Your Rajasthan adventure begins upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), where you’ll be transferred to your handpicked New Delhi hotel for check-in. Get to know this thriving city at your leisure.
Delhi is the country’s capital dating back to the 1600s, and it’s here you’ll find the backbone of all things Indian. Discover abodes of rajas past, as well as Hindu temples and mosques, like the regal Jama Masjid. Feel the heat of savoury cumin and curries wafting through the streets and witness the bright rainbow of yellow muskmelons, green-skinned guava and bright pink dragonfruit that paints the array of fruit market stalls.
If you’ve energy for it, wander out alone and enjoy your first sample of Indian cuisine – the street vendors here are world-renowned. Otherwise, spend your night back at the hotel, resting up for the day ahead.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at any time today. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel for check-in.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a day of exploration. Follow your local guide as you weave through the busy streets of Old Delhi to the 17th-century Chandni Chowk markets. Immerse yourself in droves of brightly dyed clothing, tempting sweets and aromatic spices within its colourful collection of bustling shops.
Make your way to New Delhi and descend stone stairs into the eerie quiet and peace of the Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell – a centuries-old historic utility structure pre-dating the advent of water pumps and plumbing. Continue to Raj Ghat and contemplate this elegant memorial to Mahatma Gandhi near the Yamuna River.
Next, step into the magnificent Red Fort. Completed in the 17th century under the rule of Shah Jahan, this innovative structure is a marvel of the Mughal empire. Walk past its austere sandstone walls, among the imposing columns of its public audience hall or through the ‘Palace of Colours’ of the emperor’s wives and mistresses, with its brightly painted walls and mosaic of mirrors.
Spend the afternoon exploring New Delhi’s must-see spots, from the India Gate war memorial arch to the spectacular grounds of the Presidential Palace and Parliament House. Gaze in awe at the 13th-century sandstone tower of Qutab Minar – a looming monument of intricate Afghan design, built by Muslim conquerors and standing over 70 metres tall.
Return to your hotel for a free evening of rest.
After an early breakfast, it’s time to depart for Agra.
Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, make your way to the Taj Mahal – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its unmistakeable ivory-white dome and freestanding minarets have become recognisable the world over. Cast your eyes up to its peaks and contemplate this architectural marvel, then look down to witness their perfect mirror in the still waters of the famous reflecting pool.
Continue to Agra Fort, a castle town built of striking red sandstone which contains the many fairy-tale palaces of former emperors. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then set off for Jaipur in your private coach. Check in at your hotel, and greet the stunningly hospitable ‘Pink City’. Stroll through its bazaars before spending the evening appreciating a mesmerising sound and light show at the Jal Mahal water palace.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
With an early breakfast under your belt, strike out to discover the sprawling Amber Fort Complex. Strategically placed atop a forested hill, its unique fortifications weave down the slopes in complex patterns of pale yellow and pink sandstone.
After taking in the grandeur of one of India’s most magnificent palaces, make your way to the Escheresque observatory of Jantar Mantar. Constructed in the 18th century, this collection holds approximately 20 historic astronomical instruments, including one of the world’s largest stone sundials.
In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, spread over one-seventh of Old Jaipur. While part of the palace has been converted into a museum housing age-old weapons and traditional Indian fabrics and costumes, a portion of it is still used by the royal family of Jaipur.
Finally, enjoy a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Winds’. Capture Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, a five-storey structure of red and pink sandstone with intricately designed exteriors.
Depart this morning for the temple town of Pushkar and check in at your hotel. Once settled, visit Pushkar Lake, surrounded by over 500 temples and held as sacred and reputed to have healing powers by Hindu practitioners. Continue to the cobalt-blue Brahma Temple to learn of the singular city of worship that surrounds it, dedicated to the god of creation.
Enter Pushkar Fair Ground and witness the site of the annual Pushkar Fair – a week-long spectacle during which thousands of camels, horses and cattle are traded and unique competitions are held, including the ‘longest moustache’ contest.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, depart for the tranquil city of Udaipur. Be sure to stretch your legs from the lengthy journey by taking a stroll around historic Fateh Sagar reservoir before retiring to your hotel for time at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours
Set sail on a morning cruise across enchanting Lake Pichola, drifting lazily past the picturesque surrounds of Udaipur’s ‘Venice of the East’.
Back ashore, head to the City Palace for a tour of its flamboyant complex. Constructed in the 16th century, this gargantuan fortress exhibits varied architectural styles and houses a showstopping collection of sculpture, photography and painting from the Mewar School within its museum. Finish at the jaw-dropping Jagdish Temple, standing proud in honour of Vishnu – the god of preservation – for almost 400 years.
Spend your afternoon at leisure and visit the bustling local markets – at Bapu Bazaar you’ll find gadgets and souvenirs, while Bada Bazaar is famous for its rainbow shades of textiles and traditional clothing.
Bid farewell to the waterways of Udaipur as you set off this morning for Jodhpur, stopping along the way at quaint Ranakpur for a visit to its meticulously constructed 15th-century Jain temples. Chaturmukha temple, the main structure of the complex, is a white marble masterpiece dedicated to Adinatha, set among the forested valley straddling the Aravalli Ranges. Each of its staggering 1,444 carved pillars is unique – a testament to the architectural ingenuity of its creators.
Later, continue to Jodhpur for a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
Wake to a hearty breakfast and set your sights on the astounding Mehrangarh Fort, high on the hill overlooking the city. From palatial apartments to wide courtyards, this vast fort complex is an architectural delight, with a museum housing an impressive collection of royal artefacts and historic weaponry. Nearby, see the beautiful Jaswant Thada – an empty white marble tomb built in 1899 to honour Maharaja Jaswant Singh II – and view its collection of royal portraits.
Continue to the Ghanta Ghar, Jodphur’s century-old clock tower, surrounded by the invigorating sights, sounds and smells of Sardar Market. From here, the narrow, winding lanes of the old city spread out in all directions. Beneath this landmark work of architecture, explore the crowded countless stalls of the market, perusing fresh vegetables, spices, sweets, silver and handicrafts.
This afternoon, transfer to the ‘Red City’ of Bikaner, famed for its eye-catching architecture, traditional haveli manor houses and annual celebration dedicated to the ‘ship of the desert’ – the Camel Festival. Once you’ve checked in for the night at your cottage stay, embark on an afternoon camel safari across the rolling dunes of the Thar Desert.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 4.5 hours
Further discover Bikaner and learn the history of its founder, the young Rao Bika – a prince who set out to create his own kingdom in the heart of a desert. Stand in the shadow of Junagarh Fort and visit its exquisite royal palaces, then browse the countless antiquities of the Fort Museum. On display you’ll find no less than a collection of jade-handle daggers, Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts and the royal family jewels.
Later, make your way to Karni Mata Temple, where devotees offer sweets and cheeses to tens-of-thousands of holy rats. Learn the fascinating history behind this unique tradition, then continue on your way to the scenic town of Mandawa.
Check in at your hotel and settle in for a restful evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours
Embrace the morning with a guided tour of Mandawa’s famous havelis, or mansions. Seen across the Shekhawat region for centuries, these sprawling manors are renowned for their captivating frescoes, intricately painted in vibrant hues by their wealthy owners, including merchants that once travelled through on the caravan route from Delhi to the coast. More than beautifully decorated houses, the opulent havelis speak to the region’s prosperous past of trade and artistry.
Later, leave for Delhi, where you’ll check in for one last evening in Rajasthan’s thriving capital.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your unforgettable Rajasthan adventure.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at any time today. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.