Meet & greet, transfer to hotel: Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival in Delhi by a local representative and introduced to your private driver. Together they will take you to your city hotel to check in. 

Please note: We will put in the strongest possible request to have at least one room available for check-in when you arrive at the hotel. However, this will be subject to availability on the day and cannot be guaranteed.

Afternoon tour of Lodhi Gardens & Gandhi Smriti: After some time to freshen up at the hotel, you will be taken out for a gentle introduction to Delhi. Your first visit will be to Lodhi Gardens, found close to most of New Delhi's international hotels. This 80-acre park is peaceful, well-maintained, and a firm favourite of Delhi-ites. The parkland is dotted with garden areas and a string of impressive tombs, as well as an attractive central lake. Later you will be taken to nearby Gandhi Smriti, a moving memorial to the father of Indian democracy. Situated on the very spot of his assassination, the memorial houses various tributes to Gandhi, as well as limited number of his personal effects. You will then be returned to your hotel to spend the evening at leisure. 

Dinner at Dhaba: This evening, you will be taken for dinner at Dhaba, the Claridges' most famous restaurant, renowned for its contemporary take on hearty North Indian fare. 

If you would prefer something less heavy on this first evening we can also arrange dinner at the hotel's Mediterranean or Chinese restaurants, or recommend something else in the near area. Please ask your consultant for suggestions. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Claridges (2x Deluxe Rooms)

Meals: Dinner

Guided tour of Delhi: This morning, meet up with your guide and set out to explore Delhi. Start in Old Delhi where you will visit Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Its construction started in 1644 and it ended up the final act of architectural extravagance of legendary ruler Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Head outside the mosque and into the surrounding bazaars (closed on Sundays), which can be explored on foot or by rickshaw. Here you can witness centuries-old arts and crafts, where present owners may be of the 6th or 7th generation to ply the family trade. There are many typical and fascinating businesses here, including a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You may also saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. Move on to the Khari Baoli, which is all about spices, and where dealers of rice, dal, dry fruits, nuts, and saffron have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market. 

You will then visit two of Delhi's most famous landmarks. First Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble served as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73 m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of the nearby mosque, at the centre of which is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D). 

Leave Qutb Minar and drive back to your hotel in New Delhi, a drive which will take you through Luytens' wide avenues and circuses, passing by India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential buildings. Arrive back at the hotel in the early afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Claridges (2x Deluxe Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast

Salaam Baalak Trust City Walk: After breakfast, you will be taken to visit the Salaam Baalak Trust to join one of their short guided walks, conducted through the streets around Paharganj and the New Delhi station area. The tour will be led by a former street child, once living and working on the streets until coming under the care of the Salaam Baalak Trust. The guides are all around adolescent age and have been fully trained and have a reasonable level of English. Through the tour they are aiming to improve their language and communication skills. The tour will enable you to see the city through their eyes, hear more about their experiences, and see a side of the city far removed from the principal tourist attractions. Since the Trust's development thousands have taken this guided walk and thus empowered a huge number of children. The city walk is a fine example of how a volunteer's creativity can translate into a unique and enduring programme, which is both popular and economically viable. 

Road journey from Delhi to Jaipur: After the tour, you meet your driver again and then set off from the capital. Your road journey today will take you southwest into royal Rajasthan province, heading for its iconic capital Jaipur. Instead of heading right into Jaipur you will be taken to the Dera Amer tented camp, located in the outskirts just to the north. You will arrive late afternoon and then get settled into the camp. 

Afternoon and evening at Dera Amer: On arrival at Dera Amer, you will be received with a traditional Indian welcome - from both human and pachyderm hosts. You will be invited to your seat on one of the family elephants, to then transported be through the wilderness and into the camp. 

After settling in, you will take a camel ride out a nearby village, where you will learn about the lives of the Meena tribe who have inhabited this area for centuries. Return to the camp for some time at leisure, which can be filled with further elephant interaction – bathing, feeding, and even decorating! – or relaxing and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. 

In the evening a bonfire will be lit. Cocktails and snacks are offered as you enjoy the fire and night sky. Dinner will be a traditional Rajasthani barbecue with the full range of accoutrements, accompanied by live performance from a local musician. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Amer Tented Camp (2x Ensuite Tents)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Morning at Dera Amer: After breakfast, you will be taken out for another elephant-led stroll. Morning enjoy a cool morning walk to the nearest village, listening to the gentle rumble of the elephant as she sashays along. Return to the camp in the mid-morning, and then check out.

Hike from Dera Amer to Amber Fort: After checking out, your driver will depart with your main luggage, to be taken on to your city hotel. You will continue on foot. A local guide will meet you and taken you an easy hike of around 2 hours from the camp, through alluring scenery, and up to the stunning Amer Fort, which holds a hilltop position above the city. ‘Amer’ was the former capital of Jaipur state; construction of this key fort began in 16th century, with embellishments continually added by successive rulers. A comprehensive look around the Fort should include the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens. 

After visiting the Fort, you will meet you driver and vehicle and then be taken by road to your hotel in the city. Check in and have the rest of the day at leisure. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Mandawa (2x Suite Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Jaipur: Start the day with a visit to the milk market, where large quantities of milk is procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices. Afterwards visit the City Palace which is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Leaving the City Palace behind you will move on to the Jantar Mantar (medieval observatory). Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had a passion for astronomy which led him to build five astronomical observatories in India at Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi. The observatory at Jaipur, built in 1728, is the largest and best preserved of them. The observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which enable the calculation of many astronomical and astrological events like eclipses etc. Each of these structures was built after relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Even today they are put to good use. Rejoin you driver to drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in 1799 Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, is one of the landmarks of Jaipur although it is little more than a façade. It is a five-storey building in pink, built to enable the women of the harem to see the activities of the outside world without being seen themselves. 

A break for lunch (payable locally) will be taken and in the afternoon, you will end the tour with a walking tour of Old Jaipur. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best sights that the city has to offer. You will be taken through the labyrinth of colourful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewellery market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharon ka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar. After the sightseeing, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on what you have seen.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Mandawa (2x Suite Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Ranthambore: After a leisurely breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and set off on the 4-hour drive to Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. On arrival in Ranthambore, head straight to your accommodation and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after the drive.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Ranthambhore Kothi (2x Deluxe Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Jeep Safaris in Ranthambore National Park: Early this morning and again in the afternoon, you will join shared jeep safaris inside the National Park in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger and other wildlife that inhabits the park. Besides tiger, Ranthambore has large number of sambhar, chital and nilgai. Wild boar and an occasional gazelle can also be seen, along with the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among other local fauna that you may see, are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Riding in shared open jeeps with a local naturalist each safari lasts 3 hours and in between you will be returned to your accommodation to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Ranthambhore Kothi (2x Deluxe Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Train to Bharatpur: Early this morning, you will be transferred to the railway station in Sawai Madhopur, from where you will catch the morning express train to Bharatpur. This Jan Shatabdi day express train, heading for Delhi, will depart at 7.05am and arrive into Bharatpur at 9.25am. You will be seated in 1st class AC carriage for this journey. 

Road journey to Agra: On arrival in Bharatpur, you will be met off the train by your driver who will escort you to the waiting car. You will then continue by road to Agra, a journey of around 1.5 hours. On arrival in Agra, head straight to your hotel to check in. 

Cycle from Agra countryside to Mehtab Bagh: Later in the afternoon, you will be met by a cycling guide and taken to a starting point just outside the city. You will be taken a for guided cycle ride (using mountain bikes on easy going terrain, helmets provided) through the rural surrounds of Agra, a side of the city rarely seen by visitors. The cycling will take around 2-3 hours, covering roughly 7-10km depending on your preferences. The tour will culminate back in Agra at the Mehtab Bagh, one of a series of 11 parks which line the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. The park is pleasant in itself, but the utmost attraction here is a clear view directly across to the Taj Mahal: the Mehtab Bagh Gardens are perfectly aligned with those across the river, and at sunset the view offered here is spectacular. After taking in the sunset, you will return to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Coral Court Homestay (2x Deluxe Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal: After breakfast, you will be met at the hotel and taken for a tour of the Taj Mahal. Coated in shimmering white marble, the Taj is a mirror of daylight conditions and it begins the morning bathed in delicate hues of pink, giving way to cream and amber as the sun climbs. This stunning monument (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity', and is an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is its blend of grandeur: a massive overall design, matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. 

After visiting the Taj, you can return to the hotel and have some at leisure, or should you be interested, be taken around the bend of the Yamuna for a tour of Agra Fort. Construction of the Fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, with embellishments continually added until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals, and with its red sandstone wash Agra Fort is a striking partner to the Red Fort in Delhi. 

Road journey to Chambal: After the sightseeing, you will leave Agra and press on by road to the Chambal Valley. Heading east out of the city, this will be a journey of around 1.5 hours. You will arrive at your lodge in the mid-afternoon. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Chambal Safari Lodge (2x Cottage Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Morning Chambal River Safari: The National Chambal Sanctuary is located around 22 km or 35 minutes' drive from the Chambal Safari Lodge. The sanctuary is set in a very picturesque backdrop, framed by the ravines and sandbanks. The calm waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats. The gentle pace of this river safari is designed to provide spectacular sightings of the gharials, muggers & turtles basking in the sun; the many migratory and resident birds flying sorties. the occasional glimpses of the Gangetic river dolphins breaking surface.

Time at leisure: The afternoon is then free. Further activities can be arranged and paid for directly through the lodge. The surrounding Chambal Valley can be explored at your own pace - on camels, jeeps or on foot, accompanied by an experienced local guide or naturalist. Mountain bikes can be hired and taken out on a fully paved cycling route which runs through the surrounding countries. A hike or camel safari up to Fort Ater, around 2km, is also recommended and offers some breath-taking views. Further wildlife activities can be arranged in the Chambal Sanctuary, with bird-watching a particular highlight. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Chambal Safari Lodge (2x Cottage Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning at leisure: This morning, you have more free time to relax at the lodge, or organise further activities locally. 

Local village & temple tour: In the late afternoon, you will be taken to visit  the heritage village of Holipura and visit the medieval temples of Bateshwar. Holipura village, located at the edge of the Yamuna Ravines, near Bateshwar, is a stronghold of the Chaturvedi clan who claim descent from the Greek soldiers of Alexander’s army. Many of the clan rose to positions of great prominence and built substantial havelis (grand homes) to announce their arrival. Built over a period of time, with influences ranging from Mughal to Colonial and adapted to a rural scenario, the havelis have a unique architectural blend and are a beautiful synthesis of myriad traditions. Several are inhabited by the descendants of the original owners, retaining a certain character and charm. The village is a microcosm of rural Indian life with the symbiotic relationships of the inhabitants reflected in its layout. The walk through Holipura is conducted by a member of the village community, culminating in refreshments at their home.

You will then travel upriver by boat to the ancient settlement of Bateshwar, situated on a crescent bend of the Yamuna river. More than 40 temples dedicated to the glory of Shiva glisten along the ghats of the river.  A multitude of architectural styles, time periods and historical events are reflected in these simple shrines. The ghats are evocative of Varanasi and the temples of Pushkar, and a very evocative sight as the dusk fals across the river.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Chambal Safari Lodge (2x Cottage Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Road journey from Chambal to Delhi: After a leisurely morning, you will be picked up and transferred by road back to Delhi. This journey, spent mostly on the excellent Yamuna Expressway, will take around 5 hours. You will arrive back in the afternoon and spend the final night of your trip at a comfortable hotel close to Delhi's International Airport.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (2x Deluxe Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast