Step into the rhythm of northern India, where every street, palace, and river whispers stories of centuries past. The 8 night tour begins in Delhi, a city where the energy of the modern world dances alongside ancient monuments, bustling markets, and quiet temples. From there, wander the painted havelis of Mandawa, lose yourself in the sunlit desert villages of Khimsar, explore the towering forts and opulent palaces of Jodhpur, and drift across the serene lakes and gardens of Udaipur. Each day unfolds as a tapestry of culture, architecture, and daily life, punctuated by guided walks, boat rides, and intimate encounters with the colours, sounds, and textures of India.

The 11 night tour extends this journey, adding a deeper chapter of Rajasthan’s enchantments. In Pushkar, the sacred waters and the unique Brahma Temple invite quiet reflection. Jaipur enchants with its pink streets, bustling markets, and the commanding presence of Amber Fort. Fatehpur Sikri unfolds its red sandstone city, echoing the elegance of a bygone era. Finally, Agra offers a glimpse of the sublime in the Taj Mahal and the imposing Agra Fort, leaving an indelible impression of India’s grandeur.

8 night itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
• Day 2: Delhi
• Day 3: Delhi → Mandawa
• Day 4: Mandawa → Khimsar
• Day 5: Khimsar → Osian → Jodhpur
• Day 6: Jodhpur → Ranakpur → Udaipur
• Day 7: Udaipur
• Day 8: Udaipur → Delhi
• Day 9: Departure from Delhi

11 night itinerary:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI

• Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and enter a city where history and modernity blend gracefully in a tapestry of streets, gardens, and monuments.
• Transfer to your hotel, witnessing fleeting views of carved gateways, colonial buildings, and sunlit avenues, each hinting at Delhi’s enduring charm.
• Check in and settle into your room, letting the distant sounds of the city become a gentle introduction to Delhi.

Overnight stay in Delhi

DAY 2: DELHI

• Begin your morning wandering through the narrow streets of Old Delhi, where red sandstone walls rise above bustling bazaars, and the rhythm of daily life unfolds with a timeless, meditative cadence.
• Visit Raj Ghat, a serene memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where manicured lawns, gently swaying trees, and the soft murmur of water create a quiet space for reflection.
• Glide past the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in a bicycle rickshaw, taking in the solemn grandeur, delicate carvings, and soaring domes that evoke centuries of Mughal artistry.
• Continue into New Delhi to explore Imperial landmarks such as Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Rastrapathi Bhawan, before returning to your hotel to rest and absorb the layered history of the city.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Delhi

DAY 3: DELHI → MANDAWA

• After breakfast, travel north from Delhi, watching the landscape shift from urban bustle to sunlit plains dotted with villages, trees, and distant desert hills.
• Arrive in Mandawa and check in to your hotel, where the town’s historic havelis and quiet streets create a poised, welcoming atmosphere.
• In the afternoon, stroll through Mandawa, admiring frescoed façades, visiting the medieval fort, and observing local life seamlessly woven into the town’s heritage.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Mandawa

DAY 4: MANDAWA → KHIMSAR

• Depart Mandawa after breakfast, travelling through the rolling countryside where sunlit fields, small villages, and distant desert hills hint at Rajasthan’s timeless beauty.
• Arrive in Khimsar and check in to your hotel, the quiet elegance of the village and soft desert light offering a serene introduction to the region.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari through the surrounding countryside, taking in the intricate rhythms of village life and the expansive desert landscapes beyond.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Khimsar

DAY 5: KHIMSAR → OSIAN → JODHPUR

• Travel from Khimsar across rolling plains, where desert hills, small villages, and golden fields create a sweeping and timeless panorama.
• Pause at Osian to admire its elegant Jain and Vaishnava temples, where intricate stone carvings and tranquil courtyards exemplify centuries of sacred craftsmanship.
• Continue to Jodhpur, the Blue City, where sunlit alleys, fortified walls, and traditional rooftops hint at the city’s storied past.
• Conclude the afternoon with a guided visit to Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, appreciating the refined architecture, museum collections, and expansive vistas over the old city.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Jodhpur

DAY 6: JODHPUR → RANAKPUR → UDAIPUR

• Follow the scenic route from Jodhpur through gently rolling hills, the countryside dotted with villages and forests hinting at Rajasthan’s layered heritage.
• Explore the architectural masterpiece of Ranakpur Jain Temples, where a forest of 1,444 sculpted pillars and elaborately decorated ceilings showcase refined artistry.
• Arrive in Udaipur, a city of romantic lakes and elegant palaces, where tranquil waters and verdant hills provide a graceful and serene introduction.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Udaipur

DAY 7: UDAIPUR

• Start the morning at City Palace, absorbing its majestic architecture, sunlit terraces, and the interplay of courtyards, balconies, and scenic city vistas.
• Visit the 16th-century Jagdish Temple, where finely carved pillars, sacred imagery, and quiet halls reveal the elegance of Udaipur’s spiritual heritage.
• Pass Fateh Sagar Lake and wander through Sahelion-ki-Bari, a meticulously designed garden with fountains, stone kiosks, and sculpted greenery reflecting royal refinement.
• Conclude the afternoon with a shared boat cruise on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir Palace, where marble pavilions, gentle rippling waters, and expansive views evoke timeless grace.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Udaipur

DAY 8: UDAIPUR → DELHI

• Transfer to the airport in Udaipur and fly to Delhi, the flight offering a moving panorama of Rajasthan’s hills, lakes, and desert plains as you reflect on the journey so far.
• Upon arrival in Delhi, check in to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon, taking in the city’s subtle elegance and preparing for the next stage of your travels.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Delhi

DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM DELHI

• Make your way to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for departure, leaving with lasting impressions of Rajasthan’s grand architecture, timeless villages, and the serene elegance of lakes, temples, and desert landscapes that have defined your journey.

Breakfast included 

Days 1 to 7 are the same as the 8 night tour.

DAY 8: UDAIPUR → PUSHKAR → JAIPUR

• Journey from Udaipur across varied landscapes, where glimmering lakes and green hills gradually give way to the desert charm and sacred serenity of Pushkar.
• Discover Brahma Temple, adorned with marble and silver accents, and stroll around Pushkar Lake, observing pilgrims, reflections, and centuries of ritual practice.
• Continue to Jaipur, checking in at your hotel as the city’s pink-hued palaces, bustling avenues, and distant fortresses provide a refined and memorable welcome.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Jaipur

DAY 9: JAIPUR ⇄ AMBER FORT

• Ascend to Amber Fort by Jeep, where fortified walls and red sandstone bastions elegantly crown the hills, commanding sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
• Explore the fort’s majestic courtyards, ornate palaces, and quiet galleries, each space offering a glimpse into the refinement and authority of Rajasthan’s rulers.
• Enter the Sheesh Mahal, the hall of mirrors, where subtle lamplight multiplies across inlaid glass and marble, creating an exquisite play of light and artistry.
• Return to Jaipur and tour the city, admiring Hawa Mahal’s intricate latticed façade, the City Palace’s grand courtyards, and the harmonious rhythm of streets alive with history and culture.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Jaipur

DAY 10: JAIPUR → FATEHPUR SIKRI → AGRA

• Drive from Jaipur toward Agra, the plains stretching gracefully as Fatehpur Sikri’s red sandstone walls gradually appear, a testament to Mughal vision and design.
• Discover the deserted city’s remarkable architecture, from imposing mosques to expansive courtyards, each space conveying refinement, scale, and timeless elegance.
• Arrive in Agra and check in at your hotel, the city’s historic ambience and looming monuments providing a refined and contemplative welcome.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Agra

DAY 11: AGRA → DELHI

• Discover the Taj Mahal in the gentle morning light, its intricate marble inlay and harmonious proportions presenting a sublime testament to Mughal artistry and devotion.
• Visit Agra Fort, where imposing walls and refined palaces showcase architectural mastery and the enduring legacy of imperial ambition.
• Drive to Delhi and settle into your hotel, carrying with you the elegance, grandeur, and rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan and the Mughal era as your journey nears its close.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Delhi

DAY 12: DEPARTURE FROM DELHI

• Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying the serene memories of Rajasthan’s forts, palaces, lakes, and vibrant cities, a gentle closing to an unforgettable journey.

Breakfast included 

With the Varanasi extension, your journey does not end in Delhi. Instead, the adventure continues in the timeless city of Varanasi, where the river, temples, and sacred ghats await. For the 8 night tour, this extension begins on day 9, while for the 11 night tour, it starts on day 12, offering an immersive final chapter to your exploration of India.

DAY 9 OR 12: DELHI → VARANASI 

• Journey to Varanasi by air, watching the landscape transform from modern cityscapes into the ancient, labyrinthine city famed for its ghats and temples.
• Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take a few hours to rest, feeling the gentle pulse of a city that has witnessed centuries of devotion and daily life.
• As evening descends, move toward the ghats to witness the Ganga Aarti, where golden flames dance on the river, rhythmic bells resonate, and rows of devotees offer flickering lamps, floating a trail of light across the sacred waters.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Varanasi

DAY 10 OR 13: VARANASI 

• Rise with the sun for a serene boat ride along the Ganges, passing ancient ghats where pilgrims bathe, perform rituals, and chant prayers that ripple across the water.
• Observe life along the riverbanks, the rhythm of morning ablutions, the gentle movement of saris and robes, and the quiet devotion of priests tending sacred fires.
• Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, letting the city’s hum of temple bells, soft footsteps on stone steps, and distant conches settle into your awareness.
• In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, walking among stupas, monasteries, and the verdant Deer Park where Buddha delivered his first sermon, feeling the calm presence of centuries-old wisdom.

Breakfast & dinner included and overnight stay in Varanasi

DAY 11 OR 14: VARANASI → DELHI - DEPARTURE

• Following breakfast, be escorted to the airport for your flight to Delhi, reflecting on the luminous riverfronts, sacred temples, and the timeless rhythm of Varanasi that mark the perfect close to your journey through India.

Breakfast included

Throughout your tour, you will stay in carefully selected hotels (or similar):

4* hotels

• Delhi: Ashtan Sarovar Portico 4*, Fortune Park East Delhi 4* or Park Plaza Shahdara 4*
• Mandawa: Castle Mandawa or Vivaana Culture Hotel
• Khimsar: WelcomHotel Khimsar Fort
• Jodhpur: Marugarh Resort 4* or Vega By The Ozone 4*
• Udaipur: Boheda Manor 4* or Pride Udaipur 4*
• Jaipur: WelcomHeritage Traditional Haveli 4* or The Fern Residency 4*
• Agra: Fairfield by Marriott 4* or Grand Mercure 4*
• Varanasi: Rivatas By Ideal 4* or The Amayaa 4*

4* & 5* hotels

• Delhi: Vivanta Dwarka 5* or Crowne Plaza Okhla 5*
• Mandawa: Castle Mandaw or Vivaana Culture Hotel
• Khimsar: WelcomHotel Khimsar Fort
• Jodhpur: Indana Palace 4* or WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace 4*
• Udaipur: Bamboo Saa Resort & Spa  5* or Justa Sajjangarh 5*
• Jaipur: WelcomHeritage Traditional Haveli 4* or The Fern Residency 4*
• Agra: Fairfield by Marriott 4* or Grand Mercure 4*
• Varanasi: Rivatas By Ideal 4* or The Amayaa 4*

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

Throughout your journey in India, enjoy the expertise of an English-speaking guide, bringing local insights to every destination.

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Treat yourself to a full board stay and upgrade at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast, lunch and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)

India is a land of immense cultural diversity, offering an intriguing blend of ancient traditions, regional flavours, and natural beauty. From the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the spiritual rhythms of Varanasi, every region offers its distinct charm. India invites travellers to explore both its renowned landmarks and its hidden gems, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Must-sees:

• The Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of Mughal architecture and eternal love.
• The forts and palaces of Jaipur, are where the opulence of Rajasthan's royal history comes alive.
• The markets of Mumbai, are a sensory delight of colours, sounds, and aromas, offering everything from textiles to spices.

Culinary culture:
Indian cuisine is a feast of contrasting textures and bold flavours. From the aromatic biryanis of Hyderabad to the street food of Delhi, the nation’s culinary scene is a vast mosaic of regional delicacies. Sample the famous chaat or a traditional thali, which offers an array of dishes to excite the palate. Spices like cumin, cardamom, and turmeric are integral, but each region brings its unique twist, from fiery South Indian curries to the milder, rich flavours of the North.

Dive deeper:

To truly understand India, immerse yourself in its lesser-known traditions. Visit the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, where ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures reveal the spiritual history of the country. Engage with local artisans in Rajasthan’s vibrant craft workshops, or witness the understated beauty of a traditional Kathakali dance performance in Kerala. For those seeking tranquillity, a visit to an Ashram offers insight into India’s spiritual practices.

Good to know:

India is a year-round destination, though the best time to visit is between October and March when temperatures are milder. The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), and most major cities have well-connected transport networks. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Be prepared for the sensory overload that characterises India’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes.