India’s Royal Heritage
Unveil the true soul of North India! Golden, blue and pink cities, lake palaces, great deserts, impressive forts and mighty temples, the stunning tapestry of North India will enthral and delight even the most experienced of travellers. Uncover North India’s Royal Heritage as you explore the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, take in the view from the top of Mehrangarh Fort or have a true Rajasthani desert adventure atop a camel near the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer. While in Udaipur, the city of lakes, stay in the extraordinary Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Venture deep into Rajasthan, possibly the most romantic and mythical state on the sub-continent and stay in characteristic forts and hunting lodges in the smaller towns of Nagaur and Narlai. Be at home in a palace in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and the search for the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park. North India will capture your heart with its colour, splendour and brilliance.
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Day 1: Delhi
We welcome you to North India before arriving at your luxurious hotel for the next two nights.
Explore Old Delhi and India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Dazzle your senses on a rickshaw ride through Asia’s largest wholesale spice bazaar and Delhi’s oldest streets, finishing with a traditional lunch in Dharampura haveli. Later, visit Humayan’s Tomb and drive past the India Gate and Presidential Avenue. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner.
Day 3: Delhi – Varanasi
Fly to India’s holiest Hindu city, Varanasi for a two night stay.
Enjoy a rickshaw ride down to the banks of the Ganges River. Cruise the holy river at dusk whilst listening to the sounds of traditional Indian music. Release sacred offerings into the river and witness the magical ceremony of the evening Aarti.
Day 4: Varanasi
As the sun begins to rise, drift slowly down the Ganges River and watch the many ghats come to life. Afterwards, take a stroll along the ghats and laneways of the Old City. Later, journey to one of Buddhism’s most important sites in Sarnath.
Day 5: Varanasi – Khajuraho
Freechoice: Undertake a yoga lesson or visit a Shiva Temple to experience Rudrabhishek.
Fly to Khajuraho, famous for its magnificent World Heritage-listed temple architecture. Enjoy a two night stay at your hotel overlooking the iconic temples.
Day 6: Khajuraho
Visit the exquisitely sculpted sandstone temples depicting the exotic Karma Sutra carvings for which these temples are famous.
Day 7: Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi – Agra
Drive to Orchha and enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Continue to Jhansi and board a train to Agra. Arrive in the early evening at your luxurious Special Stay hotel in Agra, only 600 metres from the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Marvel at the Taj Mahal at sunrise with its shimmering marble domes and towers reflected in the landscaped pools. Later, discover the World Heritage-listed Mughal Red Fort of Agra.
Gather for evening drinks to overlook and appreciate the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal from the close proximity of your hotel.
Day 9: Agra – Ranthambore National Park
Explore the World Heritage-listed Site of Fatehpur Sikri en route to Bharatpur. Board a train to travel to Ranthambore National Park and settle into your luxury tent for a two night Special Stay.
Day 10 – Ranthambore National Park
Accompanied by an expert wildlife naturalist, search for the elusive Bengal tiger during private morning and afternoon game drives.
Day 11: Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur
Drive to the Pink City, visiting Abhaneri village and its 1,000-year-old step well en route. Later, stop for lunch at Castle Kanota, the setting for the Viceroy Club in the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Stay at your regal hotel in Jaipur for three nights.
Day 12: Jaipur
Visit the City Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur. Marvel at the magnificent Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 18th century and the magnificent Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its honeycombed sandstone windows. Experience the art and history of Henna at your hotel.
Day 13: Jaipur
Begin the day exploring the striking hilltop Amer Fort before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, dine at the restored Samode Haveli.
Day 14: Jaipur – Nagaur
Pass small villages and towns on the way to Nagaur and the magnificent hotel Ranvas, located in the original fort.
Step back in time with an exclusive dinner within Bakht Singh courtyard Baradari in Ahhichatragarh Fort. Dine dressed in traditional turbans and saris, just as the former residents once did.
Day 15: Nagaur – Jaisalmer
Continue west into the desert of Rajasthan to the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Take an orientation walk visiting the well-known Patwon-ki Haveli and Salim Sing-ki-Havelis. Stay two nights at your distinctive hotel in Jaisalmer.
Day 16: Jaisalmer
Visit the 800-year-old Jaisalmer Fort and Gadsisar Sagar Tank.
Take a camel or camel cart sunset trek across the sand dunes before a torch-lit dinner on the dunes.
Continue to the Blue City for the next two nights. Marvel at the close up view of the Mehrangarh Fort from your room at your boutique hotel located inside the old walled city. Enjoy a tuk tuk ride around the surrounding streets locating the local market close by.
Take a jeep adventure to nearby Bishnoi Villages and learn about their rural way of life.
Accompanied by the museum curator, enjoy a glass of Champagne overlooking the city before continuing on an exclusive walking tour of Mehrangarh Fort. Dinner is at the fort providing an outstanding vantage point.
See the rural tribal hamlets whilst driving to the small village of Narlai. Settle into your hotel, a former hunting lodge. Later, set out on your first jeep safari looking for leopards and peacocks on their morning prowl.
Enjoy a drink with a member of the local royal family and then take a bullock cart ride to tonight’s dinner venue and enjoy a delicious dinner by a candlelit 1,100-year-old well. Uniquely romantic.
Freechoice: Take a cultural walk through the markets or explore the City Palace, built entirely in granite and marble.
Cruise the serene waters of Lake Pichola before indulging in your sumptuous private Mewar Terrace farewell dinner. Overlooking the magical City Palace and Lake Pichola, this is a fitting end to your tour.
Day 23: Udaipur – Delhi
Bid farewell to India as you fly to Delhi (please book onward flights after 9.00pm). Alternatively, you can use your included flight to fly from Udaipur to Mumbai for a post-tour extension.
| 2020 Dates & Prices | Twin Share | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| October: 04 | $20,390.00 | $28,490.00 |
| 2021 Dates & Prices | ||
| January: 17 | $20,590.00 | $28,690.00 |
| February: 28 | $20,490.00 | $28,590.00 |
| October: 03 | $20,690.00 | $28,790.00 |
| November: 14 | $20,690.00 | $28,790.00 |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 22 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 14 dinners |
| Transport: | Airport Transfers & Luxury Coach Travel |
| Flights: | Air Ticket: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho / Udaipur - Delhi or Mumbai |
| Rail: | Rail Ticket: Jhansi - Agra / Bharatpur - Ranthambore National Park |
| Accommodation: | 22 nights accommodation |
| Guide: | Expert Tour Director |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
* Tour departure dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
* Prices and itinerary are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice.