Arrive Mumbai

If coming directly from New Zealand or Australia, you are able to connect through Singapore with Singapore Airlines arriving at 9.30pm each evening into Mumbai. If you arrive earlier than today, additional accommodation can be arranged for you at our hotel. For those arriving tonight, you will stay conveniently at a hotel close to the airport.

Accommodation: 5-star International Airport Hotel

Meals: No meals included today

Mumbai to Udaipur

This morning we will fly from the bustling commercial capital of Mumbai to the elegant, lakeside city of Udaipur. Dominated by the massive City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, Udaipur is a very romantic city, once dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. Picturesque havelis (traditional houses), ghats (steps leading down to the lake) and temples line the picturesque lake front. After some settling in time this afternoon we'll take a sunset cruise on the lake and visit the Jag Mandir for a sundowner. Enjoy a free night tonight.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on plane), Sundowner

Udaipur

This morning we will visit the flamboyant Udaipur City Palace, built over a period of nearly 400 years starting in 1553, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. See the Shri Jagdish Temple, just outside the royal palace, which has been in continuous worship since 1651. There's plenty of lovely shops and laneways to explore in Udaipur, and we'll have free time this afternoon to wander. If you're keen for a bit to eat join Sarah at a stunning art cafe for lunch. Later we will get creative with a miniature painting workshop, a specialty of Udaipur, before a lakeside dinner in a stunning spot.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Udaipur - Jaipur

After breakfast we will head to Udaipur Airport for our late morning flight to the fabulous Pink City - Jaipur! We are about to turn things up a notch! We'll land at lunch time. so we will grab a quick bite before the real fun begins. Our first stop is the factory of a local jeweller - Jaipur is widely considered the coloured gemstone cutting capital of the world. For those keen, you will have the chance to work with these artisans to design your own piece!  The whole process is a lot of fun. After we have checked into our lovely accommodation, we will have dinner at probably the most stunning restaurant in the city...cameras ready!

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur

There's the option to start today with a colourful tour of the local fruit and vegetable market, the chance to see morning pooja (worship), a visit (without the crowds) to the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and taste some local street food breakfast delicacies. After this energising start, we have an exciting day of retail! We will head to a fabulous tailor and shoemaker who creates bespoke designs or can copy existing items just for you. Ever dreamed of handmade shoes? This is your chance. After a lunch stop, we will then visit to some fabulous cotton wholesalers - you'll have a ball!  Enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic by the pool this evening before we pop to a local spot for dinner.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur

This morning we will start with a tour of the stunning City Palace and the flamboyant, the fabulous Chhavi Niwas, a stunning, vividly painted room located within the Chandra Mahal of the City Palace, renowned for its intense blue walls, intricate white detailing, and historical use as a monsoon retreat for the Maharajas. We will have lunch and then explore the local boutiques before we wander through the local bazaars to see lac bangles, visit a stunning antique dealer, and a lot more...you could spend days here! Tonight we will enjoy dinner and a cooking workshop at the home of a well-known interior designer, who works with the royal family and his wife, a chef. Be prepared for design maximalism and a total rethink of your home interiors! It's stunning!

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (with all drinks included)

Jaipur

Today is HOLI! Celebrating the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil and the joy of renewal, people coming together to throw coloured powder, dance, feast and celebrate love, friendship and new beginnings. We will "play" Holi and enjoy a family-style Holi lunch at our accommodation. Don't worry about getting your clothes dirty...you are provided with everything you need, including Holi pyjamas and a special towel to help clean up! Our hotel has a lovely pool so enjoy some down time.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Jaipur

Today you have the option to explore your creative side with a block printing workshop, pottery workshop or enjoy free time to explore more of Jaipur's fabulous boutiques (Sarah has a VERY detailed list). And yes, you can do a bit of both - don't panic, you won't miss out! There will likely be the need to do some fittings today for any clothing, jewellery or shoes ordered too. 

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur to Agra

There's one last super sight, before we leave Jaipur - the stunning Amer Fort. By late morning, we will head out of Jaipur across rural Rajasthan towards Agra. Along the way we will stop at the astounding Chand Baori step well at Abhaneri. This engineering marvel, built in the 8th and 9th century, is 30 metres deep. It's incredible. We will have lunch in an old royal retreat, now operating as a hotel, and then we are on to Agra. You'll have the chance to settle in with free time tonight after our day of travel.

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Agra to Delhi

This is it…an early morning guided dawn visit to the Taj Mahal! You'll have the chance to explore the gardens, go inside and hear the fascinating love story behind the most romantic building on earth. After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, a fortified palace and fort complex which was completed in 1573 with a very rich history. Most notably, Shah Jahan, responsible for the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here. It’s a fascinating story. We will enjoy a taste of local flavours for lunch before we head to Delhi this afternoon. You'll have free time tonight.

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Delhi

This morning we will visit Old Delhi. Discover the essence of Delhi’s hustle-bustle and rich heritage, from ancient traditions to vibrant markets, on this captivating tour of the by-lanes! This is real India energy! This afternoon there is free time to explore the nearby Cottage Industry Emporium (traditional crafts), Tibetan Markets and Connaught Place. A fashion designer friend will be doing an exclusive pop up for you too - at the hotel! Don't miss the sublime spa and the lovely swimming pool at the hotel.

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast and Street Food Snacks

Delhi

This morning we will visit some of the key landmarks in Delhi before we head to Khan Market, a favourite stop for many, for some last minute shopping and lunch. You'll have free time to stroll the shops and boutiques of the area. Don't miss favourites Faqir Chand Bookstore and Good Earth! For those who want to explore, there's time to visit any number of sites including Gandhi Smriti, the Lodhi Art District, the Jantar Mantar, Lotus Temple, Red Fort or Akshadarm Hindu Temple. Tonight, join Sarah for our farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in India!

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your flight. A morning departure from Delhi back to Singapore (SQ401 Delhi - Singapore at around 9.30am) connects with overnight flights to New Zealand or Australia. Alternatively, talk to Sarah about trip extensions - maybe a couple of days in Kerala, exploring Varanasi or the perfumers of Kannauj? 
Meals: Breakfast

• Fully escorted by VERY experienced guide 🙋🏻‍♀️

• Airport meet and greet and departure assistance

• 12 night’s 5-star accommodation (twin share; single supplement and part share available for additional cost)

• Daily Breakfast

• 5 x Lunches

• 5 x Dinners

• Activities / Monument and Temple entrances as per programme

• Insider access, in depth knowledge and experience

• All airport transfers in India

• Air conditioned coach transport for full duration of itinerary

• 1 x Domestic Flight (Udaipur-Jaipur) with 25 kilos luggage limit

• Unlimited mineral water in coach and hotels

• All applicable taxes

• Pre-departure advice and support - detailed planning information, Visa application support, additional travel advice, lots of insider tips & knowledge!

• 24/7 support in India from local representative if required

• International Flights

• Departure taxes (if required)

• Health & Travel Insurance (you are required to have travel insurance)

• Meals not listed

• Additional tips (mainly hotel porters)

• Spending Money

• Indian entry visa

• Vaccinations (if required/desired)

• Additional travel arrangements/activities not noted on itinerary