Magical Rajasthan 

From the marbled walls of the Taj Mahal to the frenetic backstreets of bustling Old Delhi, Rajasthan is a region of striking contrasts. This all-encompassing 12-day itinerary uncovers its many sides. Delve into the stories behind Agra, explore the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and gaze at the cobalt-blue walls of Jodhpur as you travel from Delhi to Mumbai, exploring the people, cultures and stories that have shaped this majestic region.

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Itinerary
11 nights

£2,950 - £3,595pp including international flights

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Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy in the capital. Formed from what were once seven separate cities, today Delhi is a vibrant metropolis with a string of impressive sights, from the Red Fort to the elaborate Jama Masjid Mosque. Overnight at Haveli Dharampura.

Day 2

Delhi

Enjoy a full day in the city today. If you’re feeling energetic, opt for a Delhi by Dawn tour to see the city come alive in the early hours. Alternatively, you might opt for a culinary tour with a local food expert, take a rickshaw ride round Old Delhi’s higgledy-piggledy lanes, embark on a photography excursion to capture the city’s spice markets and bazaars, or try a hands-on cooking lesson with a local family. Otherwise, head out to explore this captivating city on your own terms. Overnight at Haveli Dharampura.

Day 3

Delhi & Agra

After breakfast, travel to Agra to see one of India’s true bucket-list sites – the Taj Mahal. Set on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire until Emperor Shah Jahan shifted it to Delhi, and traces of its imperial history remain in much of its architecture today. Optional experiences this afternoon include a cycling trip around local rural villages and a heritage-themed tour to learn more about the women of the Mughal dynasty. Overnight at Ekaa Villa.

Day 4

Agra & Jaipur

Set the alarm early this morning for an optional sunrise visit to see Agra’s crowning glory, the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his late wife, this marble masterpiece is best seen at dawn, when the sky turns peach above its elaborate domes. Wander the gardens to admire its architecture before exploring the interiors, inlaid with semi-precious stones and inscriptions. Alternatively opt for a guided walking tour through Old Agra with a hosted family lunch. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City; it was painted rose to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria in 1876. Overnight at Samode Haveli.

Day 5

Jaipur

Discover Old Jaipur today on an included excursion visiting traditional haveli homes and temples, during which you’ll meet local artisans and shop owners before enjoying tea with a local family. Spend the rest of the day exploring independently or choose from one of several optional experiences. Try a cooking lesson, visit a local school, or take a tour of the majestic Amber Fort – a sprawling, UNESCO-listed palace built in the 16th century on a hill overlooking the city. Overnight at Samode Haveli.

Day 6

Jaipur & Jodhpur

Travel to Jodhpur today to explore the ‘Blue City’, so named for the cobalt-blue houses that fill its Old Town (there are various theories behind the striking colour). The city is home to several impressive sites, among them the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort and the Sardar Bazaar, where handmade leather goods, Rajasthani jewellery and spices spill out from narrow lanes. On arrival, relax at the hotel or explore the city at leisure. Overnight at RAAS.

Day 7

Jodhpur

Continue your explorations in Jodhpur today. Wander the colourful streets on your own terms or choose from one of several optional experiences including ziplining over the Mehrangarh Fort, a cooking class in one of the city’s blue houses or a memorable day of Indian truck-painting with a local artist. Overnight at RAAS.

Day 8

Jodhpur & Udaipur

Bid farewell to Jodhpur this morning as you make your way towards Udaipur, the former capital of the kingdom of Mewar, set on the edge of the desert and scattered with shimmering lakes. Opulent mansions, palaces and gardens fill its streets today, sandwiched between colourful market stalls and artisanal craft shops. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a family-run homestay converted from a former farmhouse. Settle in and get to know your hosts ready for a day exploring the city. Overnight at Premkunj.

Day 9

Udaipur

Today is free to enjoy in Udaipur. If you’d rather see it with a guide, opt for a half-day city tour, go behind the scenes on a cycling trip or embark on a textile tour to see local craftspeople at work. Alternatively, venture beyond the city to the local village of Delwara to meet female artisans. Overnight at Premkunj.

Day 10

Udaipur & Mumbai

You’ll be transferred to Udaipur airport today to fly to Mumbai. The rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city of 20 million, famous for its Bollywood scene and home to a melting pot of cultures. Opt for a culinary tour sampling local street food or wander at your own pace. Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace.

Day 11

Mumbai

Make the most of your final day this morning with an included dawn tour to see Mumbai and its markets come alive. You’ll see newspaper vendors preparing for the day, fruit and vegetable sellers setting up stalls and milkmen transporting giant canisters. Then head to the dock to see fish being hauled in for the day. Afterwards, choose from one of several optional experiences – among them a Bollywood tour of the city’s production houses – or explore independently. Overnight at Taj Mahal Palace.

Day 12

Mumbai & Departure

The tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward connection.