Spirit of North & South India

In the morning you'll be taken to Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. View this magnificent building from outside, before heading on a guided tour of Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Explore Delhi Your Way. Meet a well-known chef for a local foodie walk in Old Deli, where you'll witness the creation of Delhi's famous street food snacks.

Alternatively, visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO world Heritage Site, and enjoy lunch. Explore the winding streets of lively Chandni Chowk in local fashion, via an exhilarating rickshaw ride. In the afternoon, visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, a place preparing and serving free vegetarian meals to locals, travellers and those in need. Later, drive past the impressive President Palace, India gate and Parliament House. (B/L)

Travel through the rural countryside where flat, green fields are abundant with brightly coloured flowers. Your destination is the stunning Rajasthan capital of Jaipur. More affectionately known as the Pink City, this pretty destination owes its name to a visit from Queen Victoria in 1876, when all its buildings were painted pink as a sign of hospitality.

Later, ascend by jeep to Amber Fort, with its royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Today you'll experience India's spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony at Amber Fort. Your Highlight Dinner will be served at the opulent 1135 A. D, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views. (B/L/DW) Stay: Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur.

Your morning is free to enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Perhaps book a treatment at its spa, or take a dip in its outdoor pool, brightly decorated by the red and yellow printed sunbeds that surround it. After lunch see the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, and visit Jantar Mantar, the observatory, constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II. During the tour you will visit the flower and spice market, filled with colours and smells to ignite the senses. Enjoy a locally inspired high tea in a private living room of the Maharaja, within Jaipur's City Palace. This VIP experience is exclusive to Luxury Gold Guests.

In the evening, meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw, a company dedicated to supporting the employment of women from low income households. Listen as they recount stories of their lives from growing up in the slums to proudly developing their skills to be part of this inspiring opportunity. Delight in their enthusiasm and knowledge as they take you on a city tour of Jaipur. Experience a delightful Highlight Dinner at Suvarna Mahal Restaurant in Rambagh Palace. With its high ceilings, gilded mirrors and spectacular frescoes, the restaurant embodies rich heritage and delight in royal cuisines from the princely states of India. (B/DW)

Your exploration of the city includes visiting the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Crawford Market. Meet the superheroes of the city; you get to know the intricate details of the magnificent tiffin service which has been in existence since almost 130 years! In the afternoon, enjoy the view of the city skyline on your cruise to Elephanta Island, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva.

Visit the complex of ancient cave temples listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The massive entrance hall, supported by large pillars, houses the Mahesamurti, an enormous three-faced statue of Shiva. In the evening, raise a glass to your adventures, with your newfound friends during a delightful Celebration Dinner. (B/DW)