Imperious Rajasthan

Departure from your home country to Delhi.

Morning arrival in Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi including  an exhilarating cycle rickshaw  ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling  Chandni Chowk  and it’s back roads, which were the centre of the city Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal  times. Finally continue  onto the Raj Ghat- Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Maidens.

Morning sightseeing of vibrant  New Delhi including  the impressive Humayun’s  Tomb, Qutab Minar  and the India Gate. Afternoon drive to Agra. Two nights at Hotel Trident.

Enchanting dawn visit to the Taj Mahal, an eternal symbol of love. After breakfast visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, imprisoned by his son, spent his last days gazing at his beloved’s Mausoleum. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula.

Morning drive to Jaipur en route visiting the deserted Mughal City Fatehpur Sikri. This world heritage site still retains its magnificence and grandeur. Also see an en route the Abhaneri Stepwell built in 800 AD. Two nights at the Samode Haveli.

Like Royalty,  seated in a howdah, perched upon the back of a stately elephant  climb the hill to the magnificent Amber Fort. Built by the warrior Rajputs,  the Fort is filled with memories of an ancient and heroic age. After lunch at the historic 1135 AD restaurant visit the City Palace Museum,  the Jantar  Mantar Observatory, dedicated  to the celestial heavens, and the beautiful  Palace of Winds.

Morning drive to Mandawa. Afternoon sightseeing of the village with its delightful fresco festooned  Havelis once owned by rich Merchants. Overnight at Alsisar Mahal.

After breakfast, drive to Bikaner. Afternoon sightseeing includes the magnificent Junagarh Fort – a mighty bastion  protecting the land from both invader and the encroaching  Great Thar Desert. Overnight at the Laxmi Niwas Palace.

Morning drive deep into the heart of the desert to Jaisalmer.  Two nights at Taj Rawalkot.

Morning visit the inhabited hilltop fortress and roam the streets finding hidden corners where the delightful frescoes adorn  the beautiful  merchant houses. Jaisalmer  was a strategic town on the ancient caravan  routes and is awash with history and intrigue.  Afternoon excursion  to the Sam sand dunes, watch the sun disappearing on the horizon  and experience a camel ride.

Morning drive to Manvar. Afternoon visit a local village to see their unique way of life. Overnight at Manvar Desert Camp.

After an early breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Visit the 15th C. Meherangarh Fort soaring above the city, with its delightful insight into the life and times of the ruling family. Also visit the quiet Jaswant  Thada  – a marble memorial  built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant  Singh II. Continue driving to Rohet.  Overnight at Rohetgarh Fort.

Morning drive to the charming  oasis of Rawla Narlai. In the afternoon wander the streets of the local village. Overnight at Fort Rawla.

Morning drive to Udaipur  en route visiting the beautifully  carved marble 15th C. Jain Temples of Ranakpur. The sensitivity of the carving on the 200 hundred pillars is astonishing. Two nights at Hotel Trident.

Morning sightseeing of Udaipur  includes the City Palace Complex,  the Jagdish Temple and the leafy Gardens  of Maids of Honour- once only open to royal ladies. Afternoon at leisure to explore this captivating city further.