ESSENTIAL INDIA

Day 1 Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi with a VIP meet as greet service to meet you from the plane. Your private driver will escort you to Claridges, a well-appointed mid-20th-century property in the heart of Lutyen's Delhi offering refined cuisine and old world service. Should you wish to explore a little this afternoon, a 10-minute walk will take you to the Khan Market where you can peruse book shops and upmarket boutiques. You could also take a stroll through the Lodi Gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city park which is home to over 100 species of tree, as well as some intriguing 15th-century Mughal monuments.

Overnight: The Claridges Hotel

Day 2 Cycling in Delhi and Leisure Time

Rise early for a morning on two wheels, exploring an enchanting side of Delhi as it wakes up and comes to life. Stop at one of the city's busiest markets, Connaught Place, which was built during the colonial era, before you follow the lawns of India Gate to the war memorial and the incredible Dhobi Ghats, where laundry work is still carried out on an enormous scale. Enjoy a delicious local breakfast to complete your tour, with the rest of your day free to cool down by the pool or perhaps undertake further explorations of the city by tuk-tuk.

Option. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh houses of worship, to help in the kitchen and serve meals to the faithful and the needy. Over 25,000 meals are served daily it is an incredibly fulfilling experience to help with the process.

Overnight: The Claridges Hotel

Day 3 Highlights of Delhi

You will be met by your private guide this morning for a journey out to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encircled by a magnificent 18 metre-high wall and which took some 10 years to construct. Your tour will continue on to Jama Masjid, the capital's largest mosque, (also known as Friday Mosque) and the final architectural triumph of the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, before visiting Humayun's Tomb, set amongst beautiful manicured gardens. This afternoon enjoy a city walk with the Salaam Baalak Trust, where ex-street children are delighted to guide you through hidden corners of Delhi that would be impossible to find on your own. The trust is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1988 and it provides shelter, health care and educational opportunities for thousands of abandoned street children.

Overnight: The Claridges Hotel

Day 4 Train to Agra

Leave Delhi behind as you head out of the city towards Agra by train, which is an incredibly relaxing journey of around three hours as you amble past villages and farms in the comfort of an air-conditioned First Class carriage. Arriving at your hotel you will have time to enjoy lunch before you meet your guide to visit the Red Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula (Baby Taj) before watching the sunset from Mehtab Bagh, a tranquil spot on the Yamuna River's east bank and one of the quieter places to see the monument in it's full glory.

Overnight: The ITC Mughal

Day 5 Sunrise in Agra & Ranthambore

Rise early for the opportunity to be first in the queue into the Taj complex and to see the monument from an entirely different perspective. At sunrise, the Taj Mahal is at its least crowded and you can enjoy a glorious and relatively unobstructed view. Return to the hotel for breakfast, before bidding farewell to Agra and setting out on your journey through rural north India. En route to Bharatpur station you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a town carved out of red sandstone which was abandoned in 1586. At Bharatpur, join the train to Ranthambore for a gentle rail journey past rural villages and farms. Your home for the next three nights is Khem Villas, a colonial property on the edge of the National Park surrounded by lush gardens and sweet-smelling frangipani. The lodge has a strong sustainable tourism ethos, and later this afternoon you will have the opportunity to take a guided walk with the resident naturalist, exploring this ecological paradise which teems with flora, fauna and birds.

Overnight: Khem Villas

Day 6 - 7 Safaris & Tigers

Rise early each morning for an exhilarating jeep safari into the National Park. Ranthambore is a former royal hunting ground and a natural home to Royal Bengal Tigers and - although sightings can never be guaranteed - this really is one of the best spots in India to see the magnificence of these elusive cats. Alongside the wildlife, you will also pass crocodile-filled lakes and vine-covered chhatris (cenotaphs), ancient temples and mosques before spending relaxing afternoons back at the villas, doing as much or as little as you please. You could enjoy a pampering massage in the spa, or visit the fascinating local hospital and school that has been set up by the villa's owners.

Overnight: Khem Villas

Day 8 Jaipur

After breakfast you will embark on your journey towards one of Rajasthan's most colourful and chaotic cities. Jaipur is the gateway to India's most flamboyant state where it is not uncommon to see buses dodge dawdling camels, swarms of motorbikes, market stalls where moustache-twirling locals bargain with each other at the roadside. After around four hours by road you will reach Samode Haveli Lodge, a 300-year-old 'haveli' mansion which was the city's first boutique hotel. Located down a quiet street, the pastel coloured interiors and the city's most inviting pool will become a welcome retreat from the general hubbub of daily life outside of the gates.

Overnight: Samode Haveli

Day 9 Sights & Sounds of Jaipur

Spend a full day with a private guide exploring the many attractions of Jaipur. Begin at Amber Fort, north of the city, which brings the past glories of the Maharajas back to life. The palace is filled with extravagant rooms and the sandstone structure is a magnificent blend of Hindu and Muslim design. Continue to the City Palace, a huge complex constructed in 1727 with its most striking colourful and characterful wooden doors that evoke all that is Rajasthan. Visit Bapu Bazar market, witnessing silversmiths crafting exquisite jewellery, where you can shop for pashminas, colourful artwork, and traditional Rajasthani clothing.

Option. Perhaps take an evening stroll with Laxmi the elephant, who was rescued from duties at The Amber Fort by the owners of a beautiful country estate on the edge of the city. After she has shown you her little slice of paradise on a gentle walk through the estate (in return for several bananas) enjoy dinner overlooking the lawns.

Overnight: Samode Haveli

Day 10 Morning Cycling & Leisure

Before the city awakes, meet your guide for an early morning cycle ride through the Pink City. Explore the many streets where shops begin to come to life and where shopkeepers begin to open for a day of trading. Stop for breakfast in a heritage haveli before you return to Samode for the rest for the day at leisure. You may wish to head out to explore Phool Mandi, the fragrant wholesale market in the old city, before refuelling at Mosaic's Guesthouse for some of the city's finest coffee and the best citron tart in India. Or perhaps enjoy a healthy lunch and iced tea at Café Pallado, and then use the afternoon to peruse the bazaars and visit the Gem Palace with its beautiful collection of vintage and antique jewellery.

Option: If you have always wanted to try your hand at Bollywood dancing, perhaps take a private class in a local dance studio, to return home with the moves of Sridevi and Govinda…

Overnight: Samode Haveli

Day 11 Home

Travel to the airport in private vehicle in plenty of time for your flight home.

Option. Before leaving for the airport today, rise early for morning yoga with the locals in the city park, which will leave you feeling energised and refreshed before you begin your journey home.