Overview

New Delhi, the capital of India, boasts a vibrant history, having served as the nation’s capital from the Mughal era in the 17th century through to the end of British rule in 1947. In 1649, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan established Shahjahanabad, which is now known as Old Delhi.

Your day will begin with a guided tour of Old Delhi. Visit the iconic Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan in 1638, and marvel at the grand domes of Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Then, pay your respects at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Experience the bustling energy of Chandni Chowk, the oldest market in Delhi, with a traditional rickshaw ride, and sample some of Delhi’s famous street food.

In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, starting with Humayun’s Tomb—an exquisite example of Mughal architecture and the final resting place of Emperor Humayun. Continue to the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, built in 1206 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

Later, enjoy a drive past the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, and the India Gate war memorial. Conclude your day with a visit to Connaught Place in central Delhi, known for its colonial architecture and rich history. Relax and unwind with an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Mandawa, located in the Shekhawati region. Arrive by late afternoon and check into your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax and unwind, followed by a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a stroll around the town to explore the Mandawa havelis—grand mansions adorned with elaborate wall paintings depicting religious themes, Rajasthani women, and even European figures. Return to the hotel to continue your journey to Bikaner. You will arrive by late afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure and stay overnight in Bikaner.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel and proceed to explore the magnificent Junagarh Fort. Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika Ji, Bikaner is renowned for its grand forts, temples, and palaces that beautifully showcase Rajput architecture and culture. At Junagarh Fort, admire the striking blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Gujarati styles — the fort was built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. Later, continue your journey to Jaisalmer, where you will arrive late in the evening. Check into the hotel and spend the evening relaxing and staying overnight.

Jaisalmer, nestled like an oasis in the heart of the Thar Desert, is a fortified city built from golden-yellow sandstone, adorned with majestic palaces and havelis. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, constructed in 1156 by Raja Jaisal. Its golden hue gives it a magical appearance. Next, explore Nathmal-Ji-Ki-Haveli, an exquisite yellow sandstone structure showcasing the rich architectural grandeur of ancient times. Continue to Patwon-Ki-Haveli, a five-storied marvel featuring long corridors and intricately carved walls adorned with traditional Rajput designs and artwork. In the evening, take a leisurely walk to the Khuri sand dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will visit the small town of Manwar, nestled deep within the Thar Desert. Here, the golden sands shimmer under the sunlight, creating a breathtaking landscape. Though modest in size, Manwar offers a unique desert experience, where visitors can stay in well-equipped tents set up as part of a desert camp. In the evening, enjoy traditional music and dance performances under the open sky, right in the heart of the desert.

After breakfast, begin your journey to Jodhpur by car. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The city’s glorious past is reflected in its majestic forts, palaces, and historic monuments. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, perched on a 150-meter-high hill. After exploring the fort, continue onward to Rohet. Check into your hotel and stay overnight. (Subject to availability, accommodation may also be arranged at Fort Chanwa or Luni.)

The morning will be devoted to a surface journey to Udaipur, with an en-route stop to visit the renowned Jain temples at Ranakpur. Built in 1439 during the reign of Rana Kumbha, the main temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath. This intricately carved four-faced temple is a breathtaking example of stone architecture and is considered one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India. Arrive in Udaipur by late evening and check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a half-day city tour of Udaipur, a city known for its picturesque lakes, gardens, temples, and majestic forts that showcase stunning architectural brilliance. Begin your tour with a visit to the ancient Eklingji Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, notable for its pyramid-style roof and intricately carved towers. Continue to the Nagda Temple, dating back to 646 AD.

In the afternoon, explore the City Palace, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, antiques, and inscriptions. Then, visit the Crystal Gallery, which houses a rare and dazzling collection of crystal objects.

Unwind with a leisurely walk through Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautifully landscaped garden adorned with marble structures and fountains. You’ll also visit the historic Jagat Temple, built in 961 AD.

After breakfast in the morning, drive to Deogarh and check in at the Deogarh Mahal Heritage Hotel. In the afternoon, take a walk through the village and admire the beautiful miniature paintings at the Deogarh Mahal. Return to the hotel in the evening to relax and enjoy an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin your journey to Jaipur by road. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Jaipur, famously known as the ‘Pink City’, gets its nickname from the distinctive pink-colored buildings of the old town. Your first stop will be Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727. The day’s final sightseeing destination is Hawa Mahal, the iconic Palace of Winds, constructed in 1799 using pink sandstone. This architectural marvel was designed to allow cool air to flow through the palace. Later, you may explore the vibrant local markets of Jaipur. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to visit the Amber Fort, perched atop a hill and known for its stunning palaces, gardens, and temples adorned with intricate mirror work that enhances its grandeur. Later, begin your journey towards Agra, stopping en route to explore Fatehpur Sikri. Located 37 km from Agra, this impressive city built primarily of red sandstone was established by Emperor Akbar in honor of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Enclosed within an 11 km-long fortification featuring several grand gates, the city was abandoned after 15 years due to water scarcity. Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel, where you can relax for the evening and enjoy an overnight stay.

Agra, located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, boasts a rich historical legacy and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. En route to Agra, stop at Sikandra to visit the grand mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel.

Later, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1652 in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this magnificent white marble masterpiece continues to mesmerize visitors. Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Next, explore the impressive Agra Fort, a vast red sandstone fortress spanning 94 acres. Originally built earlier, it was extensively renovated by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

The following day, begin your journey to Delhi with a brief stop at Sikandra to once again admire Emperor Akbar’s mausoleum. On arrival in Delhi, check in to your airport hotel and enjoy dinner. Later in the evening, transfer to the international terminal for your onward flight.