Welcome to India. On arrival at Delhi Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel.

Begin exploring the capital with a visit to Old Delhi, where narrow lanes, historic havelis and Mughal-era monuments preserve the atmosphere of an earlier age. See the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, with time to appreciate the city’s traditional markets and food culture. Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial associated with Mahatma Gandhi.

Continue into New Delhi, where broad avenues and prominent public buildings reflect the city’s colonial-era planning. See India Gate, the Presidential Palace precinct and Connaught Place, subject to the day’s sightseeing arrangements.

Overnight: Delhi

After breakfast, depart Delhi by road for Mandawa, approximately 250 kilometres away, with a journey time of around five hours.

Located in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, Mandawa is celebrated for its historic havelis, many decorated with elaborate frescoes and painted scenes. These buildings reflect the wealth and artistic traditions of merchants who once traded across the region.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. Later, stroll through the town’s streets and markets, where traditional architecture and local crafts provide a glimpse of regional life.

Consider sampling Rajasthani specialities, including the regional preparation of kair-sangri, as well as traditional sweets such as ghevar.

Spend the morning exploring Mandawa’s historic havelis, known for their painted façades and intricate frescoes. The itinerary includes Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Murmuia Haveli and Goenka Double Haveli, along with Thakur Ji Temple and Mandawa Fort.

Later, depart for Bikaner, approximately 220 kilometres away, with a journey time of around five hours.

Founded by Rao Bika in the fifteenth century, Bikaner retains much of its old-world character. Its heritage reflects the history of Rajput rulers and the communities that developed in this part of the Thar Desert.

After checking in to your hotel, explore the local markets. Look for traditional embroidered footwear, textiles, leather goods and other regional handicrafts.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Bikaner’s royal heritage with a visit to Junagarh Fort. The complex contains palaces, temples and a museum that offers insights into the lifestyles and traditions of the former rulers.

Continue to Laxmi Niwas Palace, the former royal residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh, known for its distinctive Indo-Saracenic architecture.

The itinerary also includes Karni Mata Temple, popularly known as the Rat Temple.

Later, travel to Jaisalmer, approximately 330 kilometres away, with a journey time of around six hours. Often called the Golden City, Jaisalmer is renowned for its yellow sandstone architecture and its setting within the Thar Desert.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in.

Overnight: Jaisalmer

Spend the day exploring Jaisalmer’s remarkable historic centre. Its golden sandstone buildings appear to blend into the surrounding desert landscape, while the old fort remains a living part of the city, with residents and businesses within its walls.

Explore the fort’s Raj Mahal, Laxminath Temple and Jain temples. Continue through the city’s historic quarters to admire its beautifully carved havelis, which demonstrate the craftsmanship associated with Jaisalmer’s mercantile heritage.

Later, travel to Sam Sand Dunes for a sunset experience in the Thar Desert. As the light changes across the dunes, enjoy the scenery before an evening meal accompanied by traditional music, songs and folk dance performances.

Overnight: Jaisalmer

After breakfast, depart Jaisalmer for Jodhpur, approximately 300 kilometres away, with a journey time of around five hours.

Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is distinguished by the blue-painted houses clustered around its historic centre. Its markets offer a lively introduction to the crafts and culinary traditions of Rajasthan.

After arriving and checking in to your hotel, explore the city’s traditional markets, including Tripolia Bazaar, Sardar Market and Clock Market. These are popular places to browse tie-dye textiles, traditional footwear and regional handicrafts.

Jodhpur is also known for its savoury snacks and sweets. Depending on your interests, sample local favourites such as pyaaz ki kachori, gathiya or malai kulfi.

Overnight: Jodhpur

Discover Jodhpur’s royal history with a visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, dramatically positioned on a rocky rise overlooking the city.

Explore its palaces, galleries and historic collections. Notable sections include Moti Mahal, Sheesha Mahal, Daulat Khana and the armoury and palanquin galleries. From the fort’s ramparts, enjoy expansive views across Jodhpur’s blue-painted neighbourhoods.

Continue to Jaswant Thada, a memorial complex associated with Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and other rulers of Jodhpur.

In the afternoon, take a jeep excursion through a Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi community is known for its traditions of environmental protection and care for wildlife, offering a different perspective on Rajasthan beyond its forts and palaces.

Overnight: Jodhpur

Depart Jodhpur after breakfast and travel towards Udaipur, approximately 260 kilometres away, with a journey time of around five hours.

The route passes through the Aravalli hills and the countryside of Rajasthan. Along the way, stop at Ranakpur to visit its celebrated Jain temples, renowned for their white marble construction and exceptionally intricate carvings.

The elaborate pillars, sculpted details and architectural design create a striking contrast with the simplicity traditionally associated with Jain religious practice.

Continue to Udaipur and check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, with views of the surrounding palaces and lakeside architecture.

Overnight: Udaipur

Explore Udaipur, a city known for its lakes, palaces, historic havelis and picturesque setting against the Aravalli hills.

Begin with a visit to City Palace, the former royal residence of the Maharanas of Mewar. Its courtyards, balconies and ornate interiors reflect a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural influences. The elevated position also offers impressive views of the city and Lake Pichola.

Continue sightseeing around Udaipur, with the itinerary highlighting Jagmandir Island, Ahar’s royal cremation ground, Shilpgram crafts village and Sajjan Garh, also known as the Monsoon Palace.

The city’s markets and historic streets provide further opportunities to appreciate regional arts and crafts.

Overnight: Udaipur

Depart Udaipur in the morning for Jaipur, approximately 430 kilometres away, with a journey time of around six hours.

En route, stop in Pushkar, an ancient town associated with Hindu pilgrimage traditions. Set beside Pushkar Lake, the town is known for its sacred atmosphere and the famous Brahma Temple, an important centre of worship dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Enjoy time to experience Pushkar’s distinctive character before continuing to Jaipur.

On arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel. The Pink City is known for its planned streets, Rajput palaces, historic observatory and distinctive architecture, providing an engaging introduction to Rajasthan’s royal capital.

Overnight: Jaipur

Begin the day with an excursion to Amber Fort, a former royal residence positioned on a hill outside Jaipur. Explore its courtyards and architectural features, which reflect the artistic traditions of Rajput rulers.

Continue to City Palace, a complex of palaces, courtyards, gardens and museums. Its architecture combines Rajput, Mughal and other influences, reflecting the city’s long history of royal patronage.

Other highlights include Hawa Mahal, known for its distinctive façade, Jal Mahal and Jantar Mantar, the historic astronomical observatory.

Allow time to explore Jaipur’s old-city markets, where traditional textiles, handicrafts, jewellery and other regional products are available.

Overnight: Jaipur

After breakfast, travel to Agra, approximately 240 kilometres away, with a journey time of around five hours.

Stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the former imperial city developed under Mughal emperor Akbar. Built largely in red sandstone, its monumental buildings and courtyards reflect the grandeur of the Mughal court.

Continue to Agra, a city renowned for its Mughal architectural heritage. Later, visit the Taj Mahal, the celebrated white marble mausoleum commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.

The monument’s balanced proportions, intricate decorative work and formal gardens make it one of India’s most recognisable architectural landmarks.

Overnight: Agra

After breakfast, check out and depart Agra for Delhi, approximately 240 kilometres away, with a journey time of around four hours.

Before leaving Agra, visit Agra Fort, a historic complex associated with the Mughal emperors. Its fortified walls, palaces and courtyards reflect the political and cultural importance of the city during the Mughal period.

En route to Delhi, stop at Sikandra to visit the Tomb of Akbar the Great. The monument combines distinctive architectural features and reflects the artistic traditions of the Mughal era. Construction began during Akbar’s lifetime and was completed under his son, Jahangir.

Continue to Delhi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Delhi

At the appropriate time, transfer to Delhi Airport for your onward flight.

Your tour concludes after an exploration of India’s royal cities, desert landscapes, historic havelis, impressive forts and magnificent Mughal monuments.

From the painted mansions of Mandawa to the golden architecture of Jaisalmer, the lakeside palaces of Udaipur and the celebrated Taj Mahal, the itinerary brings together some of northern India’s most memorable cultural and architectural experiences.

Overnight: Not included