Classical North India

After a relaxed morning, your guide meets you in the lobby of your hotel and you set out to explore the city’s classic sights, including the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch whose design reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions.Next, tour Kala Ghoda, the culture and heritage hotspot. Apart from its phenomenal Victorian neo- Gothic architecture, Kala Ghoda is also home to cafes, restaurants, fine shops, and boutiques. Then, see the extraordinary Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Built between 1878 and 1888, the Terminus is delicately carved and richly sculpted, with stained-glass windows. In the afternoon, enjoy a culinary session followed by lunch with a Michelin Star chef. Later, you visit Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to Mumbai. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ (‘washer folks’ place’), is the world’s largest outdoor laundry, where Mumbai’s traditional dhobis provide a wonderful service – collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly ironed, all for a very small fee. Your last stop is Mani Bhavan, the place where Gandhi used to stay when he used to visit the city. Overnight in Mumbai.

Start the day with a boat cruise to the Elephanta Caves a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later you fly to Udaipur. Founded by Udai Singh in the 16th century, Udaipur enchants with its picturesque old quarter – a maze of lanes, bazaars, and temples – atmospheric monuments, and the lovely lakes, lake palaces, mansions, reservoirs, and gardens that dot the city. On arrival you are met by your representative and proceed to your stunning palace hotel that lies in the middle of the lake. Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, visit the elegant City Palace, founded by Udai Singh. It is a massive conglomeration of palaces built over 400 years. From here, make your way to the extravagant Crystal Gallery, located at Fateh Prakash Palace. It has an exquisite collection of some 600 crystals ordered from F & C Osler England by Maharana Sajjan Singh, and was opened to the public in 1994. In the afternoon you have the option of exploring the old city with your escort. Here, you meet a family of craftspeople who specialise in the art of ‘Damascening’. The inlay of gold and silver wire on iron objects was traditionally practiced by the Siklikar who crafted ornamented weaponry for Rajput warriors. Practiced only by a handful, it is a fascinating process to watch. This evening, enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Pichola and take in the lovely views as the sun sets. Overnight in Udaipur.

Start the day with a drive outside the city into the Aravalli hills to see the Eklingji and Nagda Temples. The Eklingji Temple complex has 108 temples and lying to the west is Nagda, where the 10th-century Saas Bahu temples are the main highlight. After the visit, take a break for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure with your escort and vehicle at your disposal. You can indulge in some retail therapy or enjoy the services of your luxury hotel. This evening take a champagne walk through the palace and learn about its history, myths and legends with an in-house historian. Overnight in Udaipur.

Today you fly to Jaipur and check in to your beautiful palace hotel. Founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant, colourful capital, is the gateway to the rich history of the state. Behind its pink walls, lies the original Old City – dating back to the 18th century – with its enticing bazaars, iconic palaces, lavish havelis (old mansions), and beautifully planned layout. Outside is the new Jaipur, with buzzing traffic, splendid hotels, and glistening malls. This evening make sure to spend some time in the charming markets of the Old City. Overnight in Jaipur.

Start the day with an excursion to the Amer Fort. Perched on a hill in the suburbs of Jaipur, the fort was once the capital of Rajasthan. Former residence of Rajput Maharajas, the fort is notable for its grand architecture showcasing Hindu style of art. Later, explore the City Palace complex that is comprised of two palaces, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, a museum, a vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace is a blend of the Shilpa Shastra of Indian architecture with Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Bhaggi Khana (a museum), Pitam Niwaa gate and Peacock Gate are a must-see. Other places to visit includes Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind), Jal Mahal (Water Palace), and Jantar Mantar (an observatory). The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast you set off by road to Ranthambore. Ranthambore is simply magical. It exudes the romance of the wilderness and an intriguing air of history. Once the hunting grounds of the maharajas of Jaipur and later the British, Ranthambore was declared the Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955, and a National Park in 1980. Ranthambore is famous for its almost assured tiger sightings. This afternoon enjoy your first jeep safari through the National park. A safari typically lasts about three hours. Apart from tigers, there is a huge variety of animals, from crocodiles to sloth bears, wild dogs, leopards, deer and primates. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Today, experience morning and evening private jeep safari. For the morning game drives leave around 07:30 hrs. and for the afternoon game drives around 14:30 hrs. Return for breakfast. In between the game drives, relax by the pool or take a trek up to Ranthambore Fort, built in 944 CE, and considered one of the strongest forts in India. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Depart after breakfast for the Mughal city of Agra, also the home of the beautiful Taj Mahal. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the grandeur of Mughal architecture. This magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. When the prophecy of the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne, came true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque – in honour of the saint. The city even today is an Indo-Islamic masterpiece, built in an area that supposedly suffered from water shortages, it was abandoned shortly after Akbar’s death. After the visit continue your drive to Agra. On arrival into Agra, transfer and check-in to your hotel. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

Witness the beauty of Taj Mahal during sunrise. The monument was built as a mausoleum by Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was described as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage" by UNESCO in 1983. The ivory-white marble tomb surrounded by picturesque gardens attracts millions of visitors all year round. Return to your hotel for breakfast and later, set out to explore some more beautiful sights. Agra Fort is a magnificent 16th century fortress and remains as one of the finest Mughal forts in India. There are several mosques, public halls used for audiences, the elaborate Mirror Palace, and a white marble tower where Shah Jahan’s son imprisoned him for eight years until his death. Take a stroll through Kachpura village. Locals, trained as guides lead you around and in conversations with them you get the opportunity of discovering authentic insights into life in this rural setting. The walk ends at Mehtab Bagh, from where there are majestic views across the river to the Taj Mahal. Time your arrival at sunset as the setting sun bathes it in a soft orange glow. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight in Agra.

After a relaxed morning, transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. ‘The oldest living city’, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is considered as one of India’s seven holy cities. The sacred city may enchant you with its paradoxes, colours, food, and secular culture but, nothing is as magical as the seemingly infinite sun-bathed ghats and temples seen from a boat on the River Ganga. In the evening, drive to the old city where at one of the Ghats, you board a private boat and sail past temples, and old palaces, to arrive at the main Ghat in time for the evening ‘aarti’ ceremony. Accompanied by the hypnotic beat of drums, chiming bells, and the chanting of prayers, the ceremony ends with the release of hundreds of lamps into the waters of the Ganga. Return to your hotel after the aarti. Tonight, enjoy a special Satvik Thaali (a pure and natural vegetarian diet) at a specialty restaurant. We will get the chef to come out and explain to you significance of the many dishes served and why locals call this thaali “non-violence in effect” Overnight in Varanasi.

At sunrise, sail the Ganga to experience the spectacular sunrise over the ghats, and get extraordinary glimpses of Varanasi. After you disembark, visit the heart of Varanasi and experience its antiquity. After breakfast, you take an excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. One of the four key Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the serene Sarnath complex holds the remains of what were once spectacular monasteries and stupas going back to the 3rd century BCE. Major attractions here include the Archaeological Museum and the Chaukhandi Stupa. Later today, return to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival there, get assisted with your transfer and check-in at your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

Begin your exploration with a historic tour of Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw and ride through the crowded streets of the 300-year old wholesale market that sells an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit, and vegetables. Next visit the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. After lunch, drive through Lutyen’s Delhi, once the Imperial capital of the former British Empire. Visit the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India, India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your hotel after dinner. Overnight in Delhi.

The morning is at leisure. Your escort and vehicle are at your disposal. Later, depending on the time of your international flight you are assisted with your transfer to the airport for your homebound journey.