We depart London on our overnight flight to Delhi, arriving late morning on Day 2. On arrival we transfer to the 5-star Claridges Hotel. This elegant hotel has been a city landmark since the 1950s and is ideally located within walking distance of many of the city's shopping districts, cultural centres and historical landmarks.

Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi is one of India's most colourful and exciting metropolises. A major cultural, political and commercial centre, the old and new cities exist harmoniously together. Today we embark upon an enlightening sightseeing tour visiting the monuments, temples, ancient streets, and colourful markets of Old Delhi. We explore the wide, leafy avenues and admire the impressive British colonial architecture of New Delhi. Our tour includes India Gate,  war memorial with some resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe, and the grandiose Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president. We also visit Jama Masjib, India's largest mosque, and the imposing Red Fort, constructed by the Moghuls in the 17th century.

Today, we leave Delhi on board the Shatabdi Express for a journey north to Kalka. On our arrival we change for the narrow-gauge Toy Train, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and continue on through beautiful valleys and hills to the colonial town of Shimla. Affectionately known as the 'Queen of the Hills', Shimla is nestled in the heart of the Himalayan foothills. In the mid-19th century the town was chosen as the summer capital of the British Raj. Today the colonial heritage is preserved in the town's architecture. Our base for the next three nights is the beautiful 5-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel. Very much part of Shimla's colonial history the hotel's rooms, which are built around a beautiful atrium, offer splendid views of the surrounding mountain ranges and pine forests.

We begin our exploration of Shimla with a sightseeing tour. Whilst the main streets are on the level ridges, many of the town's houses are sprinkled colourfully across the steep mountainsides. Our journey takes us to the Viceregal Lodge, a majestic, grey-hued structure ringed by tall pines. The 19th century Elizabethan-style mansion was the summer seat of the viceroys until the 1940s and is the only building to occupy a hill by itself. Our afternoon is taken at a gentle pace. A leisurely stroll along the Mall takes us past the town's Gaiety Theatre, the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and Scandal Point, the town's popular social meeting place.

Your day is free for you to spend as you wish. Perhaps indulge in a shopping expedition to Shimla's exciting bazaars or visit the State Museum, housed in a colonial mansion and home to a collection of traditional and contemporary art. Maybe you would like to hike up to Jakhu Temple, now home to wild monkeys and situated on Shimla's highest peak offering panoramic views over the Himalayan Ranges. Alternatively enjoy a picnic on Prospect Hill and admire the view of the southern side of Shimla.

We depart Shimla in the morning by Toy Train for the journey back down the mountains through stunning landscapes, tunnels and lush green valleys. This narrow-gauge train has an average speed of 16-19mph (25-30kph) allowing us time to enjoy the full splendour of the passing scenery as we journey to Kalka. Here we join the Shatabdi Express to Delhi where we spend another night at The Claridges Hotel.

We join the southbound Shatabdi Express early this morning to Agra. On arrival we visit Agra's imposing Red Fort, originating from the 15th century and considered India's most important fortification. Built on a hill above Agra, its centerpiece is a tower with a marble balcony where legend tells that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days imprisoned overlooking the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We then travel across the city to the Taj Mahal itself, considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, combining elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. We transfer to the 5-star Mughal Sheraton for the night.

We depart Agra by coach along the newly built Agra to Jaipur highway. Our first stop is at Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ancient red sandstone city built in the 16th century as India's political capital, but abandoned shortly afterwards due to lack of water. We enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant before continuing our journey north to the Pink City of Jaipur, close to the Thar desert. We spend the next three nights at the 5-star Sheraton Rajputana Palace.

We begin our stay in Jaipur with a tour of the city, including a visit to the City Palace, the astronomical observatory and the colourful market. Jaipur is also home to the red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, which was originally built in the bustling centre of Jaipur for Royal ladies to overlook the city without being seen. The opulent City Palace is still home to the Maharaja of Jaipur. In the afternoon you are free to relax or continue exploring the city at your own pace.

Today we travel to the Amber Fort, passing the Jal Mahal water palace built in the centre of a lake on the city's outskirts. It may be possible to reach the Amber Fort by elephant. Located high on a hillside, the fort's imposing façade is contrasted by the intricate and beautiful interior. We then pay a visit to the wonderful Palace of the Winds. The red and pink sandstone Palace was originally built in the centre of Jaipur for royal ladies to overlook the city without being seen. Ascending high above Jaipur we then visit the Jaigarh Fort, the original Amber Fort which offers stunning views of the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range.

This morning is free for you to further explore this wonderful city, take advantage of the hotel's many facilities or relax in the extensive grounds. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, a small textile museum dedicated to this ancient craft of hand block painting, or Jawahar Kala Kendra, an arts and crafts centre, it was built in 1986 to provide space to the cultural and spiritual values of India and display the rich craft heritage. Alternatively take a rickshaw to the Monkey Temple (Galwar Bagh). After lunch we travel by coach back to Delhi, where we enjoy a farewell dinner and spend our last night at the 5-star Claridges Hotel.

We transfer mid-morning to Delhi Airport for our return flight to London, arriving late afternoon.