Maharajas and Moghuls

India,

Staying in luxury hotels, once the palaces of Maharajas, the journey offers the winner and their companion the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of Indian Royalty, taking in some of India's most famous sights and absorbing Rajasthan's rich and vibrant culture.

Day 1 - London/Delhi
Depart from London Heathrow for an overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2 - Delhi
On landing in the morning, you will be driven to the Taj Mahal hotel where you will stay overnight, and your base from where to explore Old Delhi, including the Red Fort, Rajghat and bazaars and later the leafy avenues of New Delhi. You will be guided around the impressive tower of Qutab Minar, the Tomb of Humayun, Rajpath, the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's residence.

Day 3 - Delhi/ Agra
This morning you will depart early by train to Agra (200 kms/2 hours) for a one-night stay at The Gateway Hotel, Fatehabad Agra. Your day begins with a half-day visit to the Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan's spectacular mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz, followed by the chance to explore Agra's vast Red Fort.
 
Day 4 - Agra/ Jaipur
Sunrise is the most evocative time to visit the Taj Mahal and you will have the change to do this before departing from Agra for Jaipur by road (250kms/5 hours).You will stop en route at the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, arriving in Jaipur in the late afternoon where you will stay at Rambagh Palace for two nights.

Day 5 - Jaipur
This morning you will visit the Amber Fort to view its extravagantly decorated halls and chambers. In the afternoon, you will see the Pink City of Jaipur, the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Day 6 - Jaipur/ Jodhpur
Today you will be driven from Jaipur to Jodhpur (320km/6 hours) where you will stay for two nights at Umaid Bhawan Palace, an opportunity to immerse yourself in this wonderful provincial location.

Day 7 - Jodhpur
In the morning you will be guided around the key landmarks of Jodhpur, notably the mighty 15th century Meherangarh Fort. After lunch, you will visit Mandore, the ancient capital of the state of Marwar.

Day 8 - Jodhpur/ Delhi
This morning fly to Delhi to connect with your departure flight back to London landing later the same day. Alternatively, why not fly on to Udaipur for a few days?

Udaipur Extension (2nts)
Drive from Jodhpur via Ranakpur to the exquisite city of Udaipur, whose location on the shores of Lake Pichola makes it one of the country's most romantic places.  Stay at the Lake Palace Hotel and explore Udaipur's City Palace and Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens.