DELHI, AGRA & RAJASTHAN IN STYLE

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and after clearing immigration you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Here you will have an afternoon at leisure giving you the chance to relax and explore your hotel and the surrounding area. Your home for the first two nights will be the Imperial Hotel. Built in the 1930's and renowned for being Delhi's landmark hotel it retains its former colonial-era elegance and offers a very high standard of accommodation. Furthermore it boasts fantastic facilities and exquisite dining as well as being home to a fascinating collection of 18th and 19th Century art.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel

Day 2 Old and New Delhi

This morning you will be met by your guide for a comprehensive tour of Old and New Delhi. Highlights include - New Delhi's Lutyens' Delhi such as government buildings and Humayun's Tomb (a red sandstone predecessor of the Taj Mahal). Old Delhi provides a stark contrast to the wide avenues of New Delhi with the small winding bazaars surrounding the Red Fort and Jama Masjid which are best explored on foot with your guide.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Agra

Early train to Agra. Here you will be met and driven straight to your hotel. If it is too early for you to check in you will begin your guided city tour of Agra. In the morning you will visit the Red Fort and the Itamad-Ud-Daulah (often known as the baby Taj). Later on you will be taken to the Taj Mahal itself for your sunset tour of this impressive monument.Tonight you will stay at the Amarvilas which is renowned for being the most luxurious hotel in Agra and has a Sanskrit translation for 'Eternal Heaven'. It is also one of the best located hotels in India for its uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal, just a mere 600 metres away, from every room. Decorated in the very best of modern Indian interior design, the Oberoi hotels are well known for their impeccable service. Depending upon your chosen travel dates, we can organise a special nighttime visit to the Taj Mahal when the spectacular white marble sparkles beautifully in the moonlight. NB: The Taj Mahal's dome is covered for cleaning until early 2019.

Overnight: Amarvilas

Day 4  Jaipur

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal followed by private transfer to Jaipur by road via a guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri, the mysterious and beautiful capital of Emperor Akbar. Over 400 years old and abandoned due to the lack of water it is still perfectly preserved today. The next two nights will be spent in the former palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Rambagh Palace has since been converted into a luxury hotel. The beautiful gardens, elegant rooms and marbled corridors are etched in history and the staff here will make you feel like royalty. Located a little way out from the centre of Jaipur, you will enjoy the peace and tranquility of this property whilst remaining close enough for practical visits of the walled city.

Overnight: Rambagh Palace

Day 5  Jaipur

Today you will have a full day of sightseeing and exploring within the Pink City of Jaipur. In the morning you will visit the magnificent Amber Palace which offers spectacular views of the temples of Amber Village. Back in Jaipur itself - discover the treasures of the City Palace or simply explore Jaipur's shops and bazaars world famous for their textiles.

Overnight: Rambagh Palace

Day 6 Rural Rajasthan

Today you will head into Rajasthan's stark and beautiful countryside to the census town of Nimaj. Along the way you will have a huge variety of things to look at ranging from camels, ox carts, small villages and local people, all going about their daily business. Upon arrival you will be taken to the amazing and unique Chhatrasagar tented camp. Pitched on top of a dam you will spend the next two nights in the heart of rural Rajasthan overlooking a beautiful lake. Each tent is decorated in Rajasthani drapes and furnishings and has its own granite bathroom of an incredibly high standard. Your hosts are incredibly knowledgeable about the local area and offer a fascinating insight into rural Rajasthan.

Overnight: Chhatrasagar

Day 7 Rural Rajasthan

Excursions at rural Nimaj - farm tours, local village visits and bird and wildlife watching at the camp.

Overnight: Chhatrasagar

Day 8 Jodhpur

Private road transfer to the blue city of Jodhpur. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Feel free to explore the famous bazaar; textiles are a great buy in Jodpur and the bazaar offers some fantastic photo opportunities. The next two nights will be spent at Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel. Situated high above the desert in Jodhpur is this magnificent Palace. one of the largest private residences in the world, which is set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens. Its majestic 105 foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. Spend two nights enjoying these spectacular surroundings with service levels at their very best.

Overnight: Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel

Day 9 City of Jodhpur

Guided half day sightseeing in Jodhpur or shopping for beautiful fabrics. Alternatively explore the city's dominating fort which is particularly well maintained and offers guests breath-taking views of the Umaid Bhawan Palace rising out of the skyline.

Overnight: Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel

Day 10 Jodhpur

Private transfer to Devi Garh by road. En route, if you leave enough time - visit the hilltop fort of Kumbhalgarh, one of the best examples of defensive fortification in Rajasthan and see the astonishing marble Jain temples at Ranakpur. This should take you most of the day. Your accommodation this evening is the Devi Garh fort palace. Set on a small hill about 45 minutes' drive from Udaipur, it has a traditional exterior with a minimalistic and contemporary interior offering both old and new. This luxurious accommodation features an infinity swimming pool, a wonderful spa and a restaurant serving mouth-watering Indian cuisine. This hotel is stylish, romantic and steeped in history and a great place to stay.

Overnight: Devi Garh

Day 11  Devi Garh

Relax at the hotel. Go for a walk or bike ride in the surrounding countryside or explore the local village of Delwara. If you wish to get out to explore, we can arrange for a tour to Udaipur to visit the city palace, a nearby Hindu temple and the main city bazaar. Enjoy your final evening at leisure.

Overnight: Devi Garh

Day 12 Depart

Transfer to Udaipur airport. Fly to Delhi. Connect to your onward international flight home.