangalore Airport for flight to Goa. Arrive Goa and check in to your resort on the beach.    Overnight: The Taj Holiday Village
Day 13: A guided visit to Old Goa’s churches and temples. Remainder of the day free to relax at the beach.
Overnight: The Taj Holiday Village
Day 14: Excursion to see Port Wine manufacture at the Costa Port wine establishment. A few years ago, a member of the Costa family was going through the notebooks of Donna Louisa Mazoni da Costa, an Italian lady and wife of the founder, Bernardo da Costa. One of the pages was an ancient and detailed recipe for Vermouth Rosso & Bianco. After a couple of years of fine-tuning and testing, the family decided they had finally created a Vermouth of the highest quality. Return to your hotel for our Farewell Dinner.      Overnight: Taj Holiday Village
Day 15: Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and transfer to Orchid Hotel for freshen up/wash & change. Transfer to Mumbai International Airport for flight home.

Included in the tour:
Accommodation on double/twin sharing room basis, including bed, breakfast and dinner.
International (UK to India and return) and domestic India airfares
Meeting & Assistance on arrival/departure at Airport/Hotel.
Suggested tours & transfers by Air-conditioned cars/coach.
Porterage at Airport/Hotel.
Services of English speaking guides.
Entrance fees at sightseeing points included in the above program only.
Taxes applicable on Hotel/Transport.
Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Mumbai and Goa. Lunch at Tendulkars (no alcoholic beverages included)
Beer is included in welcome and farewell dinners.

Not included:
Any services other than the ones mentioned above including any extra vehicle or running of the suggested vehicles.
Visa charges, airport taxes, table drinks, telephone calls, tips to driver/guide/naturalist, video camera fees, laundry etc or any other items of personal nature.
Any other expense/changes due to unforeseen circumstances while in India.
Any other item not mentioned as included above.

NORTH INDIA CULINARY ARTS

NEI UK is proud to offer connoisseurs of fine cuisine an exciting tour which weaves together the history of North India with the delicacies of four different regions. The regions are fortunate to be the hub of some of the most exotic styles of cooking, many of which are renowned all over the world and highly regarded. A true culinary delight awaits those who join us. In addition to the cuisines which will be enjoyed, the tour also includes a visit to internationally famous Pushkar where the Camel Fair is held in November every year.

Day 01 London to Delhi Fly London Heathrow to Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi
Day 02 Delhi Met upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Morning free, then afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, evening talk about Delhi's Mughal Cuisine.
Day 03 Delhi Cooking class/demo - where you can try the preparation and cooking yourself, then enjoy lunch. Afternoon visit Humuyan's Tomb, the Bahai Lotus Temple & Qutub Minar.
Day 04 Delhi Cooking class/demo in the morning. Afternoon visit India Gate, Parliament street, Birla Temple & the National Museum. Later visit Chandni Chowk open air street market.
Day 05 Delhi-Lucknow, by train. After an early breakfast, transfer to New Delhi railway station to board the Lucknow Swarn Shatabdi express train to Lucknow at 06.15 hrs. Arrive Lucknow at 12.30 hrs. Evening talk on the Awadhi cuisine of the Nawabs.
Day 06 Lucknow Morning cooking class/demo. Afternoon visit to Bara Imambara, Hussainabad Imambara and the Clock Tower. Later visit the food street in the old town, famous for kebabs, Biryani dishes & sweets.
Day 07 Lucknow Morning cooking class/demo. Afternoon sightseeing visit to the Jami Masjid mosque & local market.
Day 08 Lucknow-Agra, by train. Morning cooking class/demo. Afternoon free to relax. Evening transfer to the rail station to board the overnight train to Agra 23.30 hrs. Overnight in your couchette on the train.
Day 09 Agra, arrive at 07.00 hrs. Check into your hotel. Morning free and in the afternoon visit the famous Red Fort, where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son shortly after the completion of the building of the Taj Mahal; Akbar's tomb at Sikandra Fort & Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the 'the baby Taj'.
Day 10 Agra Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then start your cookery class/demo on Mughal & Bania cuisine.
Day 11 Agra-Jaipur, by road. Drive to Jaipur in about 6 hours, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city, built by Mughal emperor Akbar the Great. Evening talk on Rajasthani cuisine.
Day 12 Jaipur Morning Cooking class/demo. Afternoon sightseeing, including the City Palace, the Palace of Winds, Amber Fort and visiting the pottery & earthenware utensil markets.
Day 13 Jaipur Cooking class in the morning and afternoon sightseeing to the Jantar Mantar observatory and the colourful bazaars.
Day 14 Jaipur to Pushkar, by road. Drive to Pushkar in about 3 hours. In the afternoon visit the site of the world famous Camel & Cattle fair and in the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 15 Pushkar Cooking class/demo in the morning and then an afternoon visit the Brahma Temple and sacred lake, which will probably be full of pilgrims visiting this birthplace of the Hindu supreme divinity, Lord Brahma. Evening a visit to a local family to experience their way of life, their cooking and to share a meal with them.
Day 16 Pushkar. A day to relax or to visit the town and the tribal and nomadic traders in the market. Late afternoon sunset camel ride.
Day 17 Pushkar-Delhi, by train. Morning cooking class and a farewell talk about Indian history, culture & cuisine followed by a lovely lunch. Afternoon drive to Ajmer railway station (about 12 kms) board the train to Delhi at 15.50 hrs. Arrive Delhi at 22.20 hrs to be met and immediately transferred to Indira Ghandi International Airport to board your return flight to the UK.

Tour Cost includes;
International airfares (London Heathrow to Delhi and return) in Economy class
All hotel accommodations on bed and breakfast basis only except at Pushkar which is full board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All overland road transport, including arrival/departure transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned Tempo Traveller.
English speaking Indian national tour escort for the whole tour.
All required entrance fees to the monuments/museums/temples.
English speaking local guide, during sightseeing days only, at Delhi, Lucknow, Agra & Jaipur.
1 elephant ride at Jaipur.
1 camel ride at Pushkar.
Train fares, Delhi to Lucknow & Ajmer to Delhi in aircon chair car class. From Lucknow to Agra in 2nd aircon sleeper class.
Airport assistance.
Expert lecture and demonstration by Mrs. Jyoti Jasol at Jaipur (Day 10 to Day 12) and at Pushkar (Day 13 to Day 16).

Cost does not include :
Travel/medical insurance; main meals (lunch & dinner), other than those specified in the above itinerary; personal bills, like beverages, tips, laundry, phone calls, bar bills, etc.; camera fees; refreshments and any other item not included above.

THE ART OF INDIAN COOKERY
SOUTH INDIA

Day 01 Fly London Heathrow (or your home country) to India.
Day 02   Arrive Bangalore Airport to be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Richmond Hotel.
Day 03    Bangalore to Mysore by road, en route visit Hoysala Temple at Somnathpur. Afternoon sightseeing at Mysore City Palace and Chamundi Hill. Dinner and overnight at Gitanjali Farm.
Day 04    Morning visit to local markets and bazaars to purchase local produce for use in your cookery demonstration later in the day. In the afternoon sightseeing at Srirangapatnam, the site of Tipu Sultan's hunting lodge, Sriranganathswami Temple and Darla Daulat bagh.   Early evening cookery demonstration at the Farm, followed by an evening meal of the prepared foods.
Day 05   Morning drive to Tellicherry, with a lunch break at Green Gates Hotel in Kalpetta. Arrive at Ayesha Manzil for dinner and overnight.
Day 06   Early morning visit to the local produce and fish markets. Remainder of the day at leisure and in the evening a cookery demonstration by the internationally famous Mrs Faiza Moosa, who is also your joint host at Ayesha Manzil.   Dinner and overnight at Ayesha Manzil.
Day 07   Early morning boat ride to off-shore island for breakfast. Remainder of the day at leisure and in the evening another cookery demonstration by Mrs Faiza Moosa, Dinner and overnight at Ayesha Manzil.
Day 08 Today we journey, by train, from Tellicherry to Cochin. A 2 hour drive from Ayesha Manzil to the train station where we board our train to Cochin. On arrival we will be met and transferred to Hotel Casino, for dinner and overnight.   The speciality of this hotel is its seafood restaurant.
Day 09 This morning includes a cookery demonstration by famous Indian celebrity and tv chef, Nimmy Paul at her home in Cochin. A full afternoon's sightseeing will include the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace and the Spice Market. Lunch with Nimmy Paul and dinner and overnight at the Hotel Casino.
Day 10   Check out from hotel and drive through the Western Ghats to Munnar. Check in to Olive Brook Homestead for dinner and overnight.
Day 11   During the morning you will be taken to visit a local market where various ingredients will be pointed out to you. They will be purchased and on your return to Olive Brook, a cookery demonstration will end with a home cooked lunch!   To help you to 'walk off' your lunch, afternoon sightseeing around Munnar will include Mattupatti Dam, Echo Point and a tea estate. Dinner and overnight at Olive Brook.
Day 12 Today we take a leisurely drive in an easterly direction through the Western Ghats, onward through the flatter landscape of the Tamil Nadu plain, eventually arriving at your next destination – Cardamom House – with time to relax before dinner.   Dinner and overnight at Cardamom House.
Day 13 Again an early morning visit, this time to the nearby village of Athoor and its market, spending time talking to the villagers and later an opportunity to visit Cardamom House's own organic vegetable and fruit gardens. Spend some time relaxing in the quiet surroundings and in the early evening there will be a cookery demonstration by Cardamom House's own cooks, who will show you their own version of 'fusion food', combining elements of British and Indian ingredients.
Day 14   A very early morning start with a short drive to Dindigul, to catch the morning express train to Chennai (Madras), arriving there at about 14.40 hrs. A short drive will bring you to Mahabalipuram, where you will check in to your hotel. Spend a few days relaxing on the beach, visiting local temples and monuments and take some time to watch the local stone carvers at work.    Dinner and overnight at Hotel GRT Temple Bay.
Day 15   At leisure at Mahabalipuram. Dinner and overnight at Hotel GRT Temple Bay.
Day 16   At leisure at Mahabalipuram. Dinner and overnight at Hotel GRT Temple Bay.
Day 17   Early morning departure from the hotel to Chennai International Airport for your return flight to the UK (or home country)

Tour Cost includes ;
Hotel accommodation on bed, breakfast & dinner basis only, except Gitanjali Farm and Ayesha Manzil
All arrival/departure transfers, sightseeing and overland drives by air-conditioned car, or coach.
All required entrance fees to the monuments/museums/temples/national park.
English speaking local guide during the sightseeing days only
Train fares in 2nd aircon class.
Airport assistance.

Tour Cost does not include :
International airfares; travel/medical insurance; lunches; personal bills, like beverages, tips, laundry, phone calls; bar bills; camera fees; refreshments and any other item not specified as included above.