Private Tour - Highlights of Northern India

Depart UK

Arrive Delhi

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before the welcome dinner in the evening.

Delhi

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including a cycle rickshaw ride. Drive past Red Fort, visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid mosque and experience a walk in the alleys of Chandni Chowk. Also included is a visit to the ancient stepwell Agrasen ki Baoli, the step well of Agrasen ki Baoli has 103 steps with a series of carved chambers and passages and a visit to Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Drive past India Gate, Parliament House & Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Delhi - Mandawa

Early this morning leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. Arrive later this afternoon and admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, followed by a visit to its havelis and monuments.

Mandawa - Bikaner

Today travel to Bikaner in north-west Rajasthan, visiting Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town en route. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh Fort, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon, take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies and mirrored palaces. Enjoy a local savoury in the snack capital of India.

Bikaner - Jodhpur

A long journey by road takes you to Jodhpur. Arrive late this afternoon. The accommodation this evening will be at a heritage hotel approximately one hour from the city.

Jodhpur

Enjoy an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial which has been beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. Enjoy a a turban tying demonstration. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the desert, communities of nature lovers protecting endangered plant and tree species.

Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur

En route from Jodhpur enjoy a stop in Ranakpur for a visit to the Ranakpur temple. The temple is one of the biggest and most important Jain temple complexes of India and covers an area of nearly 48,000 ft and has 29 halls, 80 domes and supported by 1444 marble pillars, each of them intricately and artistically carved and no two of them are alike. Arrive in Udaipur early evening.

Udaipur

Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. Marvel at Udaipur's beauty on a tour of the City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. There is the opportunity to learn about the miniature art this region is famous for.

Udaipur - Jaipur

Today, travel to Jaipur and arrive late this afternoon.

Jaipur

Following a photo opportunity at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', arrive at the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan'. Later enjoy the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons and costumes, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory and explore the bustling markets of the old city. At the Anokhi Museum see the textile block printing technique. There will be the opportunity to sample the local sweet of Jaipur at a heritage sweetshop. NOTE: Attractions are subject to opening times and will be substituted by a walking tour of Amber Town.

Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

En route to Agra stop in Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, deserted when the water ran out. This evening see the intricate art of pietre dura or marble inlay.

Agra - Delhi

In Agra, look forward to another highlight - the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum. Later, visit Agra Fort a colossal red stone monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers and room of mirrors. This afternoon, leave for Gurgaon (near Delhi).