Meet & greet: 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.

Time to recover: Once arrived, in you have the remainder of the day at leisure to recuperate from your long flight. Please note you will usually be able to access your room on arrival, but an early check-in is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Claridges (Deluxe Room)

Guided tour of Old & New Delhi: This morning, meet up with your guide and set out to explore Old Delhi. Start at 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.

A stop for lunch (payable locally) will be made and in the afternoon you will explore New Delhi taking in Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and a drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is yet another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned sandstone and marble structure 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). Round out the day with a drive or walk through Lutyens’ New Delhi, taking in the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House), and Parliament House. After the sightseeing, you will return to the hotel for some time at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Claridges (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Agra, via Itimad-ud-Daulah: Head south from Delhi on the Yamuna Express Toll Road to Agra, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours.

En route you will stop to visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the so-called 'Baby Taj'. This exquisite tomb was built between 1622 and 1628, commissioned by queen Nur Jehan in the memory of her father Mizra Ghiyas Beg, a Persian nobleman and close confidante of Emperor Jehangir. Its craftsmanship foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal: the first tomb in Agra to use exclusively marble and pietra dura, and the first to be constructed on the banks of the Yamuna. Although lacking the sheer wow factor of the Taj the intricacy of skill of work here is without question, and does make a fine (if often overlooked) accompaniment to Agra's more renowned attraction.

Guided tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal: After checking in, you will be taken for a tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj Mahal took place in the famous 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. 

The Taj Mahal (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. Coated in shimmering white marble, the Taj is a mirror of daylight conditions and in the late afternoon it is bathed in delicate hues of amber and cream, giving way to a rich golden red as the sun falls. After time to look around and admire the sunset you will return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ekaa Villa (Queen Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Lucknow: After breakfast, you will leave Agra and press on by road to the Lucknow. Heading east out of the city, this will be a journey of around 6 hours. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Lebua Lucknow (Awadh Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Lucknow: Today, you will join a private guide for a thorough exploration of the city. Begin at Asfi Masjid, or the Bara Imambara, Lucknow’s premier architectural masterpiece. This huge enclosure encompasses an attached mosque, grand ornamental gate, and wide gardens. This dizzying monument has a great many highlights, with one in particular being its charming labyrinth, supporting the roof of the edifice, known locally as the ‘bhul-bhulaiya’. 

After the Mughals came the British, beginning a hugely significant chapter in the history of the city. You will next be taken to visit the Residency, built by the British to house their troops and officials. Most of the building was destroyed during the infamous 1857 Mutiny, however a little remains to explore, and all helps to enlighten the stories of this historic city. 

Conclude your tour at the Chota, or the small Imambara, built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1837 to serve his own mausoleum. The large courtyard encloses a raised rectangular tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side.   

The remainder of the day is spent at leisure; should you wish to continue exploring the city – perhaps learning more of its colonial history, or sampling more of its delicious food – please discuss extensions with your guide.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Lebua Lucknow (Awadh Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Varanasi: This morning, you will depart Lucknow and be driven across the Gangetic Plains of northern India to Varanasi. This will be a long journey of around 6 hours with refreshment stops en route. On arrival, check into your hotel and have some time to freshen up.

Evening Aarti Ceremony: As dusk falls, you will be taken into the heart of Varanasi to visit the Ghats, which line the banks of the sacred Ganges. Your guide will walk you in and around the ghats and the hectic streets which lead back from the waterfront. The walking tour will culminate at Dashashwamedh Ghat – the busiest, and most vibrant of all – in time for the mesmerising Aarti ceremony. Held every evening in this spot, the Aarti is a devotional ritual which uses fire an offering to the Maa Ganga, goddess of the most holy river in India. Watch as lamps are lit and circled by pandits (Hindu priests), accompanied by lively dance and songs of devotion. The priests believe that through their devotion the lamps will acquire the power of the goddess, and the ritual ends as they cup their hands over the flames, raise their palms to their foreheads, and absorb the purification and blessing of the goddess.  

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Taj Ganges (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning boat trip: Leave the hotel early this morning and be taken back down to the ghats to enjoy a magical boat ride as the sun rises over India’s holiest city. The riverfront, as seen from the water at daybreak, is a truly uplifting sight: observe as daily life breaks out along the ghats – washing, bathing, sadhus smoking, children at play, the odd wandering cow – set against the backdrop of glittering temples and the rising bells and chants of the pandits. After your boat ride you will be taken for a brief walking tour of Varanasi’s historical centre. The alleys and by-lanes of Varanasi are as fascinating as anything one can imagine. Shops sell rich brocade silks, brassware and also all the articles essential for worship at numerous little shrines. You will return to your hotel for breakfast, and then spend the morning at leisure.

Afternoon visit to Sarnath: Later in the afternoon, you will be driven a short distance outside of the city to Sarnath, one of the four most important pilgrimage centres for Buddhists. Following birth in Lumbini (just across the border in Nepal), gaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya (in in Bihar State), and prior to his death in Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), the Buddha visited Sarnath and here delivered his first teaching on the Middle Path to Nirvana. Later, in the 3rd Century BC, the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka marked this spot by constructing a network of magnificent stupas and monasteries. Over the centuries Sarnath fell into insignificance, and later ruin, before British archaeologists began excavation in 1836. The site remains in a state of semi-ruin, but is well-presented and very atmospheric, making a more placid contrast to the freneticism of Varanasi. After time to explore the site you will return to the Varanasi and spend the evening at leisure.

Accomodation: Stay tonight at Taj Ganges (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After a morning at leisure, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the airport to check-in for your onward flight.

Flight: 6E914 Varanasi - Jaipur 14.35 - 16.15

Private transfer: You will met on arrival in Jaipur and transferred to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight the Narain Niwas Palace (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day tour of Jaipur: Start today with a visit to Jaipur’s intriguing milk market, where dairy farmers from across the region congregate to trade on a wholesale basis. Observe the intriguing ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk, and take a front row seat as negotiations unfold. Afterwards, continue to Amber Fort – a stunning 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.

In the afternoon, you will continue uncovering Jaipur’s highlights with visits to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory) and a drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace 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. Moving on to Jantar Mantar, this medieval observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which were used to calculate astronomical and astrological events. Each of these structures were built following relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Finally, you will take a quick look at Hawa Mahal. Constructing in 1799, the Palace of Winds is a landmark of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. The five-storey structure, built to enable the women of the harem to observe of the comings and goings of the outside world, without being seen themselves. After the sightseeing return to your hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Narain Niwas Palace (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure in Jaipur: Today, you have a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel, or explore the Pink City independently. We recommend a stroll around the bazaars of the walled city, or perhaps joining a local cooking class.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Narain Niwas Palace  (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Jaipur to Jodhpur: After breakfast, you will set out on the long drive to Jodhpur. This will be journey of around 6 hours through changing desert landscapes. Stops will be made for lunch (payable locally) and also for rest and/or photo opportunities as you wish. You will draw into Jodhpur in the mid-afternoon, check in to your hotel, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight the Ratan Vilas (Superior Pool Facing Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Jodhpur: This morning, you will join a private guide on a tour Jodhpur. Begin, where else, with a comprehensive tour of Mehrangarh: the icon of Jodhpur, among the largest forts in India, unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur. Within the walls of the fort are packed innumerable palaces, sprawling courtyards, look-outs, galleries, and intricate stonework. There are also well-kept collections of weapons, instruments, palanquins, costumes and furniture. After ample time to explore the Fort, you will drop down to visit the 19th Century royal cenotaph Jaswant Thada, This intricate marble memorial sits on the shores of a pretty lake just north of Mehrangarh. It was built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and still serves as cremation grounds for the Marwar royal family.

You then have the option of taking a fascinating walking tour through the Blue City - the oldest part of town, a maze of tight streets sprawling around the Eastern base of Mehrangarh - before heading on to the vibrant clock tower market. This is the commercial heart of Jodhpur, where one finds everyday items ferociously traded, along with more intricate treasures such as silver, textiles, and handicrafts. After your sightseeing, you will return to the hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight the Ratan Vilas (Superior Pool Facing Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Jodhpur to Narlai: After a leisurely morning (you can discuss a preferred departure time with your driver), you will set off on the road to Narlai. The journey will take approximately 2.5 hours. Arrive and settle in to your homestay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Rawla Narlai (Grand Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: You have the entirety of today at leisure to relax at the homestay, and partake in some of the activities on offer. Walks can be taken through the neighbouring village, or out to one of several lakes and forts. The latter double up as excellent positions for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. Staying at home the family can arrange a yoga class, massage treatments, or you might like to venture into the kitchen to enjoy a culinary workshop.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Rawla Narlai (Grand Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Udaipur, via Ranakpur: At a time of your choosing (again, this can be discussed locally), you will depart Narlai and head due south to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. This journey will take approximately 1 hour. 

One of the biggest and the most important Jain temples in India, the extremely beautiful Ranakpur complex is well worth a visit. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are very well preserved and one of the most holy places for Jain pilgrimage. These temples lie in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range. The main temple, dating back to 1439, is called the Chaumukha Temple or the ‘four-faced temple’ and is dedicated to Adinath — the first of Jain teachers. Beautiful sculpture and grand structures mark the glory of this place. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 carved pillars, none of which are alike. The play of light and shade on the minutely curved figures leaves a tantalizing effect.

After ample time to enjoy the temple, continue on to Udaipur to check in to your city hotel.

Evening dinner with a local family: In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to a Rajput home where you can learn how some of the best known local delicacies are prepared. You will be the personal guests of the family, who are erstwhile feudal lords of a princely state. The experience will involve visiting the local market, buying ingredients, preparing the meal with the family sitting down to enjoy a spread of excellent home-cooked cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Jagat Niwas Palace (Suite)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Guided tour of Udaipur: This morning, you will be taken for a privately-guided city tour of Udaipur. Start your exploration at the huge City Palace, which towers over the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. This is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, and is a blend of imposing Rajput military architecture on the outside and lavish decorative art on the inside. Initial construction was started by Maharana Udai Singh, the city's founder; the City Palace is made up of at least four separate interconnecting palaces built over a period of nearly three centuries. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum which houses interesting artefacts from the heady days of royalty.

You will follow on with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari: beautiful gardens laid out in the mid-18th century for a retinue of forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting, who were sent to Udaipur as part of a princess's dowry. The gardens boast beautiful lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and marble elephant-shaped fountains - all of which reinforces the romantic reputation of Udaipur. Next continue to Jagdish Temple, sitting just outside the northern gates of the City Palace. This Indo-Aryan temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, the creator of the universe. After your visit to this interesting temple you will make a photo stop at Lake Pichola, looking out towards the iconic Lake Palace. After the tour, you will have some time at leisure to look for souvenirs, before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Jagat Niwas Palace (Suite)

Meals: Breakfast  

Private transfer: In the late morning, you will be collected from the hotel and driven to Udaipur’s Airport, around an hour outside the city, in time to board your flight to Delhi.

Flight: 6E2325  Udaipur - Delhi 14.15 - 15.35

Private transfer: You will be met on arrival in Delhi and taken to the nearby Aerocity complex to spend a final night at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast