Luxury Incredible Rajasthan

1. Day 1 Arrive Delhi

   Arrival. Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.
2. Day 2 Delhi

   An introduction of India with a tour of New Delhi. We visit Birla House, the last residence of Mahatma Gandhi which is now a museum depicting his illustrious life. We then visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.  The remainder of the day is free for personal activities. 

   In the evening we enjoy welcome dinner at famous Indian restaurant with glass of wine or pint of beer. 

   Please note, Birla House remains closed on Monday. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
3. Day 3 Delhi / Agra (Drive: 220 Km/ 4 Hours)

   Today we visit the Old Delhi, drive past to the Red Fort Complex*. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. 

    

   We embark on a captivating journey on a Rickshaw passing through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar, it was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his daughter Jahan Ara in 17th Century since then many changes have taken place however it still remains Old Delhi's one of the Oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. Finally end our rickshaw ride at Jama Masjid, Mughal majesty and India's largest mosque. 

   In the afternoon we drive to Agra and check in our hotel. 

   Please note, Shops at Chandni chowk remain closed on Sunday. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
4. Day 4 Agra

   At sunrise we visit one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Mogul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After enjoying a sunrise visit to Taj, we return to our hotel for breakfast. 

   After breakfast we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. 

   Please note, Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
5. Day 5 Agra / Jaipur (Drive: 245 Km/ 6 Hours)

   After breakfast we drive to Jaipur, the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
6. Day 6 Jaipur

   This morning we visit Amber Fort, located in a valley formed by a range of Aravalli’s known as Kalikho hills. The Palace and Fort are located on top of the hill with the city on slopes, and the valley protected by fort walls with four gates in the four cardinal directions. The construction of the fort began in 1592. It shows the evolution from the purely defensive fort settlements of the early medieval period to the palace fortress type of architecture typified in the 16th century. This palace fortress was never attacked or invaded. The fort comprises of number of gardens, courtyards and palatial spaces derived from Mughal architecture and are a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. 

    

   After that we explore Jaipur City* visiting the beautiful Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. 

   We also visit the Jantar Mantar*, an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century that includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period. The evening is free to enjoy both shopping and the cultural experience in the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
7. Day 7 Jaipur / Khimsar (Drive: 280 Kms/ 06 Hours)

   After breakfast, we drive to Khimsar. Khimsar Fort is located at the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences. It is spread over 11 acres of sprawling lawns and the unspoiled and well-preserved Khimsar Fort offers an unbelievable resort atmosphere with modern comforts, away from the hustle and bustle of polluted, cramped cities. Later we take a jeep safari to visit Black buck reserve.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
8. Day 8 Khimsar / Jaisalmer (Drive: 290 km/ 06 Hours)

   After breakfast, we drive to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. On arrival, we check in at our hotel. Evening is free to explore the fort in Jaisalmer, perhaps the oldest living fort which still encompasses houses, shops, restaurant and much more. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
9. Day 9 Jaisalmer

   Today we visit Jaisalmer Fort*, one of the largest forts in the world. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the "Golden Fort". Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval times as we wander through narrow lanes filled with havelis (mansions), temples, skilled artisans and of course camels. We then explore the Jain temple dating to the 11th century BC, the Folk Museum and Patwon-Ki-Haveli, the home of a wealthy merchant belonging to powerful Oswal Jain community and banker who had over three hundred trading centers from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-story complex took fifty years to complete and is the largest, and most elaborate of Jaisalmer’s havelis. We also visit Gadisar Tank, a scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
10. Day 10 Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (Drive: 140 Km/ 3 Hours)

    After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur, the blue city, a crazed mass of indigo angles, spreads, along the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Upon arrival we check in to our hotel. 

    In the afternoon we visit the clock tower, a popular landmark in the old city near the Sardar Market and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at leisure. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
11. Day 11 Jodhpur

    After breakfast we visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. We enter through the Gate of Victory (Jaipol) and explore the series of courtyards and palaces decorated with beautiful terracotta lattice work. The museum in the fort has one of the best collections of the splendid trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephant’s howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II with an array of whimsical domes.

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
12. Day 12 Jodhpur/ Udaipur (Drive: 290 Km/ 6 Hours)

    A fascinating countryside as we drive through Rajasthan to Udaipur. Rajasthan literally means “the land of the Rajas” and we notice that still. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar and no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic. Misty ochre-shadowed hills and pale, intricate buildings encircle shimmering Lake Pichhola. On arrival we check in our hotel. Balance of the day is free. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
13. Day 13 Udaipur

    Our yet another interesting day starts with a visit to the enchanting City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. The palace features several architectural and artistic treasures, such as the stunning peacock mosaics in the Mor Chowk and the murals of the Bhim Vilas Palace. We then visit the Jagdish Temple, to view some remarkable friezes dating back to 1651. Next we explore Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids.  The remainder of the day is free for personal activities. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
14. Day 14 Udaipur/ Delhi by flight & Delhi / Onward Destination

    After an incredible tour of Rajasthan, we are transferred to airport for our flight to Delhi where we check in at hotel for day room until 8:30 PM. After a farewell dinner we are transferred to the international terminal for our flight home. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED

1. FAQ 1 What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

   We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or a duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases.

2. FAQ 2 What vaccinations are recommended for this tour?

   It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Below are the links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless, these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional. For Canadian Citizens: www.travel.gc.ca For American Citizens: www.nc.cdc.gov For UK Citizens: www.travelhealthpro.org For Australian Citizens: www.travelvax.com For EU Citizens: www.healthhype.com

    

3. FAQ 3 What clothing should I pack for one of your tours?

   We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our 'General Conditions' includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual tour page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.

4. FAQ 4 Do your tours include international airfare?

   Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

5. FAQ 5 What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

   Our ‘General Conditions’ includes the details of all the transports used during the entire service. The details can be found on each individual tour page.

6. FAQ 6 Are airport transfers included?

   All of our tours include airport transfers and the prices for the same are included in our tour rates.

7. FAQ 7 Can I join a tour late or leave it early?

   It is possible to join a tour late or leave a tour early. Though you would be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult our Specialist before you book your tour.

8. FAQ 8 Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

   We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels is provided for your tour. Hotel voucher of each hotel registered for the tour is shared too.

9. FAQ 9 I'm a single traveler, will I be charged a single supplement?

   All of our trips have a single supplement. The cost and the details vary by trip, so please refer to each tour page for details.

10. FAQ 10 What are the age restrictions on your tours?

    There are no upper age limits for most of our tours (although for tours under ‘Trekking in the Himalayas’ and ‘Himalayan Panorama’ requires a fit medical condition. For the same, we have a ‘Medical Form’ which is mandatory to be filled by all age groups). For children below the age of 12 years, a parent/guardian should be present. If an assistance is needed, it is to be mentioned at the time of booking. The same will be chargeable.

11. FAQ 11 How many people can join a tour?

    We keep our group sizes very flexible. So a group of 7 or a group of 70, we welcome all with the same zeal and fondness.

12. FAQ 12 Who are my travelling companions?

    For privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share a traveling passion and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travelers from Canada, North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

13. FAQ 13 Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

    Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact our Specialist for price information. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.

14. FAQ 14 Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

    Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion.