Fly from London Heathrow or other reginal airports on an overnight flight to Mumbai.

In the morning land in Mumbai with greeting and assistance on arrival. Then transfer to hotel.

Mumbai, has a pulsating lifestyle with Bollywood leading the way! It's a city of huge contrasts and an afternoon sightseeing tour showcases the highlights. These include the Gateway of India, Mumbai's principal landmark. The Afghan Church built in memory of those who fell in the First Afghan War, the Gothic style Bombay High Court and the Old Secretariat. See the Rajabhai Clock Tower, the ornate Victoria Terminus, and the colourful Crawford Market. Drive past the Mahalaxmi Temple. Stop at the Jain Temple and visit Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai (Bombay as it was known in his time). Overnight at the The Lemon Tree Premier or similar...

Fly to Udaipur. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Two nights at The Fateh Niwas or similar.

Explore the regal and elegant City Palace visiting the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgian mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna. Later visit the Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Visit Sahelion Ki Bari (often called the Garden of the Maids of Honour) with its lovely gardens and fountains. Next drive around the Fateh Sagar Lake and then walk through the old market. Finally relax on a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola on a shared boat.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Enroute visit the intricately carved 15th C. Jain Temples at Ranakpur in the lovely Aravali valley. The complex exudes timeless serenity and exquisite grandeur. The sheer perfection of the workmanship is breathtaking, for example in the glorious marble Chaturmukha Temple there are 1444 intricately carved pillars; each is unique. Two night at The Bal Samand Lake Palace or similar.

Visit the 5-km long formidable Mehrangarh Fort soaring above the city. Explore this vast complex with its magnificent palaces, bejewelled with delightful carved panels and latticed windows or 'Jarokhas'. The museum is fascinating with glimpses into the amazing lifestyle of bygone times. Collections include miniature paintings, an armoury filled with the essential Rajput weapons of war and fine examples of howdahs, silver and woodwork. Then visit the Jaswant Thada, a Royal Cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. End the tour with a walk around the colourful Clock Tower market.

Later experience the Bishnoi village safari. The Bishnoi are protectors of nature and live in harmony with the land. Visit a Bishnoi home and learn about their way of life, beliefs, and customs.

After breakfast drive from Jodhpur to Jaipur. In the evening visit the Govind Dev Ji Temple to see the Aarti ceremony in which bhogs (sweets) are offered to the residing deity, and bhajans are sung accompanied by Temple bells and traditional instruments. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Two nights at the The Shahpura House or similar.

Early morning walking tour of the flower and vegetable market. Scent fills the air from the dazzling display of marigolds, carnations, roses and orchids. Time permitting sip a cup of Masala Chai and watch the world pass by! After breakfast jeep excursion to Amber Fort Palace. Enroute stop at the Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds - for a photo opportunity.

Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The time-ravaged walls of the Fort still exude strength, whilst the interior hides exquisite Miniatures painted on the walls depicting hunting and war scenes. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely covered with glittering mirrors, especially imported from Belgium.

Afternoon visit the Maharaja's City Palace, a Royal residence. Originally built as a fortified site, part of it is now converted into a museum. Visit the impressive Armory Museum housing an array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Next visit the Jantar Mantar; the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments; many in working condition. End the day with a Rickshaw ride in the crowded bazaar of the Pink city.

Morning train to Bandikui. Drive to Abhaneri village and visit the fascinating Stepwell. The beautiful Chand Baori (Stepwell) in Abhaneri village was built during the 8th and 9thC. 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, descend 20 meters and down 3 floors to the bottom of the well. Drive to Dholpur. Two nights at The Raj Niwas Palace or similar.

Morning boating on Chambal River. Chambal, a tributary of Yamuna River flows through Dholpur. Approx. 400 kms of the river has been declared the Chambal River Sanctuary, for conservation of flora, fauna and river ecosystem. Lookout for rare Ganges River dolphins, mugger crocodiles, turtles and glimpse some of the 300 species of native and migratory birds. Afternoon visit ravines and villages of Chambal. The safari starts with a visit to Shergarh Fort. Then follows muddy tracks through the ravines to local villages to explore their way of life.

Morning drive to Agra. Afternoon visit Agra Fort. The forbidding red sandstone battlements encompass palaces built by successive Mughal rulers. The most impressive part of the Fort is the Dewan-e-Am. Here the Emperor sat, resplendent on his throne, to dispense justice to his subjects. The Dewan-e-Khas where foreign dignitaries were received is also a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh, located on the left bank of the Yamuna, to watch the sunset over the beautiful Taj Mahal. One night at The Grand Mercure or similar.

On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jehan built his incomparable memorial to her - the Taj Mahal - a poignant marble mausoleum to love. Sunrise is a perfect time to feel the intensity of his love, and sorrow, as the golden rays embrace the cold marble bringing it back to life. Late morning drive to Delhi. Two nights at The Leela Ambience Hotel Shahdara or similar.

Morning visit Old Delhi to see Chandni Chowk - the main shopping area of Old Delhi. Explore the shops selling everything from spices to wedding accessories to wonderful street food and leathergoods. Then take a rickshaw ride from the Jama Masjid - the great Mosque of Delhi - into the narrow lanes of the walled town of Old Delhi. Look out for ancient havelis, some of which are over 200 years old.

Afternoon New Delhi sightseeing. Drive past India Gate, designed by Lutyens, dedicated to 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. Visit the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple which feeds thousands of people every day through its huge community kitchen. End the day at the Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in North India.

Moring transfer to the airport for return flight to the UK.