Your itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK.
Overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 2: Arrive Delhi.
Land in Delhi this morning where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a magnetic blend of old and new boasting a fascinating array of sights, from elegant shops and lively bazaars to impressive forts and mosques that were once the power-base for India's Mughal emperors. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, gazing at landmarks such as the majestic three-domed Jama Masjid Mosque and the splendid 17th century Mughal Red Fort before visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Day 3: Delhi.
Your day starts with a tour of New Delhi's major sights, including the towering Qutub Minar, ancient tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the grandiose India Gate War Memorial then a drive past the President's House and Parliament. This afternoon is free for you to relax or delve deeper into this vibrant city, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or sampling an authentic curry at one of the many fine restaurants.
(B)
Day 4: Delhi - Mandawa.
This morning, leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. This morning, admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, before an afternoon visit to its havelis and monuments close-up. Later, visit Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town that was once the capital of India's Muslim Nawabs, to see its extravagant Devra and Singhania havelis. Overnight stay at hotel in Mandawa.
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Day 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.
Say farewell to Mandawa as we travel to Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan, for an overnight stay. Surrounded by desert, this royal walled city was a major trading centre on the ancient caravan routes between central Asia and India. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh fortress, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies, chapels and mirrored palaces.
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Day 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer.
Our destination today is the exotic desert city of Jaisalmer for a two night stay. Strategically located on camel trade routes and often dubbed the 'Golden City', captivating Jaisalmer is a feast for the senses. Filled with intricately latticed, beautifully preserved 19th century havelis, it is best known for its impressive fort, standing 80 metres above the city and surrounded by stunning Jain temples.
(B)
Day 7: Jaisalmer.
This morning, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer's fort, built in the 12th century and where a fourth of the city's population now lives. After admiring the richly carved Jain temples and havelis nearby, this afternoon brings a highlight of your trip - an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy a short camel ride over these towering dunes as the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a radiant glow over the desert.
(B)
Day 8: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur.
Leave Jaisalmer for Jodhpur, once one of India's princely states, for a two night stay. Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerising old city is ringed by a 10-kilometre, eight-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. Brimming with enchanting palaces, temples, havelis and a beautiful fort, this imperious 15th century city exudes imperial grandeur and warm hospitality.
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Day 9: Jodhpur.
Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort, founded by prince Rao Jodha in 1459. As well as marvelling at its grand palaces, gaze at the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial at Jodphur's royal cremation ground - beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the empty desert around Jodhpur. These communities of vegetarians observe an ascetic lifestyle, protecting endangered plant and tree species and prohibiting poachers from killing animals.
(B)
Day 10: Jodhpur - Mount Abu.
This morning, travel to Mount Abu, a green Rajasthan hill retreat for a two night stay, visiting the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en-route. Approached via a winding road through bizarrely shaped rocks, Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station and boasts a superb array of elaborate Dilwara Jain temples, making it an important pilgrimage site.
(B)
Day 11: Mount Abu.
Revel in the sights and sounds of Mount Abu this morning on a tour of its 11th century Dilwara temples - five breathtaking marble edifices covered in minutely detailed carvings, which are a wonder to behold. Afterwards, enjoy a drive along the banks of the serene Nakki Lake and its overhanging Toad Rock before returning to Mount Abu for an afternoon at your leisure.
(B)
Day 12: Mount Abu - Udaipur.
Leave Mount Abu this morning for Udaipur, known as the 'City of Lakes' and the most romantic in Rajasthan. Founded in 1568 and once the capital of India's old Mewar state, this enchanting city is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. This afternoon, marvel at Udaipur's mirage-like beauty on a tour of its City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. Later, admire the Jagdish Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the ornamental gardens of Sahelion ki Bari. Overnight at Udaipur.
(B)
Day 13: Udaipur - Pushkar.
This morning, we drive to Pushkar for an overnight stay. Once a mighty Mughal residence, this holy city is famed for its colourful camel and cattle fair and home to 400 temples and ghats. This afternoon, admire its 14th century Brahma temple - the only one in India - a vision of white, rising from the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning or evening light.
(B)
Day 14: Pushkar - Jaipur.
Set off for Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city for an overnight stay. On arrival, enjoy an introductory tour of this wonderful city with its glorious Mughal and Rajpat architecture and animated streets.
(B)
Day 15: Jaipur - Agra including the Taj Mahal.
This morning visit Jaipur's legendary Amber Fort, which can be approached by foot or on the back of an elephant. Called 'The Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan', this honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills has a sombre exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including a stupendous Chamber of Mirrors and alabaster Hall of Victory. Later, we travel to Agra, stopping en-route at Fatehpur Sikri, an atmospheric abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, built by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted by its people soon after when its water supply failed. After arriving in Agra, look forward to another highlight - your visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the seven wonders of the world, this remarkable edifice was commissioned by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum.
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Day 16: Agra - Delhi.
This morning, visit Agra Fort, a colossal redstone monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers, room of mirrors and the poignant pavilion where Shahjahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal, spent his last days, perhaps gazing at the view of the Taj from its windows. This afternoon, leave Agra for Delhi.
(B)
Day 17: Delhi - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for your return flight back to the UK.
(B)
Hotels On Tour
Delhi: The Park; Mandawa: Castle Mandawa; Bikaner: Laxmi Niwas Palace; Jaisalmer: Fort Rajwada; Jodhpur: Ajit Bhawan; Mount Abu: Hillock; Udaipur: Fateh Prakash; Pushkar: Jagatsingh Palace; Jaipur: Le Meridian; Agra: Jaypee Palace; Indira Gandhi: Radisson Hotel/Ashok Country Resort.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.
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