Legends of the Rajputs - 11 days

Once you arrive into Delhi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi taking in the impressive Red Fort - dating back to India’s Mughal period; Jama Masjid mosque - the final architectural extravagance of Emperor Shah Jahan and the colourful, if crowded, Chandni Chowk bazaar. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi. Offering a real contrast to the congestion of Old Delhi, open and relatively streamlined New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British.

Highlights include the majestic India Gate, Rajpath and bustling Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minar, a massive tower built to proclaim the arrival of Islam in India in the 11th century and a carpet emporium.

Delhi - Agra. Today, journey to Agra, once capital of India under the Mughals. We take an exotic horsecart or rickshaw ride to the legendary Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble it has no peers. Witness first-hand, the efforts Emperor Shah Jahan went to in constructing the immense mausoleum, stunningly studded with semi-precious stones for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Visit Agra Fort, which has some of the finest Mughal buildings in India behind its walls, followed by a tour of a marble craftshop.

Agra - Ranthambore. This morning tour and explore the fascinating former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri - Emperor Akbar’s vision in red sandstone. Early afternoon we continue our drive onward to Ranthambore National Park. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Sprawling across an area of some 1334 sq. kms, Ranthambore is scenically beautiful. Set amidst a landscape of hills, lakes and rivers, the park boasts an impressive 10th century fort. The park terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bush land. The entire forest is peppered with ruined pavilions and small domed, Mughal kiosks known as chhatris. In addition to the Bengal tiger, Ranthambore is home to wild boar, nilgai, sambar deer and a variety of birds. Tiger spottings are more common in the morning or late afternoon, especially if hunting or tending to their young. Venture on morning and afternoon game drives in shared jeeps or Canters.

Ranthambore - Jaipur. Indulge with a final game drive this morning before our afternoon transfer to UNESCO-listed Jaipur. Jaipur is affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’ as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan.

This morning, travel beyond Jaipur to the 16th century Amber Fort. a jeep transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. The 18th century observatory is the largest and best preserved of five observatories built by the astronomer prince, Jai Singh II. He had the huge stone structures built to measure time, chart the declination of celestial bodies and predict eclipses. The observatory complex is remarkably fascinating.

Jaipur is additionally renowned for its wonderful silks, saris and intricate beading. This evening there is time to shop in the colouful local markets or visit a tailor. Good quality tailors are very capable of whipping up European-style clothing and other garments meeting your specification, at a fraction of prices charged for tailoring in the West. Also, most will often deliver your freshly sewn garments to your door.

Jaipur - Udaipur. Take an early morning flight south to Udaipur, which was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. An oasis of cool, with its massive and Venetian-like appearance, Udaipur is one of the most romantic towns in Rajasthan. A favourite amongst the wealthy and the elite, Udaipur is full of palaces and temples. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying our wonderful hotel facilities.

On Day 9, you'll enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola, plus touring of the imposing City Palace, a vision in soft yellow stone on the northeast promontory with breathtaking views of the lake. The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

Free time to explore the palace or perhaps shop for colourful Rajasthani arts and crafts and Indian spices.

Udaipur - Delhi. Departure transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. (please note flight schedules may vary throughout the day) The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the hotel pool and bar or consider venturing out to further explore this vibrant city.

Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport.

If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or best things to see each month for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.

For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our travel guide.