Rajasthan With Taj (15 Days) 

     Evening arrival at New Delhi airport where you will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at hotel

     After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, the whole group will gather for a briefing session by your trip leader. Later we go on a full day city tour visiting Old and New Delhi. In New Delhi, we will be visiting the “Qutab Minar”. At noon, we cross the city into the walled gates of Old Delhi. Our tour includes visit to the “Jamma Mosque” (1650) and drive through the fabled area of “Chandni Chowk” (aptly translates to Moonlight Square).Then we drive past the Red Fort (1639-1648) built by Shahjehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to the Father of the Indian Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. Dinner at an authentic Indian restaurant (for group tours only). Overnight at hotel (B, L)

     Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur, the famed “City of sunrise“. On arrival transfer to hotel, enjoy your breakfast and then check-in. At noon we embark on our half day city tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace, a fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architectures, having numerous balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Jagdish Temple of Lord Vishnu Udaipur and Sahelion ki Bari, the garden of maidens. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola and return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     Morning drive to Jodhpur visiting enroute Ranakpur Jain temples. These temples were created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. Resume drive to Jodhpur; on arrival check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel (B)

     In the morning half day local city tour of Jodhpur visiting Meharangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces, with intricate carved ‘jalis’ and panels that take your breath away. Also visit “Jaswant Thada”, the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors. Return to the hotel or enjoy the optional Jeep safari to a Bishnoi village. After sightseeing return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer, the ancient citadel city. Enroute stop at Pokharan fort for lunch. Resume drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival check-in at hotel and rest of the day at leisure. In the evening drive/walk to the sunset point. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     Morning visit of Jaisalmer. Visit the Fort, bazaars and the old mansions known as “havelis”. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. At noon depart for Sam sand dunes to witness the magnificent sunset view over the sand dunes. Also enjoy a camel ride on the dunes. After sightseeing return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     Early morning drive to Bikaner, the desert city of Rajasthan. Upon arrival check-in at your palace hotel in Gajner. At noon, visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1611 AD. The palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal and Bijai Phool Mahal. Overnight at hotel (B)

     After breakfast depart for Mandawa. On arrival check-in. Visit the Mandawa (Shekhwati region). The semi-desert region of Shekhwati is popularly known as the ‘open-air art gallery’ of Rajasthan. There are hundreds of Havelis temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts. The noteworthy Havelis in Mandawa are the Chokhani Saraf & Ladia Havelies. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     After breakfast depart for Jaipur, also known as “Pink City”. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer; this city is 260 years old. On arrival check-in. Jaipur, conceived and designed by Jai Singh, the “City Palace” is a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectures. This palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. The palace houses Sawai Jai Singh’s seven-storey facade Chandra Mahal, solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family. Also, visit the Observatory – “Jantar Mantar” and Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds”. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     Morning visit to the Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the State. Enjoy an elephant / Jeep ride at Amber Fort (kindly note that the elephant ride is subject to elephants' availability failing which a jeep ride will be provided). Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     After breakfast check out from the hotel and depart for Agra visiting enroute “Fatehpur Sikri”, the mysterious ghost city founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in the late 16th century and capital of the Mughal Empire from 1581 to 1595. The city occupies a sandstone ridge, and the area around it is enclosed within a seven mile long wall. We’ll stroll about the fort and palace. After sightseeing continue drive to Agra and check-in on arrival. Sunset visit to Taj Mahal, the grand edifice built by Shahjehan from 1631 to 1653 to enshrine the remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The semi-translucent white marble is inlaid with thousands of semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns and the building has four identical facades. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. After sightseeing return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     Early morning “Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal” and return to the hotel for breakfast. At noon, visit the sprawling “Agra Fort” on the bank of the Yamuna River. Agra Fort’s architecture is an almost perfect fusion between military might and lavish beauty. Also visit the Tomb of Itmadud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. After sightseeing return to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     After breakfast drive to Delhi. On arrival rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (B)

     Transfer to the international airport as per your flight schedule, to board the flight for your return journey.