Day 1 Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 In Delhi
A full day's sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan - the President's House; Humayun's Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple - beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. Overnight in Delhi, we are happy to recommend restaurants.
Day 3 Drive Delhi to Agra (220kms/4 hours)
You will be driven to Agra - City of the Taj Mahal, a great monument to love and one of the world's most beautiful buildings. On arrival, check in to your selected hotel and after a quick lunch head out to see the sights of Agra. Begin at the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah - the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jehangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jehan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
Day 4 Drive Agra to Samode (270kms/5 hours)
The drive to Samode takes you via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. Your home for the night is the exquisite Samode Palace. This one of India's most charming and romantic hotels and has been awarded The Best Heritage Hotel in the country for 5 consecutive years. The Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history.
Day 5 Drive Samode to Jaipur (42kms/1 hour)
You will be driven to Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still. You will be delivered to your selected hotel and can enjoy the remainder of the day in the hotel or exploring the town's bustling bazaars.
Day 6 In Jaipur
A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Overnight in Jaipur
Day 7 Drive Jaipur to Khimsar (330kms/7 hours)
Drive to Khimsar to stay one night at Khimsar Fort, perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Reflecting rural India, this unique fort offers a wide range of experiences; the late afternoon Black buck safari followed by picnic tea on the nearby Sand Dunes is always a favourite.
Day 8 Drive Khimsar to Jodhpur (90kms/1.5 hours)
You will be driven to Jodhpur, an oasis in the arid Thar Desert, also called the Blue city of India. On arrival, check in at your Jodhpur hotel and after freshening up head out to see the sights. Jodhpur touring begins with a visit to one of India's most imposing Forts - The Mehrangarh Fort - which houses an excellent Museum. Nearby is Jaswant Thada - the royal crematorium and a cenotaph of the rulers of Jodhpur which is built in translucent white marble. Explore the Sardar Market's colorful bazaars and shop for textiles, handicrafts and clay figurines. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 9 Drive Jodhpur to Deogarh (170kms/4 hours)
Drive to Deogarh, where the beautifully restored Deogarh Mahal is your home for the night. On arrival, in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, check in to Deogarh Mahal one of the finest heritage hotels of Rajasthan. Rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the surroundings.
Day 10 Drive Deogarh to Udaipur (140kms/3 hours)
You will be driven to Udaipur, the famed "city of sunrise" also called the Venice of the East. Check in at your chosen hotel and after some time to relax transfer to the lake side for an evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola. The shimmering waters of the Lake with the City Palace and the Lake Palace buildings in the background, serve as a magical way to end your day in Udaipur.
Day 11 In Udaipur
A half day's sightseeing tour of Udaipur begins at the largest palace complex in Rajasthan - The City Palace which towers over the lake. The Jagdish Temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe and Saheliyon ki bari is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 12 Fly Udaipur to Delhi
You will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for your flight for Delhi, where you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.
Day 13 Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to the International Airport in time to board your exit flight
