Day 1: Delhi

Once you arrive in Delhi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight – Delhi

Day 2: Old Delhi

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi taking in the impressive Red Fort – dating back to India’s Mughal period; Jama Masjid mosque – the final architectural extravagance of Emperor Shah Jahan and the colourful, if crowded, Chandni Chowk bazaar. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi. Offering a real contrast to the congestion of Old Delhi, the open and relatively streamlined New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British.

Highlights include the majestic India Gate, Rajpath, and bustling Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minar, a massive tower built to proclaim the arrival of Islam in India in the 11th century and a carpet emporium. Overnight – Delhi.

Day 3: Agra

Today, journey to Agra, once the capital of India under the Mughals. We take an exotic horsecart or rickshaw ride to the legendary Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble it has no peers. Witness first-hand, the efforts Emperor Shah Jahan went to in constructing the immense mausoleum, stunningly studded with semi-precious stones for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Visit Agra Fort, which has some of the finest Mughal buildings in India behind its walls, followed by a tour of a marble craft shop. Overnight – Agra.

Day 4: Ranthambhore NP

This morning tour and explore the fascinating former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri – Emperor Akbar’s vision in red sandstone. Early afternoon board the train Kota Jan Shatabdi Express (air-conditioned chair car) to Sawai Madhopur station and onward transfer to Ranthambhore National Park. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight – Ranthambhore NP.

Day 5: Ranthambhore NP

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Sprawling across an area of some 1334 sq. km, Ranthambhore is scenically beautiful. Set amidst a landscape of hills, lakes, and rivers, the park boasts an impressive 10th-century fort. The park terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bushland. The entire forest is peppered with ruined pavilions and small domed, Mughal kiosks known as chhatris. In addition to the Bengal tiger, Ranthambhore is home to wild boar, nilgai, sambar deer, and a variety of birds. Tiger spottings are more common in the morning or late afternoon, especially if hunting or tending to their young. Venture on morning and afternoon game drives in shared jeeps or Canters. Overnight – Ranthambhore NP.

Day 6: Jaipur

Indulge with a final game drive this morning before our afternoon transfer to Jaipur. Jaipur is affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. Overnight – Jaipur.

Day 7: Jaipur

This morning, travel beyond Jaipur to the 16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon, we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire, and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. The 18th-century observatory is the largest and best-preserved of five observatories built by the astronomer prince, Jai Singh II. He had the huge stone structures built to measure time, chart the declination of celestial bodies and predict eclipses. The observatory complex is remarkably fascinating. Jaipur is additionally renowned for its wonderful silks, saris, and intricate beading. This evening there is time to shop in the colourful local markets or visit a tailor. Good quality tailors are very capable of whipping up European-style clothing and other garments meeting your specification, at a fraction of prices charged for tailoring in the West. Also, most will often deliver your freshly sewn garments to your door. Overnight – Jaipur.

Days 8 – 9: Udaipur

Take a mid-morning flight south to Udaipur, which was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. An oasis of cool, with its massive and Venetian-like appearance, Udaipur is one of the most romantic towns in Rajasthan. A favourite amongst the wealthy and the elite, Udaipur is full of palaces and temples. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying our wonderful hotel facilities. On Day 9, you’ll enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola, plus touring of the imposing City Palace, a vision in soft yellow stone on the northeast promontory with breathtaking views of the lake. The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Free time to explore the palace or perhaps shop for colourful Rajasthani arts and crafts and Indian spices. Overnight – Udaipur.

Day 10: Delhi

Departure transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Delhi. The afternoon is free for you to relax by the hotel pool and bar or consider venturing out to further explore this vibrant city. Overnight – Delhi

Day 11: Delhi

Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to the airport.