Day 1 - To Delhi:  Fly overnight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 - Delhi:  Morning arrival in Delhi, a city of contrasts that define its importance as capital of both the Mughal and British empires. In the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, within the shadows of the 17th-century Red Fort, time seems to have stood still as merchants barter in the old bazaars. By comparison, the British capital of New Delhi was built in colonial style with tree-lined avenues, flamboyant buildings and open parks. Stay 2 nights at the Lalit New Delhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi. (N)

Day 3 - Delhi:  Morning tour of Old Delhi. (B)

Day 4 - To Jaipur:  Drive to Jaipur, via Amber Palace, where processions of elephants once carried visiting dignitaries to the Rajput seat of power. Stay 2 nights at ITC Rajputana. (B)

Day 5 - Jaipiur:  Half-day tour of Jaipur, including a visit to the City Palace. (B)

Day 6 - To Ranthambore:  Drive to Ranthambore. Formerly the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore is now a protected wildlife park. Take an afternoon safari drive into the park, which occupies an area of more than 400 sq km. Search for marsh crocodiles, deer, leopards and increasingly rare Royal Bengal tigers. Please be aware that any sightings of any wild animals, including tigers, cannot be guaranteed. Stay 2 nights at Dev Vilas Hotel. (Shared Excursion) (B, D)

Day 7 - Ranthambore:  Morning and afternoon jungle safari. (Shared Excursion) (B, L, D)

Day 8 - To Bharatpur:  Drive to Bharatpur. Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur was once a royal reserve and a rickshaw ride through the park is a great way to spot some of the 300 bird species within the park. The royal theme continues as you spend 1 night in Laxmi Vilas Palace, a converted palace. (B)

Day 9 - To Agra:  After a tour of the magnificent deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, with its forts, palaces and mosques, you will arrive in Agra. A visit to the white marble Taj Mahal is an unforgettable experience. Built in 1623, this iconic monument lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Stay 2 nights at Jaypee Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 10 - Agra:  Full-day tour of Agra, including the Taj Mahal. (B)

Day 11 - To Delhi:  Drive to Delhi. Stay 1 night at the Lalit New Delhi. (B)

Day 12 - To London:  Fly to the UK. (B)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: 

Taj Mahal & Petra:
 Combine the wonders of northern India with the culturally diverse sites of Jordan on a journey that visits two of the world's 'must see' sites, Petra and the Taj Mahal.

Day 12 - To Amman:  Fly to Amman. Stay 1 night at Kempinski Amman. Afternoon visit to the Roman city of Jerash. (B)

Day 13 - To Petra:  Drive to Petra via the crusader castle at Kerak. Stay 2 nights at the Petra Marriot. (B)

Day 14 - Petra Full-day tour of Petra. (B)

Day 15 - To Amman:  Morning 4x4 excursion into the desert and Wadi Rum. Afternoon drive to Amman. Stay overnight at the Kempinski Amman. (B)

Day 16 - To London:  Fly to London. (B)

Meal basis:  As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Other extensions:  It is possible to arrange beach extensions in South India, Goa and Kerala as well as the Maldives. Alternatively, stop over in Dubai on your way back to the UK.

Note:  This tour includes direct international flights with Jet Airways; 10 nights' accommodation; local English-speaking guides; tours and transfers on a private basis unless otherwise specified; entrance fees and all taxes. Regional connections and flight upgrades are available on request.

Transport:  Road journeys are in private cars on good roads. For the adventurous, it is possible to travel some of the route by train.

Accommodation:  Hotels are good standard 4- and 5-star (except Laxmi Vilas, a heritage hotel) and have been chosen for their range of facilities and character. The Lalit New Delhi is centrally located, as is the ITC Rajputana in Jaipur. Both have swimming pools and are good places to relax after sightseeing. Dev Vilas is only a short drive from the entrance to Ranthambore. Laxmi Vilas in Bharatpur was once a palace and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The Jaypee Palace in Agra is a modern hotel with good facilities.