Day 1 – Arrive Delhi

Late this evening you will arrive to New Delhi where you are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 – Delhi

Today enjoy a full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

Greet the morning of your first day in what is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. As you embark on your journey through this land you will experience the sights and sounds of what is India.

Old Delhi was a walled city when Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi in 1650. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city on this spot and in the process brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance. Your visit will include a drive past Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market located in the old city.

To show you the contrast of the old with the new, we will return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro. This is a marvel of modern engineering to have been built in one of the most crowded parts of India. It is a perfect example of how India is changing while still holding onto its past.

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920′s – it’s a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. You will visit two of Delhi’s ancient monuments located within New Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar.

Day 3 – Delhi to Agra

This morning after breakfast drive to Agra, the city of Mughals, with a visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

Visit the magnificent monument to love – Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and though who exactly designed and constructed this masterpiece of Mughal architecture is unknown, it is believed to have taken with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock 22 years to complete.

Later visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India.

Day 4 – Agra to Jaipur

This Morning after breakfast Drive to Jaipur on the visit fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, was the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584. The architectural grandeur of this city mysteriously deserted within less than twenty years after becoming the empire’s capital, cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. After the fatehpur Sikri sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri proceed to jaipur. Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town you will witness how the city blooms in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.

Day 5 – Jaipur

After breakfast depart the hotel for a half-day excursion to inspiring Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up to the fort on the back of elephant.

In the afternoon continue your visit of Jaipur city.

Your city tour includes a visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Also stop to photograph the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade of overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Located in the heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of imposing and magnificent architecture, art and crafts. Sawai Jai Singh built many buildings within the complex but some of the structures were built by later rulers through to the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

Day 7 – Jaipur

This morning travel to the outskirts of Jaipur for a visit to the beautiful Samode Palace.

Samode Palace belonged to the Rawals of Samode who were wealthy noblemen granted teh title, “Maha Rawal” by the royal family of the time. The palace has strikingly magnificent architecture outside as well as inside. It is embellished with rich ornamentation including delicate marble work, colourful traditional hand painted walls and the Durbar Hall is stunning with its mirror and enamel work.

This afternoon you are at leisure.

Day 8 – Jaipur to Udaipur

Early this morning you board your plane to Udaipur, where on arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Udaipur Is one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world-famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance.

Visit the City Palace Museum where grandeur and intricacy can be found all over in granite, marble and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies, windows, ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers. Sahelion Ki Bari is a spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces.  Afternoon is free for independent activities.

This evening take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is a peaceful spot to see glimpses of the daily bathing and laundry that takes place on the banks of the lake. Looking across the lake, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty. You will also have time to spend in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex.

Day 9 – Udaipur

This morning travel a short distance outside of Udaipur for a visit to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur.

Ranakpur is a village near Sadri town in Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western flank of the Aravalli Hills. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.

The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grandiose temple, which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1400 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The idol faces all four cardinal directions.

This afternoon is at leisure.

Day 10 – Udaipur to Delhi to Home

This morning you board a flight to Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel on arrival.

Today you are at leisure to relax or do some souvenir shopping.

Later this evening you are transferred to the international airport where you board your departing flight.