Grand Tour of Rajasthan

Welcome to India! You are greeted at the airport by your private driver with a "Namaste" - welcome in Hindi. After pickup, your Travel Expert will share with you the latest useful information and tips for your trip. Arrive at your hotel and either start to explore Delhi or have a rest to prepare for the start of your Rajasthan tour package. Overnight at your hotel in Delhi.

Tour Old Delhi today by rickshaw. Originally built as the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1639, Old Delhi is busy and chaotic, yet full of historic monuments such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the Sikh Temple. In addition to the historic sites, also visit several markets including Asia's largest spice market, Khari Baoli. Your guide will show you through the chaos and you will truly get a sense of Delhi's vivacity and why the "Walled City" is its heart. Overnight at a hotel in Delhi.

Today board your domestic flight to Jaisalmer, It is nicknamed "the city of gold" because of the golden reflections of its imposing wall rising from the desert. Arrive in Jaisalmer and check in to your boutique haveli hotel that is built in the traditional Jaisalmer haveli architecture style; either set out to explore the city on your own or rest for your full day tour the next day.

Jaisalmer, the former caravan city, commonly known as the "Golden City" dominates the splendid Thar Desert. Visit the majestic fort, the palace, and the Jain temples. Then, stroll through the busy streets of the lower town and visit the magnificent Havelis. Towards the end of the tour, visit the charming Gadisar Lake and be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring view of the sunset. Overnight in a haveli hotel.

Depart in the morning by jeep through the Thar Desert. On the way, visit Amarsagar Jain temple, Bara Bagh cenotaphs, Loduvra, the old capital of the kingdom of Jaisalmer and the abandoned village of Kuldhara. Lunch in the village of Khuri, where you meet the cameleer’s team and their dromedaries (Arabian camel). Ride on the dromedaries towards the middle of the desert. Arrive at the camp at sunset. Dinner and camping in the dunes (tents, mattress, sheets and blankets are all provided).

At dawn, the tranquility of the desert envelops you and the landscape is revealed under the first light of the sun. One of the most beautiful moments of your trip. You will enjoy your breakfast and sip a tasty mix of tea and spices accompanied by a glass of fresh goat's milk. You leave on camelback from this great Indian desert and return to Jaisalmer by jeep where you take a good refreshing shower. Then, drive to Jodhpur and check in at your hotel; an Indian mansion, reminiscent of the romance of the bygone era, which has been converted into a hotel by Maharaj Bharat Singh. Enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Wake up in the Blue City! After a hearty breakfast, you visit the must-see Fort Mehrangarh, one of the oldest and most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. You are impressed by the height of its ramparts and the details of its inner palace. During your visit, you re-live the history of this fortress which has remained impregnable over the centuries. The fort offers you many breathtaking views of the blue city. You descend from the heights of the city crossing the small narrow streets in the middle of Indian life. You will reach the clock tower where the Sardar Bazar is located where you will find a lot of stalls of traditional fabrics, spices and tea. Night at a hotel in Jodhpur.

Today your driver takes you to Narlai, a small authentic village at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains to reach your charming heritage hotel. Go for a walk in the village to discover local life. For dinner, you taste the authentic flavours of Rajasthani amongst royalty and warm hospitality at the 16th-century old Baori, also known as a Stepwell, lit by hundreds of lamps spreading their light under the star-studded sky. Afterwards, you can gather in the courtyard, enjoy a drink with the royal residents who will tell you about the tales and rich history of the locals and the heritage.

Take a ride today on a Train safari. A historic ride through the Aravali mountains, between Marwar Junction & Mavali. Spend a half day on the meter gauge train that still runs through beautiful countryside, particularly beautiful after the rain as you will have a chance to see the waterfalls. It is the best way to enjoy the rugged and beautiful countryside! Return and enjoy your heritage hotel for the night. Revel in the splendour and lavishness; an enchanting journey of Royal Rajasthan.

After lunch, take a beautiful road that winds through the Aravalli Mountains to Udaipur, "the Venice of the East". A fabulous landscape that hides buffalo wells, fields and ancestral farming techniques. On the way, you visit the Ranakpur Temple, the largest Jain temple in India. Check into your Haveli hotel and have a lakeside dinner with a fascinating view of the City Palace. Overnight at the hotel.

Explore Udaipur, the “Venice of the East” by visiting the City Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari and Jagdism Temple. Don't forget to explore the Gangour Ghats situated just a 5-minute walk from the temple. Later in the afternoon, you can take a boat ride on Lake Pichola which is worth the experience. Overnight at a hotel.

Today, you set off for Pushkar, a small peaceful village built around a holy lake, which is also an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come from around the world to purify themselves on the steps of the lake (the ghats). You will certainly see more than one sadhu. Recognizable by their painted faces, these are people who have broken all social ties in order to devote their lives to the spiritual quest. Stroll through the narrow streets of this quiet and charming city and visit the Brahma Temple. Night at the hotel.

After your breakfast, you first drive to Ajmer, where dargah shrines are worshipped by Indian Muslims. A true religious city, its mosques, its courtyards and its shops of religious articles vibrate with this ardent religious fervour punctuating the local life. The tomb of Moinuddin Chisti is also a high place of pilgrimage in India. You arrive at the end of the day at your hotel in Jaipur, "the pink city", capital of Rajasthan. With its rich cultural heritage and colourful past, it is one of the most important heritage cities in India, known for its jewellery gemstone. Night at the hotel.

Start your morning early with a Pink City cycling tour. Along the way, you will stop to climb to the rooftops for a magnificent view of the Palace of Winds, and get a chance to enjoy some chai masala with the locals at the morning vegetable market before cycling on to more sights. After cycling, enjoy breakfast back at your hotel before departing with your driver on to Ranthambore.

This morning, embark on a safari through the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, which expands over almost 400 sq km of thick foliage. The historical Ranthambore Fort sits regally amidst the valley, hills, tigers and leopards, for which this national park is well known. Afterwards, continue on to Agra. En-route stop at Fatehpur Sikri and upon arrival at your hotel in Agra, get your first glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal.

[6h drive - 260km]

Wake up at dawn to witness one of the highlights of your Rajasthan tour package! At sunrise, the marble of the Taj Mahal, encrusted with precious stones, is shaded with golden tones, revealing one of the seven wonders of the world. Be dazzled by the beauty of this tomb which was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in the image of his deceased queen, an enduring monument to love. After breakfast, drive back to Delhi to catch your international flight. Depending on your flight time, a stay at a hotel in Delhi can be added. End of our services