Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive in the colourful and chaotic capital of Delhi today, where you will be met and privately transferred to our hotel, The Claridges in New Delhi. Most flights land late in the afternoon, giving you time to settle into our hotel, rest after your flight, and prepare for our travels ahead.
Overnight: The Claridge’s Hotel
Day 2 – Delhi
Today is a gentle day as you acclimatise to the time change with a morning wander through the beautiful gardens that surround the Mahatma Ghandi Memorial and visit the largest Sikh Temple in Delhi.
Enjoy lunch with the worshippers, and then the afternoon is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool, indulge in a massage, or, if you are an avid shopper, explore nearby Khan Market.
Dinner will be hosted this evening.
Overnight: The Claridge’s Hotel (B / L / D)
Day 3 – Varanasi
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. On arrival in the holy city of Varanasi, you will be driven to Tree of Life Hotel, a five-star hotel set in 40 acres of tropical gardens. After checking in to your spacious rooms, you’ll have some time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
As the afternoon cools, you’ll take a stroll from the hotel through the village that surrounds this peaceful retreat. Wandering through hand-tilled fields and clusters of clay-mud houses, you’ll see ‘real’ India and interact with the villagers going about their daily lives.
This evening, you will enjoy a hosted welcome dinner at the Tree of Life, either in the elegant restaurant ‘Ann Tripti’, or, if the weather is fine, alfresco on the terrace under the mud-apple tree.
Overnight: Tree of Life Resort & Spa (B / D)
Day 4 – Varanasi
Rise early this morning for a dawn boat cruise on the Ganges. The rising sun draws crowds to the banks of the river to perform morning rituals—truly a wondrous sight. You will take a relaxed wander through the old city to discover silk markets, historical mosques, hidden alleys, bazaars, and ancient Varanasi architecture, then return to the Tree of Life for a long brunch and siesta.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to the banks of the Ganges River to wander and witness the activity on the ghats—the riverfront steps leading to the water. Most are used for puja ceremonies or bathing, but two are used exclusively for cremation. We will board a boat to witness these ghats from the water before pulling in to the Dasashwamedha Ghat at dusk to witness the famous evening Hindu religious ritual of worship known as Aarti. A moving display of fire, candles, chanting, and the blowing of conch shells.
Return to the Tree of Life to enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight Tree of Life Resort & Spa (B / L / D)
Day 5 – Varanasi to Jaipur
You will have a relaxed morning departure for Sarnath, the site where Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, before a scrumptious lunch in a local restaurant before checking in for your return flight to Delhi.
Arriving in Jaipur in the early evening, you will transfer to Samode Haveli, an opulent urban oasis where you will spend the next three nights. Built 175 years ago as a residence of the rulers of Samode, it is a traditional Indian mansion still occupied by their descendants, who have converted their home into a luxury hotel. Today, it retains every inch of its eccentric grandeur and heritage with intricate tiling, rich furnishings, and extraordinary styling, while established gardens, an elegant swimming pool, and internal courtyards provide soothing spaces in which to relax.
Overnight Samode Haveli. (B / L)
Day 6 – Jaipur
Today you will explore Jaipur in the company of a local guide. Your first stop is Hawa Mahal, one of Jaipur’s best-known landmarks. This “Palace of Winds” was erected in 1798 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Akin to the honeycomb in a beehive, its original intention was to allow the veiled ladies of the harem to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. The building is five stories high but only one room deep, with 953 small windows and balconies decorated with intricate latticework.
Jaipur is famous for gemstones, and at your next stop, you will watch some of the finest jewellers polish and set precious stones, before there is ample opportunity for you to purchase a jewel for yourself!
Lunch today will be enjoyed in the gardens of a nearby palace that also houses some of the finest boutiques in Jaipur. Enjoy a snack, or a lavish lunch if you desire, before wandering these delightful stores or relax in the gardens.
Mid-afternoon, you will drive to the magnificent Amber Fort, just outside of Jaipur. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh I and sits high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake and the tiny town of Amer. It is a stunning example of Rajput architecture, and in true Rajput style, it is filled with wonderful temples, halls, and palaces—and, at this time of day, fewer tourists.
Return to Samode Haveli, and this evening, show off your beautiful purchases at an intimately hosted dinner in the gorgeous grounds of your haveli haven.
Overnight Samode Haveli. (B / D)
Day 7 – Jaipur – Holi!
An early morning walk through the flower and fresh produce markets will allow you to see the city wake from its peaceful slumber and start to buzz as everyone prepares for the Holi celebrations today.
Next, kitted out in your white kurtas, you are bound for a nearby temple, where you will kick off your Holi celebration. There is no better way to start the day than by chanting with several hundred Hindus! Later, you will depart for the highlight of the journey: the celebration of Holi in a nearby palace.
The festival of Holi is a hugely important date on the Hindu calendar, and people celebrate joyously right across the country. It is the most boisterous of all Hindu festivals, symbolising the victory of good over evil, heralding the end of winter and the beginning of spring, rebirth, and new life. Celebrated by young and old, crowds of people gather together to sing and dance and throw coloured powder (and often water) at each other in a huge, infectious outpouring of joy.
The occasion is enormously fun, and your level of participation is completely up to you. You can stay on the periphery and watch the merrymakers or thoroughly immerse yourself in the festivities. A transfer vehicle is on standby to return you to your Haveli whenever you wish. The remainder of your afternoon or evening is at leisure, so depending on the time you return, you may wish to indulge in the spa, relax by the pool, dine in the restaurant, or stay in your room. HAPPY HOLI!
Overnight Samode Haveli. (B / L)
Day 8 – Pushkar
Today you head to Pushkar by road via Bagra, where you will stop and learn about the famous Indian craft of block printing. Watch artisans create beautiful patterned fabrics and take part in creating your own.
Continue on to your home for the next two nights, the Pushkar Palace Hotel, which is dramatically perched over the shimmering Pushkar Lake and affords stunning views.
Pushkar is a small but religiously significant town, believed to have been created by Brahma, the Hindu god of creation itself. Pilgrims come to pay their respects by the sacred lake, said to have been formed by a lotus thrown by Brahma, and visit the Brama temple—surprisingly, the only one in India.
You’ll spend the afternoon relaxing by the water, soaking up the spiritual tranquility of the lake and its temples, and enjoying the time to take a breath on your busy itinerary.
Overnight Pushkar Palace. (B / D)
Day 9 – Pushkar
Spend the morning touring temples and markets surrounding the lake, leisurely taking in the bustling morning activity of the town.
Since Pushkar is historically known as a camel trading post, after lunch you depart on a camel safari, visiting villages before you head into the desert, arriving at the sand dunes in time for sunset.
Returning to your hotel, enjoy a beautiful hosted dinner under a blanket of stars.
Overnight Pushkar Palace. (B / D)
Day 10 – Jodhpur
Enjoy a scenic ride through rural Rajasthan, bound for the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, arriving at your stunning designer hotel beneath the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
After settling in at RAAS, visit a Textile Art Emporium where you will indulge in retail therapy and eat some of the most delicious samosas to be found in all of India!
Back at your beautiful hotel, relax and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight RAAS Jodhpur . (B / D)
Day 11 – Jodhpur
You’ll start the day with a privately guided tour of the exquisite Jaswant Tharda Cenotaph and its glorious gardens, followed by a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky cliff 125 meters above the plain, with commanding views across the surrounding landscape. This palace complex is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. From the Fort, you will burrow into the Old City’s labyrinth of gates and alleyways, passing vibrant blue buildings that are a photographer’s delight.
After lunch at a local café, you’ll take a guided walking tour through the Sardar market surrounding the landmark Clock Tower, visit an ancient stepwell, and shop your way through some of India’s most fabulous boutique stores.
Dinner will be hosted this evening on a rooftop overlooking Mehrangarh Fort.
Overnight RAAS Jodhpur . (B / L / D)
Day 12 – Narlai
Take your time to enjoy a tranquil Fort view breakfast before you hit the road for a scenic drive delving deeper into rural Rajasthan.
Your accommodation is in the charming Rawla Narlai Heritage Lodge. Still owned by members of the Jodhpur Royal family, Rawla Narlai is a former hunting lodge located in the sleepy village of Narlai in the heart of the Aravalli Hills.
After a light lunch in the beautiful gardens, in the late afternoon, you’ll set out on a safari in search of leopards. Sightings are frequent, and hopefully we’ll be lucky!
Return to the lodge for an evening at leisure.
Overnight Rawla Narlai . (B / L)
Day 13 – Narlai
If you are feeling energetic, rise early to join a guided walk up Narlai Hill (700+ steps) to ‘Elephant Rock’ to watch the sunrise; the view is magnificent and well worth the climb!
After breakfast, join an escorted meander through the village, venturing into houses, meeting the locals, and gaining a delightful insight into the close-knit Narlai community.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the pool, spa and beautiful gardens.
An incredible culinary experience awaits this evening in an utterly unique location—just wait and see!
Overnight Rawla Narlai . (B / D)
Day 14 – Udaipur
Another relatively short drive today delivers you to the Lake City of Udaipur with a brief stop at the Botanic Gardens en route.
Check in to Amet Haveli for the next two nights, a stunning heritage hotel built in the 1700s that sits right on the water. This afternoon, embark on a leisurely boat cruise around Lake Pichola, passing the stunning marble structure that is the Lake Palace Hotel, stopping for a stroll on Jagmandir Island, and returning to Amet Haveli for a hosted al-la-carte dinner.
Overnight Amet Haveli . (B / D)
Day 15 – Udaipur
Enjoy panoramic views of Udaipur over breakfast before embarking on a walking tour of the City Palace for a glimpse into Udaipur’s regal past. The largest palace complex in Rajasthan impresses with its sheer size and spectacular views out over Pichola Lake. Alongside the palace are a number of fabulous boutiques, so you will spend time at leisure wandering around before enjoying lunch.
Returning to Amet Haveli, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Avid shoppers may like to take a tuk tuk to any one of the many fabulous local boutiques, or you may simply wish to relax by the pool or in any one of the comfortable chairs with views over the lake.
Overnight Amet Haveli . (B / L)
Day 16 – New Delhi
After a leisurely morning, you transfer to the airport at lunchtime to depart by plane and return to Delhi, India’s capital and its third largest city, made up of two quite distinct characters. New Delhi is a slick, contemporary city, created in 1911 to be the modern capital of Britain’s imperial jewel. Old Delhi, by contrast, has a decidedly more eclectic personality, having originally been established as India’s Muslim capital in medieval times.
On arrival, you will drive through New Delhi, notable for its wide avenues, manicured gardens, and fine Lutyen’s architecture, to reach our modern, luxury hotel, the Shangri-La Eros Hotel.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight Shangri La . (B)
Day 17 – Agra
Travel by train to Agra today to view the majestic Taj Mahal! You are met on arrival by your guide, who will spend the day with you as you marvel at Agra’s rich Mughal heritage and stunning architecture, the most iconic example of which is the white marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of his undying love.
Your full-day round trip includes lunch at Sheroes Cafe, a visit to the marble artists who maintain the Taj, and the imposing Agra Fort.
Returning to Delhi by train, you have the evening to relax and enjoy yourself at leisure.
Overnight Shangri La . (B / L)
Day 18 – Old Delhi
You’ll commence with a visit to the great Jama Masjid this morning, India’s largest mosque, built between 1644 and 1658 as the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. With a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees, this stunning architecture is built in red sandstone and white marble.
Later, you’ll delve into the colourful chaos of Old Delhi aboard rickshaws as we ride through Chandni Chowk, passing vendors selling everything from spices to silver, from fabrics to street food. A wonderfully sensory way to experience Delhi’s old city.
Following a delicious rooftop lunch in the gorgeous Haveli Dharampura, you will take to the streets on foot to explore the vibrant markets and do some last-minute shopping before returning to your hotel for a farewell, hosted dinner.
Overnight Shangri La . (B / L / D)
Day 19 – Departure
This morning, have a leisurely breakfast before packing up all your newfound treasures.
Checkout is at noon; however, if you are on an early evening flight, luggage storage is available (or you can book a late check-out) before being transferred to the airport for check-in for your flight to an onward destination or home.
Namaste, and safe travels!