Not a History Buff? Why You’ll Still Love This Special Journey Through India’s Royal Past

Not sure you're a history buff? You don’t have to be. This one-off cultural journey is as much about atmosphere, elegance and unforgettable moments as it is about dates and dynasties. Whether you love culture, cuisine or simply exploring places few others do, this trip offers a rare way in.

If you’re the kind of traveller who devours historical detail, finds joy in crumbling architecture, and has a soft spot for forgotten dynasties, this 14-day journey into the Islamic heritage of northern and central India is built for you. Here’s why this trip, hosted by acclaimed historian and author John Zubrzycki, is an unmissable opportunity:

Travel with one of Australia’s foremost South Asia historians

John Zubrzycki’s career spans diplomacy, journalism and bestselling books on India’s royal and colonial past. Having studied under renowned South Asian scholars and reported from the subcontinent for decades, few can offer such rich context along the way.

Delve into India’s lesser-told Islamic legacy

Beyond the Taj lies a fascinating tapestry of Nawabs, Begums, Sultans and Nizams whose courts were filled with poetry, architectural grandeur, gourmet feasts and refined etiquette. John brings their stories to life in Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad and beyond.

Exclusive insights from someone who’s walked these palaces before

Many of the trip’s highlights - from the haunting Mahmudabad palace to the private homes of cultural custodians in Lucknow and Hyderabad - have personal significance to John. He’s stayed there, researched there, and now invites you in.

A curated itinerary with substance and soul

This is no rush through monuments. The pace allows for immersion - whether wandering Mughal ruins in Delhi, pausing at a 30,000-year-old rock painting in Bhopal, or sitting down to high tea in a Nizam palace.

Flavour, elegance and atmosphere throughout

Expect exquisite meals steeped in history, heritage stays that feel like a passage through time, and an itinerary that celebrates India’s richness without the crowds. From Bidriware artisans to centuries-old recipes, every detail is intentional.