
.jpg&w=0&h=0)



.jpg&w=0&h=0)

A unique and unashamedly luxurious tour, this is a revelation of Rajasthan’s glory days, seen through the eyes of the Maharajahs, and staying in their regal palaces and smaller royal residences, as we visit the region’s cities and villages, landmarks and landscapes
Flight - 1 night
Mumbai - 1 night
Udaipur - 2 nights
Rohet - 2 nights
Khimsar - 1 night
Gajner - 2 nights
Jaipur - 3 nights
Samode - 1 night
Dholpur - 2 nights
Delhi - 2 nights
From sun-baked deserts to serene lake waters, from manicured gardens to untamed jungles, from Raj era forts to ancient temples, this eye-opening tour touches every aspect of Rajasthan and, rather than simply visiting the palaces of the past, it gives you an insider experience of the maharajah mansions, staying in those now transformed into fine heritage hotels. Beginning among the colonial monuments of cosmopolitan Mumbai, the tour takes us to lake shores in the innately elegant enclave of Udaipur, to the awe-inspiring Jain Temple of Ranakpur, and the peaceful retreat of rural Rohet village. In the red dunes of the Thar Desert, we visit Bikaner, the home of warrior kings. Steep streets, stepped alleys, and blue hued houses nestle beneath Jodhpur’s imposing fort; and the Amber Fort dominates the landscape on the edge of the ‘pink city’, Jaipur. From here, we tour to the groomed gardens of Samode, and contrast them with the wilderness of Dholpur’s Chambal wildlife sanctuary. In Agra, the opulent Taj Mahal is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World; and a day of discovery in Delhi charts its chequered history.
Culture & Wildlife
Jules Verne Sightseeing
5 UNESCO Heritage Sites
13 Dinners Included
Historic Hotels
Day 1 Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Mumbai.
Day 2 On arrival, transfer to the 5-star Taj Mahal Palace, India’s oldest and most famous hotel, for an overnight stay in the Heritage Wing; and enjoy a ‘heritage tour’ of this iconic landmark. Later, visit the arty Kala Ghoda district, where Indie exhibitions and pavement art stalls are juxtaposed with prominent galleries; followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3 A city tour includes the Marine Drive promenade, curving around the bay to the British-built Gateway of India at its southern tip; the UNESCO listed, Raj era, Victoria Terminus railway station; the Dhobi Ghat, billed as the biggest open-air laundry in the world, and handling half a million items a day; and the Prince of Wales Museum, the stately building housing collections of ancient art and artefacts. Fly to Udaipur, ‘the romance of Rajasthan’, for two nights at the historic Fateh Prakash Palace, owned by the royal family and set on the shore of Lake Pichola. (B)
Day 4 Tour Udaipur, with lotus pools, fountains and statuary in a series of serene gardens, sailing to the City Palace, gracing the shoreline with its gloriously grand façade; and to Jagmandir Island, where a golden sandstone palace rises from the water’s edge. This evening, dine overlooking the lake. (B, D)
Day 5 Travel through the scenic Aravalli hills to Ranakpur to visit the astonishingly intricate Jain temple complex, as sacred as it is architecturally splendid, and said to have taken 50 years to build. Continue (3hrs) to the timeless village of Rohet for two nights at the charming Rohet Garh, a 16th-century former fort, set in lovely gardens. (B, D)
Day 6 See the simplicity of rural Rajasthan on a Bishnoi village ‘safari’, known for its reed-roofed cottages, cattle sun shelters, and absence of mod cons. Afternoon at leisure in Rohet, where migratory birds visit the local lake. (B, D)
Day 7 Drive to the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, its old-town buildings painted in indigo hues, creating the illusion of a sea amid the sands, where we visit the 19th-century marble memorial, Jaswant Thada; the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum; and the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, covering 1,200 acres of a rocky clifftop, 122m above the town. Continue to Khimsar, for sunset at Khimsar Dunes Village, and an overnight stay at the heritage Khimsar Fort. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel into the Thar desert to Bikaner and take a tuk-tuk tour of the city, founded in the 15th century, and famed, in its heyday, for its Rajput temples, palaces and forts; and continue to Gajner for two nights at the lakeside Gajner Palace, a former hunting lodge, secluded in a 6000-acre wildlife sanctuary. Dine in the hotel’s historic restaurant. (B, D)
Day 9 Visit the halls and courtyards of the huge Junagarh Fort complex; continue to a camel breeding farm; and, in the early evening, travel by jeep to the Raisar desert camp, where brilliant sunsets paint the sands red, for a gala dinner and dance performance. (B, D)
Day 10 Travel (6hrs) to Jaipur; experience an evening cooking demo with a local family and stay three nights at the Taj group’s 5-star heritage hotel Jai Mahal Palace, centrally positioned and set in Mughal gardens. (B, D)
Day 11 Visit the pink-walled City Palace, its temples and pavilions spread between courtyards and gardens; and the 18th-century Jantar Mantar Observatory, UNESCO listed as India’s most significant site for observation of astronomical positions. Enjoy a historic walk and a drink at the Rambagh Palace; and perhaps take tonight’s optional Sound & Light at Amber Fort (£25, bookable locally). (B)
Day 12 Begin the day with an optional balloon ride over the Pink City (£225, bookable locally, weather dependent). View the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) its wall of windows allowing the women to observe the city, unseen; and visit the Amber Fort, overlooking Maota Lake and known for its huge, gated ramparts; the gleaming marble Birla Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu; and the Albert Hall Museum, the oldest in Rajasthan. This evening, a historic tour is followed by a cocktail and dinner at the Raj Mahal Palace. (B, D)
Day 13 Drive to the village of Samode for overnight at the heritage hotel Samode Bagh, the retreat of the Samode royal family, and renowned for its equally regal grounds, which featured in Monty Don’s ‘Paradise Gardens’. Dine at nearby Samode Palace. (B, D)
Day 14 Travel (7hrs) to Dholpur. Founded in 780AD, and re-established, 10km away, in 1050, Dholpur was recognised for its beautiful rural setting from very early times, and still is today. Enjoy a welcome drink and two nights at the heritage hotel Raj Niwas Palace, staying in a garden cottage. (B, D)
Day 15 A back-to-nature day begins with a boat safari in Chambai Sanctuary, home to abundant birdlife, gharial crocodiles, and rare river dolphins; and continues by jeep safari to view the sandstone Shergarh Fort. (B, D)
Day 16 Journey by road to Agra to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, lauded by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the world’s heritage; and continue by train to Delhi, telling its history in its architecture, from ancient monuments to colonial buildings. Two nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal hotel, one of Delhi’s most distinguished addresses. (B)
Day 17 A tour of Old Delhi passes the stately India Gate arch, the Parliament and President’s residence; and takes you to the Qutab Minar, a 12th-century, 73m-tall ‘tower of victory’, now a UNESCO World Heritage site; and to the 16th-century mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Humayun, UNESCO listed as the first garden-tomb in India. Enjoy your final evening with dinner and a cocktail making experience at a local restaurant near Khan market. (B, D)
Day 18 Transfer to Delhi airport for the return flight. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with uneven surfaces and inclines.
Heritage properties rarely have lifts and rooms can vary in size and décor.
This 5-star hotel is Mumbai’s first harbour landmark and was featured in the BBC 2 series 'Hotel India' focused on life behind the scenes at India's oldest and most famous hotel. Overlooking the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of the bay with restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free).
560 rooms with the perfect blend of rich history and modern convenience with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Owned by the Royal family the palace boasts a favoured location on Lake Pichola and next to the City Palace. The Durbar Hall is one of the main features of the hotel where in 1909 Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, laid its foundation stone. History is laid throughout the palace with miniature paintings, portraits, period furniture and armoury of the Mewar dynasty. Terrace restaurant overlooking the lake, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 65 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Rohet Garh, a heritage hotel is situated on the banks of a lake with manicured gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 34 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Spread over eleven acres of lawns, orchards and courtyards, Khimsar Fort was established in the 15th century by a descendent of the house of Jodhpur. Part of the fort is still residence to the Karamsot Rathor of direct lineage. Restaurant, bar, coffee shop, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 85 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A former hunting lodge this heritage hotel is built on the edge of a lake, with gardens stretching over 6000 acres. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 45 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Designed with an Indo Saracenic style of architecture, this heritage hotel is located downtown, close to the historical monuments. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 100 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Samode Bagh is a heritage hotel and the garden retreat of the Samode Royal family (featured in Monty Don’s Paradise Gardens). Designed in the Char Bagh style it is one of the oldest functioning Mughal gardens of Rajasthan. Restaurant, pool and WiFi (free). 44 luxury tented air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
The heritage hotel, Raj Niwas Palace is known for its red colour sandstoneand once home to generations of Royals. Restaurant, pool and 26 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities.
The 5-star Taj Mahal hotel is one of the most distinguished addresses in Delhi. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 294 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Time to relax or see even more of India!
No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time in India by choosing further experiences?
We invite you to customise your tour by adding one or more extensions from our great range shown on the following pages. Relax in a resort or discover more of India with our specialist guides.
Also please consider adding extra nights before the tour if you would like to draw breath after the flight to India or stay on to reflect, relax or explore independently. Extra nights can also be added to most extensions. Please talk to one of our knowledgeable Personal Travel Experts to let us know what you are looking for and they will work out the best way. Sometimes extra transfers, internal flights and nights are recommended or needed, and sometimes two extensions can be combined into a more logical sequence.
2023
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
October 13 | £3895 |
2024
Fridays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £1075
Flight Options
London-Mumbai/Delhi-London
British Airways World Traveller Plus - On request
British Airways Club World - On request
Emirates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham - On request
Extension Options
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Privately Guided
Privately guided tours are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Tour Only
Save £650
Arrival or departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 16 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 13 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm