Classic Rajasthan

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic overnight. (N)

Arrive and transfer to the Radisson Blu Paschim Vihar (or similar) for 2 nights. (N)

In the morning, take a guided tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi, which includes a drive past the Red Fort, a visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, and Raj Ghat, the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Later, drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Parliament buildings and Rashtrapati Bhavan (the president’s residence), and enjoy a visit to the 14th-century Agrasen ki Baoli. End the tour with a visit to Qutb Minar, a masterpiece of perfect proportions, and the tomb of Emperor Humayun. (B)

Drive to the fabulous Shekhawati region, also known as the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. Transfer to the Desert Resort in Mandawa (or similar) for 1 night. Explore the beautiful havelis in this semi-desert region. (B)

This morning, drive to Bikaner and transfer to the Narendra Bhawan (or similar) for 1 night. In the afternoon, take a tour of Junagarh fort, unusual for not being built on a hilltop. Later, take a walk around the local bazaar. (B)

This morning, drive to the golden city of Jaisalmer and transfer to the Gorbandh Palace (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

In the morning, explore Jaisalmer fort, one of the largest in the world. Also visit Gadisagar lake, a rainwater reservoir built in 1367, the Folklore Museum and the famous Nathwon and Patwon Ki haveli. Later in the afternoon, drive to the outskirts of Jaisalmer for a camel ride and to view the sun setting against the sand dunes. (B)

Drive to the blue city of Jodhpur in the morning. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Jodhpur. Visit the formidable 5-kmlong Mehrangarh fort, set on a hill. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Transfer to the Hotel Indana Resort (or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Drive to the romantic city of Udaipur this morning, visiting the beautiful Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. On arrival in Udaipur, check into the LaLit Laxmi Vilas Palace (or similar) for a 2-night stay. (B)

Optional morning excursion to the Nagda and Eklingji temples. Nagda features a majestic pair of 11th-century temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu while Eklingji is a complex of 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This afternoon, take a city tour of Udaipur including a visit to the City Palace and the gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari. (B)

Morning drive to the royal city of Jaipur. Transfer to the LaLit Jaipur hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay. (B)

This morning, make a photo-stop at the Palace of the Winds, which has a spectacular facade, before a tour of the fabulous Amber fort. Located at the top of a hill, Amber Fort offers a magnificent view of the old town below. Continue to the Anokhi museum of hand printing before enjoying traditional sweet tasting. In the afternoon, take a tour of the royal city of Jaipur. Highlights include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and Mughal and Rajput armoury, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the colourful bazaars. (B)

Drive to Agra this morning, visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful deserted capital of Emperor Akbar en route. On arrival in Agra, check into the Radisson Blu (or similar). Afternoon visit to the world-renowned Taj Mahal. Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Morning visit to Agra fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Afternoon drive to Delhi. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Aerocity. (B)

Transfer to the airport for the Virgin Atlantic flight to London. (B)