Royal Rajasthan Journey – 12 Days

After a relaxed breakfast, start your exploration of Delhi. We'll begin in New Delhi, driving past the impressive India Gate and Presidential Palace. Visit the stunning Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where your guide will explain its fascinating history. After lunch at a local restaurant known for its kebabs, venture into Old Delhi. Experience the excitement of Chandni Chowk market from the comfort of a cycle rickshaw, winding through lanes filled with glittering shops and street food stalls. End your day with a visit to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Today we head into rural Rajasthan, driving to the charming town of Mandawa in the Shekhawati region (about 6 hours drive). Known as the 'open art gallery' of Rajasthan, Mandawa is famous for its decorated havelis (merchant mansions) with beautiful frescoes. After checking into your heritage hotel - a converted haveli itself - take a walking tour through the town. Your guide will help you spot the most interesting murals, from traditional scenes to quirky paintings of early motorcars and Europeans in local dress. Evening at leisure with dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Bikaner (about 4 hours). This desert city is less touristy than other Rajasthani destinations, offering a more authentic experience. Visit the impressive Junagarh Fort, one of the few major forts in Rajasthan that wasn't built on a hilltop. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the old city on foot, stopping at a local family's home to learn about Bikaneri bhujia (a famous savoury snack). End your day with a visit to the National Camel Research Centre to learn about these amazing desert animals.

Set off early for Jaisalmer (about 5 hours drive), watching the landscape become increasingly desert-like. Arrive in time for lunch at your hotel, built to resemble a traditional haveli. In the afternoon, explore Jaisalmer Fort, one of the world's largest living forts - people still reside within its walls! Walk through the narrow lanes, visit intricately carved Jain temples, and shop for textiles and crafts. As sunset approaches, head to Bada Bagh cenotaphs for spectacular photos of these ornate memorials with the setting sun behind them.

Morning at leisure to explore the fort's bazaars or relax by the hotel pool. In the afternoon, drive into the Thar Desert for your desert safari adventure. Ride a camel over the dunes, visit a local village, and learn about desert life. As evening approaches, enjoy a cultural performance of Rajasthani folk music and dance while dinner is prepared over campfire. Watch the stars come out over the desert before returning to your hotel.

Drive to Jodhpur (about 5 hours), stopping en route at traditional villages. After checking into your heritage hotel, visit the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, perched high above the blue-painted old city. Your guide will share tales of battles and romance as you explore the fort's museums and courtyards. Later, descend into the old city for a heritage walk through the blue lanes, meeting local craftspeople and learning about Jodhpur's famous textile traditions.

Depart for Udaipur, stopping at the magnificent Jain temples of Ranakpur. These marble temples are a marvel of architecture, with 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. Arrive in Udaipur by late afternoon and check into your lakeside hotel. In the evening, take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, watching the City Palace glow golden in the fading light. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated palace.

Start your day with an optional yoga session by the lake. After breakfast, explore the enormous City Palace complex, learning about the Mewar dynasty's fascinating history. Visit the Crystal Gallery and classic car collection if you wish. In the afternoon, visit the peaceful Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens and take a walk through the old city's markets. Evening cooking demonstration at your hotel, learning to make Rajasthani specialties.

Drive to Deogarh (about 4 hours), a lesser-known gem of Rajasthan. Stay in a converted palace with spectacular views. Take a jeep safari to nearby villages, meeting local people and seeing rural life unchanged for centuries. Return to your palace hotel for high tea on the terrace. In the evening, join the royal family for dinner and hear stories about life in a modern-day maharaja's family.

Morning at leisure to enjoy the palace surroundings. After lunch, transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Delhi. Check into an airport hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers, sharing memories of your Rajasthani adventure.

Transfer to Delhi International Airport for your flight back to London, taking with you wonderful memories of royal Rajasthan.