Jewels of India - Taj Mahal, & Rajasthan – Unique Small Group

Depart for Delhi, for a once in a lifetime experience to India.

On arrival in Delhi, we meet our guide and transfer to our hotel, where we will spend the next two nights. 

In the afternoon, we set off on a captivating Delhi tour (pending our flight times this excursion may be the following day).  Marvel at the 12th Century Qutub Minar, a towering masterpiece that reaches an impressive 100 meters. This hand carved wonder has stood the test of time for over 1,500 years. After our excursion we return to our hotel in time for dinner.

Dinner is included each night (11 nights) of your stay in India.

Let’s uncover Delhi’s rich history on a guided tour through Old and New Delhi. Experience the bustling streets of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride and visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi. Our route takes us past the magnificent Jama Masjid Mosque (admired from the outside) and leads us to the Bangla Sikh Temple, providing us with valuable insights into Sikh culture.

Next, we explore the vibrant and bustling market of Chandi Chowk for souvenirs and local treasures. Later we visit New Delhi to see Hamayun’s Tomb, a beautiful 16th Century building.  Our journey continues as we drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the Indian fallen soldiers), and the president’s residence an interesting blend of Victorian architecture, before returning to our hotel.

After our adventure we enjoy some free time to relax and unwind after a day of uncovering the highlights of Delhi

This morning we leave Delhi and transfer by coach to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal! The journey will take approximately four hours (210km). 

We have arrived, let's see more as we discover Agra Fort on a guided excursion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most magnificent Mughal forts. Dating back to the 11th century, this red stone fortress has witnessed the turbulence of invasions and battles, including the historic India Rebellion of 1857.

The day is not over yet! Let's unwind and relish a rejuvenating cup of tea with the majestic Taj Mahal as our backdrop as the sun begins to set, casting a glow over this iconic monument. It’s an experience to remember.

Afterward we return to our hotel and relax for the evening.  Tomorrow, we have an early start!

Get ready to behold one of India’s true gems! We kick off our day with an early morning start for our guided excursion to witness the breath-taking sunrise at one of the world’s most monumental symbols of love. The early hours offer the perfect lighting for capturing the Taj Mahal at its most dramatic. This famous mausoleum, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favourite wife, is a highlight for many visitors to India and it is easy to see why it is considered one of the jewels of this tour.

We return to our hotel for breakfast and get ready for our next part of our journey.

Please note: Taj Mahal visit may sometimes be changed to a sunset visit instead of sunrise.

We depart Agra, Utta Pradesh by coach and make our way towards the “Pink City” Jaipur. Today’s journey is a full day and will take approximately seven hours (235km) with comfort stops along the way to reach Jaipur.

Let’s see more as we make a stop enroute to Jaipur, we take a fascinating detour to explore the intriguing tale of Fatehpur Sikri, also known as the “Ghost city” or “City of Victory”. This historical site served as the capital of the might Mughal Empire. Emperor Akbar the Great commissioned its construction in 1569, and it became the imperial capital for nearly a decade until Akbar's decision to abandon it in 1585. Ultimately, in 1610, the city was completely deserted, reportedly due to water scarcity.

We depart Utta Pradesh and make our way into Rajasthan, sit back, and relax and watch the changing scenery as we make our way towards Jaipur.

We have arrived in Jaipur; we spend the next two nights here. Let’s unpack after our journey settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

This morning let’s delve into the treasures of Jaipur; a city renowned as the world’s gemstone capital for centuries! Our journey begins by exploring the majestic Amber Fort. This grand Hindu fortress stands proudly atop a hill, offering views of Lake Maota. With its winding cobbled paths, imposing ramparts, and intricately designed interior, the Amber Fort is a must- visit destination on any Northern India tour!

Following our stop to admire the iconic Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds” we move on for a unique experience at the Maharajas City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of which is now converted into a museum. We venture to where most tourists do not see, the private quarters of the royal family including Chandra Mahal Cerandah, Mukut Mandir, Sir Niwas, Chavi Niwas, Shobha Niwas, Rang Niwas, Sukh Niwas and Pritam Niwas. As our tour concludes, we indulge in a delightful high tea at the City Palace, making this an enriching and flavoursome experience.

Please note: Should the Royal residence close due to circumstances beyond our control, the private quarters visit will not be possible and there will be high tea at Taj Jaimahal Palace hotel instead.

Next, we immerse ourselves in the crowded bazaar of Old Jaipur by Cycle Rickshaw and see how daily life with locals hawking their many wares for sale. After our day of discovering the jewels of Jaipur we make our way to our hotel and unwind for the evening.

We say a fond farewell to Jaipur and depart for Luni a district of Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan. The journey will take approximately six and a half ours (330km), we will have comfort stops along the way. On arrival we unpack and get ready to stretch our legs on a walk in the village of Chanwa. We discover more about everyday life in India, the local community, and their traditions. We finish our walk with a visit to a small local temple before returning to our hotel.

Relax and unwind after our journey.

Let’s discover more gems of India, today we discover Jodhpur, home of the Rathor rulers. Perched up on a hill is the imposing structure of Mehrangarh Fort, which was seen in the film The Dark Knight Rises, our tour will also bring us to Jaswant Thada a monument built of white marble.

After our tour we return to our hotel to relax more before our afternoon adventure.

Late in the afternoon we hop into open jeeps to experience a safari through the rural and rustic side of Rajasthan. We go off road to look for wildlife and birds that the area has to offer. After we will experience the local communities like the Bishniois, Rajputs, Brahmins and Raikas, and have a chance to interact with them in their villages where there are potters, weavers and craftsmen engaged in their daily lives.  We finish our excursion at a picturesque lake side, which is also our dinner venue. We savour a traditional Rajasthan Shikar (past times this was a hunting dinner) dinner in the open with a member of the Royal family and owner of Fort Chanwa. They will regale you with captivated tales of their family history, cultural insights, and heritage Rajputana, a fitting way to end our day.

We depart Chanwa and make our way to the Venice of the East, Udaipur, known as the city of the lakes. On the way we make a captivating stop in Ranakpur to visit one of India’s grandest and most revered Jain temples. This scared site holds a place among the top five holiest Jain shrines in the country.

Today’s journey is a full day and will take approximately six-hour drive (269km) before reaching Udaipur. We will spend the next three nights here.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting City Palace Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the state of Rajasthan. During our excursion you’ll discover the architectural magnificence of the palace and gain insights to its rich history. Savour the ambiance of the spectacular garden of Saheiliyon-ki-Bari, featuring lotus ponds, gushing fountains, and elegant marble elephants.

Late in the afternoon we take a leisurely boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola (subject to water levels in the lake). Next, we venture on a walk, through temple lanes, ghats, spice markets and past artisan workshops, a perfect way to experience the local life and the culture of Udaipur.

After our excursion we make our way by coach to our hotel and take a well- deserved rest.

Today is yours to relax and unwind, read a book, recharge, and soak up the atmosphere. We have had a busy journey so far and today we get to enjoy some down time.

This morning we pack up and transfer by coach for our internal flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport, we transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoy the final night in India.

Please note your tickets and flight times will be given and advised locally for your flight from Udaipur to Delhi.