Day 1: U.K – Delhi      
On Arrival in Delhi meet and assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Delhi, where an empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past.    

There have been at least eight cities built in and around modern Delhi, and the old saying that whoever founds a new city at Delhi will lose it has come true every time, most recently for the British who built New Delhi in 1911.

Take an afternoon tour of New Delhi. In 1911, the British asked Lutyens to design a new city, the result was New Delhi, The architectural designs, and sophistication of the buildings and the wide tree lines avenues are reminiscent of many European cities.      

Visit Connaught Place the hub of the city laid out as a traffic circle of architecturally uniform buildings, mainly devoted to shops, banks and restaurants. Then on to Rajpath flanked by Ornamental ponds and lawns, with India Gate at one end and the Presidents house at the other Rajpath most clearly reflects Lutyens European influence.     

Drive past the impressive president’s house and the Parliament House - Sansad Bhawan, the supreme law making body in the country.       

Finally visit Qutub Minar. Built In 1199 either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque, at a height of 72.5 meters. It is still the highest, and one of the finest stone towers in India.  

Overnight stay at Intercontinental The Grand

Day 2: Delhi    

Enjoy a morning tour of Old Delhi. Visit the old city of Shahjananbad where you will the see imposing Red Fort one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and a stunning example of Mughal architecture.

Also visit the famous main street in Old Delhi, Chandni chowk, full of all kinds of shops it overflows with all kinds of traffic, people, sounds and smells.Finally visit the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) at Raj Ghat. Situated on the bank of the legendary Yamuna River, which flows past New Delhi, Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the father of the nation
Afternoon is free for individual activities.

Overnight stay at Intercontinental The Grand

Day 3: Delhi – Agra       

Drive from Delhi to Agra by AC car; Approximately 210 KMs - 4 Hours

Agra is a land with a glorious past created by skilled architects as the seat for the Mughal Empire. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, with its crowded alleys and its predatory rickshaw riders, Agra is much like any other north Indian city. Also refered to as Agarbana(Paradise) in the epic of Mahabharta, the city houses the finest monuments of the period, which bear testimony to the aura of grandeur.

Afternoon visit to the Agra fort, on the banks of river Yamuna, is the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall.It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal,Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i- Am, Machihi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double cemented wall of red sand stone.

Later visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this Love Poem in Marble. (Friday closed).

Overnight stay at Jaypee Palace Hotel.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur      

Drive from Agra to Jaipur by AC car; Approximately 250 KMs - 6 Hours

En route visiting Fatehpur Sikri- built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, which was the old capital of the Mughals and was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other palaces which are still preserved in their original glory, credit of which goes to Lord Curzon.

Jaipur is the capital of, and the largest city in Rajasthan, built by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 A.D. who had the vision to create a meticulously planned city as his capital. Popularly known, as the Pink City after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 during the visit to the Prince of Wales, later king Edward VII. Today the houses in the old city including the famous Hawa Mahal are still painted pink.

Overnight at Le Meridien Jaipur

Day 5: Jaipur      

After breakfast enjoy a half-day visit to the Amber Fort a classic, Rajasthani Fort Palace with huge ramparts and watchtowers. A decorated elephant will take you up to the fort. Amber was the capital before Jaipur was built. Visit the marble Palace, temple of victory, hall of mirrors, which are excellent examples of ancient Rajput architecture.

In the afternoon enjoy a Half Day tour of the city including a visit to the City Palace the former Royal residence, part of which is now converted into a museum, Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds), a five storey building with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. Built to allow the queens and the palace maids to watch the royal processions passing through the roads without being seen, and Jantar Mantar, an 18th century astronomical Observatory which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments including an accurate 90 feet Sundial.

Overnight at Le Meridien Jaipur

Day 6: Jaipur - Bagar      

Drive from Jaipur to Bagar by AC car; Approximately 165 KMs - 4 Hours

After breakfast, depart from the “pink city” to arrive into the Shekhawati region.

The Shekhawati region is often referred to as the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan because of its painted frescoes & “havelis” (mansions), most of which date back to the 18th century. This region came into prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns of this region developed into important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat.

Later in the afternoon visit the havelis in this friendly town & nearby villages of the Shekhawati region.

Overnight at The Piramal Haveli.

Day 7: Bagar - Bikaner      

After breakfast Drive from Bagar to Bikaner by AC car; Approximately 185 KMs - 4 Hours

This Royal walled city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bikaner including The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, which has a 986-meter long wall with 37 bastions, one of the most imposing forts of northern India, built in 15th century Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered, the Camel Research and Breeding Farm where you can take a camel ride or enjoy a cup of camel's milk.

Time permitting also visit the Deshnok Temple; the temple is famous for its holy rodents who are revered as 'Kabas'. It is believed that one of the younger children of the Goddess was drowned to death. Karni Mata then ordered the God of death Yama to bring him back to life. This was not possible for Yama, but Karni Mata as the incarnate of Durga could do so herself. So she got him back to life as a rodent and ordered that no member of the family would die but be reborn as Kaba. It is considered highly fortunate if a Kaba runs over your feet. With so many of them around it is highly likely that you will be blessed.

Overnight stay at Karni Bhawan Palace

Day 8: Bikaner – Jaisalmer          

Drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer by AC car; Approximately 333 KMs - 5 Hours

This desert fortress is straight out of an Arabian fairy tale, more reminiscent of medieval Afghanistan than 20th-century India. Founded in the 12th century as a staging post for camel trains travelling between India and Central Asia, Jaisalmer is a golden sandstone city with crenellated city walls, a magnificent fortress and a number of exquisitely carved stone and wooden havelis. Seen at sunset from afar, it glows with the luminescence of a mirage.

Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, Jaisalmer offers the visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and history. The magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts.

Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer visiting Jaisalmer Fort, the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur, it has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. Patwon ki Haveli, (the grandest haveli of Jaisalmer) and Gadi Sagar which once held the town’s water supply, befitting its importance Gadi Sagar is surrounded by small temples and shrines.

Overnight stay at the Gorbandh Palace

Day 9: Jaisalmer      

Morning at Lesuire

Take an afternoon half-day tour to Sam Sand dunes this is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. Sam (pronounced 'sum') has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with little or no vegetation. While at Sam Sand Dunes enjoy a camel ride on the dunes

Overnight stay at the Gorbandh Palace

Day 10: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (295 Km / 5 hours)

Drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur by AC car; Approximately 295 KMs - 5 Hours

Amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar Desert lies the bustling city of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and has a landscape dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.

A 10 km long wall surrounds the old Jodhpur city with eight gates serving as entrances. The Maruthal or land of death’ came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. Rao Jodhaji founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459 AD, The city prospered as it was on the silk route of the 16th century and was host to many travelers.

In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former princely state.

In the Afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125-meter high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jarokhas" with evocative names.

Then visit the Jaswant Thada The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II, rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.

Finally visit the old city, the clock tower is a prominent landmark, but main attraction is the Sadar Market. The market has kept alive the old haat bazaar culture.

Overnights stay at the Taj Hari Mahal

Day 11: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur

Drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur by AC car; Approximately 225 KMs - 6 Hours

En route visit the Ranakpur complex, 60 km north of Udaipur. Ranakpur is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India, tucked away in a remote valley of the Aravalli range. The main temple is the Chaumukha Temple, or Four-Faced Temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439 this huge superbly crafted and well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two are alike.

Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences. Right from the medieval times, the city has been an inspiration for poets, painters and writers. Founded in 1559 and named after Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur became the capital of the Sisodia dynasty whose earlier capital was Chittor According to legend, the Maharana was out hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected. The Maharana followed the holy man”s advice and Udaipur came into being.

Overnight stay at the The Grand Lami Villas

Day 12: Udaipur

After breakfast enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visit the City palace built in 1725, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Maharana were once weighed under the gate and the equivalent amount in gold distributed among the populace. The city palace museum has a stunning collection of objects collected by different Maharanas of Udaipur over the centuries. You will also visit Jagdish Temple; this fine Indo-Aryan temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 AD and enshrines a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, lord of the Universe.

Day 13: Udaipur – Mumbai (Flight)

In the morning transfer to the airport, in time to board your flight to Mumbai.

Mumbai (until recently known as Bombay) derives its name from the local deity Mumba Devi, whose temple is still located in Mumbai. The name Bombay comes form the Portuguese who preferred to think of the name as “Bom Baim” - the Good Bay.

The Portuguese presented Mumbai to King Charles II of England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza. The British East India Company then leased it from the Crown, and developed the small fishing villages and natural harbors into Bombay, the subcontinent’s busiest port and the region’s centre for trade, finance and industry.

An island connected by bridges to the mainland, Mumbai is the industrial hub India and today is responsible for half of all India's foreign trade.

Afternoon city tour of Mumbai, visiting The Gateway of India, which was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. The Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George's V visit to India and opened in 1923 and The Jehangir Art Gallery, which displays paintings of modern Indian artists.

Then drive past the Flora Fountain (Mumbai’s nerve centre), Colorful Crawford market & along Marine Drive. Finally visit the Dhobi Ghats, 'ghats' means 'laundries' and here you will see are row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. Here almost two hundred dhobis (washer men) and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation.

Overnight at the Leela Kimpinski Mumbai

Day 14: Mumbai

Full day at Leisure to enjoy Mumbai

Overnight at the Leela Kimpinski Mumbai

Day 15: Mumbai – U.K

Transfer to the airport in time to connect to your homebound flight.

• International Flights on Virgin Atlantic
• Domestic flights as Detailed
• Rates on bed and breakfast basis.
• All surface transfers and sight seeing as mentioned in the itinerary is included.
• All transfers by Private A/C car
• Extra Night Rate available on Request