Land of Rajputs (Rural Rajasthan)

British Airways flight to Delhi, arriving past midnight. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Two nights stay in Delhi.

After a leisurely breakfast proceed for the city tour of Old & New Delhi includes visit to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, Raj Ghat, Chandni Chowk bazaar & Qutab Minar.

Drive to Mandawa, in the Shekhavati region, renowned for its havelis (traditional houses with interior courtyards) decorated with frescos. En-route visit Dundlod and Nawalgarh. Stay in Mandawa for two nights.

Morning explore the castle. Also visit some of the local havelis with ornately decorated interiors and exteriors in colourful frescos and paintings. Afternoon free.

After breakfast drive to Bikaner, founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji and encircled by high battlement wall. Afternoon visit the 500-year-old Junagarh fort and the Palace. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Leave for Jaisalmer, one of Rajasthan's most exotic towns deep in the heart of Thar Desert. Afternoon free to walk through the streets and absorb the atmosphere. View magnificent houses with their facades carved from the yellow sandstone and painted murals. Two nights stay in Jaisalmer.

Morning City tour visiting the imposing Fort towering magnificently over the city. Wander around and see the exquisitely carved balconies, havelies (mansions), palaces and towers. Visit the 12th century Jain temples with intricate and delicate carvings. Afternoon visit Lodruva.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, at the entrance of the Thar Desert, and en route visit the Hindu & Jain temples at Osian. Reminder of the day at leisure to explore the narrow bustling streets and bazaars. Two night stay in Jodhpur.

Morning City tour visiting the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and the magnificent Umaid Bhavan Palace. Afternoon visit Mandore.

Morning drive to Rohet. Afternoon village safari by jeep to see the colourful rural life of Bishnoi tribes. Stay in Rohet for one night.

After breakfast drive to Kumbelgarh. Visit the imposing fort and the temple. Continue on to the lake city of Udaipur visiting en route the Jain temples at Ranakpur. Two night stay in Udaipur.

Founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1567, Udaipur is still very much a traditional Rajput town. Morning city tour visiting the City Palace, the museum, impressively carved Jagdish temple and Saheliyon-Kibari (Garden of Maids of honor). Afternoon free.

Morning leave for Deogarh en route visit the temples at Eaklingji and Nagda. Afternoon explore the village. One night stay in Deogarh.

Drive to Ajmer, which boasts of some unique architectural styles. A short drive to the holy town of Pushker, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and famous for the sacred Pushker Lake. Every year in the month of November a camel and cattle fair is held here. Stay for one night.

After breakfast drive to Samode. Afternoon free to explore the village, the fort and the restored Mughal garden. Overnight at the charming 400-year-old Samode Palace.

Drive to the rugged hills that surround Jaipur to visit Amber. Ascend the fort, with its huge ramparts and watchtowers, on a decorated elephant. Continue to Jaipur, the state capital that owes its name, foundation and planning to Maharaja Jai Singh II. Two night stay in Jaipur.

Morning city tour visiting the City Palace complex, museum, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Janter Manter Observatory Afternoon free.

After breakfast leave for Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Afternoon bird watching by rickshaw. Stay for one night.

Morning bird watching by boat. Later leave for Agra visiting en route the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1569 by the Mughal King Akbar, with its forts, palaces and Mosques. Optional visit to the Taj Mahal at Sunset. Overnight in Agra.

Morning tour of Agra visiting the Immortal Taj Mahal & the elegant fort. Afternoon leave for Delhi pausing at Sikandra to see the tomb of Akbar. Overnight in Delhi.

Transfer to the airport for your British Airways flight to London.