Northern India Sensory Marvels of Rajasthan
Tour Description
Includes return flights from the UK. Embark on a transformative journey through India, where vibrant markets, authentic cuisine and rich heritage engage your senses. Encounter untamed wonders, genuine hospitality and captivating moments, creating a vivid and inspiring small group odyssey.
Includes return flights from the UK. Embark on a transformative journey through India, where vibrant markets, authentic cuisine and rich heritage engage your senses. Encounter untamed wonders, genuine hospitality and captivating moments, creating a vivid and inspiring small group odyssey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK
Board your flight from the UK and fly to Delhi, India.
Day 2: Delhi
Touch down in Delhi and be met on arrival by your VIP airport service. Then, be privately transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure settling into your hotel full of colonial charm and closely situated to India Gate. Perhaps relax in one of the hotel’s wellness spaces including the swimming pool, spa, health club or salon. Tonight, indulge in a delectable culinary experience at the award winning Dhaba Restaurant.
Day 3: Delhi
This morning, embark on a Signature Experience. The rest of your day is yours at leisure to reflect on your enriching expedition around Delhi.
Signature Experience
Embark on one of your Real Moments and delve into the diverse cultures and captivating history of this magnificent city as you experience Delhi through your five senses. Admire the Mughal architecture, explore ancient lanes and absorb the different influences that have shaped the city over the centuries and reflect what you see today. Create your personalised fragrance at an 8th-generation studio. Learn about the history of attar and discover Nur Jahan’s, the Empress of Mughal India, influence on the perfume industry. Take in the passing streetscapes of Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw ride and absorb the essence of the Mughal Empire combined with the chaos of modern day. After a visit to a non-for-profit organisation, delight in the taste of local flavours and relish dishes such as authentic curries and kebabs. The tour finishes with a Gurbani experience at Delhi’s largest Gurdwara and a drive past New Delhi’s landmarks.
Day 4: Delhi, Agra
This morning, embark on a journey to Agra, the second capital of the Mughal Empire. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the spectacular, charming architecture, constructed with red sandstone and white marble. The Mughal heritage echoes throughout the city today with enriching Mughlai cuisine filling the bustling eateries. After settling into your accommodation, head out for a tour of Agra Fort, situated at the bend of the Yamuna River. Then, as the sun sets. see the majestic Taj Mahal and be awed by one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Return to the hotel for an evening at your leisure.
Day 5: Agra, Ranthambore
Rise early this morning to witness the Taj Mahal at dawn, delighting in the pink hues of the sun as it rises over this extravagant monument. A prime setting for photos, a professional photographer will be available to capture this unforgettable visit. After breakfast at the hotel, depart the city and journey by train towards the breathtaking Ranthambore National Park via the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This idyllic fortified red sandstone city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sight to behold. Stop for lunch in Bharatpur before continuing to Sawai Madhopur and on to your hotel in Ranthambore, your stay for the next two nights. Settle into Hotel Juna Mahal, an elegant and centrally situated accommodation in the heart of the national park.
Day 6: Ranthambore
Embark on a morning jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park for a chance to see regal Bengal tiger in their natural habitat. The park is also home to leopard, hyenas, deer and rich birdlife. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, and perhaps participate in an afternoon game drive,, or simply relax at your hotel.
Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur
This morning, you’ll head towards Jaipur, India’s remarkable pink city. The extensive use of pink plastered stone reflects the world of yesteryear, infusing Jaipur’s colourful history with modern day culture. Admire the city’s large forts, lush gardens, spectacular palaces and temples. After your arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch before your special experience. For the next two nights, retreat to the family-run Royal Heritage Haveli, a haven of serenity amongst the bustle of metropolitan life. Indulge in a visit to the spa, cocktails in the bar, local cuisine and suites adorned with vibrant frescoes, archways and detailed tiles. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Signature Experience
Enjoy another Real Moments experience and embark on a 45-minute tuk tuk ride with a company ran by women to support women. See icons including the City Palace in the centre of the city, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal for a photo opportunity.
Later, visit the private section of the Royal Family at city palace on a specially curated private tour.
Day 8: Jaipur
Today you’ll travel to Amber Fort, then later experience a behind the scenes VIP tour of the City Palace.
Afterwards, head to the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to immerse yourself in the Rajasthan craft of block prints. This afternoon, transfer back to your hotel for some free time or visit a vibrant market in Jaipur accompanied by a guide before your cultural experience tonight.
Signature Experience
Indulge in an immersive Real Moments cultural experience in Jaipur. Enjoy an evening in a local family’s home. Dressed in traditional attire, take part in a Rajasthani cooking demonstration before savouring a feast of regional flavours. Admire the ancient art of henna and turban tying, engaging in Jaipur’s historic traditions. Be mesmerised by the moonlit view of Jaipur as you head back to your hotel.
Day 9: Jaipur, Pali
Travel from Jaipur to Pali and settle into your cottage at the Brij Lakshman Sagar. Indulge in a luxury experience at this boutique rustic stay. Originally a hunting lodge hosting noble families, this accommodation retains its heritage and uses local resources rich in history and stories to create a rural Rajasthan ambiance. With romantic surroundings and its idyllic location away from the bustle of urban life, this 32-acre oasis invites guests to relax in peace. Brightly decorated rooms open to a private plunge pool, complimented with panoramic views of stunning surrounds. This evening, embark on a nature walk with the resident naturalist and learn about the local fauna and flora of the area. Witness wildlife that inhabits the area including blackbucks and turtles. Savour sundowners on the terrace before satiating your hunger with a dinner of traditional cuisine, curated from fresh ingredients and recipes inspired by local families. Enjoy your meal with the accompaniment of a cultural music performance.
Day 10: Pali
Awake to spectacular views across the water before a morning of adventure within the surrounding forest. Join a jeep safari that will take you to locations to watch for elusive leopards and vibrant birdlife accompanied by an expert. Delight in hot chai and coffee during your expedition.For dinner, savour a locally sourced meal.
Freedom of Choice
Choose how to spend the remainder of the day. Perhaps embark on a tour in an open-top jeep to the local farm and village to immerse yourself in local life or take part in an afternoon of birdwatching with an experienced naturalist. Alternatively, relax on a tranquil boat trip across the lake and enjoy a chorus of birdsong.
Day 11: Pali, Udaipur
After breakfast, depart Pali and drive south to Udaipur, renowned for its romantic and serene setting. Travel via the Ranakpur temple complex and bask in the beauty of the intricate architectural style on these impressive 15th-century structures. Upon your arrival in Udaipur, be filled with wonder by the historic whitewashed mansions, deep blue lakes and surrounding Aravalli Hills that create a panorama of exquisite beauty. Located on the banks of the idyllic Pichola Lake and only 10 minutes from the city centre, the Trident hotel is the perfect place to relax, as the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 12: Udaipur
Embrace a morning of discovery taking in Udaipur’s charming architecture and cultural highlights. Begin your tour of Udaipur with a visit to the City Palace which towers over Lake Pichola. Explore the museum within the palace and see a wide array of artefacts including historic armoury as well as an intriguing collection of mirror and glass work. Later, admire the Jagdish Temple. Built in 1651, this Indo-Aryan temple has beautifully carved pillars, intricately designed ceilings and lavish halls to peruse. Afterwards, stop at Saheliyon ki bari and experience an impressive 18th-century garden abundant in lush lawns, opulent marble fountains and beautifully carved pavilions. Your last stop of this tour will be the Maharana’s Vintage and Classic Car Collection displaying many 20th-century historic vehicles including a 1936 Vauxhall. Your day of exploration extends into the evening with an enchanting boat cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the regal beauty of this picturesque destination at sunset.
Day 13: Udaipur, Delhi
Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight to Delhi in the afternoon. Settle into your hotel before tantalising your tastebuds at Sevilla, an award-winning Spanish restaurant offering Mediterranean charm. Relish indoor and alfresco dining, live music and sumptuous cuisine, peppered with southern European and Moroccan flavours.
Day 14: Depart Delhi, Arrive UK
This morning, bid farewell to your small group as you conclude your enriching journey through India. Depart from your hotel with your representative for your private transfer to the airport. Then board your flight back to the UK*. Please note depending on flights chosen you may land the next day back in to the UK.