Depart the UK in the evening on a direct overnight flight to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi we transfer to the luxury Shangri-La Hotel for two nights. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with the group; the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Our sightseeing begins today with the wide avenues of New Delhi. Much of the areas most prominent buildings were designed by the influential British architect Edwin Lutyens. Also visit the impressive Humayun's Tomb, an example of early Mughal architecture surrounded by spacious gardens.
We move on to the bustling streets of Old Delhi home of the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, before taking a rickshaw ride along the main street of Chandni Chowk for a totally fresh perspective of this exciting city.
An hour's flight from Delhi is Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh and our destination this morning. Stay at the elegant Vivanta by Taj for two nights, a first class hotel lying on the banks of the Gomti River. The afternoon is free to explore or relax.
This morning we visit the Residency, a large collection of buildings built for the British Resident General in the Raj era and later on the site of the infamous siege of 1857.
We also visit the Dilkusha Gardens, the Rumi Darwaja gateway and La Martinière School, built by the Frenchman Claude Martin. Our tour also takes us to the impressive tombs of the Imambaras and the city's colourful bazaars.
This morning we board our first Indian train which takes us to Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and, for Hindus, one of the holiest places in India. Here we stay at the Gateway Hotel Ganges, a modern hotel set in lush gardens.
The afternoon is spent visiting Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first public discourse and now home to many magnificent stupas and monasteries. Returning to Varansi witness the ceremonial Aarti this evening on the ghats of the Ganges.
A peaceful early morning boat ride on the Ganges gives us the chance to see devotees at prayer at the waters' edge. As the sun rises the ghats become ever more crowded and colourful . After the mornings' river experience we take a midday flight to Khajuraho and transfer to the Radisson Jass Hotel, close to the Chandela Temples.
This huge temple complex, famous for its erotic sculpture, was over the course of an entire century by the Chandela Dynasty. There is the option to return to the temples in the evening for the son et lumière show.
A morning drive brings us to the unhurried settlement of Orchha where we stop for a leisurely excursion of the 16th century temples which dot the landscape and the three palaces of the region.
After lunch we drive on a short distance to Jhansi where we board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, arriving in the evening. In Agra we stay at The Trident Hotel, a first class hotel set in landscaped gardens.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world. Our sightseeing today also takes us to the Red Fort which, like the Taj, is set on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Today we drive to the exciting and colourful city of Jaipur, stopping on the way at Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century this city was abandoned after only 14 years of habitation due to a lack of water.
The complex of temples and palaces is well preserved and a fine example of Mughul architecture. In Jaipur stay at the elegant Samode Haveli, a 19th century former royal mansion with frescoed walls and ceilings.
This morning we head to the hilltop fort of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur. It is possible to ride an elephant up to the fort, subject to availability of elephants. Subject to their availability this journey is on elephants.
Returning to the city we visit the City Palace with its museums and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, an elaborate 5 storey facade. We also visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in the 18th century to map and gain further understanding of our galaxy and solar system.
Day 12
Jaipur, Jodhpur, Rohet
A long drive takes us to Jodhpur where we visit the imposing Meherangahr Fort, surrounded by high walls and dominating the city, the fort is a complex of palaces all intricately carved and now home to collections of weaponry and traditional costume.
We continue on to the nearby village of Rohet where we stay in the heritage hotel of Rohetgarh. Home of the royal family of Rohet, the hotel’s residents includes Marwari horses, which are bred here.
Today we take a jeep safari to nearby local villages to see how the inhabitants of this part of rural Rajasthan live. In the afternoon there is some free time which you might like to spent riding one of the Marwari horses!
Heading to the scenic beauty of the Aravalli Hills and the town of Ranakpur, we visit the intricately carved Jain temples before continuing on to Udaipur. Stay at the first class Trident Hotel.
Our city tour today takes in the City Palace, a complex of 11 palaces, all with intricate stone work and interiors featuring glass mirror and ornamental tile work along with antique furniture and ancient paintings.
Our tour will also take us to the gardens of Sahelion Ki Bari and the old city where we visit the Jagdish Temple and explore the narrow winding lanes. There is time in the afternoon to relax by the serene Lake Pichola.
Take a morning flight to Mumbai, connecting with a direct international flight to London which arrives early evening.
