Arriving at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights.

After breakfast, we set off on a full day, guided tour of the city. In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid then drive past the Red Fort before taking a short rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandni Chowk. You also visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Following lunch we explore the British Raj architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi, driving past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and the Parliament buildings with a photo stop at the India Gate. The tour finishes with a visit to the ancient minaret Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

This morning we drive from Delhi to Neemrana (108 km/2 hrs) and upon arrival check into a 15th century palace, which has been turned into one of the best authentic palace hotels of India. In the afternoon, there are several optional activities to choose from such as a camel cart or vintage car ride, zip lining above the fort, visit the village or just enjoy an easy hike. Overnight at Neemrana Fort Palace

After a morning drive from Neemrana to Samode (130 km/2½ hrs) we arrive in this small village which lies in a valley in the Aravalli Hills to stay in a 475 year-old palace. This superb example of Indo-Saracenic architecture is an oasis of luxury in the Rajasthan Desert. There will be a short tour of its Diwan-e-Khas to see gold paintings and fine pieces of mirror work as well as an afternoon walking tour of Samode village.

Accommodation: At the Samode Palace – 2 Nights

We spend the day in nearby Jaipur, the cultural and political capital of Rajasthan. First we will visit the stunning Amber Fort with the option of entering the fort on an elephant. In the afternoon we see the beautiful City Palace, the ancient observatory, Jantar Mantar as well as Hawa Mahal known as the Palace of the Winds before returning to Samode.

After breakfast we set off for Churu (175 km/6 hrs) visiting several amazing forts on the way including a famous one at Mandawa. Arriving in Churu by late afternoon and check in to your hotel, a unique heritage hotel in an area known for its beautiful havelis. Overnight at Malji ka Kamra Hotel.

Following a guided tour of your hotel to see its fine fresco paintings, we drive to Bikaner (180 km/3½ hrs). On the way we stop at the small town of Fatehpur which is typical of this Shekhawati region. After arriving to check in at the hotel in Bikaner, there will be a visit to the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke also known as Rat temple. Overnight at your selected hotel.

Start the day with a tour of the Junagarh Fort. Included within its impressive walls you will see a beautiful textile museum, the Bhandeshwar Jain Temple and a Camel Breeding Farm. Next we drive to Khimsar (150 km/3 hrs) and on arrival there will be a walking tour in Khimsar Village. You can also choose to have an optional guided tour of Khimsar’s celebrated Fort. Overnight at your selected hotel.

On the way to Jaisalmer (290 km/6 hrs), you can have an optional stop to see the Ramdevra Temple near Pokhran. Once in Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, the balance of the day is at leisure, or enjoy an optional visit to nearby Gadsisar Lake.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights

Spend the morning on a guided city tour which will include a walk through the winding streets of its massive hill-top Golden Fort, then visiting the Manek Chowk and some of Jaisalmer’s exquisite and richly carved Havelis. In the late afternoon enjoy a camel ride out in the sand dunes to watch a desert sunset.

Our drive today takes us through this desert countryside and en route to Jodhpur, we’ll visit Osian’s Jain temple. Arriving in Jodhpur which is often called the Blue City, enjoy a free afternoon with time for independent activities or to stroll through the local market. Overnight at your selected hotel

After a visit to the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort that towers over Jodhpur and Jaswant Thada, we have a short drive to Luni (40 km/1 hr), a charming village that reflects the royal past of Rajasthan. Here we check in to the fascinating Fort Chanwa carved out of red sandstone and an exceptional example of Indian architecture. Later this afternoon we explore the village. Overnight at Fort Chanwa

This morning we take an excursion to Guda Bishnoi village. Enjoy a jeep safari through the countryside to see some of these tribal villages as well as look for blackbucks and blue bull that are found in the area. Later we continue on to Udaipur (approx 235 km/4-4½ hrs) with a stop en route to visit Ranakpur’s stunning Jain temple. Arriving in Udapur, known as the ”Venice of the East” and considered the most beautiful and romantic city of the Rajasthan, we will take a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichhola, passing by floating palaces and admiring the shoreline’s exquisite architecture.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2

The day starts with a guided city tour of the City Palace with the option of seeing the Crystal Gallery before visiting the Saheliyon ki Bari Gardens with its lotus ponds and fountains and Jagdish Temple. This afternoon we take a short drive outside the city to visit the ancient temples of Eklingji & Nagda.

The morning is at leisure before being transferred to airport for flight to Mumbai. On arrival in this commercial and entertainment capital of India, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights

We start the day with a ferryboat ride to visit Elephanta Island. Dedicated to Lord Shiva you will marvel at its impressive caves filled with exemplary Hindu and Buddhist stone sculptures. In the afternoon, our tour of Mumbai continues and includes visits to the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat (an open air laundry) and Crawford market.

Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.