Agra -Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent fortified city was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 until 1585 when it was abandoned dramatically due to a lack of water to support the peoples who resided in the city. Thanks to the very durable red sandstone, from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri remains fantastically preserved. Overnight – Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur

This morning, we 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. Why not bolt on an early morning amazing hot air balloon ride? Later in the afternoon, we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire, and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory, before stopping at a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration of fabric dyeing and block printing. Overnight – Jaipur.

Day 6: Alsisar

Jaipur – Alsisar. Today, we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region. The small towns in this region became important trading posts, a lasting legacy of which are the beautiful painted Havelis (mansions) constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy an afternoon village walk. Overnight – Alsisar.

Day 7: Bikaner

Alsisar – Bikaner. This morning we make a quick visit to the children and teachers at a local school in Alsisar where we operate our ‘Change for Children’ program, before traveling west to the 14th-century desert town of Bikaner. Once an important staging post on the great caravan routes, much of the atmospheric old town which we will explore is still encircled by massive fortified walls. Within these walls are Havelis, artisan shops and people going about their daily lives. We also visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort & Museum, built between 1587 and 1593 during the rule of Rai Singh. Overnight – Bikaner.

Days 8 – 9: Jaisalmer

Bikaner – Jaisalmer. Driving through the Rajasthani Thar desert we arrive at the medieval caravan outpost of Jaisalmer, one of the jewels in India’s crown. Exquisite wood and sandstone buildings dot the town and within Jaisalmer Fort are homes, hotels, and shops hidden in ancient laneways. During our stay in this stunning Rajasthani fortress town, we’ll enjoy some touring plus a desert camel safari on the rolling sand dunes. Overnight – Jaisalmer.

The blue city Jaisalmer – Jodhpur. An interesting drive through increasingly varied scenery takes us to Jodhpur, a town at the edge of the mighty Thar Desert. Dominated by Mehrangarh Fort which sits majestically atop a hill, Jodhpur is known as the Blue City. This is because of the coloured houses in the old town, painted indigo. We’ll enjoy some touring in this colorful Rajasthani city, taking in the mighty fort and bazaars of the old city which are gathered around the city’s tall clock tower. Overnight – Jodhpur.

Day 11: Ranakpur

Jodhpur – Ranakpur. Leaving Jodhpur, we drive to Ranakpur, a small town tucked away in a remote valley and famed for its beautiful 14th-century Jain temples. We’ll enjoy some exploration here and have time to relax at our hotel. Overnight – Ranakpur.

Days 12 – 13: Udaipur

Ranakpur – Udaipur. Continuing south, we arrive at Udaipur. An oasis of cool, with its massive lake and Venetian-like appearance, Udaipur is one of the most romantic towns in Rajasthan. A favourite amongst travelers, Udaipur is crammed full of palaces and temples. During our stay, we’ll enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola, plus touring the imposing City Palace, not to mention the free time to explore and perhaps shop for colorful Rajasthani souvenirs and Indian spices. Overnight – Udaipur.

Day 14: Fly back to Delhi

Udaipur – Delhi. Departure transfer to the airport to board a morning flight to Delhi. Option to travel onward to Mumbai, see note below. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel or to head out and further explore Delhi. Overnight – Delhi.

Day 15: Delhi

Saying goodbye to our newfound friends, our tour ends, hotel check-out, and included onward transfer to the airport.