Overview

1. Day 1: Your Journey Begins.

   Board your overnight flight to India (not included).

2. Day 2: Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot of Old and New.

   Welcome to India! On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you are greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to your modern five-star hotel. Tonight, join your Travelling Concierge for a Welcome Reception with a delicious meal.

   meal(s):WD

   hotel:Hyatt Regency, Delhi (2 nights).

3. Day 3: Delhi Sightseeing.

   Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, including the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk market. Stop for a photo at the impressive Red Fort, then visit the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat. You can also explore India's largest mosque, the magnificent Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan in 1650. Afterwards, tour the wide boulevards of New Delhi. Drive along the ceremonial Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Visit the Tomb of Emperor Humayun, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Hyatt Regency, Delhi.

4. Day 4: An Agra Adventure.

   On arrival to Agra, witness the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you make your way through the city to Agra Fort, a powerful fortress of red sandstone. After your tour through the palatial Royal Pavilions and gardens, there is free time to relax. Later, walk through a village in the shadow of the Taj Mahal with one of the villagers to discover the way of life as agriculturists next to India's most famous monument. Enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop with exceptional views.

   meal(s):BB, AT

   hotel:Trident by Oberoi, Agra.

5. Day 5: The Taj Mahal and The Princely Park of Ranthambore.

   In the morning, admire the lustrous Taj Mahal, bathed by the first rays of dawn. Later journey to the historic city of Bharatpur and stop for lunch, before continuing to the station for the rail journey to Ranthambore. On arrival, transfer to your luxurious hotel, built in the style of a traditional Rajput hunting palace, nestled in the foot hills of the Aravalli Range, near the Ranthambore National Park.

   meal(s):BB, L, D

   hotel:Nahargarh, Ranthambore (2 nights).

6. Day 6: In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore.

   Early morning journey into the former private hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur, in search of the elusive tiger. More commonly seen in the dry, deciduous forest are the wild boars, monkeys, spotted deers and antelopes but if you are ever going to witness tigers in their natural habitat, this is the place. Return to your resort for breakfast and the day at leisure. At dusk, enjoy another foray into the national park with an expert naturalist. Besides the wildlife, there are also lake palaces, ‘chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort within the park.

   meal(s):BB, L, D

   hotel:Nahargarh, Ranthambore.

7. Day 7: Jaipur, the 'Pink City'.

   Embark on another exciting game adventure into the territory of the majestic tiger­ — every wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. After lunch, drive through the rural countryside where flat, green fields are punctuated with the bright blossom of women at work. Your destination is the stunning Rajasthan capital of Jaipur. Later, spend time with the Meena tribe, learning about their way of life and farming rituals before continuing on past village hamlets and fields to Dera Amer where dinner is served.

   meal(s):BB, L, HD

   hotel:Trident by Oberoi, Jaipur (2 nights)..

8. Day 8: Jaipur Sightseeing.

   Experience a typical morning for most Hindus with a puja at one of the most important Krishna Temples in the country, Govind Dev Ji temple. Then, visit the vegetable market and try your hand at bargaining with the stall holders. Enjoy a unique excursion, as you ascend by jeep to the Amber Fort, a superb example of Rajput architecture, with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Inside, the royal halls are decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors and glass, complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Back in Jaipur, see the famous ‘Hawa Mahal' (The Palace of Winds) and visit the City Palace, now a museum housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal Art. A final stop is made at the famous Jantar Mantar, the observatory, constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II. Back at the hotel, you are at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner with drinks.

   meal(s):BB, CD

   hotel:Tident by Oberoi, Jaipur.

9. Day 9: Depart Delhi.

   Your tour draws to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Delhi Airport at 17:00. Please do not schedule flights before 21:00. For those taking an early morning flight home the following day, and needing to stay overnight at a hotel close to the airport, post-tour accommodation is available and the transfer will continue on to your chosen extra night hotel.

   meal(s):BB