Authentic Rajasthan

Following breakfast at your hotel the morning is set aside either for leisure or use this time for one of your Select and Mix experiences.

You will be met at 12pm to begin your afternoon tour of Delhi. Highlights include Humayun’s tomb the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour and the fountains working it is a very attractive site. You will also visit Qutub Minar the tallest stone tower in India built in 1199 India Gate the national war memorial and Rashtrapati Bhawan which is the official residence of the President of India.

After breakfast you will be met at 9am for your morning tour of Old Delhi. The walled city was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna in the early 17th century and was the capital of the Mughal kingdom with Red Fort being the main focus. The first experience will be trading your coach for a cycle rickshaw to take a ride through the narrow lanes of the Chandani Chowk market filled with all manner of jewellery spices leather and produce. This is a fantastic introduction to the organised chaos of Indian life. A stop at the Jama Masjid mosque later in the morning before heading back to the hotel for either an afternoon at leisure or an opportunity to partake in a Select and Mix experience.

Following breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the train station for your train to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra you will be met and transferred to your hotel to refresh. At 1pm you will be met for your afternoon tour beginning with the Agra Fort. The present fort built on the site of a 14th century fort was where Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj Mahal) spent the last years of his life in captivity. The private quarters where he was confined has a magical view of the Taj Mahal.

Your next stop of the day is a visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal during sunset. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan’s last wife Mumtaz Mahal “light of the palace”. Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighbouring Islamic countries it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity.”

You then have your choice to either be transferred back to your hotel.

Following breakfast and checkout you will begin your drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri which was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to honor the Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of Akbar’s’ son and heir. Built entirely in vibrant red sandstone architecturally it draws its inspiration from Hindu Persian and Islamic styles.
After Sikri you continue your drive and arrive into Jaipur by late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

This morning is set aside either for leisure.

This afternoon embark on a city tour beginning at 12pm. Highlights of the city tour include the fascinating observatory built in 1827 then a visit to the sprawling City Palace. Within the palace complex are several museums including a textile museum with an interesting selection of costumes from the royal collection.

As Jaipur has long been a centre of trade it has seen many communities pass through and settle here bringing their flavours with them. The food of Jaipur is highlighted at the end of the tour with a walk that helps you to discover some of the street food of this region before returning to your hotel.

Following breakfast your guide will meet you in the lobby at 8am for your visit to the Amber Fort. En route you will stop by the Hawal Mahal – the pink icon of the city. Following this a short drive will take you to the Amber Fort. This incredible settlement was founded in the year 967 and was built and expanded upon by successive rulers with most of the current buildings started or expanded in the 1600s. The ornate structure includes many stunning artistic exploits including the Mirror Palace.In the afternoon you will explore the bazaars of the old city – colourful aromatic happily chaotic and offering anything from the famous Jaipur “minakari” jewellery to ordinary and mundane household goods to vegetables. Later come back to hotel. The evening is at your leisure.

Following breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day at leisure until your evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. On this boat ride you will sail past Ghats and palaces and stop at Jag Mandir which was the refuge for Shah Jahan (builder of the Taj Mahal) when he was exiled by his father.

Your sightseeing toady starts at the City Palace. This sprawling palace was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces illustrative of various architectural styles. Of particular note here is the exquisite collection of priceless Rajput Miniature paintings done in the Mewari tradition.

Later visit the Shaelion Ki Bari or the Gardens of the Maids of Honor. This is a small ornamental pleasure garden decorated with elegant lotus pools gushing fountains and black marble kiosks. End the day with a walk through the Old City with your guide. Sharing space with cows elephants people this walk provides an interesting insight into lifestyles in what is referred to as “small town India”.

Return to your hotel and rest of the day is at your leisure.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the hotel for your flight back to Delhi where you continue with your own arrangements or your onward flight home.

DELHI

1. Spa treatment (day 1)
2. Delhi by bicycle (day 2)
3. Agrasen Ki Baoli (day 2)
4. Spice market (afternoon day 3)
5. Khilji’s Delhi (afternoon day 3)
6. Art galleries (afternoon day 3)
7. Night out in old Delhi by pedicabs (evening day 3)

AGRA

1. Mohabbat the Taj (day 4)

JAIPUR

1. Dinner with a local family (day 5)
2. Temples of Jaipur (day 6)

UDAIPUR

1. Lake City drive in a vintage car (day 9)

• 09 nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
• All sightseeing excursions and transfers using air-conditioned car as per the itinerary
• Services of Local English speaking guide as per the itinerary
• Entrance fee at monuments (as per regular sightseeing)
• Rickshaw ride in old bazaar (Chandni Chowk) Delhi
• AC Chair Car Train fare from Delhi to Agra in best available train
• Jeep ride at Amer Fort in Jaipur
• Economy flight from Jaipur to Udaipur (Schedule and Airfare are subject to change)
• Boat ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• Economy flight from Udaipur to Delhi (Airfare subject to change)
• Assistance by our representative at airports/railway stations
• All current applicable taxes

• International Airfares
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges if applicable
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above