Day 1:

Delhi

Today, you’re free to relax or explore Delhi at our own pace. Whether it’s wandering through colourful markets, enjoying a quiet moment at a café, or simply unwinding at the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy however you like.

Our tour adventure officially begins this evening around 6pm, when we’ll gather at the hotel to meet our Tour Leader. After introductions, we’ll head out together for our first taste of India with a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant- a perfect way to kick off the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Deventure Sarovar Portico Patel Nagar or similar

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Day 2:

Delhi

We’ll start our day with a visit to the National Crafts Museum, where we’ll immerse ourselves in India’s rich and diverse craft and weaving traditions. The museum’s incredible collection spans over 29,000 specimens, gathered from across India over the past 70 years. After soaking in this vibrant heritage, we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch together at Café Lota, located within the museum complex.

In the afternoon, we’ll head into the bustling heart of Old Delhi. Together, we’ll wander through the narrow alleyways and hop on a Cycle Rickshaw to weave our way through the famously chaotic Chandni Chowk. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque and one of its grandest monuments.

Next, we’ll visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple where we’ll learn about the Sikh religion and its deep-rooted traditions. Finally, we’ll head to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. It’s a sensory overload in the best way – filled with the vibrant colours and intoxicating aromas of India’s iconic spices. We’ll even explore the famous courtyard where these spices are stored and sold.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Deventure Sarovar Portico Patel Nagar or similar

Day 3:

Delhi – Agra

Today, we hit the road together and make our way to Agra. For lunch, we’ll visit Sheroes Hangout a café run by courageous female survivors of acid attacks. This incredible initiative empowers women by providing employment and a strong sense of community. We’ll sit down for coffee and snacks, hear their powerful stories, and engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges they’ve faced and overcome.

In the late afternoon, we’ll experience one of India’s most iconic sights – the Taj Mahal at sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tomb for his beloved wife, this stunning example of Mughal architecture is a symbol of both love and loss. A local Taj Mahal guide will join us to share the fascinating history and secrets of this Wonder of the World.

Agra is also home to a rich and vibrant food scene. In the evening, we’ll explore it on a street food tour led by a local expert. Together, we’ll venture beyond the tourist trail, tasting age-old recipes from the Braj region at family-run eateries, and discovering hidden culinary gems only locals know. Along the way, we’ll pass the magnificent Jama Masjid of Agra, one of India’s largest and most impressive mosques.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Da Bungalow or similar

Day 4:

Agra – Jaipur

This morning is free at leisure until we hit the road to Jaipur.

There will be an opportunity for morning yoga for those who are interested.

Jaipur – the land of the Rajputs, is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the ‘Pink City’ due to the vibrant colour of it’s buildings, Jaipur (City of Victory) is the state capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It is home to a wonderful selection of ancient forts and palaces. One of India’s most well planned cities, Jaipur is built in 9 rectangular sectors symbolising 9 divisions of the universe, as per Indian cosmology.

Originally, the buildings were painted in a variety of colours but in 1853 when Prince Albert visited, the old city was painted pink, a traditional colour of welcome. It has remained pink ever since.

When we arrive we will embark on a walking tour. Walk through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches.

The evening is free for you to enjoy.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace or similar

Day 5:

Jaipur

This morning enjoy a refreshing ride through Jaipur in your Pink City Rickshaw, canopy down, as you glide through the serene, early-morning streets. Your dedicated rider will meet you at the hotel and take you to witness the morning aarti at Govind Devji Temple, where devotees chant in devotion to Lord Krishna. This 18th- century temple, revered by Jaipur’s erstwhile royal family, remains a spiritual hub for Hindus.

Next, explore the bustling wholesale flower market near Hawa Mahal, where traders in colorful turbans barter over sacks of roses and marigolds. Stop by the iconic Hawa Mahal, a stunning five-story palace from 1799, designed to resemble Lord Krishna’s crown. Pause for a flavorful kulhad chai at Chaura Rasta before heading to Albert Hall Museum, a magnificent Indo-Saracenic structure in Ram Niwas Garden. Finally, return to your hotel for a delightful breakfast, completing a morning steeped in heritage and culture.

In the afternoon, we will visit the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. Originally the ancient capital of the Kachwaha’s clan from 1037 the ancient town of Amber, 12km from Jaipur, is dotted with ancient temples, Havelis, and step wells. High above the town and surrounded with defensive fortification walls sits the impressive Amber Palace. Built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17th century it houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, and gardens.

The evening is free for you to enjoy. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace or similar

Day 6:

Jaipur

Enjoy a sunrise yoga class with a local teacher at the hotel (optional).

After breakfast, we have a half day excursion to Bagru, a village that has made its mark on the textile industry map around the world. We will have a tour of this Handicraft village, visiting workshop centre and learn about the art of carving on wooden blocks to create unique designs, making of natural dyes, printing on fabric, drying and finally transforming into a textile masterpiece.

We return to Jaipur, in the afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. You might like to do some shopping in some of the beautiful boutiques.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Narain Niwas Palace or similar

Day 7:

Jaipur – Chandelao Garh

Enjoy a sunrise yoga class with a local teacher at the hotel (optional).

Say Goodbye to Jaipur and drive to Chandelao Garh.

On arrival, get your bearings during a walk through the village, then we will visit Sunder Rang – a project that employs local artisans, mostly women, while keeping traditional craft practices alive.

Meaning ‘beautiful colours’, the vibrant pieces crafted by the women at Sunder Rang stand in contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. More than 30 women are currently employed by Sunder Rang, with an hour of their workdays dedicated to their education. Meet the ladies who work here, browse the beautiful pieces they’ve created and learn about the project’s impact on their lives, their families, and the wider village.

You will be able to purchase authentic Bagru prints directly from the artisans and small studios in the village, which supports their local economy.

This evening, take some time to explore Chandelao Garh further or relax at your heritage property accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Chandelao Garh

Day 8:

Chandelao Garh

Enjoy a sunrise yoga class with a local teacher at the hotel (optional).

Today, we will visit the Sunder Rang Crafts Centre once again for a hands-on experience in embroidery with the talented women of the centre. We will learn Aari Taari embroidery, a needlework technique using gold and silver kasab and threads, typically featured on women’s bridal outfits. Additionally, we will explore beadwork and jewelry- making, gaining practical experience in these crafts.

The rest of the day is free for leisure and exploring other activities. You might choose to book an Ayurvedic spa treatment or visit the nearby bazaar in Pipar.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Chandelao Garh

Day 9:

Chandelao Garh – Jodhpur

Enjoy a sunrise yoga class with a local teacher at the hotel (optional).

After breakfast we will drive to Jodhpur. With a sea of sapphire-blue painted houses and guarded by the gorgeous Mehrangarh Fort, the city of Jodhpur, the second-largest in Rajasthan, is an architectural marvel. A labyrinth of medieval lanes, interspersed with vibrant markets, criss-cross the city, which enjoys a languid pace of life.

Jodhpur abounds in antique shops and, according to many locals, has the best lassi in India.

We will explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort with a local guide. This 15th century fort sits 125 metres above the city and is one of the largest forts in India. Its beauty and grandeur are reflected in the numerous palaces within, telling tales of skilled Jodhpuri sculptors who carved masterpieces from hard sandstone. Inside the fort, you’ll find a series of courtyards and palaces that add to its splendor.

In the afternoon, join your guide for an exploration of Jodhpur’s street food scene. The Jodhpur food walk offers a unique blend of sampling popular street foods while strolling through the historic lanes of the old city. The food joints, many of which have been serving delicious fare for generations, enhance the experience. Traditionally, you’ll start with sweets, sampling ‘Makhaniya lassi,’ followed by a gentle introduction to ‘Mirchi vada.’ As you explore the Brahmin neighborhood of the ‘Blue City,’ you’ll also try other delicacies such as ‘Mawa Kachori,’ ‘Sohan Halva,’ and ‘Pyaz ki Kachori.’

Conclude your walk with a hot cup of Masala chai, discussing your day with your local guide. The evening is free for you to enjoy.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pal Garh Heritage Resort or similar

Day 10:

Jodhpur

Enjoy a sunrise yoga class with a local teacher at the hotel (optional).

Another day in Jodhpur today where we will be exploring local tribes and villages. Head out today for a Bishnoi Village safari which is 30 minutes drive from Jodhpur. The Bishnoi tribe, an eco-conscious community in Rajasthan, is renowned for its deep reverence for nature and wildlife. Founded in the late 15th century by Guru Jambheshwar (also known as Jambhoji), the Bishnoi adhere to 29 principles (Bishnoi translates to “twenty-nine” in Hindi) that emphasize environmental conservation, compassion for all living beings, and a harmonious way of life.

We will today have a cultural interaction with the villagers along with exploring their lifestyle, local cuisine and traditional crafts.

Return to the city by afternoon and later head out on a walking tour for Jodhpur’s Art and Craft. Walk through the gorgeous Blue coloured corridors that mark Brahmin settlement of the old city and explore the alleys of beautiful Havelis, Temples. Visit the Artisans making the very famous leather shoes of Rajasthan ‘Mojari’ for a demo. Following it is the traditional Tie & Dye of the state “Bandhani” which is hand-knotted with threads and dipped in dye to make colourful ladies Indian wear. The Lac bangle makers offer a demo of the handmade art and offer to try these Indian accessories for ladies. A stroll through the kite making artist that are famous for crafting these kites for over generations throughout the year and witness the goldsmiths in the city demonstrate their niche of different processes of converting gold piece into an ornament.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pal Garh Heritage Resort or similar

Day 11:

Jodhpur – Deogarh

This morning depart Jodhpur to head to Deogarh, a scenic drive. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the various in-house activities offered by the hotel. In the late afternoon, take a village walk to immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of Deogarh.

As evening approaches, embrace the vibrant culture of Rajasthan by dressing in traditional Indian attire, such as the elegant Sari, which will be provided as a souvenir for guests to keep. Gather in the central courtyard and ascend to the terrace for a memorable dinner experience. Indulge in Rajasthani Tera Taal Dance performances while relishing a delectable meal served in a traditional “Thaal”, offering a wide array of dishes carefully curated by the esteemed Rani Sahiba.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Deogarh Mahal

Day 12:

Deogarh – Udaipur

Have a relaxing morning at leisure before hitting the road to Udaipur – lunch will either be enroute or on arrival in Udaipur.

In the afternoon we will head to the spa and enjoy a complimentary ayurvedic massage. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax and enjoy.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Lavitra Hotel or similar

Day 13:

Udaipur

In the morning, we visit Sadhna – a social enterprise established in 1988 that works with over 600 women in low socio- economic neighbourhoods of Udaipur. The women receive vocational training in patchwork, applique, block printing, and Kashmiri tanka embroidery and produce handmade textiles for a boutique clothing label, providing them with economic empowerment and self-confidence.

In the afternoon we visit Ashoka Arts, housed in a beautiful haveli. The Centre’s team of experts will present an informative talk about the history and techniques involved in the intricacies of miniature painting, for which Udaipur is famous.

Afterwards, there’s the option to take a class in the basics of miniature painting with a master of this art (additional cost applies) or have free time to relax or explore as you wish.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lavitra Hotel or similar

Day 14:

Udaipur

In the morning we will visit the City Palace. This majestic architectural marvel towers over the lake from a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. It is a complex of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. The main entrance, the ‘Tripolia,’ is a triple-arched gate with eight marble porticos.

The rest of the day is free for leisure to explore the city on your own – maybe take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, or book in for another Ayurvedic Massage.

In the evening we will go to dinner at a local fine dining farm to table restaurant called Syah. This is optional, you may wish to enjoy free time to yourself.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lavitra Hotel or similar

Day 15:

Udaipur – Delhi

Have some free time in the morning to continue enjoying Udaipur, before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi, you will be transferred to the hotel, with the rest of the day free at leisure.

We will go to a farewell dinner together.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Deventure Sarovar Portico Patel Nagar or similar

Day 16:

Udaipur – Delhi

Today brings to an end to our Indian adventure! We hope you have had a wonderful time.

There will be a group airport departure transfer for our departing flights.

Meals Included: Breakfast