Morning after breakfast drive to the medieval city of Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of the prime tourist spots in India for this reason, although its attractions also extend to a wide range of other historical sights. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions. Enjoy your evening at leisure (no services offered). You may explore the city’s hidden alleyways and lively spice markets, hop on a cycle rickshaw, and admire colorful Hindu temples and traditional mosques. Or you may visit a local restaurant to enjoy incredible Indian food.

Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel over the transforming light and colors of this breathtaking monument in the beautiful dawn glow. Return to the hotel and take a marble craftsmanship demonstration.

Overnight in Agra

OPTIONAL: HALF DAY AGRA CITY TOUR

Begin your tour with a visit to the Itmad-Ud-Daulah monument, known as the "Baby Taj", the first Mughal structure that was entirely built from marble. Later, you will visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site developed and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was primarily built as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace before it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. The elegant building inside reflects a fascinating synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.

Drive to Jaipur , enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri — an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his famous works. Sadly, it served as the capital for little more than a decade and was eventually abandoned for a lack of access to water. Later, take a demonstration of gem-cutting and polishing. In the evening you will check in to the hotel upon arrival. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname will become immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings rising at every turn.

Begin your day with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort. Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well-preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.” Spend your afternoon at leisure or perhaps join our optional tour.

Overnight in Jaipur 

OPTIONAL: HALF DAY JAIPUR CITY TOUR 

Begin your tour of the city with a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built for the royal ladies of the palace to discreetly watch the grand processions along the main street. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 by the ruler Amber Sawai Jai Singh II. This palace takes up a large part of the total area of Jaipur and is surrounded by battle doors. The complex was built like a city in a city, boasting courtyards, gardens, buildings, temples, fountains, ponds, courts, horse stables, workshops, and playgrounds. Continue your tour to the Jantar Mantar, an impressive astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the astronomer to which this city owes its name. The term "Jantar Mantar" literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens' '. It houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interest of astronomers, historians, and architects around the world. It is one of the largest observatories ever built. While you are in the city, you may also visit the nearby popular street markets of Jaipur such as the Johari Bazaar with hundreds of jewelry vendors, plus handcrafted clothing, furniture, artwork, and more to choose from.

Before breakfast, join the optional tour of Hot Air Ballooning over Jaipur at sunrise. This morning you will drive to Pushkar, a sacred city for Hindus. Surrounded by hills on three sides and dunes on the fourth, Pushkar boasts a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair (held in November). As a quiet and secluded desert town for 51 weeks a year, for just a few days it transitions into an incredible and authentic extravaganza during the annual Pushkar Fair. Drawing people from all around the world, this is also possibly the largest camel and cattle-trading fair in the world. Upon arrival in Pushkar, you will check in to your hotel. Head on a walking tour of the holy city of the God, Brahma; visit the Pushkar Lake and the famous 8th century Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and the only bull temple in the world. Experience a special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat with a Hindu priest on the banks of Pushkar Lake.

Overnight in Pushkar

OPTIONAL: HOT AIR BALLOONING AT SUNRISE IN JAIPUR: 

Available: Every Day

Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby

Lasting for approximately one hour, a hot air balloon ride is one of the most exciting activities to indulge in Jaipur. Fly over the mighty forts and palaces and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Jaipur. Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Shiv Vilas, and Delhi-Jaipur Road are some breath-taking places from where you can take this flight.

Note: This tour is subject to availability. The tour will be arranged in the morning at around 5:45 AM – 06:45 AM

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is a majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three man made lakes. On arrival in Udaipur, check in to the hotel, and after some short rest, explore a city on your own or you can join our optional tour.

Overnight in Udaipur

OPTIONAL: SUNSET CRUISE ON LAKE PICHOLA - UDAIPUR: 

Sailing past picturesque Ghats and palaces, you will stop at the island of Jag Mandir, a 17th-century water palace that witnessed two important historical events. It was the refuge for Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan when he was exiled by his father. Later during the uprising of 1857, the island offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Née much.

Your day will begin at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D., which was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace boasts plenty of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex you will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th-century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas, and beds. We will continue walking to the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most respected Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterward, we will explore the Old City, wandering through the bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors, and more.

Drive to Jodhpur, with an en-route visit to the Temple of Ranakpur. Built-in the 15th century and situated in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range, Ranakpur is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community and is exceptionally beautiful. Over 1444 marble pillars, each distinctively carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. However, legend has it that it is impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in the temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today you will visit the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Later, drive to Jaisalmer, founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer served as a major staging post on the trade route across the Thar Desert. Your first glimpse of the honey-colored walls, rising out of the hot and barren desert, will be a magical experience. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisite Havelis, offers a medieval ambiance. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, check in to the hotel and spend your time at leisure. Jaisalmer is famous for its old stonework, antiques, blankets, rugs, mirror work, and embroidery, and is the perfect place for antique street shopping.

Take a tour of Jaisalmer. The fort, often referred to as the Golden Fort due to the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jail or lattice worked screens, carved doors, floral carvings, and elaborately carved 12th to 16th-century Jain Temples. The Havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional, similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants. These were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, screens, and windows. Each haveli boasts an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments. Walk through the narrow streets of the fort to see the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautifully arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks. Patwon-ki-Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent haveli, known for its latticed façade and Salim Singh ki Haveli. Outside the walls of the fortified town lies the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to discover this city.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

OPTIONAL: ENJOY A CAMEL RIDE IN JAISALMER:

See the sunset at Sam Dunes, known for its enormous stretch of sweeping dunes with little or no vegetation that make it a surrealistic landscape with ever changing patterns carved by winds on the sand. Head on a camel ride out on the dunes at sunset before returning to “base camp” for beer/soft drinks and snacks while being entertained by folk singers and dance performances.

After breakfast ,drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the day at leisure. Bikaner exhibits a rich history of Rajputs; there are so many Havelis, palaces, temples, and museums offering a pleasing picture of a bygone era. In Bikaner, one can travel back in time and experience the rich culture and hospitality that melts hearts.

Today you will visit the Junagarh Fort. This magnificent structure was started by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century and added onto over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone is surrounded by a moat, and within you will find beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, fine jail or latticework screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort boasts walls covered with stories from Krishna’s life, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are decorated elaborately in red and gold. From there you will drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa,  dominated by a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit Chokhani and Ladia Havelis, and the street with Saraf Havelis.

Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel followed by the drive to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi check in hotel. Afternoon you will tour the old and new counterparts of Delhi. Get ready to visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, India Gate (the War Memorial) and the President’s House (from the outside), and the Baha’i Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays); this lotus-shaped marvel in marble is a symbol of peace. From there you will continue your tour to the Qutub Minar, a stunning 240-foot brick minaret, the tallest in the world surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.

After breakfast, proceed to departures.