Destination:  INDIA Delhi | Agra | Ranthambhore Park | Jaipur | Jodhpur | Jaisalmer | Rohet | Udaipur | Mumbai / Delhi

Tour Commences In:  Delhi

Tour Concludes in:  Udaipur

Number of Days:  14 days / 15 nights

Tour Style:  Small Group Tour (5 -12)

Accommodation:  Boutique Hotels

Meals:  Breakfasts; 14: Lunches; 2: Dinners; 4:

Leaders: Professional guide

Transportation:  Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Tour Grading:  Moderate: Suitable for travellers with an above average level of fitness and mobility

• Experience New & Old Delhi 

• Discover Raj Gath, Qutab Minar 

• Visit Red Fort, one of the oldest monuments of India 

• Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk 

• Be overwhelmed by the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort 

• Visit the Ranthambhore park & spot a Bengal tiger or two 

• Perhaps experience an elephant ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur 

• Walk Jaipur’s old city and immerse yourself in the buzz of the bazaar 

• Visit the Meherangarh Fort and gaze down on the ’blue city’ 

• Enjoy a twilight boat ride on beautiful Lake Pichola 

• Be captivated by Fateh Prakash Palace and visit the unique Crystal Gallery 

• Enjoy fabulous fine dining with wonderful cuisine and regional delicacies.

Day 1:        Arrive Delhi: Welcome Drinks
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital and most vibrant city. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to explore Delhi. Your guide is able to offer you a number of options including sightseeing and shopping. Later this evening, we will rendezvous at the hotel lobby and meet fellow travellers. Welcome DrinksDinner is available at the hotel. 

Optional Tour: - Tour with your tour host the Connaught Circle, situated in the heart of New Delhi.

You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.

Day 2:       Delhi:    (B)
This morning we tour both the chaotic Old Delhi and the New Delhi. We visit some of old Delhi’s dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways. We explore the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia. We then visit Chandni Chowk by rickshaw. We walk some of the bazaar area where the local artisans still practice their crafts and here perhaps test your bargaining skills. Later we drive by the Red Fort a powerful symbol of the Mughal Empire and walk the grounds of the Raj Ghat, the simple but very moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. We then drive to Khan market were you can explore some wonderful shopping experiences. We then drive Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President. We drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Parliament buildings. We visit one of the city’s most significant World Heritage Sites, a masterpiece of perfect proportions, the tomb of Emperor Humayun before returning to our hotel.

Day 3:      Delhi - Agra:    (B)
Following an early breakfast, we drive to Agra stopping en-route at Sikandra, the impressive tomb of the Mulghal Emperor Akbar. Built in 1605–1613. From here it’s a short drive to Agra. On arrival, we tour the imposing Agra Fort, a fort established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. A spectacular hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains, gates, opulent chambers and it has breathtaking views of the River Yamuna. We then stopover in a shopping area to view some of Agra’s major handicrafts products including Zari embroidery work, Brassware, Carpets, Jewellery and inlay work on Leather-ware. Agra is also well known for its sweets ’Petha’ and ’Gajak’ and saltish snack ’Dalmoth. We cross the river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, sometimes known as the ‘Baby Taj’  and the least visited of Agra’s three great monuments. It was the first to be covered in white marble and pietra dura.  Later this afternoon we continue on to visit magnificent Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bag across the river. We shall witness sun set from here enjoying the stories of love and sacrifice that gave birth to Taj Mahal as the setting sun casts its orange orb on the whitest white dome of Taj Mahal. You will pinch yourself to believe you are here!!

Day 4:        Agra – Jaipur:    (B/D)
This morning experience an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. It’s a mesmerizing site to see the golden rays of  sun bath  the transliscent marble of the Taj Mahal. WOW. It’s an experience of a life time. We shall wonder through the gardens hearing to all the tales and architectural features what our historian and expert tour guide has to share with us. He has a way of telling stories and bringing the buildings to life. We will have umpteen photography opportunities to get that one perfect shot of Taj Mahal with rising Sun in background. Later we return to our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we check out and Drive to Jaipur. On the way we visit another World Heritage Site of Fatahpur Sikri, now ghost city. It was once the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 – 1585 when it was abandoned. The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. We shall stop at a 9th century stepwell Abhaneri, which is one of the deepest stepwells in India. We continue our drive to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. It is the state capital of Rajasthan. Founded in 1727AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is a highly distinctive and a colourful city characterised by fine bazaars, intricately carved palaces, havelis and powerful forts. It is famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. It is now also famous as it was featured in both Exotic Marigold Hotel movies. Tonight, enjoy a delicious Rajasthani dinner.

Day 5:         Jaipur:    (B)
Arise early this morning for our excursion to the majestic Amber Fort. A magnificent fort palace which sits on top of a hill. In the background on a higher hill is the military for of Jai Garh. Amer was the capital of the rulers of this area before Jaipur was founded. It is a beautiful Palace with ornate mosaics, mirrors, coloured stone inlays, intricately painted murals, temples and cooling courtyard watercourses and now is a world heritage site. Later relish in an expertly curated architectural tour through the old city to explore the colourful markets and bazaars where one can shop for jewellery, beautiful gems, semi-precious stones, kundan and meenakari work (enamel work on gold), cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine kota doria, The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best photo opportunities that the city has to offer. Our guide will lead us through the labyrinth of colorful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. Discover the magnificent Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its pink sandstone. This five story high façade is just stunning. We will visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World heritage site - a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

DAY 6:      Jaipur –  Nimaj, (Chhatra Sagar)               (B/L/D)
We depart on our next journey to Nimaj and check into Chhatra Sagar Camp. Tents are pitched on a dam overlooking a lake teeming with birds and wildlife in the heart of rural Rajasthan. It’s stunning. This afternoon is at your leisure for you to discover the surrounds, enjoy nature walks or be more adventurous and take one of the many safaris on offer or perhaps relax at the hotel and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.

Day 7:     :   Nimaj: (Chhatra Sagar).   (B/L/D)
This morning we visit some of the local villages and gain an insight into their local life and culture. Experience the locals warm hospitality and enjoy truly delicious traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables in the family kitchen. Delicious. This evening includes a bonfire with entertainment by the local people of their old folk-lore music. Optional: This afternoon there is an optional cooking class if you wish to join in

Day 8:        Nimaj (Chhatra Sagar) – Jodhpur:   (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur, the gateway to the Thar Desert and the one time capital of Marwar. The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who chose the site due to its strategic location on the influential Delhi-Gujarat trading route and it is home to the dominating Meherangarh Fort. On arrival, we check into our hotel before a late afternoon walk through the ancient city to explore the narrow streets, bustling bazaars, richly decorated temples and houses including the Museum and clock tower at the market.  This evening is at your leisure.

Day 9:       Jodhpur:    (B)
We explore the city of Jodhpur including a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort. The Mehrangarh Fort stands high above the blue painted houses of the town below and is protected from the desert by a huge 10km wall, guarded by towers and fortified gateways. We also visit Jaswant Thada, built for Maharaja Jaswant Singh ll in 1899; this imposing white marble memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium.This afternoon is free at your leisure. Jodhpur is famous for its bangles, local shoes or mojris, pickles, colourful clothing etc. A stroll through the bustling bazaars gives an amazing photo and shopping opportunities.

Day 10:       Jodhpur:    (B)
This morning we visit the arid countryside on a jeep safari. The scrub land is dotted with villages with mud and thatched homes. The Bishnoi’s people are dessert  “The essence of India lies in her villages” – Mahatma Gandhi. We will stop at a potters house and a weavers place in villages and farms to witness the village life. We later return to Jodhpur in time for a later lunch. After lunch we shall visit one of the biggest collectors of handmade textiles in this region. Their clients include a long list of fashion house like Hermes etc. Their passion for what they do and their knowledge on textiles is amazing.

Day 11:       Udaipur:    (B)
We depart this morning for Udaipur. Our scenic drive brings us to the beautiful Ranakpur Temple, one of the biggest and most important Jain temples in all of India, set in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravalli Hills. The main temple is the Chamukha Temple with its 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars and no two of which are alike! We shall have lunch at local Hotel, five minutes drive from Ranakpur temple. Post lunch we continue our journey onto Udaipur.Udaipur is amongst the most romantic cities of India and is surrounded by the magnificent landscape of the Aravali Hills. It’s also known as the Venice of the East. Udaipur is enchanting. It has has a glorious history and is home to a grand palace, beautiful lakes, temples and ancient forts, traditional Rajasthani cuisine and the traditional architecture providing a true insight to the local culture and heritage. This evening is at your leisure.

Day 12:        Udaipur:    (B)
This morning we tour the picturesque city of Udaipur. We start with a visit of the City Palace, an impressive complex of several palaces standing atop the banks of Lake Pichola. Of interest is the attractive Mor Chowk court, the Manak Mahal or ‘Ruby Palace’, the Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen’s Palace. Continue onto the Fateh Prakash Palace to visit the unique Crystal Gallery overlooking the grand Durbar Hall. We meander through the old town to view the impressively carved Jagdish Mandir temple. In the afternoon we rendezvous and enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the serene beauty of Udaipur.The afternoon is free to browse around the narrow lanes of Old Udaipur. Your guide will be happy to suggest the best local shops. We also have the option of visiting a painting gallery run by a priest. The gallery was established with the sole purpose of preserving Udaipur School of painting and its last remaining few artisans. You will have the opportunity to interact with many an artisans and appreciate their work.

Day 13:       Udaipur:   (B/D)
Today is at your leisure. There are a number of options for you to choose from or perhaps just walk through the picturesque backstreets, browse the local bazaars and shop for local folk art or participate in a cooking class. Later this evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner.

Day 14:       Depart Udaipur:     (B)
Our small group tour concludes on after breakfast. For most guests today it is time to say farewell to new-found friends and India.

Transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.

Please advise to arrange flights to Delhi / Mumbai

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A Small Group Tour (8- 12 Guests)

• Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests

• Hand selected modern & boutique hotel accommodation

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L=Lunch: D=Dinner:

• Internet Access where possible 

• Private services of local bilingual cultural foodie & textile tour guide

• Concierge / Bellhop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on call support service 

• Luxury private chauffeur driven luxury air- conditioned vehicles for transfers & sightseeing

• Admission fees to all monuments, activities, excursions and shows as per the itinerary

• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle

• Porterage, tipping and gratuities

• An exclusive BT&T Travel Information Booklet

• Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available  

Not Included:

• International and domestic airfares

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Passport & Visa Fees

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Meals and beverages not in the itinerary

• Some alcohol beverages

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Personal expenses

• Optional activities