LANDMARKS & LEOPARDS OF RAJASTHAN

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Arrive at Delhi International Airport where your chauffeur will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon will then be at leisure to relax after your journey. Your home for the first two nights is The Lodhi in the heart of New Delhi.

Overnight: The Lodhi

Day 2 Old and New Delhi

This morning join your driver and guide for a tour of Old and New Delhi. This will include the government buildings of New Delhi, designed by Lutyens, as well as the striking red sandstone Humayun's tomb, resting place for Emperor Humayun as well as Bega Begum, his wife who commissioned the tomb. The architecture is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Your exploration of Delhi will continue through Old Delhi where the contrast couldn't be more different. Whereas New Delhi is notable for its wide avenues and fine Lutyens' architecture, Old Delhi is a maze of narrow streets and winding bazaars. Much of this area is best explored on foot with your guide. Your tour will take you past the Red Fort (principal home of the Mughal emperors of India) and the Jama Masjid (principal mosque of Old Delhi).

Overnight: The Lodhi

Day 3 Agra

This morning, tale an early train to Agra where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. During the morning, you will visit the Red Fort and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, a Mughal mausoleum often referred to as the 'Baby Taj'. In the afternoon you will be taken across the Yamuna River to the urban village of Kachhpura, where Mughal ruins are hidden amongst the winding streets. Here you can visit the local shoemaker and school and finish with tea on the rooftop of a village house with a fantastic view of the Taj Mahal itself at sunset. Tonight will be spent at Amarvilas, one of India's finest hotels. Situated just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, guests wake to the sun rising over the world's best known monument to love. Inspired by Mughal; and Moorish architecture, the hotel recalls an age of emperors and princesses.

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas

Day 4 Jaipur

This morning, join your private guide for an early visit to the Taj Mahal before continuing by road to Jaipur. Your journey will stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the mysterious and beautiful ancient capital of Emperor Akbar. Though abandoned centuries ago due to lack of water, the historic capital is beautifully preserved. The next two nights will be spent in Samode Haveli, a grand and historic townhouse converted to a boutique hotel, which oozes charm and character. It has wonderful frescos, a leafy garden, an exquisite swimming pool and fantastic restaurant, and best of all is located in the middle of the old city.

Overnight: Samode Haveli

Day 5 Jaipur

This morning, join your driver and guide for a full day exploring Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City. Visit the Amber Palace on the city outskirts which offers fine views of the Amber villages and its temples. Back in town, visit the City Palace complex in the heart of the city and the Hawa Mahal, a delicate facade in pink stone, from which ladies of royal household were able to watch discretely as city life passed beneath. There will also be time to explore the city's shops and bazaars.

Overnight: Samode Haveli

Day 6 Rajasthan

This morning, join your driver for your onward journey through Rajasthan's beautiful countryside passing small villages and observing the region's rural way of life. Upon arrival you will be taken to the summer home of the rulers of Shahpura, with just 10 beautiful rooms and suites set amid a garden estate surrounded by lakes which teem with birds. The owning family reside here and very much enjoy conversation with their guests. They offer a range of fun rural activities and excellent Rajasthani home cooking.

Overnight: Shahpura Bagh

Day 7 Rural Rajasthan

Excursions from Shahpura Bagh - boating, picnics, walking, bird watching, jeep safaris, village visits. At the end of the day, head out to the old fort for a refreshing sundowner.

Overnight: Shahpura Bagh

Day 8 Udaipur

Private transfer to Udaipur by road. Stop off at Chittorgarh en route, where there is an impressive ruined citadel, covering an expanse of 700 acres. Chittorgarh has a fascinating history and the fort is a symbol for the Rajput (warrior) caste for all that is brave and noble in the Rajput tradition. On arrival in Udaipur you will stay at Udaivilas, which is set right on the shore of Lake Pichola, with wonderful views to the Lake Palace and the City Palace across the lake.

Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas

Day 9 Udaipur

Today you will have a private tour of this beautiful lake city. Highlights include visiting the city palace, a nearby Hindu temple and the main city bazaar. The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax.

Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas

Day 10 Jawai Leopard Camp

Drive west into the remote Aravalli Hills to a wilderness where leopards roam wild and free and stay at the superb Jawai Leopard Camp. Created by a team highly experienced in combining conservation and comfort, your stay here will be unlike any other. There are just eight large luxury tents with attached and immaculate bathrooms, each with a deck looking out over the dramatic landscape. The location is the heart of "leopard country", and the region hosts a thriving leopard population, which can be tracked in excellent 4x4 safari jeeps accompanied by expert naturalists. Also seen in this remote area are the Indian wolf, sloth bear and antelope, which exist alongside the ancient Rabari tribe.

Overnight: SUJAN Jawai

Day 11 Jawai Leopard Camp

Spend a day making the most of your remote surroundings. Take jeep safaris into the wilderness, tracking leopard, wolf and sloth bear. Visit the Rabari herdsmen who live in this area. Spend time at the nearby reservoir which hosts an array of migratory birds, including flamingos, geese and cranes. Take a massage back at camp or unwind in one of the camp's resting areas, whilst admiring the scenery.

Overnight: SUJAN Jawai

Day 12 Jodhpur

Depart Jawai Leopard Camp this morning for your onward drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, the afternoon is free to explore at leisure. Jodhpur's bazaar is excellent - textiles are a great purchase here - and there are plenty of interesting photo opportunities. Your home for the next two nights is Raas, located in the heart of the bazaar at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort. The hotel is truly unique, blending old and new in the grounds of a restored haveli. Most rooms look out onto the fort from their own balcony or terrace.

Overnight: RAAS Jodhpur

Day 13 Jodhpur

Join your private guide for a morning sightseeing in Jodhpur. Explore the city's fine fort. The views from the walls extend as far as the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a hilltop palace designed for Maharajah Umaid Singh in the 20th century. The afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight: RAAS Jodhpur

Day 14 Depart

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