India, New Delhi

Journey to the Heart of the Rajput Kingdoms

When you arrive at Delhi International Airport (DEL), 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, which is renowned 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.

Next, continue past the imposing British-era government buildings designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, including India Gate and the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Next, visit the Qutb Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret.

In the afternoon, drive to Mandawa. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Spend the night in Mandawa.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and set off to explore Mandawa's havelis. Situated in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is renowned for its opulent 18th- and 19th-century merchant residences, adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting mythological scenes, royal portraits, and motifs from everyday life. Explore the magnificent Mandawa havelis, which are like open-air art galleries bearing witness to ancient Silk Road merchants' prosperity.

In the afternoon, drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and nicknamed the "Pink City" due to its characteristic pink buildings.

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

After breakfast, set off for a full day of sightseeing in Jaipur, also known as the "Pink City". In the morning, visit the majestic Amber Fort, the former residence of the maharajas, which is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Maota. Explore its richly decorated palaces and audience halls, as well as the stunning mirrors of the Sheesh Mahal.

On the way back to the city, stop to take photos in front of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), which is famous for its finely carved pink sandstone façade.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, which is still the residence of the royal family. Next, visit the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, stop at the Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan.

Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Spend the night in Jaipur.

After breakfast, set off by road for Ranthambore, one of India's most famous national parks.

On arrival, check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first safari in Ranthambore National Park by jeep or "canter" (a small open-top bus). The park was once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The park is renowned for its Bengal tiger population, but it is also home to leopards, sambar deer, gazelles, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The ruins of Ranthambore Fort overlook the park, adding a touch of historical charm to the landscape.

Return to the hotel. Spend the night in Ranthambore.

Set off early in the morning on a safari in the national park, which is the perfect time to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

Then, return to the hotel for breakfast and some free time to relax.

In the afternoon, enjoy a second safari to increase your chances of spotting the majestic tiger.

Spend the night in Ranthambore.

After breakfast, set off by road for Agra. On the way, stop off at the historic town of Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.

Continue to Agra. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend the night in Agra.

After breakfast, leave the hotel to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World (closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal lives up to its reputation and then some. Its construction took 22 years and involved 20,000 workers. The marble inlay work is truly breathtaking when viewed up close.

You will have plenty of time to admire this exceptional architectural masterpiece and experience its captivating beauty.

Next, visit Agra Fort, a remarkable example of Mughal architecture. It served as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. The current structure owes its origins to Akbar, who had the walls, gates and first buildings erected on the eastern bank of the Yamuna as the seat of the Mughal administration. Shah Jahan added the imposing quarters and the mosque, while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Be sure to visit the audience hall and royal pavilions.

Afterwards, travel to Delhi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to spend the night in a hotel near the airport before departing (this may be in the evening or at night).

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

ARRIVAL

When you arrive at Delhi International Airport (DEL), a member of our staff will be waiting for you outside with a sign bearing your name.

ACCOMMODATION

Check-in and check-out times are at noon.

Accommodation is in standard rooms, which are available for single, double or triple occupancy. The triple room will be a double room with an extra bed or mattress.

Should rooms not be available at the hotels mentioned above, we will provide an alternative hotel of a similar standard.

TRANSFERS

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

TOUR GUIDE

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

SAFARIS

Two shared jeep/canter safaris are organised in Ranthambore National Park.

Jeep safaris are subject to availability at the time of booking.

PLEASE NOTE that Ranthambore National Park is closed from July to September due to the monsoon season. Safari availability is limited during this period and is subject to regulations set by the Forest Department.