Amongst the Maharajahs

21 days - from $2795

This fascinating journey visits major highlights such as Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, and also includes some of the many fabulous castles, forts and palaces. We also head off the beaten track, which gives us the chance to get a taste first0hand of everyday life in Indias villages. A special highlight is going back in time and spending some nights at a number of exquisite heritage hotels, which vary from elegant maharajas palaces and lavish tented camps to more simple but equally evocative historic homes. It is not difficult to see why this is our favourite tour of India.

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sat) Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. Afternoon city tour. Day 2-3 Early morning express train to Jaipur. Continue by road to small village of Pachewar and stay in lovely 300 year-old fort. Full day to explore this rural setting. Day 4 Drive to Bundi - visit one of the most magnificent forts in Rajasthan, famous for its delicate miniatures. Overnight in a haveli. Day 5 Drive to Bijaipur and stay the night in an elegant 200 year-old palace. Day 6 Visit Chittaurgarh - probably India's greatest medieval fort. Continue to Ravla Khempur - a lovely heritage hotel. Explore surroundings on horseback. Day 7 Drive to picturesque Udaipur and stay in a haveli by Lake Pichola. Day 8 A morning tour of Udaipur with the afternoon at leisure to enjoy own exploration through the narrow alleyways. Day 9 Drive via the formidable Kumbalgarh Fort to Narlai - a small town overlooking a giant granite rock dotted with caves and temples. Day 10 Morning walk to historic temples in Narlai area followed by a visit to the superb Jain temples of Ranakpur. Afternoon drive to the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur. Day 11 Morning visit to the impressive Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Day 12 Drive to small heritage hotel at Chandelao Garh. Interact with the local community and learn about the arts, culture and heritage of Rajasthan. Afternoon jeep safari to surrounding villages. Day 13 Travel to Osian, an ancient town in the Thar Desert. Afternoon camel ride and overnight in a beautiful tented camp in the sand dunes. Day 14-15 Drive via Nagaur and the unique Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok to Bikaner. Stay two nights at the impressive Lallgarh Palace. Day 16 Continue to the Shekhavati area of Rajasthan -famous for havelis with colourful frescoes and murals. Stay in luxurious 'mud huts' in Mandawa Desert Resort. Day 17-18 Drive to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur - capital of Rajasthan. Take a tour of this beautiful palace-filled city including Amber Fort. Day 19 Drive via the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri to Agra. Day 20 Morning visit to the Taj Mahal; afternoon drive back to Delhi. Day 21 Trip ends in Delhi this morning (Fri).

Included

Included Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport including train, camel safari, sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary.

Excluded

Excluded: International flights, airport departure taxes, airport departure transfer, visas, insurance, other meals including lunches dinners, any optional tours and activities during free time, excess baggage charges, tips and items of a personal nature and camera fees (some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your city guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally).

Trip Reference: HTAM