Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted for check-in.

 

Spend the day relaxing or explore the city on your own. One of the oldest surviving cities in the world today, Delhi is an amalgam of eight cities, each site being built in a different era by a new dynasty/ruler. Today, the remains of forts, palaces and buildings are spread across the city, hence adding to its character.

 

Overnight in Delhi

 

After breakfast, your city tour of Delhi takes you first to the Qutub Minar, which is one of the finest Islamic structures ever built in India. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony, and it tapers, from a 15-metre diameter at the base to just 2.5 metres at the top. Other highlights of the tour include a drive around India Gate and the architectural heritage of Edwin Lutyen.

 

Later in the day, proceed by private car to Agra (approx. 4 hours). On arrival, you will be assisted by our local representative for check-in at your hotel.

 

Agra stands as a testimony to the true spirit of a resilient era that made India a force to be reckoned with. For three generations one of the most dynamic dynasties in the medieval world, the Mughal dynasty, occupied the city which alternated with Delhi as the capital of their magnificent Empire. With their talent and wealth, the Mughals immortalised Agra in stone and marble leaving behind a legacy of some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the country. Today, these buildings give a glimpse into the days of a magnificent era – grandiose, fascinating and enchanting.

 

Your afternoon itinerary includes a visit to Agra Fort where Shah Jahan spent years of confinement at the hands of his son Aurangzeb, looking wistfully at the Taj Mahal.

 

Overnight in Agra

Breakfast included

Start off your day spectacularly with a rendezvous with the Taj Mahal at sunrise, viewing the glowing light of sun over its opaque white dome. The beautiful monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1560, in loving memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains (note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

 

Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast, before continuing your journey to Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign from 1571 until 1585 and regarded as the crowning glory of his architectural legacy. On arrival in Jaipur, you will be met by our local representative and assisted with check-in at your hotel.

 

The ‘Pink City’ as it is called, is considered the gateway to the exotic Rajasthan. Named after its founder warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II, this city was the first city in India to enjoy rigorous town planning laid on the principles of Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on architecture. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise travellers. The old Jaipur painted in pink along with its majestic Hawa Mahal and City Palace and the bustling colourful bazaars is certainly a sight to behold. The stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri is a dramatic testimony of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.

 

Overnight in Jaipur

Breakfast included

 

After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort in spectacular fashion, on the back of an elephant (subject to availability). Amber Fort is one of the most fascinating of the Indian forts comprising the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and beautiful gardens, all of which give a glimpse into the majesty of days gone by.

 

Later, proceed to explore the architectural wealth of the city with a visit to its monuments. Visit the City Palace’s several courtyards and gardens that provide wonderful contrast to its many palatial structures including Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal and the Sri Govind Dev temple. The huge silver water vessels displayed at the Diwan-e-Khas are recorded in the Guinness Book as the largest in the world. The tour also includes a visit to The Observatory, which incorporates multiple buildings of unique geometrical forms, each with a specialised function for astronomical measurement.

 

A nice way to end the day is by exploring the colourful bazaars of Jaipur onboard a rickshaw.

 

Overnight in Jaipur

Breakfast included

 

After breakfast, travel by private car back to Delhi to catch your return flight home.

 

Breakfast included