Upon arriving in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings.

Delhi, a city where history and modernity converge, offers a unique charm that captivates every visitor. We’ll start our exploration with a guided tour of both Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, we'll visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Our journey then takes us to New Delhi, where you'll marvel at the intricately carved Qutab Minar and the stunning Tomb of Humayun, a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The day concludes with a drive past the iconic India Gate and the Presidential Palace.

Today, we journey west from Delhi to Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, arriving in the village of Alsisar. This area is renowned for its historic havelis (mansions) adorned with intricate frescoes. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided walking tour through Alsisar, exploring its rich heritage from historic sites and havelis to temples and cenotaphs. A visit to the bustling street market offers the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir or two. Tonight, we stay in a 17th-century former palace, complete with grand courtyards, shaded arcades, and beautifully detailed frescoes.

After a leisurely morning, we set off towards the Thar Desert, heading to the historic Gajner Palace. Situated beside a tranquil lake and sprawling over 6,000 acres, this property was originally built by a maharaja as a summer retreat and later became a hunting lodge during the British Raj, hosting royalty and dignitaries. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of this magnificent palace.

Today, we explore the city of Bikaner, known for its impressive red sandstone forts and palaces. Our visit includes a tour of Junagarh Fort, a 16th-century marvel with ornate balconies, latticed screens, sandalwood carvings, and vibrant murals. Outside, the fort's pink-hued sandstone contrasts with the gleaming marble, gold leaf, and stained glass found within. We'll also visit a camel breeding farm—Bikaner is famous for its high-quality riding camels—and take a tuk-tuk ride to the local market. This evening, we dine by the lake, arriving by camel cart and enjoying a traditional performance by local dancers.

We depart for Jodhpur, with a stop at the Karni Mata Temple, famously known as the ‘Temple of Rats’. This significant Hindu pilgrimage site is home to a large number of holy rats, revered and protected by devotees. You can choose to enter the temple or simply absorb the atmosphere from outside. In Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City,’ you'll have the afternoon free to relax or explore its winding medieval streets and vibrant bazaars. In the evening, we’ll attend a talk on the history of Rajasthan’s Rajput warriors.

Today, we visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched 125 meters high atop a hill. This impressive citadel houses several palaces, including the exquisitely decorated Pearl Palace (Moti Mahal) and Flower Palace (Phool Mahal). We'll also visit Jaswant Thada, a stunning cenotaph made from local Makrana marble. In the afternoon, a Jeep excursion takes us to the Bishnoi villages just outside the city. Here, we'll learn about the 29 principles strictly followed by the residents, offering a unique insight into rural Rajasthani life.

Our journey continues south to Deogarh, with a stop at the fascinating Bullet Baba Temple, dedicated to the folk deity Om Singh Rathod. After hearing the legend behind the miraculous motorbike worshipped here, we’ll proceed to Deogarh. Our accommodation is a grand palace hotel, painted in a striking mustard-yellow, standing proudly on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and countryside. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the village and market, gaining a glimpse into the local way of life.

This morning, we’ll embark on a rural train journey—a wonderful way to interact with the locals. Originally built by the British in the 1930s to connect the Marwar and Mewar regions, this meter-gauge train takes us through tunnels, over bridges, and past quaint stations that evoke scenes from Kipling’s ‘The Man Who Would Be King’. Later, we’ll continue to Udaipur, stopping at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, one of India’s largest and most significant Jain temples. In Udaipur, our hotel, Chunda Haveli, is a serene heritage property with a stunning rooftop terrace offering hazy views of the city. This evening, we’ll learn the secrets of Indian cuisine with a cooking demonstration at a local family’s home.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the charm of Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’. Our tour begins with the 450-year-old City Palace, followed by a visit to the 17th-century Jagdish Temple and the lush Sahelion-Ki-Bari gardens, known for their fountains, pools, and marble elephants. Lunch features traditional Mewari vegetarian dishes at a restaurant supported by the royal family of Udaipur (please note, alcohol is not served here). We’ll also visit the Vintage and Classic Car Museum before enjoying a leisurely cruise on Lake Pichola’s serene waters.

Today, we journey to the ancient city of Pushkar, set beside a sacred lake. Along its shores, you’ll find bathing ghats where Hindus perform rituals and dip into the holy waters. We’ll walk along the ghats before visiting the colorful Brahma Temple, India’s only temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Here, we’ll witness a traditional arti ceremony. Our accommodation for the night is Pushkar Palace, a heritage hotel once home to the Maharaja of Kishangarh, adorned with vintage furnishings and rare paintings.

This morning, we make our way to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and Rajasthan’s capital. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the City Palace, the former royal residence, and Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone and marble observatory. We’ll also drive by the iconic Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’, a stunning example of Rajput architecture with its nearly thousand sandstone windows. To explore Jaipur’s old city, we’ll switch to electric-powered rickshaws. Our hotel, Alsisar Haveli, offers a peaceful retreat amid Jaipur’s bustling streets, with beautiful courtyards and carved four-poster beds in the guest rooms.

Today, a Jeep will take us up to the hilltop Amber Fort, a World Heritage Site built over two centuries by Rajput kings using pink sandstone and smooth marble. As we explore, we’ll learn about the fort's fascinating history. The afternoon is free for leisure; you might relax by the pool or join an optional walking tour of Jaipur, where we’ll visit bridal shops, observe milk traders making sweets, and admire beautiful old havelis.

After a relaxed morning in Jaipur, we’ll head back to Delhi in the late morning, where our Rajasthan adventure concludes. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

We transfer to the airport for your return flight home.