DAY 1  TUE 11 FEB

HOME TO DELHI

 Arrive in Delhi, a treasure trove of ancient culture with remnants of lost empires, India’s fascinating capital. Unpack for three nights at our luxury hotel, The Imperial. We love the seven acres of manicured gardens, blend of Victorian decor and an Art Deco style, which allows guests to travel back in time to the days of the British Raj.

DAY 2  WED 12 FEB

DELHI

Explore the bustling streets of Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid Mosque and experience an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the old by-lanes of this fascinating city. Visit Red Fort, another example of the finest Mughal building. Then stop at Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Lunch is included today. This afternoon we will explore Qutab Minar, the tallest minaret in India.

The Imperial, New Delhi

DAY 3  THU 13 FEB

DELHI

A morning visit to the residence of the President of India, known as Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is the most extensive and significant 20th C. interpretation of a traditional Mughal Garden. Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive past the India Gate monument to reach Lodhi Garden where Delhi’s rulers were once buried but today Lodhi gardens are the favourite place for Delhi’s glitterati to keep themselves fit. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th C. and considered the architectural forerunner of Agra’s Taj Mahal.

The Imperial, New Delhi

DAY 4  FRI 14 FEB

DELHI TO AGRA

We continue to Agra, home to the immortal Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, built the Taj Mahal as a monument of love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

ITC Mughal Hotel, Agra

DAY 5  SAT 15 FEB

AGRA

After breakfast, we visit the Agra Fort, a 16th C. Mughal monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, an imposing sandstone citadel on the banks of the river Yamuna. Later in the evening, we will visit one of the last of the Mughal-built gardens Mehtab Bagh for an uncluttered view of the Taj Mahal. It was Emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite spot to gaze at the monument to his wife. Dinner included tonight.

ITC Mughal Hotel, Agra

DAY 6  SUN 16 FEB

AGRA TO JAIPUR

Sunrise at the Taj is unforgettable. Then, Fatehpur Sikri, an enigmatic deserted Mughal city now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to Jaipur (known as the Pink City) the capital of Rajasthan. Explore the Vidyadhar Garden, a perfect amalgamation of contemporary Hindu and Mughal. Our hotel for the next 3 nights is a former Maharaja’s Palace with lush green landscaped gardens that create the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan. Special dinner included tonight with live instrumental music in a private garden.

Raj Palace, Jaipur

DAY 7  MON 17 FEB

AMBER FORT

The pink city awaits. Meet the people of Jaipur with a market walk to greet the flower vendors, the fruit and vegetable sellers and the milkmen. Lunch included today. The hilltop Amber Fort is our highlight today for a glimpse of Mughal luxury. Lunch included today. Afternoon visit to two gardens: Kanak Ghati Garden and Sisodia Bagh.

Raj Palace, Jaipur

DAY 8  TUE 18 FEB

JAIPUR

Today see the most ravishing peacock doorways - breathtaking. Visit Jawhar Circle Garden, Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar Observatory and City Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Raj Palace, Jaipur

DAY 9  WED 19 FEB

JAIPUR TO UDAIPUR

Morning flight to Udaipur. Arrive by boat to our hotel for the next two nights, the Taj Lake Palace, one of the most photographed hotels in the world. This opulent white marble palace island floats on the water and enjoys breath-taking views. This palace became famous in the James Bond movie Octopussy. Lunch included at Jagmandir Island Palace. Dinner included tonight.

Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur

DAY 10  THU 20 FEB

UDAIPUR

First to Sahelion-Ki-Bari designed as a peaceful garden retreat. Our next stop will be Gulab Bagh, filled with roses. Towering over the lake is the magnificent City Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajput influences, mirror work, murals and a glimpse into Royal culture. We will stop at Jagdish temple. Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola with the best views of the lake, palaces and the mountains. For our Farwell Dinner, we will meet a local family this evening to learn and try our hand at the authentic cuisine of Rajasthan. The Lady of the House is known for her simple yet delicious home-cooked meal.

Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur

DAY 11  FRI 21 FEB

UDAIPUR TO HOME

After breakfast, fly from Udaipur to Delhi and onto your homeward flight today.

DAY 12  SAT 22 FEB

ARRIVE HOME