India's Rajasthan – Forts & Maharajas - Premier Collection

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Delhi - Board your overnight flight to India.
• Day 2
  Arrive in Delhi and afternoon at leisure - You’ll arrive at Delhi airport, where you’ll be met by your friendly, local tour manager and transferred to the first five-star hotel of the holiday.  The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Dinner will be at the hotel, where you can get to know your fellow travellers. 
• Day 3
  Included tour of Old Delhi, rickshaw ride and special dinner - Following breakfast, set off on a sightseeing excursion of Old Delhi. Begin by visiting UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of Emperor Humayun and a fine example of Mughal architecture. Later, you’ll drive past India Gate, modelled after the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This serves as a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought during World War I. Then travel towards the President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House before the beautiful Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a prominent Sikh temple with its striking gold dome.  Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (at your own expense) before you continue to Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, Then, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the winding lanes of Chandni Chowk, lined with market stalls. You’ll also drive past the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, known as the Lal Qila, deriving its name from the red sandstone that embellishes its soaring walls. This historic fortress is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.   A special dinner will be held at an iconic heritage hotel, Haveli Dharampura, which was once a grand merchant’s residence and features beautiful architecture.
• Day 4
  Train journey to Agra and visit to Agra Fort - This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel by train to Agra, enjoying a packed breakfast and countryside views as you go. Upon arrival at Agra railway station, a coach will collect and transport you to the royal pavilions, palaces, and courtyards of the majestic, red sandstone Agra Fort. From this 16th-century fortress set on the Yamuna River, experience your first view of the incomparable Taj Mahal and its gardens.   Explore the intricate maze of structures within the fort as you learn about how it served as the residence of Mughal emperors for over three centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar and later expanded by his successors.    Later, check in to your next hotel and take advantage of the amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool and a spa, for the afternoon.   This evening, dinner will be served at the hotel.
• Day 5
  Included visit to Itmad-ud-Daula ‘Baby Taj’ and the Taj Mahal at sunset - Following breakfast, set off on a visit to the Itmad-ud-Daula, often referred to as the ‘Baby Taj’. Built in the 17th century, this exquisite marble mausoleum is considered a smaller version of the Taj Mahal and is renowned for its delicate inlay work, intricate lattice screens, and beautiful riverside setting.  Lunch will be at a local restaurant (at your own expense), and later, you’ll travel to the Taj Mahal for a guided tour and get to see the famed monument of love up close, glistening as the sun sets. This ivory-white marble mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircled by expansive Mughal gardens, is one of the greatest architectural achievements and a wish-list spectacle. Completed in 1648 and built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, it’s renowned for its Mughal design and elements, including a central dome, minarets, and a reflecting pool.    Return to the hotel for dinner this evening.
• Day 6
  Travel to Jaipur, visit to Abhaneri stepwell and included lunch, with optional sunrise Taj Mahal viewing - Rise early this morning and see Agra’s most famous monument at sunrise on an optional excursion (to be booked locally). You’ll be taken to Mehtab Bagh, a garden complex away from the bustle of the city and on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, showcasing a splendid view of the Taj Mahal in all its glory as the sun rises. Afterwards, reconvene at the hotel for breakfast, check out and begin the drive to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, where another beautiful heritage hotel awaits.   Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri, which was built over 1,000 years ago and is one of the biggest stepwells in the world. With intricately geometrically designed staircases, this architectural wonder serves as a source of water and a place of respite in the desert heat.    There will be another break for lunch, which will be at a local restaurant before you arrive at your hotel in time for dinner.
• Day 7
  Included visit to Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal followed by included evening Jaipur walking tour - Today, after breakfast, you’ll arrive in the former Rajput capital, Jaipur. From the station, travel to the base of Amber Fort, board a Jeep, and climb to the city's vast 16th-century hilltop fort. At the top, take in the magnificent views over Maota Lake from the ramparts.  Later, drive past the poignant palace, Hawa Mahal. Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, this 18th-century building is constructed from red and pink sandstone and lined with ornate windows and screened balconies.  In the evening, head out on a walking tour of city’s old town. Your guide will lead you into the lively centre, where you can admire the traditional Indian craftsmanship on display as you stroll along the narrow, shop-lined alleys. You’ll also have the chance to explore some of the havelis (old merchant houses) and visit local vendors along the way to try samosas, fresh lassi and some of India’s most delicious sweets.   Dinner will be served back at the hotel.
• Day 8
  Included visit to the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and cooking demonstration - Following breakfast, travel to the City Palace, a red-hued, intricate complex of temples, courtyards, pavilions, and gardens, and a major heritage landmark. The Jantar Mantar, an observatory constructed in 1724 is the following highlight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located outdoors and features expansive geometric ‘toys’, the world’s largest sundial and an assortment of 19 astronomical instruments.  In the afternoon, you’ll be free to visit a local market and perhaps pick up some souvenirs.   This evening, you’ll be shown how to cook traditional and popular dishes with a local family and be guided by the expertise of your hosts as you prepare a meal. Dinner will then be served, and you’ll get to taste your efforts while listening to stories and engaging with the family.
• Day 9
  Travel to Jodhpur and afternoon at leisure - Once you’ve had breakfast and checked out, you’ll be driven to desert-fringed Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City’, with its maze of medieval streets, sapphire-hued buildings, and lofty 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort.   Check into your palatial lake-front hotel, and you can unwind and get settled here, perhaps having a cocktail on the terrace. The rest of the day will be free to unwind and take advantage of the swimming pool and spa.   Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
• Day 10
  Included tour of Jodhpur, lunch and visit to Mehrangarh Fort - Today, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Jodhpur. You’ll begin by exploring Mehrangarh Fort, featuring a sandstone butte protecting a complex of ornate palaces, courtyards, and a museum. You’ll then visit the white marbled Jaswant Thada memorial, with its assortment of domes and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, positioned on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur.  After lunch at a local restaurant, the rest of the day will be free, so you can explore at your own pace. Perhaps take a stroll around the old city, with the clock tower, Ghanta Ghar in the centre of it. Next to the tower, you’ll find the market, with its traditional bazaar-like atmosphere and assortment of handicrafts, spices, and tea.  In the evening, you’ll travel back to the hotel for dinner.