Your Rajasthan adventure begins at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) where you’ll be transferred to your New Delhi hotel.
Delhi is the country’s capital dating back to the 1600s, and it’s here you’ll discover the heart of Indian culture. Discover buildings of rajas past, as well as Hindu temples and mosques, like the regal Jama Masjid. Smell the cumin and curries in the air and see a colourful display of muskmelons, guava and dragonfruit at the fruit stalls.
Spend your night as you please, resting up for the day ahead.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before exploring. Follow your local guide through the busy streets of Old Delhi to the 17th-century Chandni Chowk markets.
Make your way to New Delhi and descend down to the Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell – a utility structure pre-dating the use of water pumps and plumbing. Continue to Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi near the Yamuna River. Next, step into the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fort, under the rule of Shah Jahan.
Spend the afternoon exploring New Delhi’s must-see spots, from the India Gate war memorial arch to the Presidential Palace and Parliament House. Gaze at the 13th-century sandstone tower of Qutab Minar – a tall monument of intricate Afghan design, built by Muslim conquerors.
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 white dome and tall minarets are known worldwide. Look up at this structure, then gaze down at its reflection in the waters of the reflecting pool.
Next, visit Agra Fort, a red sandstone castle with palaces of past emperors. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Taj Mahal visit
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then set off for Jaipur in your private coach. Check in at your hotel and say hello to the ‘Pink City’. Stroll through its bazaars before spending the evening enjoying a sound and light show at the Jal Mahal water palace.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, head out to explore the Amber Fort Complex. Sitting on a hill, its walls of pale yellow and pink sandstone stretch down the slopes in intricate patterns.
Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory featuring around 20 historic astronomical instruments, including one of the world’s largest stone sundials.
In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture covering one-seventh of Old Jaipur. Part of the palace is now a museum showcasing ancient weapons and traditional fabrics, while the royal family still uses some sections.
End the day with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Winds’, and capture this five-storey red and pink sandstone building.
Amber Fort visit
Depart this morning for the temple town of Pushkar and check in at your hotel.
Visit Pushkar Lake, surrounded by over 500 temples and considered sacred, with reputed healing powers according to Hindu belief. Continue to the Brahma Temple to learn about the city dedicated to the god of creation.
Enter Pushkar Fair Ground and witness the annual Pushkar Fair, a week-long event where 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 city of Udaipur. Be sure to stretch your legs from the lengthy journey by taking a stroll around the historic Fateh Sagar reservoir before returning to your hotel for time at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours
Set sail on a morning cruise across Lake Pichola, drifting through the ‘Venice of the East’.
Then, head to the City Palace for a tour. Constructed in the 16th century, this fortress exhibits varied architectural styles and houses a collection of sculpture, photography and painting from the Mewar School within its museum. Finish at the 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.
Lake Pichola cruise
Say goodbye to Udaipur and head to Jodhpur, stopping in Ranakpur to visit its 15th-century Jain temples. Chaturmukha temple, the main structure, is a white marble masterpiece dedicated to Adinatha, nestled in a valley of the Aravalli Ranges. Its 1,444 intricately carved pillars, each unique, show the architectural brilliance of its builders.
Later, continue to Jodhpur for a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
Start your day with breakfast and head to Mehrangarh Fort, high on the hill overlooking the city. It’s made up of palatial apartments, wide courtyards and a museum showcasing royal artefacts and historic weaponry. Nearby, see the Jaswant Thada, an empty white marble tomb built in 1899 to honour Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Continue to the Ghanta Ghar, Jodphur’s century-old clock tower, near the Sardar Market. Explore the busy market stalls, perusing fresh vegetables, spices, sweets, silver and handicrafts.
This afternoon, transfer to the ‘Red City’ of Bikaner, known for its eye-catching architecture, haveli manor houses and annual Camel Festival. Once you’ve checked in for the night at your cottage stay, go on an afternoon camel safari across the 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 desert. Vist the Junagarh Fort, then browse the antiquities of the Fort Museum. You’ll see a collection of jade-handle daggers, Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts and the royal family jewels.
Later, travel to Karni Mata Temple, where devotees offer sweets and cheeses to sacred rats. Learn the history behind this tradition before continuing onto Mandawa.
Check in at your hotel and settle in for a restful evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours
Enjoy a guided tour of Mandawa’s famous havelis, or mansions. Seen across the Shekhawat region for centuries, these manors are renowned for their frescoes, colourfully painted by their wealthy owners. More than just decorated houses, the 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 capital.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your Rajasthan adventure as you check out of the hotel, meet your transfer and make your way to Gandhi International Airport (DEL)