• 15 nights’ accommodation 
• 16 breakfasts, 15 dinners & 12 lunches
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions
• Train travel from Delhi – Agra on the Gatimaan Express
• Train travel Bharatpur – Ranthambhore 
• Morning and afternoon canter safaris at Ranthambhore National Park
• Evening talk with a Ranthambhore Naturalist 
• Jeep transfer at Amber Fort 
• Kalbelai dance performance and dinner at sand dunes in Khirmsar
• Jeep safari to visit Bishnoi Village in Jodhpur
• Cooking demonstration followed by dinner with the Noble family in Jodhpur
• Dinner at Bedla House in Udaipur
• Exclusive boat trip on Like Pichola in Udaipur
• All entrance fees & tips/gratuities
• Services of an accompanying English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
• Assistance on arrival and departure at the airport
• All Government taxes

If you would like the fully detailed itinerary, please email us for a brochure

Day 1

22:05 Depart UK flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic

Day 2

12:00 Arrive Delhi Terminal 3. Your local guide who will greet you on clearing customs. Transfer to hotel for check-in and lunch. Remainder of your day at leisure, but you may choose to include optional visits. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 3

Day of sightseeing in Delhi with your local guide. Morning visits to Jama Masjid mosque, the local Chandni Chowk bazaar, passing the Red Fort and visiting Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit New Delhi, taking in the impressive India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Sunder Nagar Nursery – a 16^thC heritage park and UNESCO world heritage site. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 4

Check out and transfer to Nizammudin railway station to take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra, depart 08:10 arriving at 09:50. Transport to see Agra Fort, the former imperial residence of the Mughal Dynasty. After a relaxing lunch, enjoy remainder of your day at leisure, or choose one of our two optional excursions, ‘Beyond the Taj’ to see more of Agra, or a ‘Colonial Tour’ which gives you insight into days of the British Raj. Dinner at your hotel

Day 5

Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal to experience it at first light. Return to hotel for breakfast and check out. 09:30 depart for drive to Bharatpur to visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park. The former hunting ground of the maharajas of Bharatpur, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by over 400 species of migratory birds. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon transfer to the railway station to travel by train to Sawai Madhopur station where you will be met and transferred to Ranthambore National Park for early evening check-in and dinner. Following dinner, you will have a talk with Park Naturalist accompanied by a drink.

Day 6

Early morning jungle safari by exclusive canter to see animals in their natural habitat, including tigers, leopards, spotted deer, Langaur, sloth bears, wild boar and numerous birds. Return to the hotel for lunch, after which you may wish to rest, or choose to visit Dastkar cooperative society where artisans produce beautiful traditional crafts.  Afternoon safari for another opportunity to look for wonderful wildlife.  Return early evening for dinner.

Day 7

Following breakfast check out to travel to Jaipur by private coach with stops along the way. Arrive in Jaipur at noon, check into the hotel and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Remainder of your day is at leisure. We offer several optional workshops/visits you may choose to experience: 1.) a design and block printing workshop with local artist Renu Bhagwat 2.) a workshop to spin and design a pot with a master of Jaipur blue pottery or 3.) an elephant sanctuary to spend time walking, feeding and washing these amazing creatures. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 8

Following breakfast depart for the fabulous Amber Fort – stopping enroute to see the iconic Place of Winds, Hawa Mahal. You will also visit the Anokhi Museum which showcases Jaipur’s famous heritage art of wood-block printing. Lunch , followed by an afternoon city tour, including visiting the City Palace, Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory made for Jaipur’s Maharaja – and a shopping tour to see beautiful carpet weaving, gem polishing and textile demonstrations. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 9

For 21 Jan – 4 Feb tour only:   Travelling in January you have the opportunity to be a guest at the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, held in the beautiful Diggi Palace. You may choose to enjoy a full day participating in various events organised by the festival. Please ask us about the programme and authors who will be attending. We will arrange transport back to the hotel at the end of the day in time for dinner.

OR – should you not wish to attend – and if you are travelling 24 Feb – 12 March:

You may enjoy a day of leisure or choose the following optional experiences:  1.) Travel to Bagru, a village near Jaipur which has long been a centre for textile production. You will meet some of the artisans and watch them skilfully create their astonishing designs, and then have the change to have a go yourself.  2.) Enjoy a photograph tour with an expert guide who will take you off the beaten track to capture very best hidden gems of Jaipur. We can arrange for personal preferences to suit your particular photographic interest. 3.) Heritage Water Walk – a tour designed to understand the sacredness of water in Rajasthan culture, including a visit to Nahargarh Fort to learn about the water harvesting system designed in 1734. 4.) Take part in a leather making workshop where you will create your own leather accessory and learn about ancient techniques such as Jari Kaam and Tomi. 

Dinner at your hotel.

Day 10

For 21 Jan – 4 Feb tour only:  should you choose to attend the Jaipur Literature you may enjoy second day there with evening transfer back to your hotel

OR – should you not wish to attend – and if you are travelling 24 Feb – 12 March:

You may enjoy a day of leisure or choose the following optional experiences:  1.) Learn the art of Kathputli – (kaath means wood and putli meaning puppet) to understand the intricate details and techniques behind creating the puppets and the storytelling performances. 2.) Visit to Samode, a village 42 miles from Jaipur that is famous for its haveli and fort, a sumptuous palace representing the finest fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani art and culture. 3.) Choose to make and fly a kite! Jaipur is a kite lovers paradise and has one of the most unique and famous kite makers located in the walled city. Meet craftsmen whose families have been making kites for generations, create your own kite under their guidance, then learn how to fly the kite and how to compete with other kites in the sky. 4.) Afternoon Bollywood dance workshop, a fusion of many dance styles. Have fun accessorising with colourful dupattas, bindis and bangles and learning different styles. 5.) Afternoon option to visit the Museum and Royal Gardens of Jaipur, including the tranquil Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, a peaceful haven created by Maharaja Singh for his second queen.

Dinner at your hotel.

Day 11

Check out after breakfast to travel to Khimsar, visiting Nagaur’s Ahhichatragarh Fort and Museum enroute. Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Fort which has been beautifully restored to its former glory - it is considered the best preserved fort in India. In the late afternoon, you will continue to Khimsar at the edge of the Thar Desert and check-in at your hotel before enjoying a jeep safari around the sand dunes and witnessing a beautiful sunset. While you are in the dunes you will also be treated to a colourful Kalbelia dance performance, followed by dinner.

Day 12

Following breakfast, check-out of your hotel to travel to Jodhpur, the Blue City. You will visit Meherangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun), created by the 15thC Rajput clan the Rathores, to see the architectural splendours and treasures of the royal family. You will also visit the fort’s garden, Chokhelao Bagh, where desert apples, bananas, oranges and pomegranates grow. You will then go on to see the marble-pillared Jaswant Thada and browse the Sadar Bazaar. Voted one of the 100 best markets in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, Sadar is a treasure trove for anyone who enjoys shopping. You will have lunch between sightseeing and will check-in to your hotel in the late afternoon.

You will dine with a Jodhpur noble family. This special evening begins with a cooking demonstration and gives you the opportunity to sample the authentic cuisine of Rajasthan.

Day 13

You may choose to have a morning’s rest and relax at your hotel or select from choice of optional activities: 1.) Experience Bandhani Art of Jodhpur (tie-dye art) visiting local artist Ishwar at home for a workshop at his rooftop studio. 2.) Take a photography tour of Jodhpur – go off the beaten track and get the best snaps of India’s Blue City. Please let us know if you have particular subjects you wish to capture.

Afternoon lunch followed by visit to tribal villages of the Bishnois, who believe in the sanctity of animal and plant life, following the teachings of 15thC guru Jambeshwar.

Dinner at your hotel

Day 14

Following breakfast check-out and depart for Udaipur. Enroute you will visit the famous Ranakpur Jain temples and then, after lunch, travel on to Udaipur the Venice of the East and check in to your hotel.

You have the following two options: 1) An introduction to Indian classical music visiting the home of leading scholar and instrumentalist Pandit Ram Krishna Bose, who will provide insights and perform classical instruments including the Sitar and Tabla or 2)  Late afternoon option to meet a member of the Rajasthan Cricket Association and enjoy High Tea at the infamous Udaipur Field Club created by Sir Field in 1939

Dinner at the hotel 

Day 15

After breakfast you will visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, Garden of the Maids-of-Honour, which brings to life the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies of the Mughal era, followed by visit to a Folk Art Museum which houses a unique collection of artefacts reflecting true Rajasthani culture. You will then visit the amazing, glittering Crystal Gallery, home to the world’s largest private collection of crystals; Jagdish Temple, the largest temple in Udaipur, and Bagore Hi Haveli at the Gangaur Ghat. The drive takes in picturesque views of Fateh Sagar Lake.  After lunch you have opportunity to do some shopping and also explore a vintage car museum owned by the present Royal Family. In the evening you will take a boat ride on tranquil Lake Pichola from where you will see spectacular views of the City and stop at Jag Mandi Island to visit the spectacular Gul Mahal Pavilion. 

Your evening dinner will be a special occasion arranged at the home of one of the most famous historical Indian families of Bedla House. The family trace their roots back to 1527 and many of the recipes served are based on traditional recipes and served over the years to the likes of Queen Elizabeth ll and Jackie Onassis. 

Day 16

You have a full day of leisure in Udaipur and may also choose from the following optional excursions: 1) Visit the Menar village and Lake for birdwatching – with an early morning departure you will be provided with a packed breakfast. 2)  Option to visit Ravla Khempur for a tour of the Marigold Hotel as depicted in the movie, meeting the owners and enjoying lunch and generous hospitality. 3) Late afternoon an excursion to meet and visit with women artisans at Bada Bazaar and NGO Women of Sadna.

Day 17

Depart Udaipur for Delhi with Indigo 07:30 arriving in Delhi at 08:45

Depart Delhi With Virgin Airlines 14:05 for London Heathrow arriving at 18:00

Delhi

The Surya – 2 nights

5* Hotel close to the Iskcon Temple. The modern guest rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed and amenities include a spa, pool, outdoor restaurant and poolside bar.

Agra

Trident – 1 night

This 5* hotel is built of red stone in style reminiscent of the Mughal era and set in beautifully landscaped gardens, with fountains,  courtyards, and a  welcoming, attentive staff ready to assist with your stay. With a pool, fitness centre and wellness facilities, you may wish to spend some time pampering yourself.

Ranthambhore

Sawai Vilas – 2 nights

Imbued with luxury, 5* Sawai Vilas offers   genteel hospitality just a few minutes away from the  wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, at the foot of the idyllic Aravalli Hills.  Set in over six acres of landscaped gardens , each of the beautifully appointed villas are elegantly designed,  spacious with thoughtful touches and amenities. There is a lovely pool, outside deck and sitting area, while the restaurant serves an array of delicious regional, national, and international dishes. 

 Jaipur

Shahpura House – 4 nights 

A Heritage hotel dating back to the days of the Maharaja that has been carefully restored to its original magnificence and is now managed by descendants of the royal family of Shahpura. Each of the 65 bedrooms is unique and many are decorated with frescoes and carved marble pillars in true Rajput style. Located in a residential area four kilometres from the city centre and boasting all mod cons, Shahpura House is also a luxurious refuge from the bustle of central Jaipur.

Khimsar

Khimsar Fort & Dunes– 1 nights

This magnificent Heritage Hotel dates to 1523, when it was built as a royal fort by the son of the founder of Jodhpur. With over eleven acres sprawling lawns, orchards and open courtyards amidst the sand dunes,  it is a well preserved royal residence, updated with luxurious amenities. It’s sumptuous grounds include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, croquet lawn, yoga and meditation centre, and they even have  an onsite astrologer.  It has been recently the Grand Heritage Award for Excellence by the Tourism Board of the Government of India

Jodhpur

Welcomhotel Jodhpur – 2 nights

Set against the dramatic, arid landscape of the Thar Desert, this 4* hotel appears like an oasis with a series of pavilions and landscaped courts, manicured lawns. With beautifully appointed luxurious rooms and an attentive staff, Welcomhotel offers a perfect sanctuary - cool down in the pool, stargaze bedside an outside fire and unwind in the extraordinary natural surroundings. 

Udaipur

Trident – 3 nights

A 5* hotel built over sixteen acres on the banks of Lake Pichola, Trident has won many awards for its service and beautiful style - an elegant blend of traditional touches with contemporary, luxurious comforts. Inspired by the architecture and cultural heritage of Udaipur, the rooms feature aesthetic furnishings, modern amenities and exquisite traditional artefacts. Offering picturesque views, fabulous cuisine, and an amazing sense of tranquility, it is no surprise this hotel is ranked as one of the best in India.

Flights from UK are included, but you may choose to make your own way there

Departure on either 21 January or 4 February:
From London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic VS300 departing at 22:05 > arriving in Delhi 12:00 the following day

Return on either 24 February or 11 March 
From Delhi with Virgin Atlantic VS301 departing at 14:05 > arriving at London Heathrow 18:00 the same day
Virgin Atlantic flights included are Economy, if you wish to upgrade please contact for supplement cost

• Internal flight on 17th day from Udaipur to Delhi: Indigo 6E 2323 departing at 07:35 arriving in Delhi at 08:45
• Surface travel is by private air conditioned coach
• Rathambhore Safari you will be in an exclusive canter 
• Jeep transfers at Amber Fort, sand dunes at Khimsar and Bishnoi Village in Jodhpur
• Train travel - in air conditioned Chari Car Class: Delhi to Agra by Gatimaan Express & Bharatpur to Ranthambhore by Jatabdi