India, New Delhi

North India's Royal Heritage

When you arrive at Delhi International Airport, our local team will meet you and accompany you to your hotel.

You will then spend the night at a hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, set off on a guided tour of Delhi.

Explore Old Delhi, the former centre of Mughal power, famed for its historic monuments, narrow alleyways and bustling bazaars. Stop to view the exterior of the Red Fort, built in 1648, before visiting the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, which was completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan.

Continue the tour past the imposing government buildings from the British era, including India Gate and the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Next, visit the Qutb Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. Construction of this monument was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Delhi's first Muslim ruler.

In the afternoon, drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at your hotel.

Visit Agra Fort, a remarkable example of Mughal architecture. This fort served as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire for several generations. Explore the public audience hall and the royal pavilions.

Return to the hotel. Spend the night in Agra.

Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) at sunrise, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This magnificent monument lives up to its reputation, and even exceeds it. Its construction took 22 years and involved 20,000 workers. The marble inlay work is truly breathtaking when viewed up close.

Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then, depart from the hotel and drive to Karauli. Along the way, stop off at Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost town built from red sandstone by the great Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century to serve as his capital and imperial palace. Abandoned shortly after its construction, the city has remained virtually unchanged for over 300 years. It comprises palaces and mosques. It is now an exceptional place to wander around, with remarkably well-preserved buildings.

After the visit, continue the journey to Karauli. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend the night at the hotel in Karauli.

After breakfast, take a trip to the charming town of Karauli, renowned for its temples and peaceful atmosphere. Explore the city palace, which remains the local royal family's residence. Built in the 14th century, the palace blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The inner courtyards, delicate frescoes and richly decorated halls are a testament to the era's refinement.

You will also visit the Madan Mohan Ji Temple, an important place of pilgrimage dedicated to an incarnation of Krishna who is deeply revered by the locals.

Afterwards, depart by road for Jaipur. Along the way, stop at Abhaneri to explore the famous Chand Baori stepwell, one of the deepest and most impressive in India. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, it comprises 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps spread over 13 levels. This architectural marvel was used to collect rainwater and provide a cool retreat during periods of intense heat.

Continue your journey to Jaipur, nicknamed the "Pink City" due to the colour of its facades.

On arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend the night at your hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, set off to visit the majestic Amber Fort, the former capital of the Rajput rulers. Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Maota, this magnificent 16th-century fortress is a remarkable example of Rajput architecture, boasting elegant courtyards and richly decorated palaces, including the famous Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).

Then, return to the city centre to take a photo in front of the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), which was built in 1799 and boasts a pink sandstone façade adorned with numerous small, intricately carved windows.

Next, visit Jaipur’s City Palace, which remains the residence of the royal family. This vast complex features splendid courtyards and monumental gates, as well as a museum housing rich collections of costumes, weapons, and miniatures.

Next, you will discover the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, which was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. This impressive array of stone instruments was used to measure time and observe the stars with great precision.

At the end of the day, you will have free time to stroll through Jaipur's colourful bazaars.

You will then spend the night at your hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, your journey to Pushkar begins. This small, sacred town is nestled around its legendary lake. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Brahma Temple in Pushkar, one of the few temples in India dedicated to the god Brahma. Next, enjoy a walk around the sacred Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by ghats where pilgrims come to perform their ritual ablutions.The town's spiritual and peaceful atmosphere makes it a unique place in Rajasthan.

You then have free time to stroll through the bustling alleyways and small bazaars.

Finally, you will be staying the night at your hotel in Pushkar.

After breakfast, depart for Mandawa, which is located in the Shekhawati region and is famous for its opulent havelis. On arrival, check in to the hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the magnificent traditional mansions, which are richly decorated with wall frescoes bearing witness to the former prosperity of the merchants of the Silk Road. Next, visit Mandawa Fort, which overlooks the town and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Spend the night at your hotel in Mandawa.

After breakfast, hit the road again for Delhi.

On arrival, check in to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a stroll through a local market.

Spend the night at your hotel in Delhi.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport (DEL) after breakfast for your return flight.

WELCOMING

Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport (DEL), a member of our staff will be waiting for you at the airport exit with a sign bearing your name.

ACCOMMODATION

Check-in at the hotel is at 12:00 noon.

Accommodation is in standard rooms, available as single, double or triple occupancy.

We will provide an alternative hotel of a similar standard should rooms not be available at the hotels mentioned above.

TRANSFERS

All transfers and sightseeing tours are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles.

GUIDING

An English-speaking guide will accompany you from your arrival until your departure, in accordance with the itinerary.