Golden Triangle, Udaipur & Jodhpur

We fly from London to Delhi today, arriving on Day 2. We transfer to the Maidens Hotel for two nights, a colonial heritage hotel surrounded by elegant gardens, which dates back to 1903.

On Day 3 we embark on a sightseeing tour. An international metropolis and one of the oldest existing cities in the world, Delhi perfectly illustrates the charms of both old and new India. Our first visit is to historic Old Delhi, where we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant, narrow streets to Chandi Chowk, one of the oldest and liveliest bazaars in Delhi. We continue to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, enjoy a drive past Delhi's impressive Red Fort, and visit the Raj Ghat Gandhi memorial before continuing to New Delhi this afternoon. Characterised by its modern, high-rise buildings and colonial-era architecture, here we see Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Qutab Minar and the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb.

This morning we join India's first semi-high speed train, the Gatimaan Express, for our journey to Agra. A former capital of the Mughal Empire, the city is famous for its incredible Mughal era architecture including the imposing UNESCO-listed Agra Fort, which we visit today. Considered India's most important fortification, the majestic red sandstone and marble complex originates from the 16th century, and we enjoy a guided tour around its ancient buildings and vast courtyards. This afternoon, we take a tour of colonial Agra, taking in a plethora of fascinating architecture from the days of the British Raj and finishing with a delightful high tea experience at a local house.

Early on Day 5, we take in one of the highlights of any trip to India with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Built in 1653 by the Mughal Emperor Shan Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, the white marble structure is lavishly decorated with precious stones and intricate calligraphy carvings of poems and scripture from the Qu'ran. We leave Agra after breakfast and visit the 9th century Chand Baori Stepwells. A unique ancient well reached by 3,500 geometrical stone steps, it is one of the oldest and most visually striking stepwells in the world. We continue to Jaipur for two nights at the Alsisar Haveli heritage hotel, pausing en route in Kalakho for lunch.

Today we transfer to the charming Ravla Khempur Hotel, best known as the filming location for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. After a guided tour of the hotel and surrounding village, we enjoy lunch here before returning to the Fateh Prakash Palace. This afternoon we take a boat ride across Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, the Indian royal family's summer resort built on an island in the middle of the lake. This evening we head to the hotel rooftop where we enjoy an unforgettable farewell dinner against the backdrop of the beautiful lakeside city.

On the morning of Day 13 we discover Udaipur on a guided tour. We explore the majestic City Palace complex and spend time in Saheliyon-ki-Bari, a beautiful garden famous for its fountains, lotus pool and marble elephants. Our tour continues as we take in the expansive classic and vintage car collection of the Maharajas of Mewar, which includes rare Rolls Royces and Cadillacs. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Mumbai where we overnight.

On Day 14 we make our way to the airport for our flight back to London, where your tour concludes on arrival.