Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India, the largest democratic nation in the world. Home to over 15 million people, Delhi bombards the senses with a frenetic energy as India bursts onto the world stage as one of the emerging economic powerhouses. Ancient monuments blend with twentieth century colonial-inspired architecture while religious traditions of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians and Sikhs permeate the city. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi: City Tour

After breakfast we depart for a full sightseeing day of Delhi. Your tour begins with Old Delhi with a photo stop outside of the Red Fort -- a massive sandstone fort built by Shah Jahan on the banks of the river Yamuna. We then proceed to Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of the great father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon we proceed for sightseeing of New Delhi where you will visit Qutub Minar, the tower of victory started by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak in 1199AD upon becoming the sultan of Delhi. Nearby lies the Lotus temple, a distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble and a temple of the Baha’i faith. We will also stop at the 42-metre high India Gate, commemorating the Indian soldiers who fought and died for the British Army in World War I. Overnight in Delhi

Day 3: Delhi - Agra: Agra Fort

After breakfast we embark on our half-day drive south to Agra. Upon arrival we check into our hotel, departing in the afternoon for our visit to the massive Agra Fort. Agra Fort lies in a bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565 to 1573 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. The fort was successively occupied by three great Mughals -- Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan; each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex. Overnight in Agra.

Day 4: Agra: Taj Mahal - Jaipur

Awaking very early, we depart before dawn to make our way to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, regarded as one of the new seven Wonders of the World. For people the world over the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of the Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India. Shah Jahan built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife who died shortly after giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. We will have time to visit, take photos and reflect on the power of this monument to everlasting love. Returning to the hotel for breakfast we then check out and depart for Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route, an ancient capital of the Moghul Empire built by Emperor Akbar the Great between 1569 and 1585. Now deserted, it is almost perfectly preserved, a masterpiece in sandstone glowing in subtly changing shades of pink and red as the day progresses and the light fades. The very embodiment of Akbar's unorthodox court, the city fuses Hindu and Muslim artistic traditions. We will continue on our half-day drive to Jaipur where we will check into our hotel upon arrival. Jaipur has been dubbed the "Pink City" because of the many buildings inside the old city walls that are painted pink. Scattered throughout the northeast section of the town are palaces and temples designed in a variety of styles; the city lies snugly on a bed of a long-dry lake. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur: City Tour & Amber

Today our tour takes us to Amber, once the ancient state capital but now deserted. Located on the crest of a rocky hill behind Maota Lake, 11 km (7 miles) north of Jaipur, the Rajput stronghold was the capital of the Kuchhawa Rajputs from 1037 until 1728. Rising on the slopes of a steep hill is the Amber Fortress with its imposing facade. The interior presents a galaxy of art including the world's best Chamber of Mirrors. Note: We will depart for Amber Fort early to give us the opportunity to climb aboard an elephant and ride up to the huge courtyard of the Fort. There are only a limited number of trips that the elephants can make on the circuit up to the fort, so its first come, first served, with two passengers per elephant. Feel like a Maharajah or Maharani of days gone by! In the afternoon take a tour of Jaipur, one of the best-planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The City Palace stands in the centre of the city, part of which is still the Maharaja's residence. The complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel, and an armoury. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur - Pushkar Camel Fair

After breakfast we will drive to Pushkar via the city of Ajmer. Upon arrival we check into our desert tent, staying at one of many compounds that spring up during the famous Pushkar Camel Fair. The camel fair coincides with full moon of the Hindu month of Karttika, when over 200,000 buyers, sellers and hawkers have traditionally invaded this peaceful, holy village. Note: The camel fair is a 15-day event, the last four days of which are open to tourists. During this time, the Department of Tourism arranges different events daily -- camel races, turban tying, folk dances, magic shows, puppet shows, etc. Unfortunately the programmes can be very last minute and it is extremely difficult to provide an exact listing of the activities that we will be able to witness. Our accommodations will consist of private tents that include running water, a toilet, beds and an outside seating area. All of the tents are located within a large, secure compound that offers meals, drinks, and nightly entertainment. Our sightseeing during our visit to Pushkar will include a walking tour of the town and a visit to the holy lake, believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the one of the only temples in the country that is dedicated to Brahma can be found here. We will visit Brahma Temple, holy Pushkar Lake & the eclectic bazaar. Overnight in Pushkar.

Day 7: Pushkar - Udaipur

After breakfast we will depart on our days drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. The rest of your time is at leisure. Overnight in Udaipur

Day 8: Udaipur Area

Today we see the lakeside City Palace, made up of eleven constituent mahals (palaces) constructed by successive Maharajahs over 300 years. Together they comprise the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. The palace, iridescent with tile and mirror inlays, includes the impressively carved Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The afternoon is free to browse in this beautiful city of temples, fairy-tale palaces and vast city gardens surrounding several lakes. The present nobility are perhaps the longest surviving dynasty in the world, being the seventy-sixth in the unbroken line of Mewar suzerains. An afternoon drive around nearby Fateh Sagar Lake concludes an inspiring day. This evening we will enjoy a boat ride at Lake Pichola where you can visit the Jag Mandir Island. Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 9: Udaipur - Jodhpur

After breakfast we depart on our drive to Jodhpur, en route taking in the vistas of the Aravalli Hills and stopping to visit the intricately carved Ranakpur Jain temple. After our visit we will continue on our drive to Jodhpur where we will check in to our hotel upon arrival. Rest of time at leisure. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Day 10: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

Jodhpur is a place of wonderful bazaars, where you can seek out puppeteers and dyers and get a real taste of rural Rajasthan. Our sightseeing in Jodhpur includes a visit to the massive Meherangarh Fort which stands upon a rocky hill and engulfs the city with its 10 km (6 miles) of wall and eight gates. A fairly steep climb leads up through seven gateways. We later embark on our half-day drive west to Jaisalmer, where upon arrival we check into the hotel. Jaisalmer, the land of the Bhatti princes, born of the moon, dates back to AD 1156. The skyline holds kiosks with parapets, balconies and terraces. Jaisalmer has been called the "Golden City" because of the colour imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting sun. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Day 11: Jaisalmer - Sam Dunes

This morning we visit the city gates and the massive fort inside, which rises majestically above the city. The fort itself is a warren of narrow, paved streets complete with beautiful Jain temples. Later in the afternoon we drive to Sam Dunes and this evening we will saddle up for our camel ride for sunset viewing at Sam. Overnight stay in Sam Dunes in a Desert Tent.

Day 12: Jaisalmer - Bikaner

After breakfast we drive to Bikaner. We will have an afternoon visit of a camel-breeding farm. Overnight in Bikaner.

Day 13: Bikaner - Mandawa

Our morning sightseeing consists of visiting Junagarh Fort, a stronghold that has remained unconquered to this day. This fort was built in the 15th Century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar. Later in the day we depart for Mandawa, famous for its Havelis with Frescos, which is a specialty of the Shekhawati region. It has some of the best-preserved havelis and finest Frescoes in Shekhawati. Overnight in Mandawa.

Day 14: Mandawa - Delhi

Mandawa is famous for its massive forts, beautiful Havelis and ancient temples. The medieval ambience and vintage charm of Mandawa recalls the glory and splendour of yesteryear. Mandawa was the stronghold of rich merchants. Built by the wealthy merchants of the time, Mandawa is famous for its excellent historical monuments. The merchants built palatial mansions and forts and decorated it with exquisite paintings and murals. Later in the day we drive to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 15: Departure from Delhi

International departure from Delhi. PLEASE NOTE: Many flights from Indian cities depart after midnight, ie just into TOMORROW. If this is the case re your departure, you may consider booking an extra hotel night so that you will have a place to rest prior to your flight tonight. BON VOYAGE!!

Tour Highlights

The Taj Mahal; Travel like a raj at the spectacular Amber Fort - Elephant style! Hop aboard a camel for a sunset excursion at the dunes of the Thar Desert; Soak in the sights, sounds and smells of Tribal Rajasthan at the annual camel fair in Pushkar; Take in the Rajput majesty of Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort; View the painted Havelis of Mandawa.

Inclusions

Breakfast daily (for other meals that may be included please see tour itinerary). All accommodation, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Services of a Tour Leader and local guide support in some locations.

Exclusions

Airport arrival / departure transfers (affordable shared transfers available upon request). International air taxes (if applicable). Visa fees. Trip cancellation/interruption/medical insurance. Single supplement charges (if single room requested). TIPPING: Please allow $30-35 USD a week. Your Tour Leader can advise the appropriate amounts as you go. It is also customary to offer your Tour leader a tip; allow approximately $5-10 USD per day.

Seasonality Weather

For most of the country, November-March is the best time to visit. During those months, temperatures range from 40-70 F / 5-20 C in the north. While conditions can vary widely, you must be prepared for some heat. SEASONAL FESTIVALS: This programme is set to coincide with the exciting Pushkar Camel Fair in Oct/Nov.

transport & travel conditions

Ground transport via private air-conditioned motor coach. The tour is not physically strenuous though it is busy; you must be prepared for some early starts, be steady on your feet, and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. You will have the opportunity to ride a camel and an elephant during this tour!

Accommodation

Accommodation in air-conditioned 2-3 star hotels. Hotel properties are mostly modern and Western style. Some are older, character properties with simpler rooms and perhaps no elevators. Our accommodation in Delhi cannot be considered "central" in a conventional sense. Delhi is a huge sprawling city with many districts and centres of interest / business; our hotel is well-located for what we want to accomplish on our city coach tour. Laundry services at most hotels for a modest cost. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Porters are generally available. Desert tents specified in the itinerary are more basic, but expect a large private tent compete with cots/beds, electricity, and private bathroom (possible bucket with hot water for a shower, though some tents do come with running water).

Staff and Support

Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.

Group Size

10 to 16 (plus Tour Leader).