Regal Rajasthan (17 Days) 

     Depart North America on your exciting journey to explore the Forts & Places of India. Day rooms are provided in Singapore at the AMBASSADOR TRANSIT HOTEL. East Coast passengers connect through London.

     Arrive tonight in India’s bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the THE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL.

     After a leisurely morning, embark on your tour of Old Delhi. Among your stops are the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan, Raj Ghat — a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. (B,D)

     This morning enjoy your tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue, for a view of the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Mandir, a colorful and modern Hindu temple. This afternoon drive to Agra, en route stopping at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar. TAJ VIEW HOTEL (Taj Facing Room). (B,D)

     Experience an early morning sunrise viewing of the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument to the memory of love. After breakfast tour the exquisite 16th Century Agra Fort. Afternoon at leisure. (B,D)

     After breakfast proceed to the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. Continue overland to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the “Pink City.” Check in at the Maharajah’s former residence, the magnificent RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL. (B,D)

     Today, you are transported back in time. Experience riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants to the mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B,D)

     Today, you will be driven to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region known as “the open air art gallery” of Rajasthan. The Castle Mandawa is a rugged and handsome fort that features war-scarred turrets, lofty domes and ancient cannons. It also offers gracious hospitality with modern comforts. Overnight at CASTLE MANDAWA. (B,D)

     Visit enchanting villages in the Shekhawati region. The many havelis (town mansions) are covered with frescoes painted by local artists. Continue to the fascinating city of Bikaner, tucked away in the desert of western Rajasthan and characterized by its beautiful sandstone architecture. Enjoy your stay at historic LAXMI NIWAS PALACE, carved out of red sandstone and still inhabited by the royal family. (B,D)

     Start the day by visiting the unusual and impressive Junagarh Fort, built on the desert plain itself, instead of a usual hilltop. The palace complex with its sumptuously decorated interiors, ornately lacquered walls and dazzling colored glass, is perhaps the best preserved example of its kind in India. (B,D)

     Drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in awesome splendor. RAWALKOT PALACE. (B,D)

     Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Visit the Lovely Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Patwon-ki-Haveli, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th centuries and five interconnected palaces. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a sunset trip to the picturesque sand dunes of Sam and a camel safari. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes and the numerous musicians and dancers are a photographer’s delight. (B,D)

     Drive to the enchanting Thar Desert oasis of Manvar, where you enjoy your stay in a luxurious tented camp and experience a night in the desert. Dine al fresco tonight under a canopy of stars, with entertainment including folk dancing and indigenous music. MANVAR DESERT CAMP. (B,D)

     Embark on an early morning camel safari to witness the magnificent sunrise over the desert dunes. Later travel to Jodhpur. Visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899. TAJ HARI MAHAL HOTEL. (B,D)

     This morning depart for Udaipur. Stop en route and tour the beautifully sculpted 15th century Jain temples of Ranakpur. Continue your journey, stopping for lunch at Maharani Bagh - a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Check in at the world-famous LAKE PALACE HOTEL, once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel seemingly floating upon the waters of Lake Pichola. (B,D)

     Tour this famous “City of Lakes,” known as Udaipur, one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas, Saheliyon ki Bari Garden and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. The afternoon is at leisure. (B,D)

     Your day is at leisure. Evening fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and have dinner. Bid farewell to India and depart on your international flight. (B,D)