Passage to India

On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India's capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.

This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Jama Masjid - India's oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King's Way' and see the famous India Gate monument.

This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner. (B/D)

Today we travel to Agra, where we enjoy lunch before taking a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity watch the sunset fade over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos! (B)

Continue to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer). (B/L/D)

This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur.

On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments. (B)

Enjoy an unforgettable experience early this morning with an optional balloon ride over Jaipur. Sail with the wind over the surrounding region and pass above hill-top forts and regal palaces.

Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. (B)

Departing Jaipur early this morning, we drive deeper into Rajashtan to Udaipur, the city of lakes. Sitting on the shores of Lake Pichola, Udaipur is a walled-city that is renowned for its palaces. Once checked in and settled, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur including the City Palace Museum, which is one of the largest Palace complexes in India. We will also visit Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens and the Jagdish Temple followed by a shared boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Please Note: We are currently taking a morning flight from Jaipur to Udaipur until the new highway has been completed. Expected to open in early 2024. (B)

Today is a free day to explore the beautiful city of Udaipur at leisure.

You can opt to check out a local palace or temple, or perhaps visit Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, a history museum that hosts a cultural show showcasing Rajasthani dance each evening. If you're a foodie, why not enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many local restaurants that offer a rooftop view of the stunning Lake Pichola? One thing is for sure - there are plenty of things to do around this incredible city! (B)

Today, we will be making our way back to Delhi. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi.

On arrival, you will be transported to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Our Indian adventure comes to an end today with an included transfer to the airport. (B)