Rajasthan is India in its most romantic form – a world of ancient forts, palaces, desert landscapes and cities that carry the spirit of the former maharajas.
A world of ancient forts, palaces, desert landscapes and cities that carry the spirit of the former maharajas.
Colours that look unreal. Ancient forts rising above the desert. Palaces where the presence of the maharajas can still be felt. Noisy bazaars, the scent of spices, temples filled with silence, and lakes over which the evening sun turns the whole world to gold.
We will cross the heart of North India – from the lively streets of Old Delhi to the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra. We will lose ourselves among the pink façades of Jaipur, cross the ancient roads to golden Jaisalmer and spend our nights in the silence of the Thar Desert. We will touch the royal heritage of Jodhpur, discover the exquisite Jain temples of Ranakpur and finish the journey in Udaipur – the city of lakes and palaces.
But India is far more than palaces, temples and ancient history. It is the feeling of standing before the Taj Mahal and, for a moment, forgetting everything else. The silence of the desert at sunset, when the last rays slide over the sand dunes. The colours of the streets, the smiles of the people and the aromas that drift from small shops and markets. The walk along Lake Pichola, when the palaces of Udaipur are reflected in the water and the city gradually sinks into the soft light of evening.
Here history is not behind a glass display case. It is everywhere – in the stones of the ancient forts, in palaces turned into luxury hotels, in the narrow lanes and in the traditions that remain part of everyday life. And that is exactly what makes India so different. It does not try to please you. It simply reveals itself to you – loud and quiet, chaotic and majestic, ancient and alive at the same time.
Get ready for a journey into a world where history, culture and luxury meet in an entirely different way.
This journey combines the most impressive cultural and historical treasures of North India with accommodation in some of the most elegant hotels and palaces in the country. The route: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur – Delhi.
Rajasthan is the land of the Rajputs – warriors and rulers who raised the forts of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Pink Jaipur, blue Jodhpur and golden Jaisalmer are three faces of one kingdom, each with its own colour and its own legend.
Udaipur is the city of lakes and palaces. White marble palaces rise above the waters of Lake Pichola, and at sunset the whole city is reflected in the water – a finale that is hard to surpass.
Welcome to India – where history is not behind a display case, but lives everywhere around you.
On arrival at Delhi airport you will be greeted by a representative of our local partner with a traditional welcome and a fresh marigold garland.
After the transfer you will check in at the hotel, where you will have time to rest after the journey.
Overnight: The Leela Palace Delhi
Meals: none
The standard hotel check-in time is 14:00.
After breakfast we head to Old Delhi – an area where history, religion and everyday life intertwine in one of the liveliest faces of India.
We will visit the Red Fort – an imposing fortress of red sandstone, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan on the bank of the Yamuna River.
We continue to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built in the 17th century during the reign of Shah Jahan.
Then we will immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of Chandni Chowk – the former commercial centre of Mughal Delhi. The most authentic way to feel the area is by traditional rickshaw through the maze of narrow streets and bazaars.
We will also visit Raj Ghat – the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh temples in Delhi.
Here we will see the unique tradition of seva – voluntary service for the benefit of the community, including the preparation and distribution of food to all visitors, regardless of their religion or social status.
Overnight: The Leela Palace Delhi
Meals: breakfast
The Red Fort is closed on Monday.
Today is dedicated to New Delhi and its monumental architectural treasures.
We will begin with Qutb Minar – an impressive tower of red and ochre sandstone, rising to 72.5 metres.
Next is the Lotus Temple – the Lotus Temple, known as the Bahá’í House of Worship. Its architecture resembles a blooming lotus, built from 27 marble "petals". It is a place created for silence and contemplation.
We continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb is one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal garden architecture.
At the end of the tour we will pass India Gate, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace – monumental symbols of modern Delhi and the legacy of British India.
Overnight: The Leela Palace Delhi
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast we leave Delhi and head for Agra.
After checking in at the hotel we will visit one of the absolute highlights of the trip – the Taj Mahal.
Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white-marble monument has become one of the most recognisable symbols of love in the world.
Then we will visit Agra Fort – an imposing fortress housing the halls of private and public audiences of the Mughal rulers.
The day ends with an opportunity to see local marble-working workshops and a traditional bazaar.
Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
Meals: breakfast
The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
After breakfast we continue to Jaipur – the famous Pink City and capital of Rajasthan.
On the way we will stop at Chand Baori in the village of Abhaneri – one of India's impressive stepwells, created with exceptional precision and geometry.
After the visit we continue to Jaipur.
On arrival we will check in at the hotel and have time to rest.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace Jaipur
Meals: breakfast
Today we will immerse ourselves in the royal heritage of Jaipur.
We will head to Amber Fort – a majestic fortress set among the hills near Jaipur and the former capital of the region.
We will climb to the fort on a traditional elephant ride. On the way we will make a short photo stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of the Winds, one of the most emblematic façades in the city.
In the afternoon we continue with the City Palace – the former royal residence, part of which now operates as a museum.
The last stop is Jantar Mantar – an impressive astronomical observatory with huge stone and marble instruments, some of which are still in use.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace Jaipur
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast we depart on a short flight to Jodhpur.
From the airport we continue to the desert area of Jaisalmer and SUJÁN The Serai – an exceptionally luxurious camp set amid the landscapes of the Thar Desert.
After check-in the day is left free for full relaxation and enjoying the atmosphere of the camp.
You can take advantage of the activities on offer or indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, known for its locally produced organic and Ayurvedic products.
Overnight: SUJÁN The Serai – Luxury Tent
Meals: breakfast and dinner
The morning is devoted to the calm and atmosphere of the camp.
After breakfast you will have free time for rest, individual activities or a spa experience.
In the late afternoon we will head to the desert dunes, where we will experience the sunset amid endless sandy landscapes.
A short camel ride awaits us – a traditional way to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the desert.
Overnight: SUJÁN The Serai – Luxury Tent
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast we will explore Jaisalmer – the last great citadel in the desert and one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan.
The Golden Fort of Jaisalmer was once an important stop for caravans travelling the ancient Silk Road, making the city a significant trading centre.
We will visit Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake and the famous Havelis – richly decorated historic houses, including Nathmalji ki Haveli and Patwon ki Haveli.
After the tour we will head to Suryagarh, where we will check in.
The rest of the day is free.
Overnight: Suryagarh Jaisalmer
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast we leave the desert and continue to Jodhpur.
After check-in we will explore the city and its greatest treasure – Mehrangarh Fort, rising on a rocky hill above Jodhpur.
In the fort we will see the magnificent Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal.
Then we will visit Jaswant Thada – an elegant marble memorial built in 1899.
Overnight: Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast we continue to Udaipur.
On the way we will stop at the Jain temples of Ranakpur, built in the 15th century in the picturesque valley of the Aravalli range.
The complex impresses with its exceptional architecture and sculpture. The main temple contains 1,444 pillars, each one different.
After the visit we continue to Udaipur – one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan.
On arrival we will check in at the hotel.
Overnight: The Leela Palace Udaipur
Meals: breakfast
The temples in Ranakpur open at 12:00. There is no guide in Ranakpur.
Today we will discover Udaipur – a city of palaces, lakes and royal gardens.
We will visit the City Palace – a majestic palace complex rising above the lake and consisting of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, halls and hanging gardens.
We continue to the Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 and considered one of the most beautiful temples in Udaipur.
We will also visit Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal – a museum of traditional folk art displaying costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, musical instruments and paintings.
Then we will head to Saheliyon ki Bari – the famous gardens with numerous fountains.
The highlight of the day is a cruise on Lake Pichola at sunset – one of the most beautiful ways to feel the romance of Udaipur.
Overnight: The Leela Palace Udaipur
Meals: breakfast
After a relaxed breakfast we will head to the airport for the flight back to Delhi.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free for rest and personal activities.
Overnight: The Leela Palace Delhi
Meals: breakfast
At a suitable time a transfer will be arranged to Delhi airport for the flight to your next destination.
Meals: none
Total: 13 nights
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